Creating Buzz and Spreading Hope

I’m so excited and I just can’t hide it.

Because I have an idea that will hopefully:

If you read my post this past Monday about keeping things simple, then you can understand why this makes me so excited.
 
Inception
 
In early February, I published a post titled Beauty from Pain and I asked readers to share a “beauty from pain” story in their life. To say the comments left me encouraged and uplifted would be a giant understatement.

There is something incredibly beautiful about these stories. 

God bringing beauty from pain. God bringing life from that which feels dead.

So many people have stories like this. And every single one touches something deep in my heart. It’s no surprise, then, that I would explore this theme in my debut novel. It’s no surprise that the very title speaks to this truth.

That the snowiest of winters bring about an abundance of wildflowers come springtime.  

Nature’s testimony that God can use what seems dead and cold and lifeless to bring about something breathtakingly beautiful. 

While reading your comments, an idea was born….

An idea that would celebrate the work God has done and is doing. I want us to shout it from the rooftops. And I want to offer much, much hope to those who are currently going through a barren season in their life. 

The Idea

Every Friday in April, a guest is going to share their real-life “wildflowers from winter” story. 

Four amazing women who I greatly respect and deeply admire. Four women who are living testimonies that God can bring beauty from the deepest of hurts. I can’t wait for you to read their stories.

The Celebration

Then, on May 4th, I’m inviting you to share your “wildflowers from winter” story.

Not on my blog, but on yours. If you don’t have a blog, no worries. You can post your story on Facebook.

I will gather all the links and put them together in one blog post.

Everyone who participates will be entered to win a $50 gift card to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Christianbook.com (winner’s choice). 

To be entered, all you have to do is:

  • Write about a time God brought beauty from a painful situation in your life or in the life of somebody you know.
  • Include a link to my blog or my Wildflowers from Winter book page (your choice). 
  • Publish your post on Thursday, May 3rd or Friday, May 4th. 
  • Email me the link (katie@katieganshert.com) or paste the link in a comment. 
  • If you don’t have a blog, you can post your story on Facebook and link to my blog.

I have some copies of my book I’d be happy to give away on blogs. So if you’d like to host a give away when you post your “wildflowers from winter” story, just let me know! 

Spreading the Word 

There are people who are grieving or depressed or hurting and they wonder if life will ever be good again. This could be a great opportunity to lift our voices and offer them hope.

There are so many amazing stories out there. Real life stories that need to be told.

Would you consider telling yours?

And would you  help spread the word?

On Facebook. On Twitter (#WildflowersfromWinter). Even emailing this post to friends or family. 

Easy Tweet suggestions:

  • Has God brought beauty from something painful in your life? Offer hope to others: http://bit.ly/HrFmid #WildflowersfromWinter
  • Celebrate hope and healing on May 4th! God can bring great beauty from pain: http://bit.ly/HrFmid #JesusTweeters

I hope this will be a great time of celebration. Make sure to tune in next Friday to welcome our first guest as she talks about hope after abandonment.

Let’s Talk: How about a blast from the past? Remember 3 C’s? I’d love to read any cares, concerns, and celebrations you have today. If you have any questions about this post, please ask them here.
 

44 thoughts on “Creating Buzz and Spreading Hope

  1. […] Ganshert is celebrating the release of her debut novel, Wildflowers from Winter, with a blog hop. But this isn’t just any blog hop. Rather than talking about her book, she’s […]

     
     
  2. […] friend Katie Ganshert is celebrating the release of her debut novel, Wildflowers from Winter, with a blog hop. But this isn’t just any blog hop. Rather than talking about her book, she’s invited […]

     
     
  3. Well, Fishsticks, I forgot to post the link!

    http://onthewritepath.blogspot.com/2012/05/special-friday-edition.html

     
     
  4. Mine’s all posted. 🙂 So happy for you!!!!

     
     
  5. I posted my Wildflower after Winter story for all the world to see – ergh. Praying for great blessing over your release!

    http://beckydoughty.wordpress.com/2012/05/03/hope-for-the-prodigal/

     
     
  6. […] Ganshert is celebrating the release of her debut novel, Wildflowers from Winter, with a blog hop. But this isn’t just any blog hop. Rather than talking about her book, she’s […]

     
     
  7. Julia Reffner

    This is a great idea! My blog is sort of currently defunct and I don’t have FB but I’ll have to think about how to share this in another way. LOVE THIS!!

     
     
  8. I am so excited to have found this site. A friend sent me here when she heard I was writing my memoirs. It will be a story of trials and triumphs through Jesus.

    My only trouble with this bloghop will be deciding which story to share:). God has been such a strong force through all of my trials. I’m looking forward to reading everyone’s stories!!!! Thank you for doing this!

