Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Cathy Gohlke - Author Interview & Giveaway - Part 2

Welcome to Part 2 of our interview and giveaway with Christy Award winning author, Cathy Gohlke. Check out the giveaway details at the end of the interview.

3) Cathy, do you have any tips for aspiring authors?

Read, write the best book/article/short story/feature/poem you can at this time in your journey, then revise, work hard, and expect the road to be long and bumpy. Embrace those bumps, twists and turns as gifts from a loving Heavenly Father. They're in your unique path, as they were and are in mine, to learn something valuable--something that will not only make each of us better, stronger people and better, stronger writers, but able to write with the unique voice we've been given.

Take full advantage of the opportunities within your grasp, learn from those who've gone before and from those who are willing to walk beside you. Never-NEVER-compare your work or opportunities with those of others--it is futile, and/or discouraging, and/or leads to pride that knows a sharp-ended timeline.

Share your gifts, bless others with your writing, and stay the course. Surrender each day to theCreator of days, and each opportunity--for joy or sorrow, trusting Him for the results.

If you decide this is more than you want to bite off, there is no shame. There are ways upon ways to honor God with your life, to live out who He created you to be, to "go into all the world and preach the Gospel," and to "love one another." Know the difference between "I should do this" and "I'm made alive by doing this!"

6) I'm already looking forward to another Cathy Gohlke book.What's next on your agenda?

Band of Sisters, which will release in September, was born of a passion to end modern-day slavery, and most of all to ask, "what can I do to help in a need so desperate?"

Here is a summary:

Maureen O'Reilly and her younger sister flee Ireland in hope of claiming the life promised their father over twenty years before.

But after surviving the rigors of Ellis Island, Maureen learns that their NYC benefactor, Colonel Wakefield, has died, and his family, refusing to own hisCivil War debt, casts her out.

Alone, impoverished, and in danger of deportation, Maureen connives to obtain employment in a prominent department store. But she soon discovers that the elegant facade hides a secret that threatens every vulnerable woman in the city.

Despite her family's disapproval, Olivia Wakefield determines to honor her father's debt, but can't find Maureen. Unexpected help comes from a local businessman, who Olivia sees as more than an ally, even as she fears the secrets he's hiding.

As women begin disappearing from the store, Olivia rallies influential ladies in her circle to help Maureen take a stand against injustice and fight for the lives of their growing band of sisters. But can either woman open her heart to divine leading, or the love that might bring?

Thank you, Cathy, for doing this interview.

Thank you so much for having me, Susan. It's been my pleasure and joy to spend time with you and your readers!

Disclosure: The author provided her book for purposes of review. The opinions I've expressed, as usual, are totally mine.

Giveaway Details:
1) The giveaway is open to Followers and new Followers of Christian Writer/Reader Connection, who reside in the United States. The drawing is void where prohibited.

2) Leave a comment on this post with your email address. Next Wednesday, you'll have an opportunity to comment for another entry. If you mention the giveaway on your blog, Facebook page, or Twitter, I'll give you another entry for each one as long as you inform me in your comment here.

3) The deadline is midnight, Saturday, March 31, 2012. The winner will be drawn on Sunday, April 1, 2012, and notified via email. I'll also make an announcement on the blog on Sunday, April 1, 2012. When you send me your snail mail address, I'll forward it to Cathy, and she'll send you her book.

Question for Writers: Did you find a nugget to help in your writing journey? Please share.

Question for Readers: What was your favorite part of the interview?


9 comments:

Jessica Nelson said...

I really like her perspective on "What should I do" and "What makes me alive?"

Excellent points and post!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jess -

I liked that comment as well.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Jeanette Levellie said...

Wow, I think Cathy is a preacher. Sooo encouraging; thanks to you both for this wonderful interview!

I loved, "find the difference between what I should do and what makes me alive." That was priceless.

Please enter my name, and thanks!

jeanettelevellieatgmaildotcom

DenaNetherton said...

I often wonder what I can do to help women in the slave trafficking world.I give money, but I'd like to do more.

Book Like and Sinker said...

I shared on fb please enter me thank you for a chance

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jen - Check out Cathy's website and her article for writers. You'll enjoy it.

Hi Dena - Perhaps Cathy's next book will give you some ideas.

Hi Sarah - Thank you for stopping by, commenting, and sharing on Facebook. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Diane said...

Congrats on this book and good luck with your next one. Sounds great!

estrella8888 at roadrunner dot com

Cathy Gohlke said...

Thank you, Susan, for the opportunity to share with your readers, and thank you all for this wonderful reception!

God's blessings!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Diane - Thanks for commenting.:)

Hi Cathy - Thanks for stopping by. We had fun, didn't we?

Blessings,
Susan :)