You Can Be Published! Interview with Katie Ganshert
Today we have debut author Katie Ganshert. I met her a few years ago while we were both querying. She is awesome and dynamic and has a huge heart for God/love. Thanks for joining us today, Katie!
1.How many manuscripts have you written and did the one that sold feel different? I've written six. The one that sold was my third manuscript and it definitely felt different. It was the first manuscript I wrote after I read a whole bunch of craft books. I felt so much more knowledgeable about story telling and the craft of writing as I wrote that one.
2. How many years have you been writing?
Well, I've written stories ever since I could pick up a pencil. But somewhere in my teen years, I stopped. I didn't come back to it until I went to Nairobi, Kenya six and a half years ago. I came home with a story exploding inside me, so I wrote my very first novel.
3. Tell us a little about the events leading up to your first sale.
My manuscript was going to pub board. That's all I knew. My editor liked it. The editorial team at Waterbrook liked it. Now it was a matter of waiting to see if it would pass pub board or not pass. I didn't know I'd have to wait so long. Seven months after hearing it was going to pub board, I got an email from my agent saying it made it through, but it still had one more level of approval before a book deal would come. A week later, I got the phone call from my agent, only I couldn't answer because I was teaching a room full of 5th graders at the time. So I listened to her message (that this was the phone call I'd been waiting for) and tried really hard not to jump and scream and freak out my students. (For the record, it's important to know that Katie really would jump and scream. She's fun like that!)
4. What is your biggest piece of advice to writers wanting to get published?
Persevere! Rejections are inevitable. Waiting is inevitable. Persevere! See it as part of the process. If you're passionate about writing stories and you want to share those stories, then keep at it. Keep writing. Keep studying the craft. And keep believing God has a plan and a purpose for the words He's given you.
You can pre-order Katie's book on Amazon or Barnes & Noble (or anywhere else, really).
Katie mentioned being in committee for a long time. Are you prepared for the waiting that comes with getting published? Where are you waiting right now? What do you do while waiting in life?
2. How many years have you been writing?
Well, I've written stories ever since I could pick up a pencil. But somewhere in my teen years, I stopped. I didn't come back to it until I went to Nairobi, Kenya six and a half years ago. I came home with a story exploding inside me, so I wrote my very first novel.
3. Tell us a little about the events leading up to your first sale.
My manuscript was going to pub board. That's all I knew. My editor liked it. The editorial team at Waterbrook liked it. Now it was a matter of waiting to see if it would pass pub board or not pass. I didn't know I'd have to wait so long. Seven months after hearing it was going to pub board, I got an email from my agent saying it made it through, but it still had one more level of approval before a book deal would come. A week later, I got the phone call from my agent, only I couldn't answer because I was teaching a room full of 5th graders at the time. So I listened to her message (that this was the phone call I'd been waiting for) and tried really hard not to jump and scream and freak out my students. (For the record, it's important to know that Katie really would jump and scream. She's fun like that!)
4. What is your biggest piece of advice to writers wanting to get published?
Persevere! Rejections are inevitable. Waiting is inevitable. Persevere! See it as part of the process. If you're passionate about writing stories and you want to share those stories, then keep at it. Keep writing. Keep studying the craft. And keep believing God has a plan and a purpose for the words He's given you.
You can pre-order Katie's book on Amazon or Barnes & Noble (or anywhere else, really).
Katie mentioned being in committee for a long time. Are you prepared for the waiting that comes with getting published? Where are you waiting right now? What do you do while waiting in life?
Comments
The waiting was insane. I remember reading Chip MacGregor's blog at some point and him saying that if you're waiting past a certain point, it's a no. They aren't interested. And I was so deflated! Just goes to show that there are no hard and fast rules. There's a time for everything.
I've also followed your journey through your blog. Now, I'm the one waiting...to read your book. :)
Blessings,
Susan
~ Wendy
Hmmm, you're whetting my appetite here, Wendy. LOL
Susan! You're awesome. Just sayin'. :-)
Katie, so glad you could make it over to say hey! :-)
Ha! Yes, Tina, it IS a bear. lol Keep writing is a good mantra to have. Heh.
The waiting in this business is tough, but it helps develop character. At least that's what I tell myself. =)
Am reading Wildflowers from Winter now--the week my book releases--and it's a terrific story!
I look forward to reading your book, Katie. I've been hearing great things about it.
I'm staring Jessica's book this weekend! Woot!
Waiting is the hardest part of the writing life for me. Well, next to the rejections that is, lol. God's Word, friends, and chocolate help on both counts. :)
Hi Loree! I've heard good things too. :-)
Hey Miss Jeanette! Don't give anything away. :-)
Julie, other author stories are a must, I think, for writers. They encourage and also give us an idea of what to expect. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Anita and Jessica. :-) Glad you two popped by!
I remember those seven months, Katie. And I particularly remember the post when you announced your sale - not because of the sale but because of these words -
"God meets us in the waiting. He blesses us. He keeps us on our knees. He draws us nearer to Him."
Okay so I had to go look up the exact words, but your thoughts have stayed with my all this time.
Thanks!
Jeannette - I'm so glad you're enjoying Bethany's story.
And Mary - wow, girl! I'm so humbled that God used those words to encourage you!!
:O)
Aloha! --Cheryl
A big congratulations on being published!
~Sarah F.
www.inklkinedwriters.blogspot.com
Cheryl, I think it's very inspiring. :-)
Hey Traci!
Sandra, that would be hilarious!!
Hi Sarah F, yeah, I've felt that way before too. Especially with the book that just came out. I've read and edited and revised SO many times...sometimes we definitely just need that space.
Hey Nancy! I agree.