Friday, July 18, 2014

Birthday Bash! - Day 6 - Katie Ganshert Author Interview


IMG_0441Christy Award finalist and Carol Award winner, Katie Ganshert, graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a degree in education, and worked as a fifth grade teacher for several years before staying home to write full-time. She was born and raised in the Midwest, where she lives with her husband, their young son, and their goofy black lab, Bubba. When she’s not busy writing or playing or reading or snuggling, she is obsessing over the paperwork and the waiting that comes with adoption. You can learn more about Katie and her books by visiting her website or author Facebook page.

Welcome, Katie! I'm so glad you could join us.


Your book has a pretty strong theme/message about what is beautiful. How did you become involved with the subject or theme of your book?
I’ve done junior high ministry through my church for several years. I see what society is shoving into the faces of our young women regarding beauty and quite honestly, it breaks my heart. I wanted to tell a story that explored this theme, so A Broken Kind of Beautiful came about.  

As the story progresses, the reader can sense that you are trying to get a point across. What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?
I never go into a book with any specific agenda in mind, other than a prayer that the story would encourage people in their faith, draw hearts closer to God, and bring glory to His name. That’s my blanket prayer for all of the stories I write. For this one, I also prayed that Ivy’s story would minister to the broken—those women who felt unloved and beyond repair. God can take the most broken parts of ourselves and create something beautiful. He’s in the business of redemption. 

The theme of your book was very well developed. What are some of the references that you used while researching this book?
The theme verse of the novel comes from the second part of Isaiah 43:1, which is Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. Even though God is talking to His people in the context of this verse, we know from the rest of the Bible that His nature is to redeem. He sent His son so that all of us could receive that same redemption. I think it’s such a beautiful picture, especially for a character as broken as Ivy. 

That is one of my favorite verses. It has meant so much to me in the past! Thank you for taking time to answer those questions. Now, for a little fun!


Do you have a favorite TV character? If so, who and why? 
You know, I don’t watch a lot of television. Usually I’m behind the game. I’ll watch a show on DVD or Netflix, after it’s been out for awhile. If I had to choose, I’d probably say Rick Castle and Kate Becket from the show Castle. I love their chemistry and the dialogue. It doesn’t hurt that Castle is a writer. 

What is the first book you felt like flinging across the room while reading and why?
Oh man! That’s a tough one. I’m sure there was one before this, but the one that jumps to mind is A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers. It’s the first book of her Mark of the Lion trilogy. They are my all-time favorite. So why did I feel like flinging it across the room, you might ask? Because the ending is a total cliff hanger of the panicked, distressed, no-this-can’t-be-happening variety. Thankfully, I was able to pick up the second book right away. 

How do you come up with the names for your characters?
If they don’t just come to me, I usually ask readers to vote on my author Facebook page! 

This or that?
Chocolate or vanilla?
Do some people really say vanilla!?! Chocolate, always.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee with cream, please.
Coke or Pepsi?
Diet Coke is my favorite!

Thanks again, Katie, for taking time out of your busy schedule to be here! I really appreciate it! 

Katie is graciously giving away a copy of A Broken Kind of Beautiful.
A Broken Kind of Beautiful

33 comments:

  1. My most memorable birthday was the big surprise party my husband threw for my 30th- I had no clue and was completely floored! He is the best at surprises :) Hope your birthday bash has been wonderful and thanks for sharing it with us!

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  2. Each birthday has been special in its own way, but my most remembered birthday would be the one in which - at the tender age of 5 -my parents let me choose my own birthday piñata: a huge black gorilla with bright red lips. I think that piñata was probably meant for a raunchy bachelor's party, but I loved him! We still laugh about it to this day. :-) Thanks for hosting the giveaway!

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  3. Can't recall a favorite birthday but any birthday spent with my family and friends is a good one! :)

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  4. My most memorable birthday was when I turned 40 because my husband completely surprised me by taking me on a cruise and we had a WONDERFUL time!

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  5. My most memorable birthday that I can remember is this year for my 29th birthday I went down to San Diego and we had dinner at a yummy seafood place, then we went and watched the sunset walked on the beach, took pictures then came home and had cake which was red velvet my absolute favorite.
    oh.hello.hiya@gmail.com

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  6. My most memorable birthday would have to be when I turned nineteen. That was the day I was released from the hospital after having my beautiful baby girl.

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  7. My most memorable Birthday was when I found out that I was pregnant two days before with my first child. Thank you for sharing and a chance to win! ~ Blessings ~ lisastifler(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  8. My 50th was the most memorable for me. My friends threw me a party while we were horse camping. I also got to see my first bald eagle while we were riding our horses.

    cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com

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  9. One in my early twenties when friends completely surprised me with a cake. I have known about all other "surprises"!

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  10. One in my early twenties when friends completely surprised me with a cake. I have known about all other "surprises"!

