tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9407547072898558362024-03-13T23:25:40.559-05:00Katie GanshertOn life and writing and the fuzzy line in betweenKatie Gansherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150375338556869812noreply@blogger.comBlogger357125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940754707289855836.post-81897087076569249152011-11-18T07:05:00.001-06:002011-11-20T07:57:14.304-06:00I Moved!Hey everyone! If my posts usually show up in your Blogger dashboard or Google Reader, they won't any longer unless you do one of the following:<br />
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<b>From Google Reader</b>: find the red SUBSCRIBE button (top left), hit it, then enter my blog URL (www.katieganshert.com/blog) into the space provided.<br />
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<b>From Blogger Dashboard:</b> find the blue ADD button (bottom left), hit it, then enter my blog URL (www.katieganshert.com/blog) into the space provided.<br />
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You can also go to my new blog and subscribe via email, which is available on the sidebar.<br />
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<b>My new home is:</b> <a href="http://www.katieganshert.com/" target="_blank">www.katieganshert.com</a><br />
<b>My new blog is:</b> <a href="http://www.katieganshert.com/blog" target="_blank">www.katieganshert.com/blog</a><br />
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So sorry for the inconvenience! I'd absolutely love to see you over at my new home!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></div>Katie Gansherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150375338556869812noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940754707289855836.post-91773688375181040792011-11-16T05:00:00.047-06:002011-11-16T05:00:04.146-06:00Goodbyes and New Adventures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pkph1HcR_oY/Tr8-Louy0GI/AAAAAAAAAzg/iW1GUqVKWiY/s1600/moving+boxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pkph1HcR_oY/Tr8-Louy0GI/AAAAAAAAAzg/iW1GUqVKWiY/s400/moving+boxes.jpg" width="379" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div>This post comes with a twinge of sadness.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Because today I'm saying goodbye. Today is the last day I will be posting here. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Endings always make me a bit sad. Especially when I'm saying goodbye to something that's been so good to me. It's sort of like when Ryan and I moved out of our itty-bitty house in Verona (seriously people, this place could easily be mistaken for our neighbor's garage). It was our very first home together and it contained so many fun memories.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Just like this blog. </div><div><br />
</div><div>This was my first writing home. The place where I came out of the closet, publicly labeled myself a writer, stated my ambitions for the entire world to see, and chased after the dream.<br />
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This is the place where I met all of YOU! You wonderful, supportive, amazing people who brighten my day with your comments and community and conversation. Do you have any idea what a blessing you all are? Do you have any idea how much I wish I could sit down with each of you over a cup of tea (or coffee if that's your flavor) and talk?</div><div><br />
</div><div>So yes, I'm a bit sad.</div><div><br />
</div><div>But past that twinge of sadness and nostalgia, I'm eager and excited!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Although I'm saying goodbye to this blog, I'm saying hello to my new-and-improved cyber home. A place where I hope the community and conversation continues to grow and blossom. Because unlike real-life moves where you have to say farewell to friends and neighbors and start all over again, I get to take you all with me!<br />
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And just like with a real-life move, we were able to pack up my posts and move them over to my new blog. So the furniture should look familiar.</div><div><br />
</div><div>My talented web designer, Jason Walker, will transfer over subscribers and redirect my Google feed later today. That means if you are following me via Google Connect, we <i>think </i>(stress think) that my blog posts should still show up in your dashboard (if you use blogger) even though I'm now on WordPress. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Without further ado.....let me give you my address! From there, you will be able to navigate around the rest of my website.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>My blog</b>: <a href="http://www.katieganshert.com/blog" target="_blank">www.katieganshert.com/blog</a></div><div><br />
</div><div>I would absolutely love, love, love to see your face over at my new home. There's lots to see, so come on over and help me break this place in!</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Let's Talk:</b> Tell me how you feel about goodbyes here. Then come on over to my new home and tell me how you feel about new beginnings!</div><div><br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></div>Katie Gansherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150375338556869812noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940754707289855836.post-75806644636237739012011-11-14T05:00:00.016-06:002011-11-14T07:37:21.229-06:00Preparing for Launch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GezFyB0FapU/Tr7wn3LCIBI/AAAAAAAAAzY/dCP7egnLHiE/s1600/lift+off.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GezFyB0FapU/Tr7wn3LCIBI/AAAAAAAAAzY/dCP7egnLHiE/s400/lift+off.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><br />
Let me tell you, my life is crazy.<br />
<br />
Crazy, crazy, crazy.<br />
<br />
Good crazy.<br />
<br />
Fun crazy.<br />
<br />
But still crazy.<br />
<br />
Here's a brief look at what I've been working on lately:<br />
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Promo materials for a sales conference at my pub house, feedback on copypack material, gathering a list of influencers, finalizing endorsers, going through <i>Wildflowers </i>once again to look over copyedits, working on my new blog and website, and trying to find the time to work on my latest WIP.<br />
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I found three gray hairs growing from my scalp the other day. People, I am just twenty-nine! Gray hairs have no bidness hanging out on my head.<br />
<br />
Anyway, it's been crazy.<br />
<br />
But I would not, would not, would not trade any of this craziness for the world.<br />
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Because this craziness means one of my dreams is coming to fruition. And all this stuff has been pretty fun.<br />
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The most time-consuming task on my recent to-do list has been my website/blog. Can I just tell you how excited I am for this puppy to launch? Okay, let me.<br />
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I'm excited!<br />
<br />
And now to the point of this entire post.<br />
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I am preparing for lift off. My new website and blog will launch this Wednesday. We're hoping to avoid as many hiccups and glitches as possible as we transfer my blog over to Word Press. I apologize in advance for anything wonky that may happen. Please let me know if it does!<br />
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With all that said, I hope to see you over at my new digs in dos dias (two days, for all you non-Spanish speaking folk).<br />
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In the meantime, here is a blooper reel from various vlogs and website video I've been trying to put together. I hope you will be thoroughly entertained.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JtkIlaFjKzY" width="420"></iframe><br />
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<b>Let's Talk: </b>Tell me about the craziness in your life! What've you been up to?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">In other news, there will be a limited number of advance copies of <i>Wildflowers </i>for those who want to help me spread the word about my book. Please let me know if you're interested. You can email, FB, or Tweet me! katie@katieganshert.com</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">If you'd like to know more about what it means to help spread the word, please check out Jody Hedlund's blog post, <a href="http://jodyhedlund.blogspot.com/2010/06/being-influencer-isnt-just-about.html" target="_blank">Being an Influencer isn't Just About Getting a Free Book</a>. </div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></div>Katie Gansherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150375338556869812noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940754707289855836.post-80610310238509070622011-11-11T05:00:00.001-06:002011-11-11T05:00:02.639-06:00Love at First Sight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k6MgWe6Z0EM/TrHzVPOvi8I/AAAAAAAAAzI/P4femGy-9Eo/s1600/love+at+first+sight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k6MgWe6Z0EM/TrHzVPOvi8I/AAAAAAAAAzI/P4femGy-9Eo/s400/love+at+first+sight.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
