Today I’m turning the tables on myself and answering a few of my own interview questions. Hey, why not? It’s a great opportunity to give away a book.
And while we’re talking about prizes, if you haven’t already, logon here to pre-register for a chance at winning a Kindle Touch. And make a note to join me and my good friend and fellow debut author Krista Phillips for our A Sandwich for the Road book debut Open House event on Friday, September 7.
What sparked your writing journey?
I’ve wanted to write since I was a little girl. I remember journaling and dreaming of writing books when I was seven or eight years old. Although life’s circumstances have changed many times, that passion never went away.
Has God ever provided an unexpected “detour” in your life that turned out to be positive?
I studied journalism-advertising in college, graduated with a Communications degree, and then searched for a writing related job. When I didn’t find one, I took two part-time teaching jobs, one at an elementary school and another at the junior college level. Not long afterward, I was offered a position in Nashville, working in the music industry. I took the detour and have never regretted that decision. God had a different plan than I did for my life and, of course, His was better.
How does your faith play into your writing?
I can’t imagine writing novels that didn’t have a Christian message. Writing is an extension of my faith.
Let’s talk about your debut book The Road to Mercy (Abingdon Press, September 2012). Please tell us about it.
Here’s the back cover copy:
Dr. Ben Abrams, rescued as an infant from a fiery crash that killed his family, turned his adversities into success but lost his heritage of faith.
Fifty years later, Josh and Bethany Harrison face a difficult decision that also tests their faith. A rupture in Beth’s carotid artery leaves her on the brink of death, even as she’s pregnant with their first child. While Dr. Abrams urges her to abort the baby to save her own life, she and Josh step out on faith and continue the pregnancy.
During the next few months, Josh, a contemporary Christian singer, struggles with his faith while Beth hides a secret that may destroy their marriage. She also discovers a decades-old connection to Dr. Abrams that could change his life forever.
Besides entertainment, what do you hope readers will take away from it?
The reminder that God forgives . . . even when we find it difficult to forgive ourselves.
What advice would you offer to writers—young or older—who are just starting out?
Writing is a solitary occupation. You spend a lot of time in your own head. Stay connected to other writers. Join a writers group. Learn from other writers. Help other writers. And don’t take it all so seriously that you forget to have fun!
A few fun questions…
When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?
I try to eat healthy, but if I cheat it usually involves a potato : )
What’s your favorite Bible verse or passage? How has it guided or helped you over the years?
Just to name one . . . I love Psalms 96:1 Sing to the LORD a new song; Sing to the LORD, all the earth. That verse sums up the Christian experience, a changed life, set on a new path to glorify God.
This website features musicians as well as writers. Do you have musical, as well as literary, talent?
I sang in Christian gospel groups (from trios, to quartets, to choirs) throughout most of high school and college. It was at that time in my life that music became a passion.
If you were a song, what kind of song would you be?
I’d want to be a praise song, glorifying God.
Are you a major or a minor chord?
Minor. I love eclectic, eccentric, and walking through life to a slightly different beat of the drum : )
In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?
The girl next door who wants to retreat behind dark glasses occasionally to watch the world from the sidelines.
Please tell us about your pets, if any, or your favorite pet as a child.
I love animals, but I have a special connection with horses and dogs. I grew up with horses, and my husband and I kept them for a number of years. There have been many special dogs in my life . . . from early childhood to the present. Our three Shiloh Shepherds, Baer, who passed over the Rainbow Bridge almost eight years ago; Glocken, our sweet and handsome boy; and Jazz, our “little” girl, have all been a very special blessing.
Now . . . let’s give away a book! Leave a comment below for your chance to win!
To learn more about The Road to Mercy, visit my author website at www.kathyharrisbooks.com.
To purchase The Road to Mercy, logon to:
This is so cool. I was honored to read this great book early and now it is fun to see Kathy pick her own brain. What a lady and what a writer.
Ace, you’re so nice! Funny too 🙂 Thanks for dropping by!
Kathy
Getting to interview yourself–how fun! Sounds like a great book, Kathy.
Thanks, Laura! So good to hear from you!
It’s been a honor to be a part of your journey to having this book published. I’m looking forward to reading it because it sounds so good. Congrats!
Thanks for your encouragement, Shannon! We’ve both been blessed to be a part of such an amazing group of people at MTCW.
The more I hear about THE ROAD TO MERCY, the more I want to read it 🙂
Thank, Elaine!
would love to win! Sounds like a great book!
Thank you, Debbie!!!
I can’t wait to read this book. What secret is Bethany hiding and why does Josh struggle with his faith.
I really enjoyed this unique interview! How clever!
I would be thrilled to win a copy of, The Road To Mercy.
Blessings!
Judy
Good luck with the drawing, Judy! And thanks for stopping by!
WOW !! This sounds like a must read book .Would love to win a copy .Thank you ,Dana Spille
Thanks, Dana! I appreciate your kind words. Good luck with the drawing!
I believe I would enjoy reading this and appreciate that chance to win it.
Thanks, Loretta!
How fun for you to turn the tables on yourself and answer some of the questions you ask others! It was fun to find out that you’re the girl next store who likes to slip on the shades — and that you have a thing for horses, dogs — and potatoes!
So excited for your book to debut!
Thanks for stopping by, Beth. Now my secrets are out 🙂
This sounds really good. I loved the interview.
Thanks, Pat! Have a blessed day!
I’ve heard other bloggers saying wonderful things about The Road to Mercy. It sounds like a wonderful book. Thank you for a great interview, and for offering this contest!
Nancee
quiltcat26[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Thank you for your kind words, Nancee!
Judy Burgi is the winner of a copy of The Road to Mercy. Thanks to all for your kind words and comments last week.