You know who rocks? Author Katie Ganshert! And you what rocks? The fact that she’s here today answering fun questions about her second novel, Wishing on Willows…
…which, by the way, is fab-u-lous. I was a Katie Ganshert fan from the first page of her first book, so heading into her second story, I knew I was in for a treat. Wishing on Willows is a beautiful story of second chances. Did I cry? Yes.
And because I just have to pass on the story-love (and possibly the tears, too, since it’s just that touching of a story), we’re doing a giveaway today! I have an extra ARC of Wishing on Willows. So leave a comment below to enter. You’ve got until next Tuesday at 5 p.m. CST to enter. Take it away, Katie!
1) First of all, I adored both your debut, Wildflowers from Winter, and now Wishing on Willows. I thought I’d ask, which of the main characters–Bethany from your first book or Robin from your second–is most like you? Was either one easier/harder to write?
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed both of the stories! I’m definitely much more like Robin than Bethany. Robin is a warm personality who will be your best friend right away if you want, whereas Bethany is more reserved. It takes time before she’s going to dive deep and get personal. Strangely though, I think Bethany was easier to write. Maybe it has to do with that saying, “Opposites attract.”
2) I asked this question to author Regina Jennings last week and thought it was fun, so I thought I’d ask you too. If you were to create a soundtrack for Wishing on Willows, what are a few songs that would make the list?
The first three that come to mind are Blessings by Laura Story, The Hurt and the Healer by Mercy Me, and Remind me Who I Am by Jason Gray. That last one is for my hero. When I first heard The Hurt and the Healer on the radio, I was like, “Oh my word! This is Robin!” Google the lyrics. For real.
3) Okay, throwdown time: Who would win an arm wrestling match? Evan from your first book or Ian from your second? 🙂 And a followup, do you ever find it a challenge to write from a guy’s perspective? How do you meet that challenge?
Hands down, Evan. Don’t get me wrong, Ian is no weakling. But Evan’s a farmer. He’s used to the heavy-liftin’. Plus he wears flannel, which adds to his manliness. And we all know you like sexy farmers in flannel, right Melissa? 😉
(Note from Melissa: Um yes. LOL! I mean, let’s be honest, flannel is pretty much the key to my heart.)
As far as writing from a guy’s perspective….is it weird if I say I don’t struggle with it? Is it even weirder if I say that sometimes, I think my voice seems to flow better whenever I’m writing from a dude’s perspective? Let’s not psychoanalyze that too much, m’kay?
4) You’ve shared online about you and your husband’s journey with international adoption. I love hearing updates and news about your fundraiser. I’ve especially loved hearing how you both knew this was something God was laying on your hearts. I think a lot people at different times in life have this “I want to make a difference” moment or feeling and we don’t always know how to respond to that desire. What advice would you have for people thinking and praying about what they can do?
Oh wow, tough question! Hmmm….
I guess my advice would be four-fold:
- Get on your knees and pray. Not just once or twice. But every day, multiple times a day. Really seek guidance from the Lord.
- Do your research. Sometimes, the things we do to help actually hurt. A couple great resources are Toxic Charity by Robert Lupton and Orphan Justice by Johnny Carr.
- Watch this video by Eric Ludy and prepare to be convicted.
- Be moved. I don’t just mean be moved in your heart. I mean actually move. Do something. Put feet to your faith. All the intentions and passion in the world means nothing without follow-through.
Katie Ganshert was born and raised in the Midwest, where she writes stories about finding faith and falling in love. When she’s not busy plotting her next novel, she enjoys watching movies with her husband, playing make-believe with her wild-child of a son, and chatting with her girlfriends over bagels. She and her husband are in the process of adopting from the Congo. You can find her online at her blog and on Facebook.
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Katie and Melissa together? What a treat!
I had a great time at Katie’s online launch party last night. If I had half of her enthusiasm, I’d be happy. I’d love to have a mega-watt smile like hers, too.
You don’t need to enter me in the drawing. I have a copy of WoW due from Amazon any day, plus I won a copy on a blog. =)
You know what’s funny about this comment, Keli? If ANYBODY has a mega-watt smile, it is YOU!! Your smile lights up a room, my friend.
