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).

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!

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

Posted on 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):

Friday Faves

Posted on by Katie Ganshert

This week’s roundup is a short one! Not because the internet was lacking in awesome blog posts, but because my week was so full (celebrating my son’s 4th birthday, visiting a friend in Madison, brainstorming a new story idea), I didn’t have time to read everything in my Google Reader.

Despite the hectic schedule, these four grabbed me….

Chin-Grabbers for Everyone:

  • In Other Words: Hope and Havingmby Beth Vogt

    I found this short and sweet post super applicable, since the balance is one I’m constantly wrestling with.

  • Haiti, Personal Crisis, and a Manifestomby Jen Hatmaker

    I know. Jen Hatmaker has made the Friday Faves THREE weeks in a row. But I really had to. This one is so incredibly powerful! It reminds me of something I read in my Beth Moore study:

    We can underline our Bibles till our pens run dry without a drop of ink splattering our lives. The self-deception slithers in when we mistake appreciation for application or being touched with being changed…..The Word of God is meant to do more than penetrate. It’s meant to activate. Simply put, the Word was meant to work.

 Chin-Grabbers for Writers:

  • Conscious and Subconscious Actionmby Jessica Nelson

    A new, interesting way to approach characterization. I especially love the concrete examples from the movie, Book of Eli (which I haven’t seen, but would like to).

  • Should All Authors Blogmby Rachelle Gardner

    More thought-provoking thoughts about the ongoing debate on whether or not fiction authors should blog.

Happy Friday! I hope you have a fun-filled, blessed weekend!

If you’re looking for a book to read or you like giving books as Christmas gifts, you can read the first three chapters of Wildflowers from Winter for free. I always like to sample a book before I purchase it!