Interview With Author Cathy Bryant + Giveaway!

Cathy Bryant lives in Texas where she writes and teaches music. She just recently released her debut novel, Texas Roads (2009 ACFW Genesis contest finalist), in March of this year. She's currently working on her second book for the Miller's Creek Series.

Cathy dropped by The Christian Scroll to do an interview with us and has graciously offered to give one of her books away! *Make sure to read the rules below before entering.

Welcome Cathy!

Thanks for inviting me to your blog, Grace!

When did you decide that you wanted to pursue writing?

Since childhood I’ve enjoyed writing, and I can’t remember a time when writing a novel wasn’t on my bucket list. My last chick flew the nest in 2004, and over the next few years, God seemed to orchestrate a series of events that made me realize how brief life is. So in 2007 I attended my first writing conference and over the next year or two started snatching up every craft-of-writing book I could get my hands on. I was hooked after that!

Besides writing, you teach piano and singing. I take it that you love music?

Music is as much a part of my life as breathing. Both sides of my family were musical and it has always come easy to me. When I’m struggling with something, I crank out old tapes and albums (shows you how old I am) or sit down at the piano with a stack of piano music.

What are a few of your favorite artists/bands?

My favorite Christian contemporary artist is Stephen Curtis Chapman. His heart for God flows from the lyrics of his music. I also enjoy other artists and styles of music--Big Band, Tony Bennett, Bette Midler, jazz, classical. Of course my all-time favorite musician is my son, Jase Bryant. He’s a musician in the Dallas area—an awesome guitarist, songwriter and singer—if I do say so myself.

Texas Roads is your first book in the Miller’s Creek Series. What did you enjoy most about writing it?

I really enjoyed the whole process, though edits and revisions seemed to take forever!!! It was fun to create Miller’s Creek and the cast of characters that live there. Ever so often I’ll catch myself wondering what Steve and Dani are up to.

Out of the many characters in the story, which one is your favorite and why?
Without a doubt, my favorite character in Texas Roads is Mama Beth. She’s so much of what I someday hope to be—wise, kind, loving—and full of witty humor!

What is the overall message of the book?

The theme of the story is about making Christ our home. Though we may have temporary dwelling places here on earth, none of them are truly home for believers. Only Jesus can fill that home-shaped hole in each of our hearts.

You’re currently working on the second book for the Miller’s Creek Series. Do you have a title for it? Can you share with us a glimpse of what that book will be about?

I had to chuckle at the question about the title for book two, since I’ve only changed it about a million times. The title is “A Path Less Travelled”…at least for now. ;0)  

Here’s the back cover blurb for the second book: 

Trish James is tired of being rescued. When a spooked horse claims her husband's life, she determines to make a life for herself and her son without outside help. But will it mean leaving the place that's etched on her heart?

Andy Tyler has had to struggle for everything, and starting a new law practice in Miller's Creek, Texas is no different. Though prepared for business challenges, he's not prepared to fall in love--especially with yet another woman who will probably abandon him for her career. Will Andy and Trish be able to see beyond the obvious to take a path less traveled?

Do you have any advice for the budding writers out there?

First of all, read, read, read. Read in the genre in which you’d like to write. Read classics. Read other genres. And while you’re reading, also study the craft of writing. You’ll be able to correlate what you’re learning with what you’re reading. One drawback to this method: You’ll never be able to read without analyzing ever again. At least that’s the way it happened for me.

I would also suggest purchasing gently used craft-of-writing books and treating them like college textbooks. Mine are dog-eared, highlighted, paper-clipped and sticky-noted, and the margins are full of scribbles. I also take notes on my computer, which helps me retain more of what I’m learning.

How can readers get in contact with you?

I love to hear from readers! My e-mail is catbry1 [at] yahoo [dot] com. You can also catch me on Facebook and Twitter, as well as at www.CatBryant.com and my blog WordVessel (http://WordVessel.blogspot.com).

Thanks Cathy for doing this interview with us and for giving a book away! I wish you all the best on your writing. Blessings!

Thank you, Grace, for having me over. I enjoyed the visit very much, and I’m looking forward to finding out who wins the giveaway!

 Book Giveaway!

Texas Roads (Miller's Creek Series #1) by Cathy Bryant.

Synopsis:

City gal Dani Davis just wants to find a place to call home. Miller's Creek, Texas, with its country charm and quirky citizens seems like the perfect place to start over. Perfect, that is, except for the cowboy who gives her a ride into town... Dani secretly finances renovations to downtown Miller's Creek, but malicious rumors force her to choose between keeping her involvement a secret and the home for which she's always longed. Then the discovery of an age-old secret propel her down a road she never expected to travel. Steve Miller is determined to save his dying hometown. When vandalism jeopardizes the Miller's Creek restoration project, he can't help but suspect Dani, whose strange behavior has become fodder for local gossips. Will Steve and Dani be able to call a truce for a higher cause, and in the process help Dani understand the true meaning of home?

Book Trailer:

Book Info:

Paperback

Pages: 304

ISBN: 978-0984431106
Condition: New

Giveaway Rules:

You must leave a comment with your e-mail address, so that we can contact you if you're the winner. US and Canada only. This giveaway starts today and ends on the 28th of May. A winner will be chosen on the 29th. The winner will be chosen randomly and notified by e-mail. If the winner doesn't respond within a week; we will have to pick another. Good luck! =)

God bless!
~Grace