What say you?<br />
<br />
Does it exist or does it not?<br />
<br />
I say no. It doesn't.<br />
<br />
And I might get absolutely slaughtered by the comment I'm about to make. Like, totally clobbered. So imagine me saying this from behind my couch.<br />
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But for me, love at first sight didn't even exist with my child. Unlike the movies you see in Hollywood, I was not a teary-eyed mother overcome with emotion and love for my wee little babe. I was more like, "Thank you Lord that this kid is out of me and holy crow, he looks like my brother."<br />
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I was enamored by my little one. And excited for what was to come. But I don't think I fell in love with him the first time I saw his squishy, Elmer Fudd nose. He still felt like such a stranger.<br />
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It was over the course of sleepless nights and bare-skinned cuddles and his little fist wrapping around my finger and first smiles and all the other million things a mother experiences in that first month of motherhood that made me fall in love with my son.<br />
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So I'll ask it again.<br />
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<b>Let's Talk: </b>What say you? Does love at first sight exist?<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">*photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47396069@N07/4436607114/" target="_blank">Maxybon</a></span></i><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></div>Katie Gansherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150375338556869812noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940754707289855836.post-34005074369690966182011-11-09T05:00:00.004-06:002011-11-09T05:00:13.078-06:00Dead Ends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OngLDknafOI/TrGvPckRI1I/AAAAAAAAAzA/wc1u7z-04Mo/s1600/dead+end.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OngLDknafOI/TrGvPckRI1I/AAAAAAAAAzA/wc1u7z-04Mo/s400/dead+end.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Here's a lesson I'm learning about God.<br />
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Sometimes, as we travel this journey called life, He prompts us to go a certain direction. Perhaps through Scripture or a sermon or prayer or a yearning or a heaviness that sits inside our chest.<br />
<br />
So we set out on the road with high hopes and expectations.<br />
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But sometimes, for whatever reason, we find ourselves at a dead end. And most often, it's painful and confusing. Yet if we open our eyes and surrender our plans, we'll discover a new path.<br />
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A path we never would have considered had we not gone down that first road.<br />
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I'm learning more and more every day that we don't worship a God of dead ends.<br />
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<b>Let's Talk: </b>Have you ever gone a certain way with your life, hoping for something, but God gave you something else instead?<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">*picture by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tattooedfolk/490626203/" target="_blank">tatooedfolk</a></span></i><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></div>Katie Gansherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150375338556869812noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940754707289855836.post-60846195453999312322011-11-07T05:52:00.000-06:002011-11-07T05:52:07.849-06:00Websites, websites, websites<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EEqHEuxdfSo/TrcCYiKF9II/AAAAAAAAAzQ/KMxORX19PFc/s1600/author+website.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EEqHEuxdfSo/TrcCYiKF9II/AAAAAAAAAzQ/KMxORX19PFc/s400/author+website.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>I'm not an indecisive person. I don't have a hard time making decisions. In fact, I have to make a concerted effort to pause and pray before jumping in with a yes or a no. I've never been one of those girls who sits and deliberates between two pairs of jeans or two pairs of shoes. I just pick.</div><div><br />
</div><div>At least not until I started working on my website.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Now, all of a sudden, I've turned into one of those women. I waffle back and forth between the silliest things. Like, "Should my signature be in the bottom center or the bottom left of each blog post?" </div><div><br />
</div><div>Thankfully, my web designer, <a href="http://www.websiteministries.com/" target="_blank">Jason Walker</a>, is incredibly patient and accommodating. If he thinks I'm nuts for having him change the order of the sidebar content for the fifth time, he doesn't let on.</div><div><br />
</div><div>But seriously people, this website thing is heavy on the brain. Especially since we're supposed to launch mid-November. And that's next week!</div><div><br />
</div><div>My amazingly awesome in-house marketer (and good friend) put together this <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/kgweblink" target="_blank">survey</a>, which will help me as I consider what content to upload before launch. </div></div><div><br />
</div><div>Despite my indecisiveness, there are a few things I have decided.</div><div><br />
</div><div>One of which is a newsletter. Yeah. I'm not going to do one. Mainly because I don't read newsletters and I'd have no idea what to write. So instead, I thought, why not do some sort of welcome pack? Why not write some devotionals that go along with the themes of my two books and send them out with a letter of welcome and thanks and perhaps some book marks or name plates? I have no idea if this will be a hit or a flop, but I figure, I'll never know unless I try, right?</div><div><br />
</div><div>I've also decided I want to incorporate video. Not sure yet how I'm going to do this, I just know I want to. So if you have any suggestions there, have at it! Trust me, I'm all ears!</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Let's Talk:</b> What features do you like to see on an author's website? For example, Karen Kingsbury has a place where readers can write prayer requests. I love it, because not only does it show readers she cares, it fosters such a sense of community. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Any and all thoughts are much appreciated as I work on getting my website ready for public eyes. I promise to not to steal any ideas without your full consent! </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></div>Katie Gansherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150375338556869812noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940754707289855836.post-28053186338926930182011-11-04T05:00:00.003-05:002011-11-04T05:00:11.117-05:00My Writing ProcessThis question is from <a href="http://www.thoughtsthatmove.blogspot.com/">Ms. Wendy Paine Miller</a>. And okay, I didn't get it under two minutes, like I wanted. But I talked as fast as I could!<br />
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For all you pantsers out there, get ready to cringe.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2jKr6kfeNtw?rel=0" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
For you readers out there who have no idea what the words plotter or pantser mean, allow me to explain.<br />
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I'm a <b>plotter</b>. I plot out my story before I sit down to write the rough draft.<br />
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There are others out there who call themselves <b>pantsers</b>. They don't plot before they sit down to write the rough draft. They wing it. Or, they write by the seat of their<i> pants</i>. And somehow they do not suffer from ulcers. It's completely baffling.<br />
<br />
If you have a question you'd like me to answer via vlog, please send them my way (either in the comments section or in an email). If you missed my previous vlogs and want to take a look, you can find them on my <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/KatieGanshert" target="_blank">youtube channel</a>.<br />
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<b>Let's Talk: </b>What's your writing process like? For you nonwriting readers, what kind of writer do you think you'd be?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></div>Katie Gansherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150375338556869812noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940754707289855836.post-34158340949571477492011-11-02T05:00:00.179-05:002011-11-02T05:00:12.691-05:00Live Messy<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HwDumPjWC-g/Tq3gc0HowOI/AAAAAAAAAy4/0ykf52T9mUU/s1600/cliff+jumping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HwDumPjWC-g/Tq3gc0HowOI/AAAAAAAAAy4/0ykf52T9mUU/s400/cliff+jumping.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><br />
