Author Interview: Janell Goodrich York

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Day Sarah Ran Away by Janell Goodrich York, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

I’ve noticed a trend in women’s fiction. Characters are aging. Older book women are finding love and friendship. It makes sense. The majority of female fiction readers are older, so, of course, they’d want to read about characters their own age going through the same kinds of experiences they’re currently going through.

I’m excited today to interview author Janell Goodrich York about her new release, The Day Sarah Ran Away, a story about a an empty-nester mom.

---

Interview With Janell Goodrich York

How long have you been writing?

 I began writing stories in the first grade. My teacher commented to my mom one day she enjoyed my stories, and hoped I would continue to write as I got older. Her compliment encouraged my love of writing.  

Tell us about your writing journey.

My high school English classes were my favorite subject. I always loved when we would have a creative writing project assigned. My junior year, my English teacher told me they would be offering a year-long creative writing class and I needed to sign up for it. I was thrilled! I still have the box of short stories and poems I wrote in that class. 

My dad picked my college to attend. Unfortunately, it didn’t have a creative writing program. He knew I wanted to be a writer, but didn’t want me to be a “starving artist,” so I majored in English. For one year I was a middle school English teacher, then for five years a high school English teacher. I wrote on the side, but then got busy with life and quit writing, except for the occasional skit for church or school. But the dream of being a writer stayed with me. 

Once I retired as a high school guidance counselor, I decided it’s now or never. I needed to get over the fear of being rejected and write. So, I began writing out the story and characters that had been running through my imagination. I bought multiple books on how to write, attended writing conferences, got coaching, and prayed every day over my laptop––asking God for the right words.

God was in every step. He placed the right people in my path to help me attain my biggest dream – a published author.

What was the inspiration for The Day Sarah Ran Away?

I missed my kids, so I started journaling my feelings about being an empty nester. Then, I started reminiscing on the numerous past conversations I’d had as a high school counselor with the parents of senior students. I found most dads were excited to have their kids out of the house, but most moms were tearful thinking about their kids leaving home. I didn’t truly understand their sadness until it happened to me. It’s a different kind of grief––A letting go of something that has been a joy. As I wrote down my feelings––Sarah and her story began forming in my imagination. At first, the story was turning out like Tom Hanks with his soccer ball friend, Wilson, so I decided she needed interaction with other people. Now, there’s a host of loveable characters in her story. 

What do you hope readers will get out of it? 

Things don’t always turn out how we planned or pictured in our head, but that doesn’t make the outcome bad––just different. 

Are you currently working on another project? If so, what can you tell us about it?

Yes, I’ve started the second book in my Sister Pie Pact Series. It will focus on Sarah’s neighbor, Olivia. It will have the same host of characters with a few new ones added.

How do you integrate your faith into your work?

I pray each time I sit down to write. I ask that God directs my words, and I thank him for all He’s done for me in my life and as a writer. 

Who is your favorite woman in the Bible? Why? 

Ruth – she’s loyal, strong, and intelligent. Ruth’s a woman of action. I love the whole book of Ruth because it’s about women doing life together. One of the themes in my book. 

What is your favorite Scripture?

I have a small standing plaque on my desk given to me when I graduated high school. It reads, “With God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26. That plaque has moved with me from my college dorm, apartment, first home, and my current home now. It’s always been a wonderful reminder, God is with me, guiding me, and nothing is too hard for Him. Not having a background in creative writing, I knew writing a book would be a challenge. So, each morning I would say a prayer before I began writing to quiet my fears and doubts, remembering also Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Another favorite verse of mine.

What do you do when you’re not writing? 

I love to swim, read, travel, and spend time with my husband, kids, and grandkids. My husband and I recently finished traveling to all fifty states. In May, we traveled to our last state – Hawaii. Beach destinations are my favorite places to go, so it was a terrific way to achieve both goals. 

---

About The Book

Sarah feeling adrift in a sea of routines—no more soccer games, fundraisers, dress shopping, or birthday parties. As each monotonous day blends into the next, Sarah longs for something more.

When Emma announces she’ll be home for the summer to plan her wedding, Sarah is thrilled at the thought of shared dreams, endless to-do lists, and the promise of reconnecting. But her perfect summer quickly unravels when unexpected events send her on a daring journey with new companions—an adventure filled with twists, revelations, and surprises she never saw coming.

---

About the Author

---

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of The Day Sarah Ran Away and book swag!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 1, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 8, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

---

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!