Thursday, December 30, 2010

Interview and Giveaway with Author Cathy Bryant


Cathy Bryant is an author who loves to write and teach music at her farmhouse in East Texas. She has written two contemporary fiction books and her newest one (A Path Less Traveled) released in October of this year. She is currently working on her third book in this series - which will be released sometime in 2011.

Cathy has stopped by to do an interview with us and give one of her books away! *Note* Be sure to read the rules at the bottom of this post before entering.


Welcome, Cathy!

What authors (whether classic or not) stirred your deep passion to write? And can you tell us why they were such an impact?

When I sobbed through Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, I knew I would like to write stories that touched people with the truth of God. I’m still a long way from being able to write a story like that, but it’s my goal in every book I write.

What steps do you usually go through when it comes to writing and perfecting a story?

I spend several weeks doing what I call pre-writing. This involves brainstorming the theme and plot of the story, adjusting it to fit a three-act story structure, and getting to know my characters as well as possible. Then, using my pre-writing, I get the first draft down on paper. I leave the book for a while, then return to read through it several times, checking for a good balance between dialogue, sensory detail, internalizations, emotions, tension/conflict, and setting/description. I also check chapter beginnings and endings, the story timeline, word usage, plot details, and sentence structure, as well as how the story reads overall. Once I finish my final round of edits, I send the story to beta readers and editors for their feedback. It’s a very lengthy and mind-numbing process.

You now have two books written in the A Miller’s Creek Novel series - your newest one having been released in October. How would you compare Texas Roads to A Path Less Traveled?

Both stories are set in Miller’s Creek, Texas, and both stories involve a different member of the Miller family. The same cast is in both books. They both involve heroes and heroines who are struggling in some way, and also have spiritual themes entwined in the story.

In A Path Less Traveled, the story deals with loss and grief. What pushed you to pick this particular subject? And what part of this story do people need to soak up like a sponge and share with others?

All of our life experiences are different, but all of us will deal with loss and grief at some point in our journey through life. I don’t feel like I really chose this subject; it really chose me. I’ve recently come to realize that much of what we do is based on the traditions of men (for example, the “rule” that you should wait a year after a great loss before making major decisions). I hope that readers come to realize that all decisions in our lives should be based on one thing and one thing only—trusting God to direct our paths.




I would like to say that I admire the cover design of this book. It truly is beautiful. There must be a meaning behind the picture and the title. How does it relate to the story?

Thanks, Grace. I love the cover, too. It was designed by a talented young lady named Kellie Southerland. My husband and I made a trip to the Texas Hill Country in the spring of 2010 for the purpose of taking photos of the bluebonnets for this cover. I wanted a country path to show that following God IS the path less traveled. It’s often rocky and confusing, but the only way to true joy and peace. Taking that path means not following the traditions and expectations of men, but following the Shepherd of our souls. Since Trish is an artist in the story, I really wanted some reference to painting on the cover—hence the hand holding a paint brush. The font chosen for the word ‘Path’ in the title is an unlikely font for a book cover, but I liked the way the word ‘Path’ was disintegrating. That’s exactly how Trish felt—like her world was disintegrating and crumbling beneath her feet. The paint brush is near that disintegrating ‘Path,’ which came to symbolize to me how God paints our paths, even when it feels like the road we’re traveling is falling apart.

At the end of A Path Less Traveled, there’s a quick mention of your next book - The Way of Grace. Could you slip us and our readers a few tiny details describing it?

The analogy of journey continues in the third title in the Miller’s Creek novels—roads, path, way. This journey is about a young woman named Grace who thinks she understands God’s grace, until she is called upon to exhibit grace to someone who has used and abused her trust. It’s also a story of overcoming perfectionism and legalism. Through the course of the story Grace realizes she’ll never be perfect in her own strength, and any attempt to be perfect as a means of earning God’s favor is a waste of His grace.

I’m really curious… We all have a Bible verse and/or quote that we try to live by, so which one is yours?

There are so many passages that speak to me, but if I have to choose only one, I would choose the entire chapter of Romans 12. If I were to have to choose a shorter passage, I’d choose the first couple of verses. Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.


Randomly Fun Questions:

If you could get into a time machine and visit any era, which one would it be?

LOVE this question! There are many time periods I’d love to visit—pioneer days in the United States, the 1940’s and 1950’s in America, the beginning of Creation, Israel during the days of King Solomon—but if I have to choose only one time period it would the time that Christ walked the earth, because all of time as we know it hinges on that event and it is the most significant spiritual act that has ever taken place.