I agree with Katie–you have a beautiful smile, Keli.
I was so bummed to miss the online launch party. Ended up working late. Boo!!
Awwww, I love you two! What a great interview…I’m excited to reading Katie’s new book!!! And I would love to be entered in the drawing.
I forgot to tell what song I’d pick…sometimes when life it hard, I love to listen to Ready to Fly by FFH. My song to let loose is…and don’t judge me…Ganghem Style! I don’t know what the words are but I love to move to it! lol
You crack me up, Sherrinda! Ganghem style? That is classic!
Gangham Style…haaaa!
Loved Katie’s first book and cannot wait to read this one! I’ve heard–from several places–that it’s fantastic:) And the only song I can think of pre-coffee this morning is I remember rocking out to ‘I Will Survive’ after a particularly bad break-up. It’s like a break-up anthem, right?
It sure is a break up anthem! It’s pretty much an anthem for anytime something knocks us down. 🙂
I Will Survive is my song for Friday afternoons when the weekend is sooooo close but taking forever to get there… 🙂
I’m looking forward to checking out this book. I love romance! A song that comes to mind is Beautiful Things by Gungor. There’s something so comforting and uplifting in knowing that God can turn the dust and ash in my life into something beautiful–even when I’m certain it’s impossible. I love that he loves us that much!
One of my most favorite songs ever! In fact, it’s the theme song for my debut novel!
Ahhh, that song is so beautiful!
Afraid it’s to early in the morning for this tone-deaf writer to come up with a song…Jesus Loves Me is the only words I can remember to any song.lol Great post. Hope I win Wishing on Willows. Loved Wildflowers in Winter!
Hey – that’s a great song! One of the first songs my son learned.
I must add a note here. After I went back to my Quiet time, Jesus Loves me kept playing in my head and pretty soon, a scene using it popped up. So thank you Katie and Melissa!
Yay for inspiration, Pat. 🙂
I’m so excited for everything happening in Katie’s professional and personal life. I can’t wait to see how she influences others and helps them in the future in regards to adopting.
Love you, Wendy!
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It’s been so fun to hear about Katie’s adoption journey…I’ve noticed so many families who adopt then encourage and help others in the process. It’s so cool!
I loved this book and the questions today were so fun! I also cried, and laughed, and cried. 🙂
I think maybe I’d pick Healing Oil by Kim Walker Smith. She sings, “I wouldn’t trade another lifetime for where I am right now.” Now is right in the presence of Jesus. I’d rather be there than anywhere.
Oh my word – I’ve never listened to it! Must go youtube it now!
I’ve never heard that song either. Must check it out!
Melissa – you are so stinkin’ adorable! Loved that video! Cannot wait to read Made to Last!
Thanks, Katie. And thanks so much for being here today–such fun! I realized after posting the video that the audio gets quirky throughout the video…it’s separated from the video somehow…crazy!
Have a copy already, Melissa, but I have to agree! Katie is a fresh voice in the Christian Fiction market with a gift at story-telling and creating charaters I want to be friends with! 🙂 And on a side note, that song by Jason Grey is one of my faves!! Happy Wednesday, Melissa!
-Raj
Yeah, I just love her characters…they’re so relatable!
Two of my fave peeps in one place!! Holla! 😉
I looooooved both of Katie’s books too. (No need to enter me in the drawing.) As someone who has gone through loss and struggled with it, this latter book in particular was very close to my heart. I admit, it was tough to read at times because of this, but Katie did such a great job in making what the characters were feeling…really accurate.
Hmmm…a song to represent me. That’s a tough one. The one I WANT to represent me is “Strangely Dim,” which incidentally I’m discussing on my blog today. And Mel, you obviously know the story behind that one!
Haha, yes, I do know the story behind that one. One of my new favorite songs ever, thanks to you. Yay for our theme!!
I thought of you a lot as I read WoW…partially ’cause I was reading it on the way to and from Phoenix, but also because it made me think of your loss. I think we even talked about that in Phoenix…love ya, Linz!
