Writer's Life: Katie Ganshert

Welcome to "Writer's Life," my new interview series! Every Wednesday will feature a romance writer of inspirational or sweet romance novels. I'm excited to share some of my favorite authors and hope you'll find new books for your to-be-read pile!

We're kicking things off with Katie Ganshert! Katie is an inspiration to me. She's beautiful inside and out, an amazing writer, a Christy Award finalist, a Carol Award winner, and a tireless advocate for international adoption. Her new inspirational romance novel, A Broken Kind of Beautiful, is already gaining terrific reviews!

Let's get to it!

1. What about writing makes your heart sing?

Oh, lots of things! When I get into that euphoric “zone” where the words are flowing and the story is coming together and God reveals something extra special about a character or a scene or the theme that adds an extra layer of depth to the story. I also love the spark of a new idea. And of course, writing “the end” is always a magical, heart-singing moment.

2. What is the biggest hurdle you're facing right now as a writer?

Oh, man—that’s hard to pin down. I feel like it changes daily. J I think obscurity is always a hurdle authors will face, at least those authors who haven’t yet reached the “best seller” status. I also feel like, on this side of heaven, I will always struggle with comparison—which is a particularly strong temptation among writerly circles. Another hurdle is myself. Insecurity, doubt, discontent….those sorts of things that most of us deal with on a daily basis (or is that just me?).

3. What do you do to fill your creative well?

The biggest thing that fills my creative well is spending time in worship—whether that’s digging into the Word, or getting on my knees in prayer, or listening to worship music. That usually does the trick. I also love going on walks, reading a great book, and spending time away from the computer with my family.

4. What are you working on now?

Right now I just finished my fourth novel, which isn’t currently titled (releasing February, 2015). I turned it into my editor and will be receiving edits soon-ish. I’ve been busy with marketing and publicity type stuff for the release of A Broken Kind of Beautiful. Releases are super fun, but they are always a bit of a whirlwind. As soon as things calm down, I hope to do a lot of reading and playing around with a young adult trilogy I’m working on.  

***

Katie, there's nothing quite like finishing a story, is there? You are definitely not alone on the doubt, insecurity hurdle--what writer doesn't struggle with all those feelings? I know I do! Your spring is busy, busy, but I hope you'll be able to dive back into the YA trilogy soon!

***

A BROKEN KIND OF BEAUTIFUL ~

Sometimes everything you ever learned about yourself is wrong.

Fashion is a fickle industry, a frightening fact for twenty-four year old model Ivy Clark. Ten years in and she’s learned a sacred truth—appearance is everything. Nobody cares about her broken past as long as she looks beautiful for the camera. This is the only life Ivy knows—so when it starts to unravel, she’ll do anything to hold on. Even if that means moving to the quaint island town of Greenbrier, South Carolina, to be the new face of her stepmother’s bridal wear line—an irony too rich for words, since Ivy is far from the pure bride in white.

If only her tenuous future didn’t rest in the hands of Davis Knight, her mysterious new photographer. Not only did he walk away from the kind of success Ivy longs for to work maintenance at a local church, he treats her differently than any man ever has. Somehow, Davis sees through the façade she works so hard to maintain. He, along with a cast of other characters, challenges everything Ivy has come to believe about beauty and worth. Is it possible that God sees her—a woman stained and broken by the world—yet wants her still?

***

Christy Award finalist and Carol Award winner, Katie Ganshert, graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a degree in education, and worked as a fifth grade teacher for several years before staying home to write full-time. She was born and raised in the Midwest, where she lives with her husband, their young son, and their goofy black lab, Bubba. When she’s not busy writing or playing or reading or snuggling, she is obsessing over the paperwork and the waiting that comes with adoption. You can learn more about Katie and her books by visiting her website or author Facebook page.

***

Do you have any questions for Katie? 

(Thank you, Katie, for being my guest today!!)

Have a lovely day!

Tweet

Share

Party Time!! Katie Ganshert's Debut: Wildflowers from Winter!!

Welcome everyone, I'm thrilled to host Katie Ganshert today. Her debut novel, Wildflowers from Winter, releases tomorrow!! Naturally, we are celebrating it up! Woo-hoo!!

Grab a drink and a snack, and continue down for my video presentation on why you should read Wildflowers from Winter!


Did you have a bite of that scrumptious cake? I want a slice of that! Yum....
Here is why I'm recommending Katie's book:



Hope I convinced you!

Wildflowers from Winter ~

A young architect at a prestigious Chicago firm, Bethany Quinn has built a life far removed from her trailer park teen years. Until an interruption from her estranged mother reveals that tragedy has struck in her hometown and a reluctant Bethany is called back to rural Iowa. Determined to pay her respects while avoiding any emotional entanglements, she vows not to stay long. But the unexpected inheritance of farmland and a startling turn of events in Chicago forces Bethany to come up with a new plan.