</div><div>Do you ever feel like God's calling us to live messy? At least a lot messier than we are?</div><div><br />
</div><div>I don't mean neglecting the laundry or tossing the vacuum. I mean stepping outside the orderly. Stepping outside the safe. Stepping outside the bubble-wrapped. I mean rolling up our sleeves and getting dirty.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Sometimes I get the feeling that my life's too tidy. Too neat. Too sanitized.</div><div><div><br />
</div><div><div>I go the easy way because the hard's too much work. </div><div><br />
</div><div>But you know what? </div><div><br />
</div><div>We don't experience God in the easy. There's no growth to be had in the simple. </div><div><br />
</div><div>We experience God when things are so hard and so out-of-our-control and so untidy that all we can do is throw up our hands and trust that He will show up in the midst of the chaos. </div><div><br />
</div><div>A couple Sundays ago, my pastor said something that spoke so powerfully to my heart. To my husband's too. He said, "If you want to be filled with the Holy Spirit, then get in over your heads."<br />
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Too often, I put off the promptings of the Spirit until I have everything organized and figured out and straightened up.<br />
<br />
Too often, I ignore the impulses of the Spirit because it feels too messy. Too complicated. Too out of my control. Too over my head.<br />
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But maybe that's the point.<br />
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Maybe, when we step outside the safe lines that make up our lives, we see His grace and His power and His provision in a way we never would had we stuck with the status quo.</div></div><div><br />
</div><div>Maybe in those risky, uncertain moments, His glory shines the brightest. </div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Let's Talk: </b>Tell me about a time you got messy and risked for God. <br />
<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">*Picture by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/52279629@N00/377428786/" target="_blank">aidan1923</a></span></i></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></div>Katie Gansherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150375338556869812noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940754707289855836.post-32184328687661734242011-10-31T05:00:00.022-05:002011-10-31T09:55:49.644-05:00Three Keys to Following Your Heart's Desire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b0NrQsQ25l8/Tq2mnwln3NI/AAAAAAAAAyo/bmM2ePOAWVs/s1600/LisaHeadshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b0NrQsQ25l8/Tq2mnwln3NI/AAAAAAAAAyo/bmM2ePOAWVs/s400/LisaHeadshot.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Guest post by Lisa Jordan</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">In <i>The Wizard of Oz</i>, Kansas farm girl Dorothy runs away to find her heart’s desire. A tornado hits her area and she ends up traveling to the magical land of Oz along with her three companions who are searching for their own hearts’ desires—the scarecrow, tin man, and lion. Dorothy is a fictional character, but her story resonates with us who have our own hearts’ desire. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">This week I’m celebrating the release of my debut novel, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lakeside-Reunion-Love-Inspired-Jordan/dp/0373877080/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319847207&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><i>Lakeside Reunion</i></a>. This book is the story of my heart and dedicated to my husband. Achieving my dream of becoming a published author happened because of three Ps—passion, perseverance and patience. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><b>Passion:</b> When I was sixteen, I read a novel by a popular secular author whose words captured my tender heart and held it captive until the end of the novel. Her happily ever after ending made my heart sigh with satisfaction. I credit the novel as the catalyst for my ultimate heart’s desire of becoming a novelist. As a happily ever after girl who loved God, I chose to write contemporary Christian romance. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">As with any dream, life has a way of detouring our heart’s desire, taking us down unexpected paths. I fell in love and married a handsome Marine (we celebrated our 22<sup>nd</sup> anniversary yesterday), and we’ve been blessed with two sons. Additionally, I operate an in-home childcare business. When my boys were young, I focused on them. After all, as much as we moms would love to, we can’t recapture their childhoods. As they grew older, I returned to my dream of becoming a novelist. The dream never left—it was simply sidelined for a season. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><b>Persistence:</b> Becoming a novelist doesn’t happen overnight. My publication journey took over 10 years. I continued to develop and hone my skills. Working full-time in my home, caring for my family, returning to school to earn my early childhood degree, and my other responsibilities made finding writing time a challenge at times, but I wanted it badly enough, so I fought to find time in my crazy schedule. The late nights, ignoring the piles of dirty laundry and letting the family fend for themselves at meal times finally paid off when my agent called to let me know my dream had become a reality. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">Following your heart’s desire requires daring to dream and stepping outside of your comfort zone. Fear of the unknown may have you quitting before you even get started. Stepping out in faith enables you to see beyond by your own limitations and see what God can do through you. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><b>Patience:</b> Your heart’s desire may cause you to create unrealistic expectations of yourself and others. Know your strengths and your weaknesses. Have a teachable spirit and be willing to listen to guidance, particularly to those with more experience than you may have. You have something to offer, so don’t sell yourself short. However, just be aware, every new venture requires a learning curve and a willingness to listen. Dreams take time to achieve. Put a plan in place with SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, timely) goals. Don’t rush the process. Celebrate each milestone as you work toward your overall goal.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">Think about the legacy you will leave behind for others. Do you want to be known as someone who played it safe and shelved her heart’s desire, or do you want to be known as someone a woman who had the passion, patience and persistence to follow her dream? The only person standing in the way of your dream is you, so step aside and allow your heart to lead. As Henry David Thoreau said, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Your Turn: </b>Are you following your heart’s desire? If not, what’s holding you back?</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Lisa is holding a scavenger hunt and lakeside photo contest to promote her Lakeside Reunion release. Plus, blog commenters on her blog hop will be put in a drawing for fun prizes—breakfast basket, Love Inspired Authors basket, autographed copies of </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lakeside-Reunion-Love-Inspired-Jordan/dp/0373877080/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319847207&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Lakeside Reunion</span></i></a><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">. Visit her </span><a href="http://www.lisajordanbooks.com/p/copyright-2011-by-harlequin-enterprises.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Lakeside Reunion Contest</span></a><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> page for more information.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xyXN8w90SuU/Tq2m0oeX3OI/AAAAAAAAAyw/oN6dxQ34to0/s1600/Lakeside+Reunion+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xyXN8w90SuU/Tq2m0oeX3OI/AAAAAAAAAyw/oN6dxQ34to0/s320/Lakeside+Reunion+Cover.jpg" width="202" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; font-family: Cambria, serif; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">Bed-and-breakfast owner Lindsey Porter prays she won’t run into Stephen Chase when she returns to Shelby Lake.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; font-family: Cambria, serif; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">Five years ago, the cop jilted her to marry another woman, and Lindsey fled town. But no sooner does she hit city limits than Stephen pulls her over for a broken taillight. Despite the past, he’s still able to stir up Lindsey’s old feelings for him. Now a widower and single dad, Stephen recognizes a second chance when he sees one. And he’ll do anything to make Lindsey trust in God and take a risk for love—again.