Category: writing

Second Book Jitters

Posted on by Katie Ganshert

uncertaintyToday I’ll be busy stuffing advanced reader copies of Wishing on Willows into envelopes, writing down addresses, and sending them out to my launch team.

Last week, my publisher made Wishing on Willows available upon request through their Blogging for Books program.

The time has come.

My second novel is making it’s way out into the world.

And I’m going to be 100% honest.

It’s quite terrifying.

I’m feeling a strong dose of intimidation.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s a very real pressure that comes with releasing a debut novel.

The difference with the second book though, is that expectations are added to the mix.

Praise the Lord, I have had a very encouraging response to Wildflowers from Winter. Sure, there have been a few who didn’t resonate with the novel. But overall, the majority of readers seemed to enjoy it. Many even sent emails or Facebook messages saying how eager they are for book numero dos.

Which makes me so very excited.

But also nervous.

Because what  if book two doesn’t live up to book one?

What if it’s too different?

What if it’s too similar?

What if it has too much romance?

What if it doesn’t have enough?

What if readers don’t like Robin as much as they liked Bethany?

What if they don’t like Ian as much as they liked Evan?

I mean, Wishing on Willows doesn’t have that intensely emotional scene early on in the novel like Wildflowers from Winter has in chapter six. What if it’s just not as gripping?

What if, what if, what if…..

Thank the Lord, I am not the only author who’s gone through this–these second book jitters.

After talking with others, they seem to be a common phenomenon.

There’s comfort in knowing this. That what I’m experiencing is normal. That I’m not alone.

There’s comfort in knowing I have an amazing editor and an encouraging first review.

And there’s comfort in knowing that God has a purpose for this novel.

Whether it’s to speak encouragement and hope into ten thousand hearts, or just one, He has a purpose.

So I hold on to that and I make myself let go of the rest.

Let’s Talk: What pressure are you feeling these days?

I would absolutely love to send you a welcome packet if I haven’t already. To sign up, just click on the button at the top of this page!

If you have a few minutes to fill, you can read the first three chapters of Wishing on Willows for free!

Join the Wishing on Willows Launch Team

Posted on by Katie Ganshert

Alright folks, it’s 2013. Which means in a little over two months, Wishing on Willows will hit book stores!

The official release date is March 19th and I’m inviting you to be a part of the Wishing on Willows launch team.

Why a launch team?

To start that all-important buzz that is oh-so-very crucial when it comes to a book’s success.

What is a launch team?

A team of influencers and reviewers ready and willing to spread the word.

What do I get for being on the launch team?

A free, advanced copy of Wishing on Willows, two surprise books from my publishing house, a bonus devotional that touches upon a major theme in the novel, and my undying gratitude. Seriously.

What does an influencer do?

They help promote the book by reaching out to people in their sphere of influence.

The most effective influencers are excited, enthusiastic influencers.

People who are willing to talk about the book on their social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc), recommend the book to friends and family, recommend the book to their public and church libraries, suggest the book to their book club (if they’re part of one), feature the book on their blog, post about the book on online reading forums, write a review on popular review sites (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, CBD, Goodreads, Novel Crossing), or anything else that will create buzz and generate interest.

Thinking outside the box is welcomed and appreciated.

But what if I’m an influencer and I don’t like the book?

Easy! You don’t do anything. I realize taste is subjective and not everybody who picks up Robin’s story will enjoy it. Silence is 100% preferred over dishonesty or fake enthusiasm. That’s no fun for anyone.

What does a reviewer do?

A reviewer’s role is a bit more focused than an influencer’s.

They read the book and write a review on their blog and at least one of those popular review sites mentioned above. The review does not have to be glowing. It just has to be honest.

How do I become a part of this team?

You can either leave a comment below or shoot me an email (katie@katieganshert.com). Whichever you prefer.

If you want to be a reviewer, please include a link to your blog.

If you want to be an influencer, please include a couple ideas on how you might promote the book.

I have a limited number of advanced copies waiting patiently in a big box on my dining room table. I plan on sending them out VERY soon! Once you’re a part of my team, we’ll get you the devotional and those two surprise books mentioned earlier.

Still unsure? Read on.

Wishing on Willows Back Cover Blurb:

Does a second chance at life and love always involve surrender?

A three-year old son, a struggling café, and fading memories are all Robin Price has left of her late husband. As the proud owner of Willow Tree Café in small town Peaks, Iowa,  she pours her heart into every muffin she bakes and espresso she pulls, thankful for the sense of purpose and community the work provides.

So when developer Ian McKay shows up in Peaks with plans to build condos where her café and a vital town ministry are located, she isn’t about to let go without a fight.

As stubborn as he is handsome, Ian won’t give up easily. His family’s business depends on his success in Peaks. But as Ian pushes to seal the deal, he wonders if he has met his match. Robin’s gracious spirit threatens to undo his resolve, especially when he discovers the beautiful widow harbors a grief that resonates with his own.

With polarized opinions forming all over town, business becomes unavoidably personal and Robin and Ian must decide whether to cling to the familiar or surrender their plans to the God of Second Chances.

Click on the link to read the first two chapters.

If that sounds like a book you’d enjoy, let’s talk!

Wishing on Willows is available for pre-order now! As a fun bonus, my publisher will be giving away a week-long Wishing on Willows devotional to everyone who preorders! Click over to the Wishing on Willows page for links to retailers and while you’re there, make sure to check out the fun new bonus features I added yesterday!

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):