Katie Ganshert, Author at Katie Ganshert

Alien Love

Posted on May 18, 2012May 18, 2012 by Katie Ganshert

It’s been a crazy busy coupla weeks.

So how about something easy and fun for a Friday?

Imagine….

An extraterrestrial being knocks on your front door. This being comes from a planet where love does not exist.

The being asks, “What is love?”

Let’s Talk: How would you answer?

I found out my novel was nominated for Book of the Month over at The Book Club Network. If you read and enjoyed Wildflowers, hop on over to vote!

The lovely Caroline Starr Rose asks me some fun questions on her blog today. Hop on over for a chance to win a free copy of my book!

If you’re currently reading my book or have read my book and would like to discuss your thoughts/feelings (like whether you love or hate Bethany) with others, check out Christian Fiction Book Club.

What’s Your Testimony?

Posted on May 16, 2012May 13, 2012 by Katie Ganshert

In the Christian world, a lot of lingo gets tossed around.

One of which is the word testimony.

People will often ask, “What’s your testimony?”

Basically, a testimony is a faith story. Usually, it’s in reference to a person’s personal relationship with the Jesus man.

Mine is pretty simple. I tell a more detailed story on my Faith Journey page.

I grew up going to church on Sunday. I went to religion class on Wednesday.

But I didn’t get it, ya know? I had a religion, not a relationship.

Not until my freshman year of college.

I realized Christianity isn’t about religion. It’s not about being good. It’s not about a set of rules.

It’s about having a living, breathing relationship with a living, breathing God.

It’s about trusting in Him completely.

And discovering that surrendering brings crazy freedom. I mean, off the hook, transformative freedom.

Let’s Talk: What’s your testimony?

Join me over at Ashley’s blog. I’m guest posting about suffering and the question we should ask when it comes our way.

Sold Out!

Posted on May 14, 2012May 14, 2012 by Katie Ganshert

Last Monday, on the eve of my debut novel’s release, I was trying to figure out how to celebrate. Word on the street is most release days are anti-climactic. I didn’t want mine to be. I wanted it to be memorable. So….

We went on a book hunt!

My very first sighting! It was in the regular romance section at Barnes and Noble.

Number one bestseller at Family Christian! Or maybe the man working temporarily swapped out Courageous. Toe-may-toe, Toe-mah-toe, really.

At the park! (Brogan’s favorite part of the day)

Ending the night with a Daddy-Mommy date that involved great conversation and fried pickles.

Since I knew my book wouldn’t make headline news, we decided to take the initiative and make the day special in our own way. I have to say, it was heavenly. One of the best days I’ve had in a long time. Because one of my lifelong dreams came true, sure. But mostly because I spent the day laughing and celebrating with the two people I love most.

That was on Tuesday.

Fast-forward to Saturday, May 12th. The day of my book launch party.

I had no idea what to expect. An article came out in our local newspaper that morning advertising the event. Books-A-Million ordered a hundred books. I thought that seemed like a lot. My husband thought it was too little (you have to love his optimistic thinking). I was a little nervous and a lot of excited.

The poster on the door. Thanks Amy Haddock!

Walking in with the truffles

I love the set up Books-A-Million provided!

My very first party-goer. I think the truffles drew her in. Marketing 101: Bring Chocolate

Here comes the entourage! B-man in his fedora (he wouldn’t take it off) and Aunt Peggy. Everybody in the world should have an Aunt Peggy. Sorry folks, she’s all mine.

My Dad. He’s pretty darn proud. 🙂

One of my junior high girls made me a cup!

It got busy fast!

People chitchatting in line.

Meanwhile, my son finds more fun things to do with his cousin, Ben.

And there’s the empty rack. We were sold out by 2 o’clock. The event was scheduled from 1-3 pm.

I felt bad for the people who came wanting books, but had to leave empty-handed. Turns out, I have incredibly supportive family and friends. Not only did they come, but they invited lots of friends. I’m pretty sure my mom invited her entire gym. People in the Quad Cities sure know how to help a girl celebrate!

If you don’t live nearby or you couldn’t make it on Saturday, I have good news! I’m having another launch party. This time online. I’ll be joining three other amazingly awesome debut novelists. There will be live video and lots of really cool prizes! It’s tomorrow evening. Check out the official invite for details. I would absolutely love to see you there!

Let’s Talk: How was your weekend? What did you do?

For a chance to win a copy of my novel, Wildflowers from Winter, hop on over to Sarah Forgrave’s blog and Cindy Wilson’s blog. Sarah gets me to confess that I was mistaken for a boy for a third of my life and Cindy writes a lovely review of my novel.