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1pt; font-family: Cambria, serif; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">Read<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.harlequin.com/store.html?itemid=24829&cid=416" target="_blank">an excerpt of Lakeside Reunion</a></span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Heart, home and faith have always been important to Lisa Jordan, so writing stories that feature them come naturally to her. She has been writing contemporary Christian romance for more than a decade. Her debut novel, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lakeside-Reunion-Love-Inspired-Jordan/dp/0373877080/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320003717&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Lakeside Reunion</a></span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">, will be released in November by Love Inspired. Her second novel, Lakeside Family, will be released in August 2012 by Love Inspired. Happily married for over twenty years, Lisa and her husband have two young adult sons. When she isn't writing or caring for children in her in-home childcare business, Lisa enjoys family time, romantic comedies, good books, crafting with friends and feeding her NCIS addiction. Visit her at <a href="http://www.lisajordanbooks.com/" target="_blank">www.lisajordanbooks.com</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">to learn more about her writing. </span></i><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><b>**The token for this blog post is a heart**</b></span></i><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><b>Katie here! Hey readers, I need your help! Could you please fill out this <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/kgweblink" target="_blank">quick 2-minute survey</a> to help me with my author website? Anyone who participates has a chance to win a bunch 'o books from my publisher! Thanks bunches!</b></span></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></div>Katie Gansherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150375338556869812noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940754707289855836.post-42748841224427205372011-10-28T05:00:00.003-05:002011-10-28T06:52:50.135-05:00Redefining Romance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eADbYf27gy4/TqTZzviVTeI/AAAAAAAAAx8/HAa1H2HuiBo/s1600/fabio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eADbYf27gy4/TqTZzviVTeI/AAAAAAAAAx8/HAa1H2HuiBo/s400/fabio.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Sometimes, I get funny reactions when I tell people I write Christian romance. They look at me like I'm nuts. Like the two terms are completely contradictory. Christian romance? Isn't that some sort of oxymoron?<br />
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This reaction makes me sad. Oh so very sad. Because God invented romance. Jesus Christ's sacrificial love for His Bride is the most romantic tale of all time.<br />
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So how did we get here?<br />
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To this place where romance novels elicit images of bodice rippers and half-naked Fabios? To this place where Christian and romance don't fit in the same sentence?<br />
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<b>Let's Talk:</b> What images come to mind when you hear "romance novel"? What's the best romance novel you've ever read? What made it so good? And for the love of all that is holy, are there really women out there who think Fabio is cute?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></div>Katie Gansherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150375338556869812noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940754707289855836.post-70818026060010574782011-10-26T05:00:00.001-05:002011-10-26T05:00:09.218-05:00God and Symbolism<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H9N-wh_WWTU/TqTMqnS3doI/AAAAAAAAAx0/_do5tCBdFq4/s1600/curtain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H9N-wh_WWTU/TqTMqnS3doI/AAAAAAAAAx0/_do5tCBdFq4/s400/curtain.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
As a writer, I love me some good symbolism. I love writing it and I love reading it. And I love that we worship a God who created it.<br />
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Because when Jesus died on the cross, the veil was torn.<br />
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We hear that a lot. It's become this cliche thing. Yada, yada, yada, Jesus died on the cross. Yada, yada, yada, the veil was torn. Yeah, yeah, we've heard it before.<br />
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But the veil was torn, people. Torn. Which has to be, 100%, the coolest symbol in the history of all symbols.<br />
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Because that veil was an incredibly thick curtain that barred the entrance into the Holy of Holies - a very special room in the tabernacle where God's presence dwelt. A room that only the high priest could enter. Once a year, after meticulous preparation, to shed blood for the atonement of sin.<br />
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Everyday people like you and me? They couldn't set foot into the Holy of Holies. They could not be in the presence of a holy God and live (Exodus 33:20). Which is why God established the old covenant. We needed a priest to be our middle man. And God needed blood to make us clean. <br />
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Until Jesus came. God in the flesh. He took the weight of our sin upon His shoulders and died on the cross. He shed His own blood, once and for all. The ultimate sacrifice. Our ultimate priest. <br />
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And the veil was torn wide open.<br />
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A new covenant was established.<br />
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The covenant of Jesus Christ.<br />
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A covenant that rips apart the barrier.<br />
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A covenant that gives everyday people like you and me open access to a holy God. <br />
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Talk about some amazing, amazing symbolism.<br />
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<b>Let's Talk: </b>What symbolism have you come across lately? Or tell me about the coolest symbolism you've ever read in a book. <i>Peace Like a River</i> is filled with awesome symbolism!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></div>Katie Gansherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150375338556869812noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940754707289855836.post-71840525394199880242011-10-24T05:00:00.001-05:002011-10-24T05:00:11.098-05:00It's Starting...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Jl-Uuj7Bew/TqSnuUmvPaI/AAAAAAAAAxs/r1h66DKc2xw/s1600/review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Jl-Uuj7Bew/TqSnuUmvPaI/AAAAAAAAAxs/r1h66DKc2xw/s400/review.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div>A few months before my wedding, I started having these dreams. And when I say dreams, I don't mean the pleasant kind. I mean the kind where I slept in and couldn't find my dress and frantically raced across town so I could walk down the aisle with pajamas and bedhead and bad breath. <div><br />
</div><div>Yeah. Those kind. </div><div><br />
</div><div>The sweat-inducing, anxiety-ridden dreams that had me thanking the good Lord as soon as I jolted awake.<div><br />
</div><div>Which is sort of odd, because in general, I'm a pretty laid back person. I'm not a stressball or a worry wart. Yet the dreams came. Almost as if some sort of latent anxiety unleashed itself the minute I hit my REM cycle. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Well guess what?</div><div><br />
</div><div>Last week, I had my first official debut disaster dream in which my book received horrible reviews. Nobody liked it. Nobody. In fact, I was walking down this hallway and overheard one writing friend say to the other, "It definitely won't win any awards."</div><div><br />
</div><div>I remember feeling mortified and depressed all at the same time.</div><div><br />
</div><div>So when I woke up in bed, with my book still safely tucked away in the vault at my publishing house (they don't really have a vault), relief overwhelmed me.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Followed closely by a bout of nerves. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Because in a little over seven months, people are going to read my book. Real live people. And some of those people are going to write reviews that I will see. And what if those reviews aren't any good? What if I get a one-star reaction? Or worse, what if I get a whole bunch of mediocre ones? </div><div><br />
