Katie Ganshert, Author at Katie Ganshert

Friday Faves

Posted on November 2, 2012November 2, 2012 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.

Infertility: The Road More Traveled than You May Thinkiby Olivia Ryan
For any woman who’s ever struggled with infertility or empty arms, this post drips with hope, honesty, and truth. My favorite of the faves this week.

Chin-Grabbers for Writers:

What Should I do for my Book Signing?iby literary agent, Chip MacGregor
Concrete, applicable tips for authors wanting to have more successful book signings.

13 Ways to Scare Readers Away from Your Book’s Websiteiby Thomas Umstattd
13 very helpful tips that had me checking my own website. I particularly agree with the music one. It’s hard not to find that jarring.

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 October 31, 2012October 31, 2012 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!

Waiting for the Bubble to Surface (Otherwise Known as Writer’s Block)

Posted on October 29, 2012October 29, 2012 by Katie Ganshert

My husband insists it’s idea block.

I have no idea why he’s so adamantly against calling it writer’s block.

No matter. The possessive noun is unimportant here. The word to focus on is block.

Basically, I’m attempting to write a synopsis for a potential novel, only I can’t get a grip on the story.

The thing is slipperier than a wet penguin.

I find reassurance in the fact that this isn’t the first time I’ve faced this problem. Nor am I the only creative person who’s faced it.

So I wait expectantly and excitedly for that moment when this slippery penguin-of-a-story dries off and stops hopping around long enough for me to grab it by the wings. (Just to be clear, my story has nothing to do with penguins.)

Writing is one of those ticksy endeavors where it’s your best, most exciting friend one minute, your worst enemy the next.

When everything is moving and shaking and jelling and the words are gushing from my fingertips?

Best. Feeling. Ever. Completely euphoric. (Cue Titanic music and picture me with my arms spread wide, shouting, “I’m king of the world!”)

When everything is stagnant and empty and uncooperative and the blank screen is giving me heart palpitations?

Not quite so warm and fuzzy. (An issue I address on my Q&A page.)

Thankfully, the solution is like a water bubble. I know it’s down there, working it’s way up. It’s just a matter of how long it’s going to take break the surface.

Let’s Talk: What do YOU do when you’re stuck? Are there things in life that you love and loathe all at the same time?

Guess what surfaced exactly 45 minutes after writing this post? The bubble! I figured out the climax of the story! This is how I’m feeling inside (oh how I love my alma mater and their choice of 90’s music):