Author: Katie Ganshert

I write Christian romance and my debut novel, Wildflowers from Winter, releases in May, 2012 through Waterbrook Press (a division of Random House).

A New York Times Best-Selling Experiment

Posted on by Katie Ganshert

I have decided to embark on a reading adventure and I’m bringing all you lovely folk along for the ride.

Here’s what’s going down.

I’m always on the lookout for great reads. Plus, I’d love to unearth the secret all those New York Times bestselling authors must be sharing behind closed doors. Because clearly, once I discover this secret, all the difficulties and challenges in my writing life will shrivel up and die.

Right?

Right.

So with that said, allow me to explain.

Over the next several months, my book selections will be confined to New York Times bestsellers.

Once I choose a book off this coveted list, I will commit to reading the first fifty pages (even if it’s pure torture).

Upon reaching the fiftieth page, I will stop and do two things:

  • Vlog 2 very short reviews based on the first 50 pages
  • Write cliffs notes below each vlog for all you peeps who aren’t into the whole vloggy thing

Review One will be for non-writing readers looking for book recommendations. No writerly jargon allowed.

Review Two will be for writer folk, who like me, wouldn’t mind unearthing the aforementioned secret. In these reviews, writerly jargon is allowed and embraced. I’ll be sharing any valuable lessons I’ve learned during the first 50 pages.

At the end of the post, each book will get a thumbs up, a thumbs sideways, or a thumbs down.

Thumbs up means I can’t wait to keep reading.

Thumbs sideways means I’m going to keep reading, but I’m not in a giant hurry to do so.

Thumbs down means I’m not invested enough to continue.

I’m hoping this adventure will accomplish 5 objectives:

  • expand my reading horizons
  • expose me to some genres I wouldn’t normally gravitate toward
  • train my inner reader to approach books with a learner’s eye
  • share valuable writing tips
  • share great books with great people

How often will I be engaging in this adventure?

I’m not entirely sure. That depends on what’s going down in my life at the moment.

But I have chosen the first book in my adventure!

The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom

It’s ready for pick up from my library as we speak. So join me in the near future as I review the first 50 pages of this NYT bestseller.

Let’s Talk: How do you go about selecting a book to read?

*Photo by JuliaF on stock.exchng

Friday Faves

Posted on by Katie Ganshert

Chin-Grabbers for Everyone:

  • Confessions Behind the Mask, a new blog by Betsy St. Amant

    In this day and age of social media, it’s all too easy to hide our real selves behind a facade. By picking and choosing what to share, we can basically be whoever we want to be. Which is fine and dandy, until we start looking around at all our Facebook and Twitter friends, wondering how they have it all together while we’re still a raging mess. If you’re tired of feeling alone in your inadequacy and hurt, this is the place to go for encouragement.

  •  The Difficulty of Being a Work-at-Home Momcby Jody Hedlund

    I found this post particularly timely, as I’ve had many epiphanies about this reality as of late. In fact, I’m posting about it on Monday. Working from home definitely has its tricky bits.

Chin-Grabbers for Writers:

  • Five Ways to Build a Thriving Communityiby Jeff Goins

    Are you trying to build a growing, active community on your blog or Facebook page? (Who isn’t?) Here are some must-read tips from Jeff. 

Tell me something fun! What’s been happening in your world this week?

Widows and Orphans

Posted on by Katie Ganshert

This was hands-down the coolest fundraiser I’ve ever been a part of–the epitome of James 1:27. Rescuing the orphan by serving the widow.

If those two look familiar, it’s probably because they shared their real-life Wildflowers from Winter story on my blog earlier this spring. Their story is truly evidence that God can use those barren, broken seasons in our lives to bring about something beautiful and breathtaking.

If you’d like to help bring an orphaned brother and sister from Haiti to their forever family, visit Chad and Kristin Reickard’s Both Hands page. Donations are tax deductible. If money’s tight (it often is around the holidays), another great way to help is by sharing this video on social media sites. The more people who see it, the better!

If you’d like to read a story about God’s ability to redeem our broken places, or if you’re struggling to hold onto hope in the midst of heartache, check out the first three chapters of Wildflowers from Winter for free, or visit my Wildflowers from Winter page to order a copy of your own!