</div><div>Confession time.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I care way too much about what other people think. I seek approval. I like acceptance. I want to please. Which is something I have to surrender to God every single day. I do not want my self-worth to hinge upon people's acceptance or rejection of my work.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I want to keep my eyes focused upward. Because at the end of the day, I can't control how readers will respond. I can only do my very best with the gift God's given me and let the rest go. </div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Let's Talk: </b>How do you respond to reviews? Or how do you hope you'll respond? And for fun, tell me about the worst anxiety dream you've ever had. I'm sure there's some good ones out there!</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></div>Katie Gansherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150375338556869812noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940754707289855836.post-39228931083457491672011-10-21T05:00:00.004-05:002011-10-21T05:00:12.224-05:00The Tortoise or the Hare?This question is from <a href="http://eileenastels.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Eileen</a>, who asks a very important question for writers seeking publication.<br />
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Sorry about the interruption midway through. I have a black lab and his hair gets everywhere. Even my lips!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NQ_diA6qZAg?rel=0" width="480"></iframe><br />
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Remember, people, it was the tortoise who beat the hare.<br />
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If you have a question you'd like me to answer via vlog, please send them my way (either in the comments section or in an email). If you missed my previous vlogs and want to take a look, you can find them on my <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/KatieGanshert" target="_blank">youtube channel</a>.<br />
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<b>Let's Talk:</b> Are you the tortoise or the hare? Or does it depend on the situation?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></div>Katie Gansherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150375338556869812noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940754707289855836.post-12313113035645130592011-10-19T05:00:00.006-05:002011-10-19T06:37:36.429-05:00Suffering<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vs8e0hgfMfY/TpoE9xriJwI/AAAAAAAAAxc/tLLhMAJ-HAs/s1600/storm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" oda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vs8e0hgfMfY/TpoE9xriJwI/AAAAAAAAAxc/tLLhMAJ-HAs/s400/storm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<em>And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.</em><br />
<div align="right"><em>Romans 8:28</em></div><div align="right"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have to tell you, this verse used to confuse the crud out of me. I'd hear well-intentioned Christians quote it at each other and my forehead would go all wrinkly. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Because in reality, Christians suffer. They lose their jobs. Or get cancer. Or struggle through infertility. Or find out their child needs a new heart. Or (insert any number of bad things here). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And the whole idea of patting their shoulder and saying, "Don't worry. God will work this out for your good" feels a little insensitive to me. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Especially since sometimes, another job doesn't come and they have to foreclose on their house. Sometimes the cancer wins. Sometimes they'll never get a positive pregnancy test. And sometimes the child doesn't get a heart.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So how can we possibly say God's working for their good? It doesn't make any sense.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">At least not by our definition of good.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And there's the crux of the verse. That one simple word.<br />
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What is <em>good</em>?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We know the world's definition. To the world, good equals comfort. Good equals prosperity and health and popularity and independence and getting what we want.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">But maybe that's not what good means to God.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Maybe to God, good means becoming more like Jesus. Relying more on Jesus.<br />
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And maybe that doesn't happen during times of prosperity. Maybe it's during those times of discomfort, or financial struggle, or failing health, or rejection, or grief, or unmet expectations, when we take our eyes off the temporary things this world has to offer and draw nearer to Him.<br />
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<strong>Let's Talk:</strong> What do you think God means by "good"? Have you grown closer to the Lord because of hard times?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></div>Katie Gansherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150375338556869812noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940754707289855836.post-86145246308533981282011-10-17T05:00:00.019-05:002011-10-17T05:00:02.824-05:00The Facebook Page<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o0cF9bDi7mM/TpoD3BqobXI/AAAAAAAAAxU/arwXjhJsE0M/s1600/facebook.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o0cF9bDi7mM/TpoD3BqobXI/AAAAAAAAAxU/arwXjhJsE0M/s400/facebook.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Do you think a Facebook Page can be used to build a readership? Or is it mainly a place for pre-established readers to interact with the author? And while I'm asking questions, what's the best way for an author to use a Facebook page?</div><br />
Because I don't think I utilize mine like I should.<br />
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I mean, I link to blog posts and I post exciting news whenever I have something to share. But after that, I'm sort of stumped. Do I get personal? Do I stick to my writing journey? Do I post things on my page that I've already posted on my personal account?<br />
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Ideally, I want my page to be a place where I can have a conversation with readers. A place where I can get to know them and they can get to know me. A place where we can all chat. Only I'm not sure how to go about accomplishing that.<br />
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So while I ponder these big questions and try to figure out what to do with my page, I like to watch what others are doing. Because I think a lot of authors use their Facebook Page well. Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Writer-Wendy-Paine-Miller" target="_blank">Wendy Paine Miller</a>. She does a great job stimulating conversation, which shouldn't surprise anyone who's ever checked out her <a href="http://thoughtsthatmove.blogspot.com/2011/10/moving-thoughts-friday_14.html" target="_blank">Moving Thoughts Friday</a> posts. <br />
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Then there are authors like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/AuthorKarenKingsbury" target="_blank">Karen Kingsbury</a>, a publishing power house. And well, the interaction she gets on her page is pretty mind-blowing. Of course it helps that she's crazy-prolific and has a gigantic fanbase, but still. She engages with her readers. And she shares just as many personal updates as she does writing-related ones. So what do you think? Is she onto something here?<br />
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So whadaya say? Why don't we get this conversation started?<br />
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<strong>Let's Talk:</strong> What's the point of a Facebook Page? Do you have one? If so, give me a link! I'd love to check it out. And while we're at it, how do you use your page? Or maybe tell me what you hope to accomplish with it.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><em>If you'd like to drop by my Facebook Page and say hi, I'd love to see you! You can find me </em><a href="http://www.facebook.com/AuthorKatieGanshert" target="_blank"><em>here</em></a><em>. </em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></div>Katie Gansherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150375338556869812noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940754707289855836.post-86779494808928527972011-10-14T05:00:00.002-05:002011-10-14T05:00:10.186-05:00Romance and the Bible<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b5YCSOzn-3o/TpH-36t4ByI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/Jl1_OXJtEU0/s1600/bible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b5YCSOzn-3o/TpH-36t4ByI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/Jl1_OXJtEU0/s400/bible.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Those words aren't paired together too often. Yet whether you know it or not, the Bible is filled with romantic tales. And some of those tales are downright steamy.<br />