     
     
  9. Jessica

    I’m so excited and I just can’t hide it, Could be your theme song 🙂 one question are you going to start saying or writing Excited 5o times like Tim Tebow? jk I can’t wait to read your new novel 🙂

     
     
  10. Great idea! I’m looking forward to it:) If you still have books available, I’d be happy to do a giveaway on that same day for you. I’m going to write about how God used three miscarriages to give us a baby. Just let me know if you’re interested in me giving away one of your books.

     
     
  11. Deborah K. Anderson

    Methinks I might give this a go, Katie. Great idea.

    Congratulations on your debut novel. Love the cover!

     
     
  12. Can’t wait, Katie! Just what God is calling me to do. I’m in.

     
     
    1. Katie Ganshert

      Hi Julie! First, I’m so glad you found my blog. And second, I’m SUPER glad you’re in!

       
       
  13. Love the idea, Katie! You can count me in too.

     
     
    1. Katie Ganshert

      Yay! Glad you’re participating Sherrinda!

       
       
  14. This is fantastic, Katie! This will need to be mentioned in our blog post, for sure! I’ll be joining. :-))

     
     
    1. Katie Ganshert

      So glad, Casey!! I’m going to record the vlog this weekend!

       
       
  15. Laura

    With a possible compilation book?

     
     
    1. Katie Ganshert

      Hi Laura! I’m not planning on a compilation book at this time. But it would be cool to get all the stories in one place.

       
       
  16. Katie,
    Of course, I knew about the plans for April, but love the idea for May as well. What a great way to minister to others who are hurting or have a story to tell of how God used pain in their lives to bring hope, and also to get word out about your book. Love it!

     
     
    1. Katie Ganshert

      I can’t wait for everyone to read your story, Teri. 🙂

       
       
  17. Holly Hassenzahl

    Super great idea! Can’t wait to read the many different stories out there…we’ve all got ’em!

     
     
    1. Katie Ganshert

      Hey girlie! I hope you’ll share your story! You have a pretty fabulous one. I still remember our talk at Sonic the last time you came to visit….about the letter you sent to that girl. Talk about bringing beauty out of pain.

       
       
  18. Yay, I love this idea. Count me in! May 4, it is!

     
     
    1. Katie Ganshert

      Woohoo!

       
       
  19. Great idea!

    I am celebrating that one of my articles will be published in a women’s Christian magazine and that today is my 45th birthday and that my family is healthy and happy!!

    Praise God indeed! 🙂

     
     
    1. Katie Ganshert

      That’s great Ruth! I’m celebrating with you!

       
       
  20. Love it, Katie. Count me in. I’m a Friday blogger and this is right up my alley. What an awesome idea & way to spread hope and the buzz. Blessings!!

     
     
    1. Katie Ganshert

      Sweet!!! So glad you’re going to share, Camille!

       
       
  21. Wow, Katie. What a perfect idea and a beautiful way to launch your book and reach out to readers too. Can’t wait to see it all unfold.

     
     
    1. Katie Ganshert

      We’ll see how it goes! Still so excited for YOU Lori!!

       
       
  22. Woot! What a great idea. I’m all over it.

    Beauty from ashes.
    ~ Wendy

     
     
    1. Katie Ganshert

      Sweet, you are. 😉

       
       
  23. Love this. I’ll share mine on May 4. It’ll be great, since I’ll have you on my blog May 2! 😀

    Today, I’m simply celebrating that it’s Friday and I get a date night with my man. He’s been in court all week and the whole last month has been pulling late nights.

     
     
    1. Katie Ganshert

      Woohoo!! I’m so excited you’ll share your story, Lindsay!

       
       
  24. A fabulous idea! I love how you’re creating buzz and glorifying God. Good fruit is always rewarded and labor for the Lord is never done in vain, friend! Can’t wait to see how many people God blesses through this wonderful idea!

    Epic indeed!

     
     
    1. Katie Ganshert

      I’m hoping lots of people will be blessed! Glad you like the idea Jessica, and thanks so much for all your help in spreading the word!!

       
       
  25. Brilliant idea! Love the way you tie the theme of the book in with real women’s stories. Will be reading (and posting, if I come up w/something!).

     
     
    1. Katie Ganshert

      I can’t wait for you to read these stories. God is so faithful!

      If you think of something, make sure to send me the link. I’d LOVE to read your story, Heather!

       
       
      1. Just re-read this and my post is ready to roll! Will put it up on the blog Thurs and send you the link!

         
         
  26. Awesome idea, Katie! Love that the date is after April 15th!! Cause I’ve been CRA-ZY (sung with a really high-pitched voice)! Can’t wait to celebrate with you!!!

     
     
    1. Katie Ganshert

      I understand crazy, Heather! Hoping April 15th comes quickly for you! There’s an end in sight!

       
       
  27. A very cool idea, Katie. I look forward to it.

     
     
    1. Katie Ganshert

      I’m really excited about the next four Fridays. I think they will be very encouraging to so many people.

       
       

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