Katie Ganshert graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a degree in education, and worked as a fifth grade teacher for several years before staying home to write full-time. She was born and raised in the Midwest, where she lives with her husband, their young son, and their goofy black lab, Bubba. When she’s not busy writing or playing or reading or snuggling, she is obsessing over the paperwork and the waiting that comes with adoption. She is the author of the Carol Award winning and Christy nominated Wildflowers from Winter and Wishing on Willows. You can learn more about Katie and her books by visiting her website or author Facebook page.
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Welcome to The Engrafted Word, Katie! It’s wonderful to have you here!
Savanna: First of all, CONGRATULATIONS on the release TODAY of your novel, A Broken Kind of Beautiful! I’m so glad we can join you in the celebration! 😉 What was your favorite thing about writing this story and what was the hardest part about writing it?
Katie: What a fun question! I think I have two favorite parts—watching Marilyn’s story unfold. Marilyn is Ivy’s stepmother and she was an unexpected character to bring to life. My editor quickly pointed out that in the original draft, she was very underutilized. She had the most potential, of anyone in the story, to show Ivy unconditional love. So I gave Marilyn a bigger role in the story, and in the process, this journey unfolded for her that really ministered to my heart. I pray it will minister to readers’ hearts as well. The other favorite part was the romance between Ivy and Davis. I had a lot of fun writing the banter between these two.
As far as the hardest part? Probably the editing process. I may have had a mini breakdown when I read the editorial notes. The revisions I had ahead of me felt overwhelming, but man, is the story ever stronger because of them.
Savanna: Did you relate to one character more than the others? If so, can you explain why?
Katie: I relate to Ivy the most. I know that sounds odd. I’ve never been a model and I don’t have anywhere close to the amount of dysfunction in my past as Ivy has in hers. But I think every woman will be able to relate to her on a basic level. Ivy, at her core, is a woman who is looking for worth. She’s looking for value. She’s looking for someone—anyone—to point to her and say, “You are lovely and you are worth fighting for.” That’s a desire I can relate to. I think most women can.
Savanna: If readers could only take away one lesson from this story, what do you hope it would be?
Katie: That desire I was just talking about? God is the only one who was ever meant to fulfill it. Not the world. Not men. But Him. He looks at us in all our brokenness and He calls us beautiful. He calls us lovely. God fights for us and pursues us, not half-heartedly, but with a passion that should take our breath away. That’s the heart of this novel, and that’s what I hope readers come away with.
Savanna: On your website, you share your “Real Life Romance” (which is a pretty adorable story, I must say!) Can you tell us which “romance” of your three books so far was your favorite to write and why?
Katie: Oh man, that’s such a tough question! I loved writing Evan and Bethany. I loved writing Ian and Robin. And I loved writing Davis and Ivy. I’m not sure I can pick a favorite. But I guess if I had to choose, I’d probably pick Ivy and Davis. I had so much writing their banter and they had a lot of fun-to-write vulnerable moments too. Davis is such a tortured, noble character. The way he treated Ivy may have made me swoon a little.
Savanna: On your website, you also share a little bit about the long, emotional process of adopting your little girl. Can you share with us any passage of Scripture that has both strengthened and encouraged you along this particular journey?
Katie: Oh, wow. A LOT! I don’t often use my amplified Bible when I read in the morning, but there’s something about that version that has really ministered to me throughout this process. Right now I’m clinging to this one:
“[Most] blessed is the man who believes in, trusts in, and relies on the Lord, and whose hope and confidence the Lord is.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters that spreads out its roots by the river; and it shall not see and fear when heat comes; but its leaf shall be green. It shall not be anxious and full of care in the year of drought, nor shall it cease yielding fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8
Savanna: I love this passage of Scripture, Katie, and will keep praying for you and your sweet family. Thank you so much for being with us today! How can readers connect with you further?
Katie: Thank you, Savanna! Readers can find me on…
My website: http://katieganshert.com/
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKatieGanshert
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KatieGanshert
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/katieganshert/
I also want to invite everyone to the A Broken Kind of Beautiful Facebook Webcast Party on April 21st. I will be chatting via video, there will be a chat box for you all to ask questions, LOTS of prizes, and some really fun guest appearances by two of my favorite romance authors, Melissa Tagg and Becky Wade! You can check out all the details here. Hope to see you there. And feel free to invite your friends!
GIVEAWAY!!
Katie has graciously offered one autographed copy of A BROKEN KIND OF BEAUTIFUL to one lucky winner!
HOW TO ENTER:
-Leave your name and email in the comments below. (You MUST include your email to be qualified)
GET EXTRA ENTRIES:
(Be sure to tell me in the comments below)
-Subscribe to The Engrafted Word
-Like The Engrafted Word on Facebook
-Share this Giveaway on Social Media
Thanks for entering! Contest is open only in the U.S. and ends April 22, 2014.
