Welcome to the blog, Katie! I am soooo excited to have you here and celebrate your debut release, The Sowing Season.

What initially inspired this story?

I have to go all the way back to my childhood to answer this question! I grew up on a dairy farm, like Gerrit, and saw firsthand the good things and bad things that go hand-in-hand with the farming life. Having moved away from the farm myself, and then watched numerous friends and family members also leave their farms for various reasons, it was really on my heart to think through the question: What happens now? After someone has dedicated their whole life to the farm, and then the farm is suddenly gone…what do they do then? That’s where this whole story started.

I love that. My grandpa was a dairy farmer and farm life was his entire life for decades. Your question is so intriguing.

What was your favorite part about getting to know – and write – Gerrit and Rae? Did they surprise you or teach you an important lesson along the way?

My favorite part was the chance to indulge my inner curmudgeon. I discovered I’m really a cranky, old man on the inside!

Haha! 🙂

Something I didn’t necessarily learn but was reminded of along the way was how much freedom there is in forgiveness. When we carry our bitterness around, refusing to give it up, we become trapped in a prison of our own making. When we choose to forgive (which is hard to do!), the chains fall off.

Chains, indeed. Such a good reminder! So thankful Jesus is our chain breaker.

What would you say is the easiest part about being a writer and what is the hardest part?

The easiest part by far is daydreaming and brainstorming in the shower. The hardest part is everything else.

I’ve been so blessed by your blog posts sharing about your experiences as a foster mom. Your heart for children shines through you and your stories. What was one of your favorite books as a child?

Thank you for your kind words! One of my favorite books as a child was The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams. When the Skin Horse tells Rabbit he can become real if a child loves him for a long, long time, the rabbit asks, “Does it hurt?” And the Skin Horse says, “Sometimes. When you are Real you don’t mind being hurt.” And I still think about that.

This makes me want to pick up that book again and read it with my girls.

Can you share with us a piece of writing advice that has made a difference in your career?

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received and followed is to start a new project. Once one book is finished and out in the world (whether to beta readers or on submission with agents or whatever you’ve decided to try to do with it), start a new one. Not only does this keep you from dwelling on the rejections that are guaranteed to come, but it also keeps you moving forward and allows you to grow and improve as a writer. It wasn’t until Book Number Five that I got a contract, and I’m grateful I didn’t sit around waiting for Book Number One to go somewhere!

Yes, that’s great advice! Congrats again on your debut, Katie. Is there anything else you’d like to add? Any upcoming projects you can share with us?

Thank you for having me on your blog! I want to say a big thank you to all the people who have been cheering me on. I am overwhelmed by all the love and support I’ve been receiving, and I can’t believe this is my life. God is so good! As far as upcoming projects…well, let’s just say 2021 is going to be another year of dreams come true for me. 😊

Yay! Can’t wait to see what 2021 holds for all of us. Have a blessed day, friend!

GIVEAWAY!!

Katie has graciously offered to give away a copy of The Sowing Season to one lucky winner. Enter below and it could be YOU! 😉

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for entering! Contest ends September 30, 2020 . The winner will be notified by email. Happy Reading, everybody!