Interview with Katie Ganshert & GIVEAWAY  | The Engrafted Word

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?

Interview with Katie Ganshert & GIVEAWAY  | The Engrafted WordKatie:  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?

Interview with Katie Ganshert & GIVEAWAY  | The Engrafted WordKatie: 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.

Interview with Katie Ganshert & GIVEAWAY  | The Engrafted WordSavanna: 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:

Interview with Katie Ganshert & GIVEAWAY  | The Engrafted Word

“[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/

Interview with Katie Ganshert & GIVEAWAY  | The Engrafted WordFacebook 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!

There are downloads, sign-ups, and freebies—valuable resources that I hope stir your passion for God and His Word. So take your time. Look around. Visit often. – See more at: http://www.mesuandrews.com/#sthash.h5gue3da.dpuf

Interview with Katie Ganshert & GIVEAWAY  | The Engrafted Word

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:
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-Subscribe to The Engrafted Word

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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.