Winner will be notified by email.
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If you missed my review of A Broken Kind of Beautiful last week, you can catch it here.
I’m back ~ I have been waiting for Katie Ganshert’s new novel, A Broken Kind of Beautiful. Love your comment in your review, “… readers can’t help but apply lessons to their own lives and will undoubtedly find themselves growing along with them.” Such a wonderful read to come~!~
Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net for the win!! lol
Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
I have done these three things ~ -I am a Subscriber to The Engrafted Word; I have previously Liked The Engrafted Word on Facebook, and have shared this Giveaway on my Facebook news page and … drum roll … at Twitter ~ I REALLY want to win this book! https://twitter.com/LaneHillHouse/status/456105342183563264 and https://twitter.com/LaneHillHouse/status/456104869430972416. YaY! for Katie Ganshert’s new novel! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
LOVE your enthusiasm, Kathleen! 🙂 I’m so excited for you to read this book. I know you’ll love it. Thanks for all your support and for following my blog. You’ll receive 4 entries in the giveaway. Here’s hoping for a win, my friend!
I REALLY enjoyed her first two books and can not wait to read this one!
Thanks for joining us today, Amanda, and for entering in the contest. Good luck!
I have done all of the above…..love Christian novels…..the only kind I read…!
Would love to win! Best wishes to your new book!
Welcome, Judy! You’ll receive 4 entries in the giveaway. Thanks for helping spread the word. 😉
I am a subscriber to Engrafted Word, I liked the FB page, I shared the giveaway on FB and my twitter account ( https://twitter.com/ewemerritt/status/456118860547379200 ) This book sounds great. Ewe_r_merrritt (at) yahoo ( dot) com
You’ll love it, Rachael. Thanks for all your support and sharing the interview. You’ll receive 4 entries in the giveaway as well.
I’ve heard great things about this book! I’m looking forward to reading it. Thanks so much for the giveaway!
I’m a subscriber
I’m a facebook fan
I shared the giveaway on twitter!
colorvibrant at gmail dot com
It’s great to have you here again, Heidi. You’ll receive 4 entries in the giveaway. I can’t wait to read your review on it. 😉
This sounds like a very good book that I would like to read. Shared on Facebook.
Thanks for sharing, Brenda. You’ll receive an extra entry for that in the giveaway. Good luck! 😉
Katie I absolutely loved A Broken Kind of Beautiful. Davis could make me swoon , too!
I know, right? 😉 I loved getting to know Davis in this story. Thanks for joining us today, Tonja!
I’d love to read this book… Thanks for the interview!
writer_weaverATyahooDOTcom
Thanks for reading, Anna. I hope you get a chance to read Katie’s story soon as well. Have a great day!
Liked on facebook and shared!! I would love to subscribe to your blog, but how do I do that?? Not so techno savy 🙂
Hi Jennifer, Top right, “get email updates” across from Katie’s Wishing on Willows cover ~ enter your email address in the blank and click on subscribe button. Very nice site!
Thanks, Kathleen! 😉
Welcome to my blog, Jennifer, and thanks for sharing the interview! You can subscribe to my blog exactly how Lane Hill House above described it. It’s on the right menu of this page, titled “Get Email Updates”. After you’ve entered your email and clicked subscribe, you should receive an email to verify the address. And that’s it. Then just watch for an email whenever I post. 😉 It’s great to have you here. Good luck in the giveaway.
I enjoyed the article and would love to read this. I liked the engrafted word and shared. TY
Hi Lucy! We’re so glad you enjoyed our little chat. I sure loved having Katie as my guest today and I’m so excited for you all to read “A Broken Kind of Beautiful”. You’ll receive 3 entries in the giveaway. Good luck!
Would love to win a copy of this book! Have liked and subscribed to the Engrafted Word. Looking forward to reading it.
cagoar @ yahoo . com
Thanks for stopping by, Cindy, and following my blog too. I can’t wait to see whose name is drawn in this giveaway. Whoever it is will be a lucky winner indeed! 😉 You’ll receive 3 entries in the giveaway.
Looking forward to reading Katie’s new book!
Hope you get to read it soon, Margaret. Have a great day and thanks for visiting!
Hi, Katie and Savanna!!
My thanks to both of you for the wonderful interview!! I’ve heard wonderful things about each of Katie’s books!!
I love the story line behind “A Broken Kind of Beautiful”!! I felt unloved as a young girl and have empathy for the character in this book. It was only when I yielded my life to God’s plans for me that I found unconditional love.
Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of “A Broken Kind of Beautiful” – I would SO love to read it!!
