Catherine is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America, and is represented by Rachelle Gardner of Books & Such Literary.
The following is an October 2014 interview with Catherine.
AT THE END OF
THE INTERVIEW
Be in to win a copy of
Yesterday's Tomorrow
by Catherine West
Three copies to be won
Contest open to entrants Worldwide.
(Print copy USA & Canada only -
digital copy elsewhere)
Contest runs from
24 October - 7 November NZDT
Oh, I never know where to start! I’ve been writing since my kids were small and I was blessed to be a stay-at-home Mum with them. They’re now out of the house, our daughter is married and our son is almost finished his degree in Music at Berklee College in Boston. My husband runs a busy pediatric practice here in Bermuda. We’re very family-oriented, involved in our church and we love our dog Noah! Most days I’m writing, but I enjoy gardening and walking and swimming. :-)
How did you become a novelist, and did you always want to write?
I definitely always wanted to write. I loved English in school and was always writing short stories. I actually can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be a writer.
What do you think is significant about Christian fiction?
I think it’s important because it meets a need. Many Christians simply don’t want to read secular novels. I respect that and I think the sweet romances like the Love Inspired lines are great for that purpose. I also think CBA is branching out a little, taking more risks with what they publish, and reaching people who might not necessarily read Christian fiction or really have a strong faith. I’d like to see more of that. It’s exciting to think of the potential we have as authors to share our faith through the words we write.
Of course I hope they’re entertained, but I like to think they’re moved on some level. Perhaps left with questions. I like my stories to be satisfying, and I hope readers come away with a fulfilling experience of having traveled a journey with my characters. I also hope they’ll want to know when the next book is coming out! LOL!
What responses to your novels have affected you the most and why?
With Yesterday’s Tomorrow, I think the most touching responses were from those who said the story really impacted them in a way they didn’t expect, and gave them new respect for the military and for that time (the Vietnam War) in American history. That’s how I felt too. With my book Hidden in the Heart, because it’s loosely based on my own adoption search and reunion story, many readers were touched by that. I hear from a lot of adoptees and birth parents alike, and it is really cool to make those connections.
How has being a novelist impacted your relationship with Christ?
Oh, I definitely have to rely on Him more to get through every story! There are moments when I just want to give it all up, so I need to get back to where it all began and trust that God has me on this path, and that He’ll give me the strength to keep going through the tough times.
Other than writing great novels, what other goals do you have for your life?
Wow… J Well, I hope to me a grandmother at some point! Not too soon, but maybe a few years down the road. We’re aways from retirement yet, but my husband and I look forward to more traveling when he does retire. I really just want to be able to keep writing for as long as there are readers interested in reading my books!
I love roses, so I spend time outdoors a lot, puttering in the garden. I have a very high maintenance border collie, so he’s always after me to play and walk. He’s like my third child! We love watching movies, and of course I do a lot of reading. I swim almost every day. I used to play tennis but I haven’t picked up a racquet in a while. I’d like to get back to that.
What can you tell us about your latest novels?
Yesterday’s Tomorrow first published in 2011, but I recently obtained the rights back and have re-released it as an Indie book, and it’s available on Amazon.
Vietnam, 1967.
Independent, career-driven journalist Kristin Taylor wants two things: to honor her father's memory by becoming an award-winning overseas correspondent and to keep tabs on her only brother, Teddy, who signed up for the war against their mother's wishes. Brilliant photographer Luke Maddox, silent and brooding, exudes mystery. Kristin is convinced he's hiding something.
Willing to risk it all for what they believe in, Kristin and Luke engage in their own tumultuous battle until, in an unexpected twist, they’re forced to work together. Ambushed by love, they must decide whether or not to set aside their own private agendas for the hope of tomorrow that has captured their hearts.
My second novel, Hidden in the Heart, will also be re-released, probably some time in November.
For the first time in her life, Claire wants to know where she came from…
After losing her mother to cancer, and suffering yet another miscarriage soon after, Claire Ferguson numbs the pain with alcohol and pills, and wonders if her own life is worth living. Adopted at birth, Claire is convinced she has some unknown genetic flaw that may be causing her miscarriages. She must find a way to deal with the guilt she harbors. But exoneration will come with a price.
With her marriage in dire straits and her father refusing to discuss her adoption, Claire leaves everything she’s ever known, determined to find the answers she needs.
But what if the woman who gave her life doesn’t want to be found?
Well, I have some irons in the fire at the moment, but hopefully they’ll be able to find more of my books in the near future. I love big, family saga type stories, always with romance of course! I hope to be able to share some news about my new books very soon, so stay tuned!
What would you like to say to your fans in New Zealand, and others worldwide?
I really appreciate my readers. It’s so wonderful to connect with people around the world through the written word. I’m always eager to make new friends so feel free to drop me a line, find me on Facebook or Twitter and say hello! I love hearing from readers about my books as well, and those who take the time to leave a review are very much appreciated.
Do you have any parting words?
Thanks so much for having me, and I look forward to any questions your readers may have!
by Catherine West
- Catherine West
- Historical
- August 2014
- ISBN: 9781500564346
Purchase:
[Kindle | Amazon | The Book Depository]
She’s after the story that might get her the Pulitzer. He’s determined to keep his secrets to himself.
Vietnam 1967.
Independent, career-driven journalist Kristin Taylor wants two things: to honor her father’s memory by becoming an award-winning overseas correspondent, and to keep tabs on her only brother, Teddy, who signed up for the war against their mother’s wishes.
Brilliant photographer Luke Maddox, silent and brooding, exudes mystery. Kristin is convinced he’s hiding something. Willing to risk it all for what they believe in, Kristin and Luke engage in their own tumultuous battle until, in an unexpected twist, they’re forced to work together. Ambushed by love, they must decide whether or not to set aside their own private agendas for the hope of tomorrow that has captured their hearts.
by Catherine West
- Catherine West
- Contemporary
- November 2012
- ISBN: TBD
Purchase: (TBD)
Everything Claire wants seems to be beyond her reach…
After losing her mother to cancer and suffering a miscarriage soon after, Claire Ferguson numbs the pain with alcohol and pills, and wonders if her own life is worth living.
Adopted at birth, Claire is convinced she has some unknown genetic flaw that may have been the cause of her miscarriage. She must find a way to deal with the guilt she harbors. But exoneration will come with a price.
With her marriage in trouble and her father refusing to answer any questions about her adoption, Claire begins the search for her birth mother. For the first time in her life, she really wants to know where she came from. But what if the woman who gave her life doesn’t want to be found?
For all those who have loved, experienced loss, and lived life’s roller-coaster.
ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Be in to win a copy of Yesterday's Tomorrow by Catherine West Three copies to be won Contest open to entrants Worldwide. (Print copy USA & Canada only - digital copy elsewhere) Contest runs from 24 October - 7 November NZDT How to Enter: Please comment on the interview and/or leave a message for Catherine West in the blog comments below, then enter the Rafflecopter draw. Only entries made using the Rafflecopter contest will be eligible for drawing. Winning entries drawn will have their entry options validated before being accepted - if incomplete another entry will be drawn. |