Catherine Stuart lives in Nebraska and has been a practicing counselor for the past fourteen years. She enjoys reading, writing, travel, and spending time with her family, friends, two shelties, and most of all her six beautiful grandchildren.
How to Connect with Catherine...
Tell us a little bit about yourself and writing...
I always enjoyed hearing stories when I was growing up and loved it when my parents read to us. I was “that girl” in elementary school who thought of her favorite books as “friends.” Over the years I wrote in secret diaries, and then graduated to journals. For many years, as I would think of story ideas I’d write them in notebooks. I don’t mean the digital ones of course, rather the good old cheap, spiral bound notebooks of various colors to capture these ideas. Potluck actually started in one of these notebooks, as I handwrote much of the story. I realize in this day and age that’s hard for many people to believe or understand. I’m not sure I understand this habit myself, except somehow I find comfort in writing the words out. At some point I do become thankful for the computer! I write because I really enjoy it and it’s one of the very few ways I can experience the same type of passion I did as a child. I relate this to the way gymnastics or dance made me feel. I’m long past those years!
Emilie here: I was "that girl" too! And you really can't replace the feeling of writing...though typing is so much easier *sigh*. I love that you're still as passionate about writing now as you were when you were a child!
Your Writing
Tell us a little bit about your book...
“Potluck” was born out of my interest in the idea that while some sins are obvious, others take place in the interior of the heart. I looked at scriptures connected to this and thought about how these deadly sins can easily sneak into a Christian heart.
My grandfather was a minister and I got to hear stories about the church and core group of church ladies. It was fun to create a fictitious group of church women. The ladies in “Potluck” are well-meaning and are growing, yet in every family there are conflicts and squabbles. The little foxes of sins in the heart can go into the henhouse of the church unnoticed and wreak havoc. The title and story involve a potluck supper and a death/possible murder. I wanted to explore the dynamics of the women as they suspect each other. One of the main characters is not a Christian, however is observing what she experiences when she helps her aunt with church events in order to solve the mystery. Her aunt is concerned about the church splitting over the possible murder, so together they attempt to find the truth. I had fun with the title, as most people have been to potluck suppers, so can probably picture the event. The deeper meaning is how luck may not have much of a role in life, although it may get more credit than it deserves. I hope that people can enjoy this on different levels of entertainment as well as relating and finding food for thought.
Do you have a favorite character in the book?
I love all the characters for various reasons, however if I had to choose one of my favorite characters I would pick Aunt Annie, since for me she is true to her values, while being kind of like a comfort food character. I’m also very attached to Renee, as she is on a journey of her own to find contentment and purpose in life.
What is one take away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
I hope that readers will identify with how important and key grace is for everyone, including themselves. If I could name one more, I also hope readers enjoy attempting to solve the mystery!
What was a challenge you faced while writing it?
I learned a lot about technology, while writing it. I found out that my editing skills need sharpened, and that I had to push through parts of the publishing process.
Emilie here: The story sounds like a lot of fun. Can't wait to read it! And I love that the focus (among other things) is grace. Isn't that so necessary in all of our lives?
Writing
Let’s talk about your writing life...
How long did you write before you got published?
I started the story a few years ago, and got to know some of the characters. It became apparent that the season to write it completely was not at that time. Amazingly, I was able to find that notebook and get going again over a year ago. It took me from October 2014 to October 2015 to complete it start to finish including getting published. I chose to go through a self-publishing company that is part of Thomas Nelson Publishing. I went back and forth about going the traditional route, however decided to self-publish and never sent off the manuscript. I had a lot to learn, but when something is a passion you find a way to push through it.
What’s your encouragement for younger writers aside from “keep writing”?
I want to offer encouragement to writers who experience the passion of writing, however find the timing is off. It may be necessary to put it on the shelf for a while. When I was able to resume with writing more seriously I was thankful I’d kept what I’d written. It was like returning to old friends, and I enjoyed the process of getting them on their journey.
What is your favorite and least favorite part of the writing process?
My most favorite part of the writing process is the creative expression. I compared it earlier to dance or gymnastics, where you feel connected to it, as if it’s a part of you. My least favorite part of the writing process is editing. I learned how much I don’t know about the mechanical details, which are vital to a good story. I also firmly believe for myself, that editing is not my strength, and it is a whole professional category of its own. In traditional publishing that is taken care of, however an indie writer must find a way to forge through this. I believe it’s crucial that you get a professional if this is not your strength. Even then there will be a few unseen mistakes that slip through. Hopefully your readers will let you know if they see something, however your family probably will tell you. My family has been an amazing support!
Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters?
I find inspiration for my characters in everyday life, as well as in memories or even family stories. An example of a family story is one that my grandmother told. The wonderful core group of women were a very important part of the church family, however there’s no perfect family. A story came to mind that she’d shared with me and it seemed to be a perfect fit for my minister and his wife. My grandmother was told of a young woman in the church who had become pregnant out of wedlock. This was in the 1940’s when people were ostracized many times in those situations. My grandmother found the attitude of the ladies group was to judge and gossip about the girl. My wise grandmother decided to ask the ladies if they would give the girl a baby shower. It still moves me to think about how she saw this as an opportunity to reach out to the young woman, as well as the ladies. The ladies’ attitude was transformed and they gave her a wonderful baby-shower in love. My grandmother came up with this idea after praying and asking the Lord for direction. The women grew close to this young woman and her baby as a result. I love my Sleepy Haven church ladies, yet none of them get to be perfect either! Also, I pray before writing, as my faith is an integral part of my life including my writing.
Emilie here:Great advice, Catherine. I think sometimes we're afraid to put something aside until a later time - maybe it's that we need to be working on (or focusing on) something different. I'm with you on the editing though - I somehow have this idea that I wrote it how I wanted it and that's that. But sadly no...that's only the beginning!
You
What’s one thing you are looking forward to in the New Year?
I look forward to reading!
What are your writing goals for this New Year?
I am planning to complete the next novel in the Sleepy Haven series.
Emilie here: An exciting opportunity for you - even if you can't make it to D.C. for this conference!
Even if you're not heading to Washington, D.C., January 21–22 for the March for Life event, block out some time those two days because you'll be able to attend some of the events in the comfort of your own home. Focus on the Family and The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission will host Evangelicals for Life, a major pro-life conference held in conjunction with the March for Life event.
The event will take place in Washington, D.C., at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. Evangelicals from across the country will gather to hear from leading speakers, such as David Platt, Russell Moore, Jim Daly, Kelly Rosati, and others—to be equipped and encouraged to become a voice for life! The event will also be simulcast for FREE so individuals, churches, and organizations from coast-to-coast and around the world can take part.
Speakers will encourage evangelicals to engage the culture on issues of abortion and end-of-life decisions, and the event will affirm the evangelical belief in the sanctity of life, that every life matters to God and is created in His image.
Readers of this blog will receive 15% off their registration by using the code FocusLife.
What Pro-Life Really Means
By Daniel Darling
It was a flippant comment by the spokesmen for a presidential candidate: “It doesn’t matter. They’re just Muslims.” But it made shudder.
This is how societies begin to dehumanize a people group, and every generation of Christians is responsible to face this thinking and fight it. This is what it means to be a pro-life champion.
We are pro-life because we are pro-human dignity. It is the uniquely Christian message that sees in every soul a person created in the image of God.
When Planned Parenthood and their allies say, “That’s just a fetus,” we say, “No, that’s a baby, a human life, that deserves dignity and respect.”
When corrupt profiteers look at vulnerable young girls and boys and say, “They are just a commodity to be trafficked for money,” we say, “No, they are boys and girls created in the image of God and deserving of dignity and respect.”
When eugenicists look at the elderly and say, “They are just burdens to be managed,” we say, “No, human dignity is not defined by utility, but is a unique gift given by God.”
When politicians look at immigrants and say, “They are a drain on society,” we say, “No, they are created in the image of God and worthy of kindness, welcoming, and respect.”
When ISIS brutally dehumanizes its victims—Christians, Muslims, Jews, and anyone who doesn’t subscribe to their ideology—and they say, “They are just infidels,” we say, by our acts of justice, “No, they are people created in the image of God and worthy of life and respect.”
When the disabled are marginalized, we say, “No, each was created in the image of God and is worthy of our full love and acceptance.”
Even in our discourse, even when we look across the aisle, across the screen, across the table at someone who doesn’t share our beliefs, we say to ourselves, “This person is worthy of respect and dignity because they too were created in the image of God.”
Human dignity, the intrinsic worth of every human soul, is not just a once-every-four-years mantra for voter guides and political scorecards. We live out the imago de as a way of life, and we seek justice wherever human dignity is compromised.
