Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Author Interview & Giveaway - Kathryn Cushman - A Promise to Remember - Part 1

Awhile back, I recommended Kathryn (Katie) Cushman's book, "A Promise to Remember." I'm happy we were able to connect for this interview and giveaway. Please watch for the details at the end of this post.


1) Welcome, Katie! How did you go from pharmacist to writer? Did you always want to write or did it sneak up on you one day?

I've always wanted to write. For as long as I can remember, writing a novel was something I was going to do "some day."

Several years ago, my husband's Uncle Charlie was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Charlie was still relatively young, in otherwise good health, and it got me thinking. "What would I do with a diagnosis like that? What would I regret?"

I have two daughters, so of course the obvious answer is that no mother wants to leave her children. But, I also realized that I had never even tried to do the one thing I'd always wanted to do. I began to pray about it and felt as though it might be a true calling. My younger daughter was just about to start kindergarten so I was going to have a little extra time. I decided that succeed or fail, I was going to be able to at least say I tried.

2) Why did you choose Women's Fiction over some other genre?

My first two manuscripts (never published) were actually romantic suspense. When I got the idea for "A Promise to Remember" and began working on it, I discovered that I liked writing books that have a bit of a moral dilemma to them--with no clear wrong or right side. So...that is where I have remained.

3) Can you tell us about your writing process? Seat-of-the-Pants or Plotter? How long does it take you to write a book?

I'm still trying to figure this out. :) I'm mostly seat-of-the-pants, but this has gotten me into trouble more than once, so I'm making a conscious effort to try to plan more. I'm currently working on a new idea, and I'm REALLY trying to plot it out more. We'll see how it works. :)

One book a year is the perfect timeframe for me. I've written faster this year, due to illness in my family and a couple of short deadlines, but I don't enjoy the process nearly as much when I'm rushed.

Stay tuned for Part II of this interview next Wednesday. Now, for the giveaway details:

1) Eligibility: This contest is open to residents of the U.S., but void where prohibited.

2) Leave a comment on this post with your email address in the spam-busting format. Example: susanjreinhardt AT gmail DOT com. Sorry, but no email address = no entry.

3) For an extra entry, please tell me you're a Follower or become a Follower. Maximum entries between the two blog interview posts: Four.

4) Deadline: Saturday, 11/20/10, at midnight.

5) Winner: The winner will be selected by random drawing on Sunday, 11/21/10 and notified via email. An announcement will be posted on the blog on Sunday.

6) Disclaimer: Neither the author nor the publisher sent me this book or requested a review. I'm giving away my personal copy.

Question for you: People talk about a "bucket list." Katie said writing a book was a life-long desire. What's on your "bucket list?"

37 comments:

Anonymous said...

Best wishes for Katie and the "seat of her pants" writing style. I can relate as this is a common style that many writer's have to go through. Have a great week all!

Jessica Nelson said...

Great interview! I think one book a year would be good for me too. Congrats to Kathryn!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Stephen -

Thanks for your comments. I take it you're a plotter?

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jess -

Thanks! I liked Katie's book a lot. She got into the characters' heads and hearts.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Jan Cline said...

Hi Susan and Kathryn,

I love meeting fellow Pansters! Best wishes on the success of this novel.

Im a follower...enter me.
jancline AT ymail DOT com

Patti Lacy said...

Susan, I LOVE your two-part giveaways! So fun!

Katie, hello to a part panster!!!

So cool reading about your book!!!

One book a year sounds perfect after my attempt right now to do two!!!

Blessings to TWO lovely ladies,
Patti

Anonymous said...

I always enjoy reading how author become authors. Another good interview Susan.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jan -

I'm always happy to hear I'm not the only pantser in the publishing world. :)

Part II is next week with another two opportunities to win.

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Patti -

Thanks for coming out of your writing cave to visit.

I always enjoy these author interview/giveaways too. Hmm, seems to me someone else I know will be appearing on this blog in the future. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Lynn -

Hope you're feeling better. I miss your blog posts.

I love asking authors all those things we wonder about.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Beth Herring said...

I really enjoyed this interview - so glad I popped in from Alisa's blog!

Karen Lange said...

Enjoyed this interview, thanks to both of you! I'll have to look into Kathryn's book. Unless I win:)
Blessings,
Karen
I am a follower.
klange61(at)hotmail(dot)com

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Beth -

Welcome to my blog! I post here Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

I hope you'll visit again. Part II of this interview will run on 11/17/10 (Wednesday). :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Karen -

Thanks for entering the giveaway. Have a great day!