Melissa, your blog has definitely caused me to up the number of books I buy! I by no means have bought every one by an other you feature (I do still have to go to work and all) but I have bought several- and now I want to buy both of Katie’s books!
Haha, yes, if this blog is getting you and others to buy books, then I deem it a success. Haha!! Also, we need to hang out again sometime!
Katie’s books are waiting for me on my Kindle–time is not my friend right now. I’m so excited for your second release, Katie! Congratulations!
I’m stealing this from Lindsay Harrell’s blog post today, but I love Strangely Dim by Francesca Battistelli for one area of my life that is causing anxiety right now.
I know it’s so hard to find time to read all the wonderful books out there. And yeah, that song is just gorgeous and oh so perfect for life!
Oooh, I loved Wildflowers from Winter, and our book club is reading this one next month!
There was a song by Donnie McClurkin (off a live album) that I sang/prayed a lot a couple of years ago, called I Am Under The Rock. I was going through a battle and it encouraged me that God had it all under control!
I’ve never heard that song. I should check it out!
I absolutely loved both of these books! Amazingly well written great stories! The Hurt and the Healer is the perfect song for Robin and I like Remind Me Who I Am for Ian too. It’s hard to think of a song for now but when I was a little younger and was having a bad day I would sing the chorus of FFH’s song It’s a Good Day (Say hey it’s a good day, even if things aren’t going my way. Jesus is Lord and I am saved so say hey, it’s a good day!) never failed to cheer me up!
P.S. I already have the book so please don’t enter me!
That FFH song sounds like a happy one. 🙂
LOVED these questions! Great interview. If I had to pick a song, my prayer for my life is “With Everything” by Hillsong. It just wrecks me!
I adore that song!
Oh my WORD, Laurie – me too!!! I LOVE that song!
Cannot wait to read Katie’s novels! Everyone says they are delightful. Have book one and am looking forward to getting to – hopefully – read it in the near future.
Hmmm… a song for a season in life. Don’t think I have one specifically; love Laura Story’s ‘Blessings’ and ‘I Can Only Imagine’ because of what it meant to a special family member – and it’s a wonderful song.
I know so many people who have been touched by “Blessings.” 🙂
The questions about the heroes in Katie’s books made me happy. Ah. Evan. My word, this one definitely should have been up for Hero of the Year. And Katie, I would think that a woman who treasures a good romance would be able to picture and write from a heroes perspective easily so from where I`m standing, you are SOO not weird, my friend.
I’ve already devoured both of Katie’s books – her latest is OUTSTANDING- so please don’t include me in the giveaway. As for the question asked… I’ll go with You Love Me Anyways by Sidewalk prophets. This song brings me to tears. Here’s the part that resonates with me do deeply.
Still you call me to walk
On the edge of this world
To spread my dreams and fly
But the future’s so far
My heart is so frail
I think I’d rather stay inside
But You love me anyway
It’s like nothing in life
That I’ve ever known
Yes You love me anyway
Oh Lord, how You love me
How you love me
Have a good evening everyone and thank you for this post Melissa and Katie.
Those are beautiful lyrics, Ganise. Thank you for sharing!
Love you, Ganise! It’s been so fun getting to know you these past couple of months! What a blessing you are!
God has adopted us into His family through Jesus and praise God that you are adopting a child into your family. Praying for God to provide finances, speedy adoption process, and quick adjustments. Thank you for obeying your adopted Father. 🙂
Thanks you for those prayers!!
So fun to see Katie here today!! I’m late to the party, but I wanted to stop by and say hi and get in the drawing for Wishing on Willows! I just borrowed out my copy of Wildflowers from Winter and can’t wait to read Robin’s story.
I’m so terrible with songs, I can’t even think of one! 🙂 I wasn’t raised in a family that listened to music, so my husband is always picking on me when I don’t know the right lyrics to songs or when I don’t know a popular artist or song that EVERYONE else knows. Oh, well, I can tell you anything you want to know about old movies and actors! That was our thing growing up. Anyway, now I’m just rambling, so I’ll sign off… 😉
You’re in the drawing, Gabe. And, if I didn’t already know we were meant to be friends, you comment about old movies and actors confirmed it. Can’t wait to hang out and watch Seven Brides!!