This is why ERLC and Focus on the Family join hands to help raise up a new generation of evangelicals who are passionate about the sanctity of human life. This why you should come to Washington, D.C., this January to the Evangelicals for Life event or participate via the free simulcast at your church or on your computer.
You should join Evangelicals for Life, not simply to make a powerful stand in the nation’s capital. You should come, not simply to be stirred by the gifted speakers. You should come, not only to fellowship and strategize with other champions for life.
You should be a part of of Evangelicals for Life because God is calling you, in this time and in your sphere of influence, to be a voice for human dignity.
Answer for yourself what it means to have a pro-life, whole-life vision. Discover where your gifts and talents best serve the kingdom of God in this way, and send a message to the world that your Christianity compels you to look every human being in the eye and not see what everyone sees. You see in them the image of their Creator.
Daniel Darling is the Vice President for Communications for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention (ERLC), the co-sponsor of the Evangelicals for Life conference. Dan holds a bachelor’s degree in pastoral ministry from Dayspring Bible College and has studied at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife Angela have four children and reside in the Nashville area. They attend Green Hill Church in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, where Dan serves as Pastor of Teaching and Discipleship.
Shelby Kincaid is ready to move on from her grief. With high hopes for the future, she longs to purchase her family’s ancestral homestead so she can raise her young daughters in the only place she ever truly belonged. She plans to transform the abandoned house into the perfect home of her memories. But she’ll have her work cut out for her.
AJ Sullivan never wanted the homestead. Inherited as a punishment from his grandfather, it has sat empty for fifteen years and fallen into ruin. He’s glad to finally unload it. But a clean break isn’t possible when he can’t get the young widow Shelby off his mind.
Get to know Johnnie...
Do you have a nickname? Care to share?
My grandchildren (and sometimes my daughters) call me Malize. It’s a silly story. My older daughter, Bethany, was a high school cheerleader. At one game, the announcer mispronounced her name which my younger daughter Jill found hysterical. As she told the story to others, the mispronunciation worsened. Jill started calling Bethany, Belize. In retaliation, Bethany called Jill, Jilleze. And somewhere along the line, I became Malize. It stuck.
If you could live in a fantasy world, who’s would it be?
Definitely Middle Earth. I’d love to visit Rohan, the Shire, Lothlorien, and Rivendell.
Would you rather go to the future or go to the past?
I’d like to go into the past and talk with my ancestors. My mom’s parents died before I was born so I never got a chance to know them.
Johnnie Alexander writes inspiring stories that linger in the heart. Where Treasure Hides, her debut novel, won the ACFW Genesis Contest (2011) and Golden Leaf Award (2014). Where She Belongs (Misty Willow Series; Revell) is her first contemporary novel. Her first novella, The Healing Promise (Courageous Bride Collection; Barbour), releases in 2016.
She also has won Best Novel and Best Writer awards (Florida Christian Writers Conferences), and Bronze Medalist (My Book Therapy Frasier Contest). She volunteers as marketing director for the MidSouth Christian Writers Conference.
A graduate of Rollins College (Orlando) with a Master of Liberal Studies degree, Johnnie treasures family memories, classic movies, road trips, and stacks of books. She lives in the Memphis area with a small herd of alpacas and Rugby, the princely papillon who trees raccoons.
Welcome to a new year on the blog! I'm so excited to have you here whether you've been reading for a while now or this is your first time here. I'm going to use this post to introduce myself to you newbies (I use this term with affection) and then outline some things at the bottom of the post that you will all be able to look forward to in the New Year.
But first...what is this "Joy" I speak of? Well, glad you asked ;-) Joy is my word for the year. I was recently reading through 1 Thessalonians 3:9 where it says, "For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God." And it hit me. Joy. Am I giving joy to those around me?
It's not your typical "joy" verse about having joy and enjoying your own joy. It was more than that to me--joy that is seen by (and felt by) others. I asked myself, have I been joyful? Could others thank God for my joy? And I wasn't sure I could absolutely say yes to that.
So there you have it--my focus for the year. I'm actually really excited about it because I know that having joy that is firmly rooted in Christ doesn't mean I'm happy all the time. It means that I have confidence in whom my trust is in--the Lord. It means I find joy in all of my situations--good or bad. It means I value others above myself and consider their joy as greater than my own selfish desires. There' a lot there, but I'm looking forward to what I'll learn this year.
