Gabriella Saab
Author Interview - Gabriella Saab
Author of The Last Checkmate
In Nazi-occupied Warsaw, Maria spends her days refining her exceptional chess skills and working for the Polish resistance. When she is caught and sent to Auschwitz as a political prisoner, she plays chess in exchange for her life and fights to bring the man who destroyed her family to justice. The Last Checkmate is inspired by true stories of the Polish resistance, Auschwitz's camp resistance movement, and the Women's Orchestra of Auschwitz made up of women who were spared death but forced to use their talents for survival.
Author Interview - Gabriella Saab
Author I draw inspiration from: So many! I find inspiration every time I open a book, regardless of the author, but I'll name a couple favorites. I find myself in constant awe of Ariel Lawhon's brilliant mind - the way she crafts such complex and engaging plots is exceptional. Kate Quinn's stories and characters are so fascinating, always full of life and depth and intrigue, and by the end I often feel as if I've known her characters for years. If I could write a story half as vibrant as either of these authors' works, I would consider that a job well done.
Author Interview - Gabriella Saab | Author I Draw Inspiration From
Favorite place to read a book: Honestly, nothing beats curling up on the sofa in my favorite sweatshirt and pajama pants with a glass of Cabernet, Holly Golightly (my toy Yorkie), and a good book. Give me all the cozy vibes and my snuggly pup and I'm happy. My other favorite place would probably be while traveling on a plane or in the car (if I'm not the one driving, of course - there's audio for that!) because it gives me a lot of uninterrupted time to read AND it means I'm on my way to somewhere fun!
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with: Great question! Hmmm... My most practical answer would probably be Nancy Drew. I adored her growing up, and she was always getting out of tough situations, so she could get us out of a stuck elevator, right? If not Nancy, maybe Sophie Duval from Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb's Meet Me in Monaco. Sophie would provide endless hours of fascinating conversation - everything from her perfume business to all the gossip about Grace Kelly's wedding.
Author Interview - Gabriella Saab | Book Character I’d Like to be Stuck in an Elevator With
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author: I'm about to talk about Nancy Drew again! My love for her began when I was about five or six, devouring every Nancy book I could get my hands on. In the midst of all that mystery reading, I decided to try my hand at writing my own. So I hole-punched some printer paper (yes, unlined blank paper), put it in a binder, and penned - with uneven lines, poor spelling, and worse handwriting - the first of a few very short mysteries in which I was the Nancy Drew character. Yes, I wrote myself as the main character. After that, I was hooked. I remember the thought so clearly after writing that first story: I wanted to be an author. And I've been writing ever since! I'm pleased to report that my spelling has since improved, but alas my handwriting has not.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook: I haven't quite crossed the threshold into ebooks, but I absolutely love audiobooks! They're so wonderful to listen to while I'm driving, walking my dog, folding laundry, or doing just about anything. It's a great way to get more fiction reading in, as much of my physical book reading is spent on research. I love physical books, too, but it's hard to choose between hardback and paperback. Hardbacks are so beautiful, but I worry about messing up the dust jacket and can't bear to take it off when reading because it's so pretty. Paperback is great and feels a little cozier to me, but whether hardback or paperback, I do try to keep my books in good condition. I'm careful with the spines and never EVER dog-ear the pages.
The last book I read: The Rose Code by Kate Quinn! I got it when it released but was saving it to reward myself after hitting some work deadlines, and once those were done, I dove right it! Kate never disappoints.
Author Interview - Gabriella Saab | The Last Book I Read
Pen & paper or computer: Story time: As mentioned, I wrote my first stories by hand, but when I was 10 I graduated to the desktop computer. Problem was I didn't know how to type, so I punched the keys using my index fingers only and began a little middle-grade fantasy series that way, about 30,000 words for the first book if I remember correctly. After that I realized I should probably learn how to type properly, and I've never gone back! I can keep up with my brain so much faster that way and don't have to attempt to decipher my sloppy handwriting. I handwrite research notes occasionally, but the bulk of my prep work and all my actual writing is always on the computer.
Book character I think I’d be best friends with: Nancy Wake from Ariel Lawhon's Code Name Hélène! She was actually a real woman - a member of the French resistance and SOE during World War II - and she was a force to be reckoned with, smart and feisty and indomitable. Besides, any woman who loves a French 75 as much as I do is bound to be a great friend.
Author Interview - Gabriella Saab | Book Character I’d be Best Friends With
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a: Being an author was always my dream job, but I got a degree in marketing and strongly considered pursuing a career in the publishing industry. I decided to give the author dream a shot first, and I'm very glad it worked out ;) But if it hadn't, maybe I would have found my way to the other side of the industry.
Favorite decade in fashion history: I grew up on a steady diet of Audrey Hepburn movies, so can I pretend "any outfit Audrey Hepburn ever wore" is a decade in fashion history? From her personal style to her movies, I love it all, especially Breakfast at Tiffany's and My Fair Lady. I suppose Edwardian is probably my favorite if I really have to choose. That stunning sparkly gown she wore to the Embassy Ball, the black-and-white dress and hat to the Ascot races, the gorgeous pink dress with the high collar during tea with Mrs. Higgins? Swoon. Every costume is a Cecil Beaton masterpiece.
Place I’d most like to travel: I LOVE traveling and have so many places on my list! Most of all, I'd love to see more of Europe, especially Italy and Vatican City.
My signature drink: My go-to is always a French 75 with a splash of St. Germain! Bubbles, citrus, and floral. It's perfect. Otherwise, I love craft cocktails and am always open to trying new drinks or creating my own.
Favorite artist: Singer? Sara Bareilles. Ballerina? Alessandra Ferri. Painter or sculptor? Tough choice, but I find the Renaissance era so captivating.
Number one on my bucket list: For the longest time it was publish a book, and here I am about to debut! At this moment, honestly what I want most of all is to travel again. I miss it so much and miss going to museums and theater, so I'd love to go back to New York soon, then check a few more European stops off my list.
Anything else you'd like to add: This was so much fun! Thank you so much for having me on your blog. To readers, thank you for reading, and if you read The Last Checkmate, I hope you enjoy it! Feel free to connect with me on social media, and don't forget to support your local indie and leave honest reviews online for any books you read! It's a huge help for authors and publishers. Thanks again, and happy reading!
Find more from the author:
Website: gabriellasaab.com
Instagram: @Gabriella Saab_
Twitter: @GabriellaSaab_
Facebook: facebook.com/GabriellaSaabAuthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56922702-the-last-checkmate
Author Bio: Gabriella Saab graduated from Mississippi State University with a bachelor's of business administration in marketing and now teaches barre classes. In researching this novel, she traveled to Warsaw and Auschwitz to dig deeper into the experiences and settings of those who lived there. The Last Checkmate is her first novel.