Blessings,
Susan :)

misskallie2000 said...

Loved the interview and can't wait to read your book Kathryn.
Thanks for the opportunity to enter giveaway.

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

I am an email subscriber

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

JackieW said...

I've just recently become a follower. On my bucket list is to visit all the state capitols in the US...so far I've only been to a handful of some in the western states. Enjoyed the interview.
JFWisherd(at)aol(dot)com

Sandee61 said...

I'm a new follower.

Blessings,
Sandee61

Sandee61 said...

I enjoyed your interview Katie, and looking forward to reading your book. I'm not a blogger, but do enjoy all the Christian book blogs I subscribe to or follow. I love to read, and love finding new authors.
Thank you for the entry in your giveaway.

Blessings,
Sandee61

Muzzley56[at]aol[dot]com

Sandee61 said...

I forgot my "bucket list"...one I recently checked off, was to go to the ocean. This past August I was lucky enough to go to Ocean Isles, NC with my daughter and eldest granddaughter, and it was wonderful. My first time to the ocean...what a beautiful place to relax and enjoy all the beauty God created. I hope to do more traveling as health permits.

Blessings,
Sandee61

Muzzley56[at]aol[dot]com

Ann Lee Miller said...

I'd like to visit the Asheville area of North Carolina where I spent 10 summers of my youth.
Ann_Lee_Miller@msn.com

Kathryn Cushman said...

Thanks for the nice comments everyone! My current "bucket list" list includes taking Amtrak cross country. Makes me sigh just to think about it :-)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Miss Kallie -

I appreciate you Following via email.

Thanks for entering the giveaway. Don't forget to stop by on 11/17 (Wednesday) for Part II of the interview.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jackie -

Thanks for following Christian Writer/Reader Connection.

I love traveling in the U.S. What a fun goal to visit all the state capitals.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Sandee -

Thanks for entering the giveaway. I hope you'll come back for Part II of the interview and more entries.

I'm glad you were able to fulfill your dream of seeing the ocean. A few years back, I got to see the gorgeous Rocky Mountains in Colorado.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Ann -

Thanks for stopping by and entering the contest.

I always enjoy going back to visit areas that hold special memories. May God give you the desire of your heart. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Katie -

Thanks for doing the interview. We had a good time. :)

Oh, I like your bucket list item. It would probably take me forever though because I'd want to tour each area!

Blessings,
Susan

Julia M. Reffner said...

Great interview! Would love to read this one.

julesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com

Pegg Thomas said...

Writing a book is on my bucket list as well. I've done a good job of covering most of the rest of my list already! I'm a new follower.

Pegg
twinwillowsfarm at gmail dot com

heidi330 said...

Great interview, cant wait to read the rest..ON my bucket list is finish my books. I to have always want to write. I tried when I was home raising my daughters but i went to work. then God decided to throw us a curve ball and we had a baby boy four years ago after my youngest daughter graduated from highschool. So I quit my job and decided this was my time. Its been great. I get to write a lot more now and I get to watch my baby grow up. When he starts kindergarden next year i want to be ready to work on getting published.
Thanks
Heidi
Im follower
heidijohnjeff AT verizon DOT net

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Julia -

Thanks for entering the contest. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Pegg -

Welcome to Christian Writer/Reader Connection! Thanks for becoming a Follower and entering the giveaway.

I'll try to get over to your blog tonight. I love connecting with other writers.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Heidi -

Thanks for entering the giveaway.

My bucket list also includes finishing my books and getting them published. I'm glad to hear you're ready to accomplish your dream.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Jo said...

Great interview.

On my bucket list is travel. I love to travel and have been through quite a few of the states but would love to see them all and also travel to Europe and Israel

Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jo -

Thanks for stopping by and entering the giveaway. I post here Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

I'd also like to do some traveling. I love sightseeing, especially in historical areas.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Kristen said...

Thanks for the interview!
I, too, am a SOTP writer, and I've gotten into quite a few corners!!
Please enter me. I'm a follower.
kristengjohnson at gmail dot com

Robin Prater said...

What a beautiful interview. Kathryn, thank you for sharing your heart. I fell in love with your work when I read Leaving Yesterday for review. It was simply beautifully written.

What is on my bucket list? I don't think I really have one. I have just learned through many trials to just live each day as there is no tomorrow. To enjoy each moment and smile at the joys from the Lord.

I am a follower and so enjoy your blog!!

srpraterATgmailDOTcom

Blessings to you both, Robin Prater