Handsome farmhand Evan Price has taken care of the Quinn farm for years. So when Bethany is left the land, he must fight her decisions to realize his dreams. But even as he disagrees with Bethany’s vision, Evan feels drawn to her and the pain she keeps so carefully locked away.

For Bethany, making peace with her past and the God of her childhood doesn’t seem like the path to freedom. Is letting go the only way to new life, love and a peace she’s not even sure exists?

***

About Katie Ganshert:

I’m a slightly-frazzled, ever-inquisitive Midwest gal who’s passionate about Jesus, my family, writing, and all things romance, which is exactly what I write. Stories about flawed, broken characters who find faith and fall in love. When I’m not plotting ways to get my hero and heroine to cross paths, I enjoy watching movies with my hunk of a husband, playing make-believe with my wild-child of a son, hanging out with the crazy but lovable junior high students at my church, and chatting with my girlfriends at Panera®. I could talk books all day and am often spotted around town pushing a stroller, walking my dog, and reading—all at the same time

For more information about Katie and Wildflowers from Winter, head to Katie's website, like her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter!

Thank you SO much for joining the party!!

Did you do anything fun over the weekend?
Have a wonderful Monday!!

Tweet

Share

5 Easy Questions with Katie Ganshert!

Every Wednesday, I ask a writer the same five easy questions. In an effort to support and promote fellow wordsmiths, I feature authors who write a variety of genres, from sweet inspirational to mainstream thrillers. The writers themselves may be aspiring, published, or best-selling--all have made an impact on my life.


Thank you for joining me in welcoming… Katie Ganshert!

As you can guess, Katie and I met through--get this--blogging! Shocking, I know! Many of my friendships with writers developed through blogging, and I am so thankful I took the plunge when I did. Katie impressed me from day one. Her honest, often funny, always poignant posts nourish me. It's been uplifting and exciting to watch her journey. She's represented by Rachelle Gardner, and not long ago, Katie landed a two book deal with Waterbrook Multnomah. Her first book will be available in May 2012. I can't wait to read it--and consider yourself warned--you're going to be hearing a lot about this book from me on Facebook, Twitter and my blog!

Let's get to it!

1. Beverage of choice?


While writing, it's most definitely Diet Coke. I've developed an unhealthy addiction. But when  I'm in the mood for something hot (and a little healthier), I got for honey green tea. I love green tea.

2. Any pets?

One pet. My black lab, Bubba. He's almost seven and we love him to death. My son and Bubba are best buddies. Sometimes, in the early morning or before our son falls asleep, we'll hear him call, "Bubba, come!" Our little guy likes when Bubba sleeps with him. Unfortunately, he has elbow displasia and he's starting to limp a lot. I also used to own three hermit crabs, but I became too obsessed and spent way too much money on them. So I gave them to one of my students.

3. Dream vacation?

Europe! I've always wanted to backpack through Europe. Buy a Euro pass and go to England, France, Italy, Spain. Instead of going to the touristy cities (like Paris and London), I'd want to visit smaller towns and villages and experience the culture. While I'm over there, I'd also really like to go to Ireland.

4. What are you listening to right now?

My husband and my son downstairs in the kitchen. Brogan's asking for milk and my husband is getting it for him. Bubba's nails are clicking on the linoleum and now I hear him drinking from his water dish. No music. But if I were listening to music, I'd probably be listening to Matt Maher's Come Awake or Laura Story's Blessings.

5. What's for dinner?

It's Wednesday, which means we're headed to Aunt Peggy's. Every Wednesday, my aunt and my grandma make a homemade meal (always something different, and always a surprise) and the whole family goes over to eat and hang out. It's one of my favorite things about living near family! Especially since I sincerely like my family. :-)

Thanks Katie, for being my guest today! I know all about Diet Coke addictions (and M&M addictions...). I want to give Bubba a big hug, the poor fella. It's so hard watching our pets age. But I am curious about this obsession with hermit crabs. How can you spend too much money on them? New shells? Fancy food? Enquiring minds want to know. :) Oh, and one of my fantasies involves driving through England's countryside and taking pictures of all the old manors. We should make that happen!

Thanks again!

And since spring finally arrived here in Michigan, dandelions have taken over.

Do dandelions invade every lawn in your neck of the woods?

Katie Ganshert graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a degree in education. She was born and raised in the Midwest, where she lives with her husband, their young son, and their goofy black lab, Bubba. She’s thankful God gave her a husband who suffers through romantic movies, loves talking with her girlfriends about God, life, and books, and is often spotted around town walking her dog, pushing a stroller, and reading all at the same time. She is represented by Rachelle Gardner with Wordserve Literary and her debut novel, a contemporary romance, is coming out in May, 2012 from Waterbrook Multnomah. 