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We've got...<br />
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<b>Adam and Eve</b><br />
God created Eve for Adam. If that isn't the definition of soul mates, I don't know what is.<br />
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<b>Rebecca and Isaac</b><br />
A beautiful story of love at first sight.<br />
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<b>Jacob, Leah, Rachel</b><br />
One of history's oldest recorded love triangles. With a twist. Instead of a woman choosing between two men, we have a man torn between two women.<br />
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<b>Samson and Delilah</b><br />
A story of deception and betrayal.<br />
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<b>David and Bathsheba</b><br />
The epitome of forbidden lust. With devastating consequences.<br />
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<b>Ruth and Boaz</b><br />
Ruth would get along well in our modern-day world. Because in this story, she's the one who does the pursuing. And guess what? God blesses her boldness.<br />
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<b>Esther and King Ahasuerus</b><br />
Think Prince William and Kate's story, only on steroids. A commoner marries royalty, but instead of happily ever after, she must use the king's favor to rescue her people from death.<br />
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<b>Hosea and Gomer</b><br />
The Biblical version of <i>Pretty Woman</i>. A story of a man burdened with love for a fallen woman. The prophet and the prostitute.<br />
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<b>Joseph and Mary</b><br />
They fall in love. Get engaged. Mary gets pregnant. Only it's not Joseph's child. Then an angel appears and the story goes all paranormal.<br />
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<b>Song of Songs</b><br />
An entire book of the Bible written between two lovers. It drips with passion. In fact, anyone who thinks Christianity is a prude religion must have skipped this book.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i>How handsome you are, my beloved! Oh, how charming! And our bed is verdant.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Song of Songs 1:16</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Brief vocabulary lesson. Verdant means green. Green symbolizes life. You make the inference.</div><br />
<b>Jesus and His Bride</b><br />
Battered. Bruised. Broken. Marred with scars. Covered in filth. Yet Jesus looks upon her with so much love, so much yearning, so much passion, He lays down His life to rescue her.<br />
<br />
<b>Let's Talk:</b> Do you think of the Bible as romantic? Why or why not? Did I leave out some stories that should be included in the list?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></div>Katie Gansherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150375338556869812noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940754707289855836.post-84432132560457458462011-10-12T05:00:00.168-05:002011-10-12T05:00:09.855-05:00The Joy Thief<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wISsoFJDums/TpHBlm1DV_I/AAAAAAAAAxI/45i1K840MI0/s1600/shadow+puppet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wISsoFJDums/TpHBlm1DV_I/AAAAAAAAAxI/45i1K840MI0/s400/shadow+puppet.jpg" width="377" /></a></div><br />
He plays with light and dark, casting shadows of enormity, disguising himself as a towering monster. When really, behind the trick, lies something silly and small and inconsequential.<br />
<br />
I call him the Joy Thief.<br />
<br />
More popularly known as Worry or Inconvenience.<br />
<br />
He likes to watch us, like some warped version of Santa Claus, waiting for that perfect moment. The moment we let our guards down so he can creep into our soul and feed. Feasting on our busyness. Our distraction. Our tiredness and irritability. Until he grows so big and bloated there's no room for joy.<br />
<br />
The Joy Thief is a monster we invite into our bellies. A monster that gives us wrinkles and ulcers and chest pains and quick tempers. A monster that doesn't add a single day to our lives.<br />
<br />
Our time on this earth is so fleeting. Like grass, we are here today and gone tomorrow. So why in the world do we let these silly, small, inconsequential things grow bigger than they are and steal our joy?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Luke 12:25</i></div><br />
<b>Let's Talk:</b> Do you know the Joy Thief? How does he disguise himself in your life?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></div>Katie Gansherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150375338556869812noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940754707289855836.post-28972655695999451802011-10-10T05:00:00.088-05:002011-10-10T05:00:01.475-05:00Casting a Vision<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pJGZcKKV398/TpC0txHh0jI/AAAAAAAAAxE/qENT82bN4_A/s1600/glasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pJGZcKKV398/TpC0txHh0jI/AAAAAAAAAxE/qENT82bN4_A/s400/glasses.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
There is something powerful about spoken words. But I think there's something extra powerful about written ones. There is a permanence about them, a visibility that we can't forget or dismiss or shoo away as a passing whim.<br />
<br />
Written words have a physicality. There they are on a page we can feel or a computer screen we can touch. Captured not just for our own eyes, but for other's as well.<br />
<br />
So today, with that power in mind, I'm encouraging anyone with a goal, anyone with a dream, to write it down. To type it out. To make it physical and permanent.<br />
<br />
This is something I did a year and a half ago. And I think it's one of the most helpful things I've done for my writing career.<br />
<br />
I wrote something called a vision statement.<br />
<br />
Let me just tell you, I love, love, love vision statements. They are fearless. They are honest. They don't contain doubt. Or what-ifs. Or settling for less. They are filled with possibility and hope and anticipation.<br />
<br />
But before you can pick up a pen and write something so glorious, it would probably be helpful to know what one is.<br />
<br />
Simply put, a vision statement is a picture of yourself in the future. It's what you aspire to be, deep down in your heart. In that place you keep hidden, because maybe your dreams are big. And maybe the odds are against you.<br />
<br />
Creating one involves casting a vision for yourself. It means fast-forwarding ten or twenty years into the future. Giving serious thought to what you hope to be. What you hope to accomplish. Then capturing that vision in the shape of a bio.<br />
<br />
So instead of: Katie Ganshert is a debut novelist.....<br />
<br />
Mine starts: Katie Ganshert is a multi-published, full-time author....<br />
<br />
The first is true right now. The second is my vision. What I hope to someday accomplish.<br />
<br />
I think it's important to write it in present-tense, as if that vision were truth. And it's important to have it down on paper or saved in the computer as your stake-in-the-ground. These are your dreams. Your wishes. Your hopes. This is what you're striving toward.<br />
<br />
So be honest. Be confident. And write it down. Make it permanent and physical.<br />
<br />
I wrote mine in a journal on April 11, 2010. And all the doubt and rejection and fear and waiting I've passed through since that day has led me back to my vision statement. A vision statement that keeps me focused. On course. Striving onward.<br />
<br />
<b>Let's Talk: </b>What is something that would be or already is in your vision statement? Let's get real. Let's dream big. Where do you hope you'll be in ten, twenty years?<br />
<br />
I know that's a pretty personal question. So it's only fair if I open up first.<br />
<br />
<b>One of the lines in my vision statement says this:</b><br />
Her novels are known for their tension-filled pages, evocative prose, and hope-filled endings.<br />
<br />
This doesn't mean I'm there yet. It doesn't mean I'm currently writing stories that capture this vision. But it does give me something to reach for.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></div>Katie Gansherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150375338556869812noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940754707289855836.post-39328409051304470532011-10-07T05:00:00.017-05:002011-10-07T05:00:09.603-05:00Come Inside, Have a LookIf you've ever wondered what it's like transitioning from a writer without a contract to a writer with one, then come on in. I invite you to take a peek inside my head. It's not as scary as this freeze-frame makes it look. I promise.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3IKMYzI89S0?rel=0" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
Thanks for the question <a href="http://esthersdestiny.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sherri</a>! I assure you, your question was not off the wall. At least not to me.<br />
<br />