Have any favorite quirky words? Lots! Bodacious, onomatopoeia, serendipity—to name a few!

I see that you like plants. What must you absolutely have growing in your garden?

Flowers! And it really doesn’t matter what kind because I love them all.


How can our bookworms best get in contact with you?

They can reach me at my blog, WordVessel (http://WordVessel.blogspot.com) where I write devotionals, talk about writing and review Christian books. I also have a website at www.CatBryant.com where they can leave a message in my online guestbook. I’m also on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cathy.england.bryant) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/CathyBryant).


Cathy, I want to thank you endlessly for stopping by TCS and doing this interview with us. And I especially want to thank you for giving your book away to one of our readers. I am sure they will enjoy it!

The pleasure was all mine, Grace. Can’t wait to see who wins!


Book Giveaway!
Synopsis:

Trish James is tired of being rescued. When a spooked horse claims her husband's life, she's determined to blaze a path for herself and her traumatized son without outside help. But will that mean leaving the place 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 for falling in love--especially with yet another woman who will probably abandon him for her career. Will Andy and Trish be able to see past their limited human understanding to take a path less traveled?




Book Info:

Title: A Path Less Traveled (A Miller's Creek Novel #2)
Author: Cathy Bryant
Format: Paperback *autographed*
Pages: 312
ISBN: 978-0984431120
Publisher: WordVessel Press

Rules:

Cathy is giving away A Path Less Traveled to one bookworm! In order to enter, 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, please. This giveaway starts today and ends on the 14th of this month (January). A winner will be picked randomly and announced on the 15th. We will contact the winner and notify them by their e-mail address. If the winner doesn't respond within a few days, we will have to pick another. Good luck! =)

God bless!
~Grace

63 comments:

PoCoKat said...

Thanks for the great opportunity...would love to win!

littleone AT shaw DOT ca

Ariel Wilson said...

Bodacious :D Sweet! Thanks for the giveaway!

pinkdaddysgirl[at]msn[dot]com

misskallie2000 said...

I loved Texas Roads and would love to win A Path Less Traveled. Really enjoyed the interview and looking forward to book #3.
Thanks for this opportunity to enter giveaway.

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

thanks for the chance!! I have your button on my blog
kendraco22 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I ama Texan so love any kind of good novels written about my state!

frogz60@hotmail.com

Renate Kapp said...

Sounds good!

k.renate@hotmail.com

slb3334 said...

I would love this.

slb3334@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Thanks for writing the book and the contest.

michaeldkolb@aol.com

Jennifer Wilson said...

This sounds really good! I love to read Christian books!

jenndiggy at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

HORTON111@AOL.COM

WOULD LOVE TO HAVE THIS BOOK TO READ ON A COLD WINTERY WEEKEND

karenk said...

would love to read cathy's novel...thanks for the opportunity :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Pam K. said...

I would love to win a copy of A Path Less Traveled. The cover with the bluebonnets is just lovely. I lived in central Texas for several years; I miss the bluebonnets and other wildflowers.
Thanks for the interview and the chance to win.
pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

rah267 said...

I love to read. I live in the Texas Hill Country so the book cover looks like home. Thanks for the chance to win
higgs.rachel at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

Thanks for the giveaway. As a new Christian, I'm excited about it

rugerpuppies at hotmail dot com

Patrick E. Craig said...

Hi Cathy, I'm a new Twitter follower of yours and also a writer and music teacher. Your book sounds interesting so I'm throwing my hat in the ring. :)

Patrick

Lisa P. said...

I love reading Christian fiction and I'm sure I would enjoy this book.
lafittelady at gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I have Texas Roads and am waiting for #2.. so I can read them at one time. So...hope I win. Thanks!!
jackie.smithATdishmailDOTnet

Unknown said...

Thanks for the interview! I like your quirky word, serendipity! One of my favourite is discombobulated. :)
please enter me in the giveaway!
Kim
lonebanana(at)msn(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Hi! Carman sent me. I would love to be entered in your draw. Thanks.
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

Nice interview! This book looks awesome - thanks for the chance to win it!

Kait
momiswayweird(at)gmail(dot)com

Linda Kish said...

This sounds like a great book!

Thanks for the chance to win.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Amy said...

I really like how the book sounds. I hope I win

amyholbrook2003 at yahoo dot com

Katie Marie said...