For more information about Katie, head to her blog, be friends with her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.

Have a fabulous Wednesday!  

Tweet

Share

Why Not to Announce Requests/Rejections on Twitter or Facebook

Last Friday, I posted Three Topics Writers Should Avoid on Social Networks. The response surprised me--it must have hit a nerve! Thank you to everyone who chimed in with an opinion.

After reading through the comments, I realized the topic wasn't quite finished. Katie Ganshert mentioned, "I think, if handled in the right way, numbers 1 and 2 could work."

Sarah Forgrave also made a good point. "I did a blog post after getting a rejection, but I waited about a month (after I'd processed it) and kept it anonymous and positive, focusing on how it represented a graduation of sorts for me and how it gave me feedback to make my story better. I actually sent the link to the rejector, and they had nice things to say about it."

Let's take another look at #1 and #2: posting that we've submitted or been rejected.

Posting on our blog: I think it is appropriate to blog about being out on submission or being rejected if it hasn't been dashed off as a hasty confessional. I appreciate reading about other writers' struggles, and I share my own too. But as writers intent on getting published, we need to remember how this is coming across not just to our readers but to any agent or editor who might stop by.

Posting on Facebook or Twitter: I do not think it's appropriate to confess on Facebook (unless it's a personal account) or Twitter that we're on submission or we've been rejected.

I do have reasons. It's tricky enough sending queries, why give any agent or editor a reason to question their decision? J. N. Duncan said it well. "You don't really want to be telling the world, and agents who might be looking, that your query has just suffered its 87th rejection."

But what if you aren't mentioning agent names or the number of rejections? Is it okay to post about it then? Let's look at a fictional scenario.

In 2008, aspiring author Susie joins FB and Twitter and sends out her first batch of queries. She never mentions particular agents or editors--she's following the rules--and we can assume her posts are padded with plenty of non-request/rejection related tweets. But if we tallied up only the tweets relating to requests/rejections, here is what the list would look like.

Posted to Facebook and Twitter:
03/14/08 "Just got my first rejection. Crying buckets."
04/05/08 "Another rejection. These stink."
05/08/08 "Someone wants my book!! Hallelujah!"
05/15/08 "Another request! Woo-hoo!"
06/29/08 "Rejected again. No biggie. Getting easier."
11/04/08 "Just hit send on 5 more queries. Crossing fingers!"
01/12/09 "2 requests for partials!!"
03/07/09 "Sent another round of queries."
08/14/09 "Another request!"
08/16/09 "Three rejections today. Drowning in chocolate."
01/05/10 "It should be illegal to reject someone the first week of the new year."
01/13/10 "Back to querying. Ten out today."
02/14/10 "Request for full!"
02/28/10 "Request for partial!"
04/27/10 "Just wasn't what they were looking for."
08/13/10 "Depressed, a rejection arrived in my in-box this morning."
09/23/10 "Querying again. Sent ten out this morning."
09/27/10 "Rejection. Rejection."
10/01/10 "Just got a request on a query I'd sent out two months ago!"

You can see where this is going. If you're a writer, you're reading through this and maybe thinking, "Oh, yeah. I get this. I can totally relate." You may even become good friends with Susie, because she's transparent and a little funny.

But what if you're one of the ten agents she queried on 01/13/10? What if in the query, Susie didn't mention it was a simultaneous submission? The agent just found out. How excited is Ms. Agent going to be to find this piece of information out on Twitter?

Let's go a step further--let's say a different agent, Mr. Agent had requested one of Susie's books in 2008, saw some talent, passed on the project, but decided to "follow" her on Twitter or Facebook? Mr. Agent knows Susie hasn't queried him since 2008, but sees Susie hasn't been shy sending queries to every other agent. If Mr. Agent gets a query in 2011, will he be more likely to want to work with Susie or dismiss her?

Or what if an agent who requested Susie's full in 2009 is still considering it? This agent can see Susie is getting rejected over and over. Is this going to make the agent more likely or less likely to offer representation?

Now let's assume an avid reader, John, reads these posts on Susie's social networks. Most non-writers have no idea how competitive the publishing industry is. They don't know most writers do not get published with their first book. They don't even know it's difficult to get an agent, or that if you're lucky enough to get one, you still might not get published for two years. What do you think John would think if he reads these posts? Boy, Susie must not be very good.

Writers who are trying to build a platform will include many different people on their social networks. Some will be agents, editors and other writers. Some will be published authors, random strangers, and family members. Maybe it's unfair that someone will think we aren't very good because we're being honest about our rejections, but that's the price of social networks--we're "friends" with people who really don't know anything about us except what we post.

Thanks for bearing with me as we took a more in-depth look at this topic. As before, this is my opinion. I appreciate you having your own opinion, even if it doesn't match mine.

Have a terrific weekend!

Tweet

Share