If you have a question you'd like me to answer, please send it my way (either in the comments or via email). I'm having so much fun answering them! If you missed my previous vlogs, you can check them out on my <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/KatieGanshert" target="_blank">youtube channel</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>Let's Talk: </b>Where's your head at right now? What's going on in <i>your </i>life? What are <i>you </i>working on? What transitions have you gone through?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></div>Katie Gansherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150375338556869812noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940754707289855836.post-3374762800390535692011-10-05T05:00:00.006-05:002011-10-05T07:07:49.213-05:00Giving it All<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fxUlBIRwrKs/TochasPHJEI/AAAAAAAAAxA/vBfSkLzEHkM/s1600/bread+basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fxUlBIRwrKs/TochasPHJEI/AAAAAAAAAxA/vBfSkLzEHkM/s400/bread+basket.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
There's this scene in the Bible where thousands of people are gathered to hear Jesus teach. Only it's getting late. People are hungry. And the only food around is in the possession of a young boy. He has five loaves of bread and two fish. Nowhere near enough to feed the crowd.<br />
<br />
When I read this story, I can't help but wonder....<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Did that boy worry over the smallness of his offering? Did he think about breaking the loaves into teeny-tiny pieces? Was he tempted to keep the food to himself?<br />
<br />
Any of these would be normal reactions. Human reactions. Because the task before him was 100% impossible. </div><div><br />
Until he gave the food to Jesus. And somehow, those five loaves and those two fish fed five thousand. </div><div><br />
How silly would it have been if the boy had taken credit? He didn't feed those people. He didn't perform the miracle. He didn't multiply the food.<br />
<br />
But he did give his all.<br />
<br />
<div>Dan Walsh, author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Unfinished-Gift-Novel-Dan-Walsh/dp/080071959X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1317478221&sr=8-2" target="_blank">The Unfinished Gift</a>, talked about this story in one of the workshops I attended at the ACFW conference last weekend.<br />
<br />
And it hit me with so much power. So much truth.<br />
<br />
There are people who try to break up the bread and do impossible things on their own.<br />
<br />
There are people who don't even try, because they see the impossibility before them.<br />
<br />
And there are people like that boy. A kid who gave everything, knowing it was nowhere near enough. But he gave it anyway and trusted Jesus with the rest.<br />
<br />
Man.<br />
<div><br />
</div>I want to be like that kid. I want to put forth my best effort. I want to give God my all. But at the end of the day, I want to remember that my all will never be enough. So <i>if </i>or <i>when </i>God chooses to multiply the work of my hands, I won't ever question who deserves the credit.</div></div><div><br />
<b>Let's Talk: </b>Are you more tempted to try to do it all on your own, or are you more tempted to not try at all? <b> </b></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></div>Katie Gansherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150375338556869812noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940754707289855836.post-30718931699523550812011-10-03T05:00:00.017-05:002011-10-03T06:40:08.803-05:00Author Philosophy 101<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2e4ct0GacYE/ToYhs9G7TGI/AAAAAAAAAw8/ASSVEhKqEaA/s1600/pills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2e4ct0GacYE/ToYhs9G7TGI/AAAAAAAAAw8/ASSVEhKqEaA/s400/pills.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
When I got into the education program at college, the first class I had to take was Philosophy of Education. I think that was first in the program because philosophy is important. It's the wellspring of everything we do. And there are all kinds of different ones.<br />
<br />
As a teacher, my philosophy dictated the way I treated my students, my interaction with parents, how I managed the class, the way I went about planning lessons, what I did with the curriculum. All those practices could be traced to my underlying philosophy of education.<br />
<br />
So the other day, when I came across my Philosophy of Education paper, it got me thinking.....<br />
<br />
If I were to take a course titled Philosophy of Being an Author, what would my paper say?<br />
<br />
Whether we know it or not, we all have a philosophy. And this philosophy influences the way we go about being authors. It influences the kinds of stories we write, how we interact on social media, what we're willing to sacrifice to reach our goals, and the list goes on.<br />
<br />
So why not actively consider our philosophy? Why not pin it down so we can better understand why we're doing what we're doing?<br />
<br />
It seems like a good idea.<br />
<br />
Which is why I came up with a list of questions. Questions I've been considering as I think about my own philosophy. Questions I hope will get you thinking about yours.<br />
<br />
<b>Questions to Consider:</b><br />
- What is a successful author?<br />
- How much control does an author have over his/her success?<br />
- What is the point of story?<br />
- What's the role of an author?<br />
- What's the ideal reader/author relationship?<br />
- Is writing a career, a hobby, or a ministry?<br />
<br />
You know what's crazy? If we gathered a hundred different authors together and asked them these questions, their answers would all look different.<br />
<br />
Some authors base success off of book sales, while some look at reviews. Some authors believe success is outside of their control and some think the ball's completely in their court. We have authors who think the point of story is to entertain, but we have others who think the point of story is to change lives.<br />
<br />
I think the reason this industry is riddled with so much conflicting advice is because there are so many different philosophies. And maybe, figuring out our own, will help us better choose which pills to swallow.<br />
<br />
<b>Let's Talk: </b>I'm dying to hear your philosophy. Pick any or all of the questions above and answer. Or, if you think there's an important question I left off the list, please add. I'm not at all a moral relativist, but here's a situation where there's definitely no right or wrong answers.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></div>Katie Gansherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150375338556869812noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940754707289855836.post-10144903785724619902011-09-23T05:00:00.011-05:002011-09-23T05:00:12.568-05:00Love Triangles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-98taofEyWMg/TnY5FLDV9qI/AAAAAAAAAws/TUnF_N0DXnI/s1600/love+triangle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-98taofEyWMg/TnY5FLDV9qI/AAAAAAAAAws/TUnF_N0DXnI/s400/love+triangle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>I write romance, but I've never written a love triangle. The tension in my stories doesn't arise from a girl choosing between two guys. It arises because the hero and heroine have conflicting goals.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Yet love triangles are popular in the world of romance. And in the world of vampires, apparently. Because Bella has to choose between Jacob and Edward, just like Elena will ultimately have to choose between Stefan and Damon.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JTHZI1JZGTw/TnY6wKWrQUI/AAAAAAAAAww/4Pzhb0B6Xn4/s1600/elena+stefan+damon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JTHZI1JZGTw/TnY6wKWrQUI/AAAAAAAAAww/4Pzhb0B6Xn4/s400/elena+stefan+damon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Only in <i>Twilight</i>, we all knew who Bella would choose. Sure, there are people who wear Team Jacob shirts, but I don't think many of them truly thought Bella would choose Jacob in the end. It was obvious. Jacob would not win.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Yet in <i>Vampire Diaries</i>, I have no clue who Elena will end up with. And I'm genuinely torn, because I love her with Stefan, yet I'm rooting for Damon at the same time. </div><div><br />
</div><div>This is rare.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Love triangles tend to be obvious. The heroine might have feelings for two guys, and those feelings might add some tension to the story, but usually the reader knows who she's going to pick. I don't think any of us watched <i>The Notebook</i> and really thought Alli would go with Lon. Of course it had to be Noah, even though Lon was an attractive, likable man. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I tweeted about this recently. Love triangles. I asked if it was possible to write one where the reader truly has no clue who the heroine will choose. And my friend <a href="http://heathersunseri.com/" target="_blank">Heather Sunseri</a> replied: Yes, but apparently it makes readers a little angry with the writer.</div><div><br />