Carman sent me over! Count me in for this book! Thanks!

~ Katy
legacy1992(at)gmail(dot)com

collettakay said...

I read Cathy's first book and can't wait to read the second book of the series.

Thanks for the chance!

pepsi324[at]yahoo[dot]com

Emillie Rose said...

Loved the interview! Would love love love to win the book!
hisprincess886(at)yahoo(dot)com

Patsy said...

This sounds great. Count me in. Thanks for the giveaway.
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

lgm52 said...

Sounds great...I'd love to win!
lgm52@hotmail.com

missreneer said...

This is my first time hearing about this book and it sounds like a great read. Thanks for the awesome giveaway :)

mrsjohnson1982 at yahoo dot com

Nancy said...

This bookworm would love to read it:)

Trinity Rose said...

Greetings,
Would love to read this book.
Thanks for the interview and giveaway.
Many blessings,
Trinity Rose
wandaelaine at gmail dot com

Jo said...

Sounds great. I read the first book and am looking forward to reading this one as well. Please enter me.

Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

MaureenT said...

This book is on my MRL please include me!


alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

Anonymous said...

What a great prize! Thank you for the giveaway!

amberrose95(at)gmail(dot)com

angie said...

Sounds like a great book! I would love to be entered!
Thanks!
bangersis(at)msn(dot)com

Cheryl Cope said...

Thanks for the giveaway.
Cheryl
Cheryl[at]cherylcope[dot]com

Nancye said...

I would love to win this book! Thanks for the giveaway.

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Josh Chalmers said...

Sounds like a sweet book! Would love to read it!

Joshthejuggler [at] hotmail [dot] com

Mary / Touch of Heaven said...

Would love to win this book!
atouchofheaven2010 at gmail dot com
Mary B.

windycindy said...

I certainly enjoy learning more about the author behind the book!
I am ready to read this book and am anticipating the third book in the
series...
Many thanks!
Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

Very interesting interview. I would be pleased to win this book. As I am planning to do book reviews and author interviews on my blog this year, I would be happy to do the same after reading this book.
Thanks.

polilla.writes at gmail dot com

Heather B said...

Thank you for the opportunity this sounds like a great book

wgbc1446 said...

Thanks for the chance to win. This sounds like a good book! wgbc1446[at]yahoo[dot]com

Michelle R said...

I would absolutely love to have this book! Thank you for giving one away! I hope I win it!

momredding5[at]aol[dot]com

Anonymous said...

I would love to win

mjmeeks52netscape.net

kygirl said...

Sounds like a book I would love to read.
stanleybilly(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Nickolay said...

What a great sounding book! Thanks for the chance

jason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com

Anonymous said...

This sounds like a good read.

Anonymous said...

I would like to read this work!

theyyyguy@yahoo.com

Grace said...

Shiloh, leave an e-mail address to enter. *Thanks*

Anonymous said...

I would love the chance to read this book.
shawnac68@hotmail.com

Misusedinnocence said...

This sounds like a great read, thanks so much for hosting! :)

misusedinnocence@aol.com

Anonymous said...

i hope i win

jim.coyne2@verizon.net

luckycat1818 said...

Thanks for the chance to win. It looks like a very good book and I love that it's set in Texas.

luckycat1818(at)yahoo(dot)com

intime said...

thank you I think I could learn from this book intime@myself.com

susansmoaks said...

i would love to read this
susansmoaks at gmail dot com

Susan said...

I would love this book, thanks for the chance to win. suelee1998 @ gmail.com

cowboyswife said...

Thanks
cowboys.wife@yahoodotcom

Unknown said...

It sounds like a great book. Thanks for the giveaway. garrettsambo@aol.com

Bakersdozen said...

I would love to read this. Thanks so much for the interview. vidomich(at)yahoo(dot)com

Meredith said...

Thanks for the giveaway!

meredithfl at gmail dot com

Betty C said...

I really enjoyed reading the interview. Somehow I though writing was an easier profession. It sounds rigorous.

fluerdelyis said...

I would like to read this book to see the journey she takes in which she grows in her relationship with God and her outward purposeful extension of living the actions of the Fruit of the Spirit

Thanks
Chris Ann
treehouse.queen18(at) yahoo(dotcom)

LuckyTJG said...

Life is all about taking chances and opening your heart to the possibility of love. Would welcome the chance to read this wonderful book.
LuckyTJG@cs.com