Interview with Courtney Walsh & GIVEAWAY | The Engrafted WordCourtney Walsh is a published author, scrapbooking expert, theatre director and playwright. Her debut novel, A Sweethaven Summer, was released in February, 2012 by Guideposts Books, and will be followed by two additional novels in the series. She has also written two papercrafting books, Scrapbooking Your Faith and The Busy Scrapper and is currently working on her third, The Scrapcrafter’s Idea Book (F&W Publications, February, 2013.)

Courtney has been a contributing editor for Memory Makers Magazine and Children’s Ministry Magazine and is a frequent contributor to Group Publishing curriculum, newsletters and other publications. She has also written several full-length musicals, including her most recent, The Great American Tall Tales and Hercules for Christian Youth Theatre, Chicago. Courtney is a member of ACFW and is the current PR Manager for Webster’s Pages, a scrapbooking manufacturer. She lives in Colorado with her ultra creative husband and three children.

For more, visit her at http://courtneywalshwrites.com/

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Interview with Courtney Walsh & GIVEAWAY | The Engrafted WordWelcome back to the blog, Courtney. I’m so glad to have you here today. Congratulations on your new release, Change of Heart. What a perfect cover!

Thank you!! 🙂 I admit, I love the cover! The folks at Tyndale do such a beautiful job!!

What do YOU love most about this story?

I think this is the most delicate story I’ve ever written because the emotions are pretty raw with these characters. I like that I got to uncover the depth in both of my characters’ lives and dig out the truth for each of them. Also, in many ways I relate to Evelyn, my heroine. Her struggles with people pleasing and anxiety are very familiar to me, so it was especially good for me to walk through that journey with her.

How many books are you typically working on at once? (From first story spark to publication and beyond) 🙂

I read somewhere you should only ever work on one at a time, but I’ve recently discovered that for me, that’s not necessarily the rule. When I’m on a tight deadline, I usually try to focus solely on the story I need to write, but sometimes edits for something else will come in OR I’ll get an idea when I’m trying to go to sleep and I have to at least write out a general synopsis. I’ve learned that creativity is an elusive beast—when she pays me a visit, I clear my schedule to spend time with her.

Love it. Wise words. 😉 If you could go out to lunch with one of your characters, who would it be and why?

Interview with Courtney Walsh & GIVEAWAY | The Engrafted WordI probably shouldn’t say Trevor Whitney, though I do love him so. I think I would want to go have lunch with the Valentine Volunteers—even Ursula. I know that’s not technically ONE character, but in my mind, they’re sort of a unit. I think they are a collective of wisdom (and humor) and I like them so very much.

I enjoyed seeing pictures from one of your book signings on your website. Can you share a favorite memory from that very first book signing?

I had moved from Illinois to Colorado, but I went back to Illinois for my launch party and first book signing. The thing I remember most is how so many of the teenagers I had worked with prior to moving came out and bought my book. Even boys. I was so incredibly moved by that and the way my friends and family supported me. I remember watching Illinois disappear out the window of the plane and thinking it was the first time I’d been homesick since moving. We ended up moving back and I’m so glad we did. Here among the cornfields—this is my home.

Interview with Courtney Walsh & GIVEAWAY | The Engrafted WordThat is so special. Thanks for sharing that. What’s something your readers would be surprised to know about you?

Gosh, probably not much. I am a pretty open book (and a pretty boring person—Ha!) I guess it would be surprising to know the only thing I ever wanted to be growing up was an actor. I had no aspirations about writing until after I graduated college and worked in ministry for a few years—even though I have a degree in journalism. I double majored to be “practical” but, in truth, it was the theatre degree I expected I’d need. Funny to see the ways I’ve ended up using both degrees in my life. My husband and I now own a performing arts studio AND I write novels. (Maybe God set me up?) 🙂

That’s really cool, Courtney! God has a plan for you, that’s for sure! Thank you so much for being with us today. Is there anything else you’d like to add? Any upcoming projects you can share with us?

Nothing I can discuss just yet…but I’m very excited about the new stories I get to write!

Can’t wait to read what you have up next! 🙂 Blessings on your 2016.

GIVEAWAY!!

Courtney has graciously offered a copy of Change of Heart to one lucky reader! Enter below and it could be YOU! ;)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for entering! Contest is open to US residents only and ends March 15, 2016.  The winner will be notified by email. Happy Reading, everybody!