</div><div>So this leads to a conundrum.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The majority of love triangles are obvious. But even if a writer manages to write one that isn't, she risks angering 50% of her audience.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Or maybe I'm missing the point. Maybe it's okay for love triangles to be obvious. Maybe the point of them isn't to keep the reader guessing.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Which leads to my question....</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Let's Talk: </b>What's the point of a love triangle? Do you like them? If so, what's your favorite one?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>After an insanely intense round of final line edits, followed by a trip to St. Louis, this girl needs a blogging break. I'll see you in October!</i></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></div>Katie Gansherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150375338556869812noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940754707289855836.post-20158726686033624882011-09-21T05:00:00.004-05:002011-09-21T05:00:21.106-05:00God's Voice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P-BVDDbo570/TnZ8IhfH5JI/AAAAAAAAAw4/HmaFA126A0Y/s1600/fork+in+the+road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P-BVDDbo570/TnZ8IhfH5JI/AAAAAAAAAw4/HmaFA126A0Y/s400/fork+in+the+road.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Do you ever feel like God is speaking to you? Do you ever have these moments of clarity, where something presses so firmly against your heart that it can't be ignored? You just know He's inviting you to do something. To take part in something. The urge is undeniable.<br />
<br />
But then fear or laziness or selfishness creeps in, and we start to think about all the reasons why we can't do this thing. It's too expensive. It's too time-consuming. It's too crazy. It's too (fill in the blank).<br />
<br />
And then we start convincing ourselves that it wasn't really God who pressed that thing on our heart. It was just this strange urge. An impulsive, irrational moment. We were emotional that day. Or over-tired. Or (fill in the blank).<br />
<br />
And so we go about our every-day, humdrum life. We don't do anything bad. We go to church. We read our Bible. We pray. We cling to safety. To familiarity. And we wonder why we can't hear God's voice as well as we used to.<br />
<br />
But what would happen if we listened? What would happen if we obeyed before we talked ourselves out of the things He calls us to do? How clearly would we hear His voice then?<br />
<br />
Here's my confession.<br />
<br />
I settle for the easy because I'm too selfish to embrace the hard.<br />
<br />
But you know what?<br />
<br />
God's going to carry out His will. God's going to do His thing. And it will be glorious and awe-inspiring and 100% breathtaking. But because I'm too scared or logical or self-centered or lazy or (fill in the blank), I will miss out on being a part of it.<br />
<br />
<i>If you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place....</i><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">Esther 4:14</div><br />
God was going to save the Jews, with or without Esther's help. But He invited Esther to be a part of His plan. She said yes. And because of that, experienced God's power and grace in a way she never would have had she said no.<br />
<br />
God spoke to me recently. It was clear. So very clear. I don't want to ignore His invitation.<br />
<br />
<b>Let's Talk:</b> Tell me about a time in your life when God spoke. How did you respond?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></div>Katie Gansherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150375338556869812noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940754707289855836.post-50666953519388971712011-09-19T05:00:00.004-05:002011-09-29T08:18:40.642-05:00My Embarrassing Lesson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6CIfD3tuWIE/TnZjM_rfGGI/AAAAAAAAAw0/QHgoeL6WvOE/s1600/hands+over+face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6CIfD3tuWIE/TnZjM_rfGGI/AAAAAAAAAw0/QHgoeL6WvOE/s400/hands+over+face.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
Awhile ago, I blogged at the <a href="http://wordservewatercooler.com/2011/08/03/preparing-for-an-interview/" target="_blank">WordServe Water Cooler</a> about an audio span recording I did with my publisher.<br />
<br />
It was my very first experience doing an author interview.<br />
<br />
The interviewer asked me five questions over the phone, all pertaining to my book. He did this with several other Waterbrook Multnomah authors. The interviews were put together on a CD that will go to the sales reps, who will use them to help sell the books to retailers. <br />
<br />
Anyway, after the interview, I felt pretty confident in my answers. I thought things had gone well.<br />
<br />
Until I got the CD and listened to myself speak.<br />
<br />
My confidence? Yeah....it melted into mortification. My cheeks flamed with heat as I listened to myself insert "um" after "um" between my words.<br />
<br />
It was horrible, you guys. I'm not kidding. <i>Um </i>became my own personal overused comma. Anytime there should have been a pause, I inserted an "um" instead. My answers were decent, but they were almost impossible to listen to in light of all the distracting um's.<br />
<br />
I sat there thinking, "When in the world did I say all those?"<br />
<br />
Then I remembered my first ever vlog recording.<br />
<br />
When I watched that vlog, I knew right away I couldn't publish it. To my complete surprise, I said um. A lot. So I re-recorded it, making a determined effort to avoid that particular syllable. And I barely said um at all. Only by then, I'd already done the audio span thing and it never dawned on me that I might have said um a bunch during that too.<br />
<br />
Until I got the CD.<br />
<br />
So there I was, listening to the interview, 100% embarrassed. It only got worse when I listened to Liz Curtis Higgs. Her interview was amazing. She was well spoken and completely charming. And in the midst of blushing my brains out, my husband said something.<br />
<br />
"Kate," he said, "Liz Curtis Higgs is a pretty established author, right?"<br />
<br />
I hid my face behind my hands and nodded.<br />
<br />
"She's probably done interviews and stuff like this before, don't you think?"<br />
<br />
"Yes."<br />
<br />
"I'm willing to bet she's learned some things over the years."<br />
<br />
I peeked at him between my fingers.<br />
<br />
"You should cut yourself some slack. This was your first interview. Next time you do one, you'll know better."<br />
<br />
My hubby. So logical.<br />
<br />
But he's right, you know? I <i>do </i>know better. In fact, I'm completely aware of every um that comes out of my mouth now. And awareness is the first step to kicking a habit.<br />
<br />
So why am I telling you all this?<br />
<br />
Mainly as a cautionary tale.<br />
<br />
When you listen to your first author interview, I don't want you to feel like crawling in a hole because of how many times you said "like" or "you know" or "um".<br />
<br />
So here is my tip to you:<br />
<br />
Record yourself.<br />
<br />
Sure, I practiced. But I never actually listened to myself talk. I had no idea, while I was practicing, that I was inserting a whole bunch of um's into my answers.<br />
<br />
You won't know your speaking ticks until you hear yourself. And there's no way to fix those buggers until you're aware of them.<br />
<br />
<b>Let's Talk:</b> Please tell me I'm not alone here. Have you ever had an experience like this? How do you prepare for speaking engagements or interviews? How do you keep yourself from saying "um"?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></div>Katie Gansherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150375338556869812noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940754707289855836.post-54594502304522047062011-09-16T05:00:00.004-05:002011-09-16T05:00:03.209-05:00Vlogging: Round ThreeThe fun continues! Or at least I hope you're having fun with me. This question is from Esther and includes a sneak peek into a scene from my upcoming novel, <i>Wishing on Willows</i> (releasing April, 2013).<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zni3j9_R8Tk?rel=0" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
So you see, my love-affair with romance started at a young age.<br />
<br />
If you have any questions you'd like me to answer via vlog, please either write them in the comments section or shoot me an email. And if you'd like to see previous vlogs, you can subscribe to my <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/KatieGanshert" target="_blank">youtube channel</a>.<br />
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<b>Let's Talk: </b>What genre do you read or write? What is it about this genre that draws you in?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js"></script></div>Katie Gansherthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150375338556869812noreply@blogger.com15