Thanks for the shirt mom!
Get to know...me!
Here's a list of "facts" about me as an introduction. I...
I am so excited for what this New Year will have in store for it. I can't know everything that will happen, but I have a feeling that there will be some incredible things ahead.
If you love reading, are interested in writing and honing your craft, want to learn more about your favorite authors (or find new ones), or just like to follow along with the craziness that is, well...me, then you've come to the right place!
Just a few of the things I'm looking forward to...
New {Writer Wednesday} post format and questions
New authors to the blog for guest posts, interviews, and New Novel News posts
More giveaways (because they are my favorite things to do)
More adventures that I'll get to share with you all
And these new topics for guest posts and my own content for this year:
January: New Year February: Romance March: Exploring genres April: Social Media & Marketing May: Dreams/Dreaming June: Writing Craft Month July: Freedom August: Writers Conferences September: All Things Fall October: NaNoWriM November: Thankfulness December: Spread The Christmas Joy (year 3)
There you have it friends, not everything that you'll see in the New Year here, but definitely some of it. I am so looking forward to the journey 2016 will take us on and I can't wait to share it with you all.
Do you have a word for the year? Or maybe a new focus or revelation for 2016? If so, I'd love for you to share in the comments below! Also, feel free to introduce yourself--I can't wait to spend this year with you all dear readers!
Clearly I've been on vacation-mode for too long now! I didn't realize yesterday was Wednesday. I know, sad--right? Well, I'm excited to introduce you to Terri Wangard as my FIRST {Writer Wednesday} interview of 2016!!!
Things may look a little different - I've updated my questions for a fresh beginning to the New Year. I'm soooo excited about what I've got planned for this year so make sure you stop by tomorrow for a "Welcome to the New Year" post as well as some fun things to look forward to.
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A little bit about Terri...
Terri Wangard’s first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. These days she is writing historical fiction, and won the 2013 Writers on the Storm contest and 2013 First Impressions, as well as being a 2012 Genesis finalist. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she lives in Wisconsin. Her research included going for a ride in a WWII B-17 Flying Fortress bomber. Classic Boating Magazine, a family business since 1984, keeps her occupied as an associate editor.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and writing...
I wrote stories as a kid. Those notebooks haven’t survived, so I have no idea if they were any good. I’ve always loved reading and going to the library. I first tried writing a novel in the early 2000s. I’d read a few books that were so similar, I decided to write a story the way I would like it. A publisher had my manuscript for a year before saying No thanks. I stopped writing for a while.
In 2008, I read Debbie Macomber’s Twenty Wishes, about a group of women who decide to fulfill their secret dreams. I bought a laptop and started writing again.
Emilie here: I love this because of the simple fact that a BOOK can inspire writing. I'm sure many writers have that one book (or possibly a few) that made them think "I can do this too!"
Your Writing
Tell us a little bit about your book...
Why did you write it? Friends and Enemies is based on family history on the German side, learned from a batch of letters written in the postwar years. We are no longer in touch with them, so I don’t know what they believed or did during the war. I created a story for them.
What was a challenge you faced while writing it?
Learning about conditions in Germany during the war. I based the story in the city and town the distant cousins lived in, and finding wartime information wasn’t easy. My German capability is atrocious.
Was there a passage of scripture you came across or used while writing it that you’d like to share?
Psalm 31: 14-15. “I trust in you, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hands.” That verse was the guiding principle of the main characters.
Did you get to do any fun research for the book?
I flew in a B-17. I’d already taken a walk-through tour, but felt I had to fly. Those birds are noisy and cramped. I had to make some changes in my manuscripts after that. The airmen who flew in them were incredible.
Were your characters easy to pin down or did you discover them along the way as you wrote the book?
I first wrote the story in 2008-09. I liked that version, but it wasn’t attracting any attention. So I rewrote it using a shorter time frame. The basic story is the same, but the main characters changed quite a bit, including their names. I still miss the old characters.
What’s your favorite snack while writing?
I don’t snack, but a bottle of water is always handy.
Emilie here: I've got German heritage too :D Sounds like your research was pretty fun though - I'm jealous of the plane ride! And I love the scripture you shared!
Writing
Let’s talk about your writing life...
Are you a Panster or Plotter?
