Interview with Katie Ganshert, Author of Wildflowers from Winter

Released May 8, 2012, Katie Ganshert's Wildflowers from Winter has given great credit to the Christian romance novel. Myself not generally being a fan of the genre, I was pleasantly surprised and delighted when I read it (you can read my review here).


I was even more surprised and delighted that Mrs. Ganshert agreed to an interview, Without further adieu, here it is!



Q: What inspired you to write Wildflowers From Winter?
A: Sleep deprivation! At the time, our son was a wee little baby. I was up late one night nursing and the voice of this twelve-year old girl came into my head. I couldn’t get her out. So I sat down and wrote the prologue. Then spent the next couple weeks trying to figure out why this girl would try to take her own life at such a young age.


Q: Which character do you most identify with in Peaks?
A: Probably Robin. She and I are definitely a lot more alike than Bethany and me. Robin is quick to love, while Bethany is much more reserved. Robin stayed in her hometown because she loved it, while Bethany couldn’t get away fast enough. I’m proud to say I still live in my hometown. It’s hard for me to identify with Robin in her grief, because I’ve never had to go through what she’s going through in the novel. But man, my heart sure goes out to her.


Q: Which character has been the most difficult to create and write? Is there a character that you don’t particularly like, even though they may be necessary for the story?
A: I definitely am not a fan of Pastor Fenton, but he was necessary for the story. To be honest, I struggled with him quite a bit. A lot of prayer went into my decision to portray a pastor in a negative light, especially since there are so many God-honoring, grace-filled, Bible-preaching pastors/preachers out there and the last thing I want to do is perpetuate any stereotypes. But in the same breath, I know people who’ve been badly wounded by the church. I wanted to explore that topic and Pastor Fenton was a necessary vehicle for the exploration. 



Q: Whose feedback on Wildflowers From Winter have you enjoyed the most? The most fulfilling?
A: Man, God’s really blessed me with some amazing, amazing feedback. Feedback that absolutely humbles me. Because who am I that God would use me to encourage and touch readers’ hearts?



Here’s an email from a reader that left me in tears (happy ones, of course):
I just finished reading Wildflowers from Winter. I was NOT expecting to be stunned by this book. I thought it would be another modern romance. Sweet. A light read. I was indeed stunned. I kept asking myself, how could someone so young learn to write so effectively about grief? Let me tell you, dear young lady, you have found your calling. Not only is your writing the kind that “sings” – your content is weighty and moves my heart. I am going to send a copy to a friend who is floundering in her faith. She is disenchanted with Christianity and angry at God for a hardship she had to endure. This is JUST the book for her. Thank you for hanging on to your dream. For pressing through all the critique sessions. Who are you? One gifted writer with an anointing from God to understand human hearts.


I read this in the midst of a very discouraging day. The message couldn’t have come at a better time. Reading that this woman was going to share my story with someone who was struggling in their faith made me feel incredibly humbled and incredibly blessed. It was such a pertinent reminder that this journey isn’t about book sales or accolades, it’s about telling stories that offer hope to a hurting world.


Q: Are we going to see many of the same characters in Wishing on Willows other than Robin? Is there anything we can expect that you can reveal (it’s ok, we understand you gotta keep up the suspense).
A: LOL! Yes, there will be more familiar faces than just Robin’s. Bethany certainly doesn’t play a leading role in Wishing on Willows, but you’ll get a glimpse into her life, and Evan’s too. 


All I can really say at this point—since I haven’t finished revisions yet—is that the story takes place four years later. Robin is a single mom trying to keep her struggling café afloat. There will be romance, some familiar places and some familiar faces. The story is all about letting go of the familiar and not letting fear get in the way of God’s best for our life. You can see the cover on the Wishing on Willows page on my website.


Q: Tell us your “salvation story.”
A: I grew up in a semi-religious home. We went to church on Sundays. I went to a religion class on Wednesdays. I always thought that as long as my good outweighed my bad, I was good to go. I believed in God, but it was all head knowledge. I never had any sort of personal relationship with Him. I didn’t even know that existed.


My freshman year of college, my boyfriend at the time wrote me a letter about his faith and I have no doubt God used that to get my attention. So for the first time, I opened a Bible and read Matthew. Then Mark. Then Luke and John. It was like God speaking directly to my heart. I got down on my knees and told God I didn’t want to do this thing called life on my own anymore. I wanted Him to take over. I wanted Him be my Lord. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made. You can read a more detailed account of my personal testimony on the faith page of my website. 


Q: What is your favorite Scripture and/or Biblical figure and why?
A: Right now, my favorite Scripture is Zephaniah 3:17. 


For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. 


