Meet Exciting Writer, Catherine West!

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How long have you known that you were a writer? Did you receive a clear "call?" Or have you just loved writing all your life?

I have always loved to write. At school, I was only good at English and Art. I was always making up stories, so as I grew, it just seemed a natural path to take.

What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

I write primarily Inspirational Contemporary Romance. Meaning my books are set in the present, or recent history, have a spiritual takeaway, and a lot of relationship issues! I have also written Women’s Fiction, which is more of an issue driven story that may or may not have a romance subplot. Mine always will, because I just love romance! Smile.

How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?

I’m very fortunate to be able to stay home and write, and no longer have the distraction of young children, just a young dog! I’ll usually try to jump on a few blogs and visit my online buddies while I’m having breakfast, then the dog and I go play outside for a bit. Then I’ll spend the rest of the morning writing or doing promotional related things. I try to write at least three hours or more a day, but lately I’ve been so busy with my book release, that I don’t always meet my goal. Afternoons we will usually take a long walk, weather permitting, and then more writing before supper.

You recently had a book published. Would you take this time to describe it to us? How and where can readers buy your books?

Here’s the back cover copy! It’s far more concise and if I start talking about it, we’ll be here forever!

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.

You can buy the book on Amazon, as well as other major online distributors – my publisher has a list here: http://www.oaktara.com/Marketing.html

What is the spiritual message in your book? What can readers expect to get from reading it?

I believe the message is one of Hope. And of course, Forgiveness and Restoration. I think that readers can takeaway the message that God is always with us, through the darkest hours and most terrible times, and that He can be counted on!

Do you ever feel like giving up? Most people don’t understand the stress, the work, and the joy of being a writer. How tenuous becoming a writer is. Do you care to share how it feels, what discouraging/encouraging times you’ve gone through?

Oh, yes! Through the past few years, there have been many, many moments where I just didn’t think I was ever going to make it. I questioned the time spent writing to no avail, and whether I was truly on the right path. But each time I started complaining, not long after I would receive encouragement that told me yes, I was on the right path, I just needed to suck it up and get on with it!

Who’s inspired you the most?

That’s kind of a hard question! There have been SO many people who have really inspired and encouraged me along the way! As a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, I find inspiration wherever I look. Those who have paved the way, who never tire of giving advice and help to new writers, I’m always in awe whenever I attend a conference and see this group at work. These men and women truly do inspire me, and there are too many to name, so I’m just going to list a few – Deborah Raney, Susan May Warren, Patti Lacey and Meredith Efken. And just so I don’t leave out the guys, James Scott Bell! I love his teaching.

Would you explain how you “chose” (or were chosen by) a publisher? Do you just go “inny, minny, miny, moe?” Now, that you’re published, can you sit back and relax from the success you’ve experienced?

I wish it had been that easy! Actually, we had a really hard time shopping Yesterday’s Tomorrow. I’m not sure whether it was the Vietnam backdrop, but we even ended up shelving it for a long time. Then a few small publishers started popping up and having success, and they seemed willing to go down new roads, so we thought ‘why not?’. The manuscript landed on Ramona Tucker’s desk at OakTara, and I think she took one look at Luke and fell…lol…and the rest, as they say, is history!

Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could?

Um, how much time do I have? LOL. Ok, short list then.

• I love eating out! My husband will attest to that. What he doesn’t realize is that I really just want to spend time with him over a lovely meal that I haven’t cooked…ha…how does that sound?
• I love roses and orchids, and . . .
• anything to do with my Border Collie, Noah!
• I LOVE spending time with my amazing young adult kids, Sarah and Chris, and hanging out with family and friends.
• I hate being too cold or too hot.
• I am not fond of snow, and . . .
• I hate waiting.
• Oh, and please don’t talk to me about the deer you just shot or try to show me pictures of it.
• Outside of writing, I enjoy watching (good) movies, and . . .
• romantic comedies are awesome if they’re well done!
• I grow orchids and roses and . . .
• sometimes I will bake something that actually tastes good.
• Italy is on my bucket list!

Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out? Anything else you’d like to share? Promotional information?

Sure! I love to connect with my readers!

Website: http://www.catherinejwest.com/

Blog: http://www.catherinewestblog.blogspot.com/

Thank you so much, Cathy, for being here this week.
Don't forget, readers, to leave your comments and email addresses!

Blessings!