More of a punster, at least with
Friends and Enemies. Since then I’ve tried to plot out a story before
starting. With my current work in progress, I have a couple sentences
written for each chapter. As I get to each chapter, I plan them more
fully before writing.
How many rejection letters did you get before being accepted by a publisher?
From editors, probably only one. From all the others I met with at conferences, there was silence. I also met with several agents, but none were interested.
How long did it take to publish your first book?
The original version was written in 2008-09, while waiting I wrote the two other books in the series. In March of 2015, I sent F&E to HopeSprings Books, where it was accepted very quickly.
Where do you find inspiration for your characters?
Cemeteries. That’s where I look for period names and spellings.
Do you listen to music when you write?
World War II music. My favorite song is “Coming In On a Wing and a Prayer.”
How do you balance your writing life with “real” life? Any tips or tricks to share?
I write on weekends. I’ve tried to write at night, but that doesn’t work so well. I’m highly prone to migraines, and screen time can be a trigger. Since I’ve never had to write under the pressure of a deadline, it hasn’t been a problem. It just takes me a long time to finish a project.
Emilie here: I laughed at "cemeteries" but I get it! I always write down names I see when I walk through cemeteries.
Enter to win a copy of Friends and Enemies. Paperback for US Residents only or eBook.
You
Let's talk about you...
What’s one thing you are looking forward to in the New Year?
Spending a little time at my dad’s place in Florida. I used to be a globe trotter, but now Florida is my vacation place.
What are your writing goals for this New Year?
Completing my WIP. With three books coming out this year, I’ve set it aside often for editing, and then have a hard time getting back into it.
Emilie here: Thanks so much for being my "guinea pig" for this new format for interviews. Sounds like you've got a great year planned out!
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What did you think, dear readers? Like the new set up? Not too different, but I've given the writers a little more freedom to "pick their own adventure" as a guest on my blog. Make sure to come back next week (on the real Wednesday) for another great interview!
First off, before we get to the fun stuff, I just wanted to say a BIG thank you to all of the writers who shared such amazing, heartfelt, and personal stories with us during the month of December. I mean...wow. Some were funny, some were thought provoking, some were tearful, but they were all filled with the reality that there is joy in this season because of Christ. I love that!
Also, I wanted to say thank you to everyone who commented and shared the posts! The reason I do Spread the Christmas Joy is so that we can do just that - spread the JOY of Christ through this season. Fitting that this is my word for the year (but more on this later).
And now, the moment you've all been waiting for ;-) WINNERS! I'll list the date, the giveaway, and the winner below:
December 2, 2015 | Digital copy of A Singular And Whimsical Promise by Rachel McMillan| Leslie McKee
December 3, 2015 | Digital copy of Not Alone by Jennifer Hallmark | Just Commonly December 3, 2015 | Books 1 & 2 in Amanda G. Steven's Haven Seekers Series | Rebecca Bell
December 5, 2015 | An Endless Christmas by Cynthia Ruchti | Deanna Dallenbach December 5, 2015 | Winners choice of one of Pepper D. Basham's digital novels | Just Commonly
December 8, 2015 | Semi-Precious Christmas by Jan Elder | Megan Williford December 8, 2015 | Combo from Melissa Tagg | Carla Moore
*I'm offering an addition copy of her new novella One Enchanted Night because I liked it so much ;) Winner: Ronda Garnett
December 9, 2015 | Through Deep Waters by Sarah Sundin | Bonnie Traher
December 11, 2015 | An eBook copy of Catch of a Lifetime by Candee Fick | Teresa Pollard
December 12, 2015 | Starlight In Her Eyes by JoAnn Durgin | Rebecca Bell December 12, 2015 | No Safe Haven by Kimberly & Kayla R. Woodhouse | Jebraun Clifford December 13, 2015 | $15 Starbucks Card | Jackie Tessnair
December 14, 2015 | A Refuge A Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky | Charity Faith Billing December 15, 2015 | A digital copy of Securing Aisling by Andrea Boyd | Debbie Clatterbuck
December 16, 2015 | Rancher for the Holidays, and one audio book,One Imperfect Christmas by Myra Johnson | Tina Radcliffe December 16, 2015 | Win, Love, or Draw by Crystal L. Barnes | Melanie Backus
December 17, 2015 | A signed copy of Surrendered by Kariss Lynch | Laurie Bergh
