Writer Behind the Words

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Casey Herringshaw is a homeschool graduate and has been writing since high school. She is a rural Eastern Oregon transplant into the oh-so-large city of Colorado Springs, where she lives her dream stalking—er visiting with her favorite Colorado authors. Taking the stories God has placed on her heart is one scary and invigorating journey, but one she wouldn’t want to trade for something more mundane and boring like cleaning her apartment (which is in part of a home built in 1904—not to make anyone jealous though). Casey is a member of ACFW and their Carol Award Coordinator. You can connect with her through her personal blog, Writing for Christ, or her group blog, The Writers Alley.

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Welcome to the blog, Casey! I’m so happy you could join us today!

Thank you for having me, Savanna! It’s great to be here.

So tell us… When did you first start writing?

I first started writing in Junior High—what feels like a long time ago (but really wasn’t that far behind me!). I was homeschooled and my dad saw an aptitude in me for the written word. I wrote a series of short stories (that I still have and try to avoid reading at all costs—LOL!) through those two years in Junior High and then wrote my first novel—a Civil War historical in High School. I still think of that story—my first story—with fondness. Though, it will probably never, ever see the light of publication. And I’m ok with that. : -)

What are you working on right now?

My novel writing journey is a bit dry at the moment as life has taken me a different direction from being able to truly dedicate to my craft. And for now, I’m ok with that. I have a contemporary romance that is quietly mulling in the back of my mind that I hope to someday write. It combines so many of my favorite things: the Colorado mountains, ranching and sassy characters.

In the meantime though, I’m excited to say I’m working to get my blog back up and running! After three years of letting it sleep, I’m slowing bringing it back to life and hope to have it converted to a domain name and once again active around the first of the year. I’m excited to reconnect with my readers in that forum once again.

That’s exciting. I love your blog!

What’s something you love about your home state?

I grew up in Oregon and now live in Colorado. I love Oregon because it’s where I grew up, where my family is and it will always hold a nostalgia in my heart.

You can’t beat the mountains of Colorado and I’m so grateful to have this chance to live in and explore this beautiful state. One of my favorite things to do is book a weekend getaway—even just one night—into a nearby mountain town and find some trail to hike. My camera and I find lots of pretty things to occupy us. 😉

I definitely need to plan my next vacation there! 😉

What’s one of your favorite books?

Gosh! This is a hard question to answer. I’ll go with the first book that comes to mind: Never the Bride by Rene Gutteridge and Cheryl McKay. It was a novel that changed how I looked at my single life and impacted how I lived my life as a single person. Pretty powerful when fiction accomplishes this, wouldn’t you say? In fact, this reminds me, I’m probably due to re-read that one again. :- )

What is one of your favorite Scripture verses?

“…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

A favorite of mine too. 😉

What’s been one of the most challenging aspects of writing?

For me, it’s the editing process. I just don’t love it. Primarily, because I’m still working to understand it. And while I greatly value it and know it’s worth, getting down and dirty and doing the work just isn’t my favorite part of the process.

And also, as it is for many writers, the waiting. Letting God guide the reins of where my career—or maybe even—lack of a career—in publishing is a matter of trust. Of not rushing ahead. Of knowing He has the best plans for me and that He’s just calling me to be faithful to His call. This writing journey has deepened my faith walk, because it’s not just me out there trying to publish a book. It’s me, by His side, praying for His guidance and direction and my heart to be patient for His perfect timing.

Girl, can I give you a hug?! 🙂 Your words are a needed reminder for me too.

Can you share a word of advice to other writers out there on the road to publication?

Be willing to follow God wherever He calls you on this journey toward publication. It’s not going to look exactly how you planned. It’s not going to be smooth, but it will be worth it. You will be challenged, but you will also be greatly blessed. Be willing to slow down. To breathe in. To not hold so tightly and wish to control something that is beyond it. And be amazed when God blows the socks off your expectations!

Wise words. Thank you, Casey. It’s been so fun chatting with you today.

GIVEAWAY!!

Casey has graciously offered to give away a surprise stash of books to one lucky reader. That’s right, a STASH of books! 😉 Enter below and it could be YOU! ;)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for entering! Contest is open only in the U.S. and ends October 25, 2017. The winner will be notified by email. Happy Reading, everybody! 😉