Giveaway and Author Interview: Yesterday's Tomorrow

Welcome to Writing for Christ, Cathy West, it is great to have you here! Do you have an interesting fact about yourself the average reader probably doesn’t know?

Thanks for having me! Well, I suppose it’s pretty interesting that I live in Bermuda! Yes, it’s an island in the Atlantic, about 700 miles north off the coast of North Carolina. I was born and raised here, aside from two years at a boarding school in England, and seven years in Canada, where our two children were born.

What surprised you the most about being a published author?

That I have to write another book. Kidding. Actually, I’m not sure anything has surprised me yet, but then I haven’t received a lot of book reviews yet, so maybe ask me in another few months! Actually, it’s a little surprising to discover just how much work goes into promoting a novel. I’m finding that I need to be careful to balance my writing time between doing all the legwork involved in getting the word out about Yesterday’s Tomorrow. So far so good!

Do you have a favorite genre to read/write?

Yes, romance! Well, it’s a toss-up between romance and women’s fiction. I love reading issue-driven books, and I love writing them. But nothing beats a good old-fashioned romance with a a happily ever after ending! I think romances are a lot more fun to write, but I tend to have fun regardless. My characters get up to all sorts of shenanigans. I also really enjoy family-saga novels, which is what I’m working on at the moment. Some of my favorite authors are Deb Raney, Lisa Wingate, Debbie Macomber, Maeve Binchy and Kate Morton, to name just a few. I read widely within CBA and ABA.

When you aren’t writing or interacting with fans, what do you enjoy doing?

Honestly, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two kids. My daughter is away at college and my son is on his way there this fall, so when we’re all under the same roof, it’s really special. We have a great time together, share a quirky sense of humor served up with a side of sarcasm, if you don’t ‘get us’, you’ll sit there thinking we’re a bit shy of a full deck, but we have a blast. My kids and husband are all musical, and I enjoy singing, so sometimes we’ll just bust out the guitars and work on some worships sets, which is awesome.

I’m also an avid gardener, love roses and orchids, and a dog lover. My family will tell you they’re not sure where they’d stand if we were all on a sinking ship and I had to choose to save either them or my border collie, Noah! And I’m not answering that on the internet. J

Do you have a nugget of writing advice that has completely changed how you view writing?

Wow. It would be hard to come up with just one thing. For me, I’d have to say it was realizing just how much I had to learn about the craft. It’s one thing to have a love of story, but it’s another thing entirely to learn how to tell it, and tell it well. It’s important to be part of a writer’s group, immerse yourself in books on craft, go to conferences and get paid critiques, join a critique group. It’s an ongoing process, and a grueling one at times. Don’t take yourself too seriously. J

What do you enjoy most about being a published author?

The money, talking to Oprah, and the free chocolate. Oh, you want a serious answer? Okay. J

Getting that first contract was a moment I’ll never forget. I suppose what I enjoy most is the fact that I no longer have to explain that yes, I’m a writer, but no, I’m not published. Yet. Unless you’re in the business, it’s a tough process to understand. It’s great to know that there is still hope for unpublished authors. It’s a little nerve-wracking to know that at last my dream has come true, I have a book out, because people are, I hope, actually going to read it!

What do you like readers to take away from your books?

I like to hear that the reader has made an emotional connection with my characters and what they go through. I don’t pretend to assume that my stories will change lives, but I hope they at least entertain, and perhaps open doors of curiosity to wanting to know more about the things I write about and the God I believe in.

Places for readers to learn more about you?

My Website: Http://www.catherinejwest.com

My Blog: Http://www.catherinewestblog.blogspot.com

My Publisher: Http://www.oaktara.com

Thank you for being with us today!

It was great to be here! J

Okay readers, here is your chance to enter to win Cathy's book.

Please leave an email address. If I draw your name and there is no email, you will not win!

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Contest is in the U.S. and internationally (since Cathy lives in England) void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org. I am not responsible for any lost or damaged items for said prize.

Thanks for coming by to enter! Contest ends on April 1st.