Katie, I’m praying for a quick end to the “red tape” that prevents your bringing your daughter home!!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
I am a subscriber of The Engrafted Word, have already liked the Facebook page, and shared this post on my Facebook page!!
It’s always so good to see you, Bonnie! I pray this story will bless your heart as it did mine. There’s no better theme in any story, in my opinion, than the Lord’s unconditional love for His children. This book is beautiful inside and out, as is the author herself.
Thanks also for supporting The Engrafted Word. You’ll receive 4 entries in the giveaway. 😉 Have a great week, my friend!
Thank you so much for those prayers!
Meagan Williford
meaganlwilliford@gmail.com
I am super excited to read this book. Ever since I discovered Katie Ganshert, I have been waiting for this one to be published. I think it’s going to be awesome!
Hi Meagan! So glad you could join us today. Hope you don’t have to wait much longer to get your hands on a copy! 😉
I liked on facebook and subscribed. mommiebethers{at} gmail.com
Look forward to reading the book!
Thanks, Beth! You’ll receive 3 entries in the giveaway. 🙂
Sounds like a great book! I’ll be looking for it.
Definitely still check it out, Ola, if you don’t happen to win it here. You’ll be so glad you did! 🙂 Good luck in the giveaway.
I look forward to reading Katie’s new book. I have not read any of her books yet and look forward to doing so.
I have liked your FB page and subscribed to your blog.
Thanks!
jennybug52 (at) hotmail (dot) com
It’s great to have you here, Jennifer! I warn you, though, once you’ve read one book of Katie’s… you’ll HAVE to read her others! 😉 Thanks for following my blog. You’ll receive 3 entries in the giveaway.
Would love to read this book! I shared on FB.
Welcome, Teresa! And thanks for sharing. You’ll receive an extra entry in the giveaway. 😉
Carisa Rinne
sessasavvy2000@yahoo.com
Liked, Shared, and subscribed!
I’d love to read thus book!
It was wonderful to see you at the Tulsa show!!
God bless!
Hi Carisa! Thanks again for following and supporting my blog. 😉 It was great to see you in Tulsa as well! Wish we’d gotten to talk books more, though. 😉 Good luck in the giveaway. If I don’t draw your name, I hope you’ll still check out Katie’s book. I highly recommend it!
I cannot wait to read this book! The cover is stunning and the story sounds amazing! Great interview and review!!! 🙂
I Liked on Facebook and subscribed 🙂
Have a great day!!!!
Thanks, Lisa, for stopping by! I hope one way or another you get the opportunity to read this one. Have a blessed day! (Oh, and you’ll receive 3 entries in the giveaway.) 😉
This book sounds wonderful! I love Katie’s writing, she always tugs my heart and challenges my faith. Thank you so much for a chance to win a copy of A Broken Kind of Beautiful!
Liked, subscribed, and shared!
bookluver1492[at]gmail[dot]com
This book certainly continues to do just that, Sarah. 😉 Thanks for joining us. You’ll receive 4 entries in the giveaway as well. Good luck!
Thanks, everyone, for the super encouraging comments! I hope Ivy’s story blesses y’all!
And Savanna – thank you so much for having me!
Thank you, Katie, for taking the time to chat with us. It’s always a delight for me to talk with my favorite authors and share their stories. 🙂 Have a blessed Easter!
Thanks for a great post! I loved Katie’s first book and I’m currently reading her second one. Can’t wait to read the third one too!! I love hearing her heart behind her stories! kosterbind (at) gmail (dot) com
I’m also a subscriber. 🙂
Welcome, Kelly! Ah, you’ll love her third one then as well, I have no doubt. 😉 Thanks for subscribing. You’ll receive an extra entry in the giveaway.
I can not wait to read A Broken Kind Of Beautiful. It sounds like such a great book. So proud of you adopting. We have three adoptive children. They are so worth the wait let me tell you. Congratulations on the book.
Thanks for visiting, Holly, and sharing your encouraging words. Hope you get to read Katie’s book.
Another book that sounds like a great one! I love the thought of God pursuing me passionately & wholly, even when (in my human mind), I don’t believe I am worthy of His love. Wow, how awesome is that? I am a subscriber to the Engrafted Word, have liked it on Facebook & will be sharing it after my comment here. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of this book!
Trixi O.
teamob4@gmail.com
It really is amazing, Trixi. And to know that HIS love is not fiction at all, but complete truth!! So humbled by HIS story most of all. 😉 Thank you for sharing and visiting with us today. Hope you have a blessed Easter as well.
I am just getting caught up with your blog due to a busy last week. This book does sound good.
I follow you on Facebook, and subscribe to your blog. I will see if I can share it.
Thanks for stopping in, Nancy! I hope you’re having a good week so far. 😉 You’ll receive your extra entries in this giveaway as well. Good luck!