Blog - Page 102 of 207 - Katie Ganshert

Bubba’s Poo Back

Posted on March 9, 2012March 9, 2012 by Katie Ganshert

Crazy things happen when you have a three-year old boy under your roof. Almost every day, I find myself saying (or shouting) things I never ever thought I would say.

For instance….

The other day, I looked outside and saw my son, scooping dog poo with a plastic shovel, transferring it into a sand pail, and piling it on the back of our black lab, Bubba. Who just stood there, wet nose turned up to the sun as if he were getting a really great massage.

I promptly opened the screen door and yelled (loud enough for the neighbors to hear), “Brogan, stop dumping poop on the dog!”

And then there was last week.

Brogan’s become a little obsessed with chests. Female chests, to be more precise.

We were at the doctor’s office the other day when out of nowhere, he started pushing on mine. I kept moving his hands away, giving him those slightly psychotic mommy looks mothers are so good at giving when their children misbehave in public places, hoping the doctor wouldn’t notice. He’s an older fellow who wears a bow tie.

Anyway, I’m getting totally embarrassed, trying to have a conversation with a medical professional, when Brogan pushes on my chest again and says, quite loudly, “What do you have in there?”

Oh. My. Goodness.

A paper bag would have been nice right about then.

Needless to say, the boy and I had some words on the car ride home.

Let’s Talk: What weird or embarrassing things have your children done? What’s something you’ve said as a parent that you never imagined would come out of your mouth?

In other news, I’m holding a contest on my Facebook author page. Help me pick a name for my hero in Wishing on Willows (releases March, 2013) and you could win some books from my publisher!

I’m a guest on Carrie Daws blog today and I’m talking about Changing Friendships, a pertinent theme in Wildflowers from Winter. I’d love it if you’d stop over and say hi!

The Long Route

Posted on March 7, 2012March 5, 2012 by Katie Ganshert

When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. -Exodus 13:17-18

When I came upon those verses the other day, I had to smile.

Because so often, this is my experience with God.

I want the short cut.

I want the quickest route.

Yet God takes me on the long one. Through the wilderness.

And while I tap my foot and drum my fingers and wonder what in the world is taking so long, He knows what I can handle.

He’s leading me to the Red Sea.

He’s getting ready to reveal His glory.

Let’s Talk: Is something in your life taking longer than you’d like? Do these verses encourage you?

Controversy: Good or Bad for Fiction Authors?

Posted on March 5, 2012March 5, 2012 by Katie Ganshert

Controversy sells. Controversy gets attention.

Just look at the latest public outcry surrounding Rush Limbaugh and Sandra Fluke.

Or look at well-known pastor, Mark Driscoll. He made a comment on Facebook about effeminate worship leaders and received a maelstrom of comments.

Almost always, blog posts about controversial topics get more hits and more comments.

But is it wise for fiction authors to tackle these topics on their blogs?

I think, before we get to that question, we have address an easier one first:

Why are we blogging?

Here are some of the more popular reasons novelists blog:

to get our name out there
to build a platform
to interact with readers
to establish a brand

I could write a blog post about my opinion of Rush Limbaugh or government paid birth control or masculinity in the church. I’m sure if I did, I’d get a good amount of traffic.
Because there are people out there who are passionate about these topics.

But then what?

How many of those people weighing in about Rush Limbaugh would come back on Wednesday? What are the chances they would become a part of the community I’m trying to build on my blog?

There are things I am passionate about in this world. I might see a tweet and click on a link and engage in a fun debate. But how often do I go back to that blog when the topic changes to the next controversial thing?

Not often. Maybe never.

And when all is said and done, could we end up disrupting the community we already have?

Some people love debating. It gets the blood circulating. The heart pumping. The synapses firing.

But others look at that same debate and all they see is one giant argument.

One person enjoys the back and forth banter. Another feels like they’re being attacked.

Here’s the thing.

Controversial, hot-button subjects are polarizing. They are almost always divisive.

As fiction authors, should we go there?

Let’s Talk: Should novelists blog about hot button, controversial topics? Or is it best to steer clear? Why or why not? What are the benefits? What are the drawbacks?

This post was inspired by a thought-provoking post titled, Our Beliefs Strengthen Inside a Rocked Boat, from one of my good writing buddies, Heather Sunseri. Thanks for the inspiration, Heather!