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  11. My favourite birthday was my 16th when two of my friends gave me a toy limo (without knowing that i have dreamed about owning my own one day haha). It was an incredible reminder to me of how God knows us and our thoughts and he enjoys surprising us in little ways :)

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  12. My most memorable birthday was when I turned sixteen. My birthday is on Christmas so parties were few. I got a party and had so much fun. A tie is when my hubby took me on a picnic the day after my bday...and I finally got a whole day to celebrate just my birthday! :)

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  13. The most memorable birthday for me was my 8th birthday. My parents took me to Hoss's and I told the waitress it was my birthday. Next thing I know waitors and waitresses brought me a birthday cake and started singing to me. I was so embarrased. From that day on I decided not to tell any waitress or waitor when it is my birthday.

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  14. I have two really memorable birthdays.

    For my sixteenth, I actually had two parties. For the first one, my mom, dad, sister, brother, and I went to the beach. We had a great time hanging out on the beach and eating seafood. We ate a chocolate Pepperidge Farm cake in our hotel room, and it had those tall candles on it. Then, the next weekend, we had a second party at my grandparents' house. My extended family and friends were able to come. I remember getting a book that I really like- Sophie's Heart by Lori Wick.

    My 26th birthday was also really memorable. My friends kidnapped and surprised me! I was really surprised because when I asked them several days earlier if we could hang out, all of them said they were busy. Then that night, they all showed up at my house! They blindfolded me and wouldn't tell me where we were going. We went to Olive Garden, my favorite restaurant. One of my friends had even made me a chocolate cake with cream cheese icing. It was delicious. We had a great time hanging out and eating awesome food. They also all chipped in to give my money so I could buy a Kindle. That was an amazing birthday! My email address is meaganlwilliford(at)gmail(dot)com

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  15. My 24th birthday was special and memorable. I was the furthest I'd been from home on my birthday and had recently begun dating my now husband. My mom mailed me a birthday cake. Then my husband took me out for a special evening and gave me a teddy bear (I collect them) that he had made for me. It was a nice all around day!

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  16. The most memorable was ... oh well admit the age ... 50. My husband, aunt, and cousin gave me a surprise birthday party, the first surprise party ever. And it was a month early, which helped the surprise! A great, loving surprise. My aunt is my spiritual Mom; she and my uncle brought me back to the Lord after over 10 years of being in the pigpen. My husband has grown to be more like a demonstration of God's love as I struggle with health changes and feeling of much less value because of my limitations. Looking back, I see such a great outpouring of live from them to plan that day. Praise God for His faithfulness!

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  17. Oops. Jeaniedannheim(at) ymail (dot) com

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  18. My favorite birthday was when my son and his wife surprised me with a visit home.

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  19. My 40th birthday...I was totally surprised by walking in on my own party!

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  20. My 35th birthday was my most special and memorable because my sweetie drove 6 hours just to surprise me for my party that evening and then had to turn around at the end of the evening and drive back.
    Karen Cushing
    sweetnessnlight@comcast.net

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  21. My most memorable birthday was my twentieth. My mom arranged a big party at our house in the Philippines, complete with handsome Marines from the embassy. It was a blast! Can't wait to read Katie's newest. :-)

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  22. My most memorable was when my parents set up a surprise family birthday party . . . two weeks early (which helped with the surprise factor). Inside my gift were tickets to Puerto Rico (my mom didn't want to pack for me, hence the early birthday;-)

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  23. My most memorable birthday was when my daughter threw a surprise party for me. But this year I had my own party and invited my friends the night before my birthday. My house was clean the next day on my birthday and one friend took me out for breakfast, another out for lunch and my husband took me out for dinner. When I got home I opened my presents from my friends and family and it was the best birthday EVER!

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    1. My 50th birthday was definitely my favorite and most memorable. My daughter threw the best birthday party ever and nothing was left out. Everyone dressed in their 50's attire. Pictures of my growing up years were everywhere. The jukebox played oldies. It was my birthday gift from my husband. Hula hoop and bubble blowing contests were played. It was one more fabulous night and I will never forget it!

      mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  24. It was my 50th. My husband surprised me with a long dreamed of trip to Scotland. It was awesome.

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  25. When I turned 16... Even though that was awhile ago because my dad and I spent the day together and went to get my licence... lol I'm pretty sure that is when his grey hair started coming in! :)

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  26. My most memorable birthday was my 22nd. My fiance came home from Vietnam just a few weeks before.

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  27. My most memorable birthday is when my class surprised me with a party when i was teaching in japan
    sonflower277 at gmail dot com

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  28. A memorable birthday?

    It was quite simple, but my closest friends came around and made my day! we had so much fun together--I loved EVERY bit of that day! :D

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  29. Can't think of a particular one that stands out... most of my family is nearby, so we always celebrate together. My name is Patty, and last year for my 40th, my sister made me a Peppermint Pattie cake=)

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  30. Hi Shannah. Happy Birthday. Glad to see Katie here. My most memorable birthday was my first and only surprise party. I was on my 75th birthday. we were suppose to meet my kids out at somewhere to eat. anyway we went by one of my granddaughter's house to pick up something and when they opened the door everyone hollowed Happy Birthday mom,gramma, or grammy. So beautiful decorated house I've ever seen. Also, the kids had all brought all of the favorite kinds of foods and desserts of mine. Such a great day. Maxie

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  31. My most memorable was probably my 10th birthday when we had a huge Bunco party at our home. At least, that's the one that sticks out to me the most.

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  32. 18th had good friends over and a pinata that wouldn't break open!

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