Category: Katie Ganshert

3 C’s – It’s Friday!

Posted on by Katie Ganshert

Cares:
My son has learned two new things. The first: blowing kisses. Our daycare provider taught him and it has to be the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen. I could blow kisses at him and watch him blow kisses back for an hour straight and smile the entire time. The second: climbing down the stairs backward! This is truly a huge relief, as I was quite afraid for some time that he might break his neck going face-first.

In the spirit of Follow Friday, may I suggest (if you already aren’t acquainted) Jody Hedlund’s blog? She’s a an inspiration. She’s got three books coming out with Bethany House, the first scheduled to release sometime next fall, and generously shares her journey toward publication on her blog.

Concerns:
None for me. But my friend still needs prayer. She just found out that her last remaining friend where she lives is pregnant. She’s surrounded by pregnant women and she’s still waiting.

Celebrations:
I’m done with Parent Teacher conferences (at least until February)! On Tuesday and Thursday, I didn’t get home from work until nine at night. My brain had turned to overcooked porridge. It’s such a relief to be finished. Today is a comp day, so I’m enjoying my time off, cuddling with my son, and sneaking some words into my WIP (hopefully).

Question to Ponder: What are your cares, concerns, and celebrations this fine Friday morning?

The Winner: The winner of Erica Vetsch’s The Bartered Bride is Tamika! Tamika, if you could shoot me an email at keganshert@gmail.com with your home address, then I’ll get that book off in the mail to you. You’re going to love it!removetweetmeme

Meet the Cast of Wishing on Willows

Posted on by Katie Ganshert

I don’t normally have an actual person in my mind when I start writing my characters, but the other night, as Hubby and I watched 27 Dresses, I couldn’t help thinking how my hero in Wishing on Willows could be James Marsden’s identical twin.

Here’s Braxton McKay, shrewd entrepreneur (only he has dark eyes, not blue):


So here I had a very clear picture of my hero, but none of my heroine. It all felt very lopsided. When I first created my heroine, I pictured one of my best friends. Not in personality, but in looks. And since I’m not going to post my friend’s picture on my blog, I am going to post my friend’s celebrity look-alike, Jennifer Connealy.

Here’s Robin Price, devoted widow (only Robin has pale blue eyes, not hazel):

Question to Ponder: Who does your hero/heroine resemble?

My Grand Epiphany

Posted on by Katie Ganshert

During my week-long hiatus, I ruminated over this writing journey and all that it encompasses. I got to thinking about my goals and what I can do to accomplish them.

My lifetime writing ambitions:
1. To learn the craft so each story is better than the last
2. To write stories that leave an imprint on my readers’ hearts
3. To get published through a traditional publishing house
4. To honor and glorify God with my words

What will help me accomplish these ambitions?
Hands down, writing novels. A close second, reading craft books, going to conferences, getting and giving critiques….

Does blogging help me accomplish these ambitions?
Yes and No. Yes, because blogging forces me to reflect on my journey and monitor my progress. Yes, because blogging brought me to some very inspirational and informative blogs and fellow writers who have enlightened my path. No, because it can be a major time-vacuum.

So if blogging sometimes gets in the way of writing novels, why bother?
Writing can be a solitary, discouraging endeavor. Blogging has led me to a wonderful community of writers. It’s allowed me to celebrate and garner hope from those who are ahead in the writing journey, and it’s allowed me to offer encouragement to those who are behind. It’s a place to share celebrations and concerns with a group of people who truly understand how frustrating and exhilarating this path can be.

My grand epiphany:
While I value blogging, it can very easily take precedence over things it was never meant to take precedence over. Especially if I’m not paying attention. Blogging needs to keep it’s proper place in my life. It’s not more important than my quiet time with God. It’s not more important than my husband or my son. It’s not more important that my stories. This isn’t a very grand epiphany, is it? In fact, it’s rather DUH. Sometimes lessons tend to be that way for me.

Thanks for letting me share.

Questions to Ponder: How do you feel about blogging? How important is it to you at this point in your writing career? Why do you do it?

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