I’ve really been meditating on that middle part. How amazing is it that we worship a God who will calm our fears with His great love? This means so much to me lately, as we are in the process of adopting a little boy or girl from the Congo. The entire process is risky and expensive and overwhelming. I rest in this promise from Zephaniah.


As far as favorite Biblical figure, I’d have to say Rahab. She was a prostitute, looked down upon by society. Seen by men as an object. Seen by women as something disdainful. Yet God saw through the scars and the shame and made her a part of His plan. He used her to save the Israelites. And she found redemption. She is proof that nobody is too broken, too scarred, too beyond-hope for Jesus. He makes all things new. 


Q: We know the best writers are avid readers. Who is YOUR favorite writer?
A: Oh man, there are so many authors I enjoy! It’s so hard to pick one. But I guess, if I had to choose, I’d say Francine Rivers. I’m not sure anything will ever top the Mark of the Lion trilogy. What a powerful story! I reread them at least once a year.


Q: If you were stranded on a island, which five books would you want to have with you?
A: I won’t count the Bible, since that’s so much more than a book.
Let’s see… I’d want a good variety.
Mark of the Lion trilogy (let’s pretend I get a three-in-one set and this counts as one book…pretty please?)
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Peace Like a River by Leif Enger
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins 


Q: We know you’re a real person who has a real life outside of your novels. Just for fun, what’s your favorite household chore? Your least favorite?


A: I think “favorite household chore” has to be an oxymoron, right? ;-)
My favorite is probably cleaning the kitchen because it’s the only time I watch TV and I love a clean kitchen. 


My least favorite is definitely vacuuming the furniture. We have a black lab who sheds like crazy and a three year old son who is just….a three year old boy. So the furniture gets dirty and vacuuming is not fun. 


Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of writing?
A: Going on dates with my husband. Playing make-believe with my wild-child of a son (his imagination is off the hook). Reading, of course! Being a junior high leader at my church—clowning around with a bunch of crazy junior high students keeps me young. Going on walks. And meeting friends at Panera for bagels, honey green tea, and girl talk.


Q: How and when do you set up and find time to write with a busy little man around the house?
A: It’s definitely a challenge! But I think anytime we passionately enjoy something, we make time in our schedules for it. There’s nothing quite like writing a novel—the characters become so real and inevitably, God teaches me something valuable. So writing has to be a priority. I try to make my priorities God first, my family second, writing third. Granted, I don’t always succeed. But I try. To stick to it, I usually get up early in the morning so I can spend time in the Word and with my latest story before I hear my little boy’s feet running across his bedroom floor.


Q: What advice would you give an aspiring writer wanting to “get in” this business/ministry?
A: Persevere. Rejection and waiting are inevitable parts of the writing journey. I like what my agent said in a blog post once. Start seeing each no as a wall placed in front of you. If you want it badly enough, you’ll scale the wall and come out stronger on the other side.
Here’s my take…
If penning stories burns in your heart and if pursuing publication draws you to your knees, closer to God, then that’s an amazing place to be, regardless of what happens. 
I have more practical advice on the writer’s corner page on my website. 


Q: Have you ever had a Christian “geek out” moment, like meeting a celebrity or going to an awesome conference (or both)? What was it?
A: Do you mean like an awe-struck moment? Or an embarrassing moment? I’m not a star-struck kinda gal. I’ve definitely gone to conferences and have had the pleasure of meeting some fantastic authors that I really admire. But I don’t think I geeked-out. 


As far as embarrassing moments, I have those at least once a day.  Once, at a writing conference, a waiter spilled soup down my back (and I mean, down my back) and in his mortification, tried to clean it for me. I about jumped out of my chair. I must’ve made a funny face, because my table mates laughed pretty hard. Bless the waiter’s heart, he felt horrible. 


Q: Anything else you’d like to add?
A: Just a big giant thank you! For reading my book. For interviewing me on your blog! For helping me get the word out about my debut novel! I’m so grateful for all the supportive people I have met because of this writing journey. Thanks for being a blessing to me!
Oh, and I’d also love to point people to two quick things. The Wildflowers from Winter page on my website has all kinds of fun bonus features for readers who fell in love with the story. And if you’d like to read Wildflowers in your book club, please check out the book club page and take me up on my Skype offer! I love chatting with book clubs about my book!



Thank you, Mrs. Ganshert, for sharing with me and with those who are reading this. I personally am looking forward to Wishing on Willows with great anticipation!


Find Katie on Facebook, Twitter, and online. You can also check out her blog here. You can also check out Waterbrook Multomah, the publisher, here, including their Blogging for Books Program.


To WIN your own copy of Wildflowers for Winter signed by the author, comment below. One random comment will win. Must comment with a contact email address by 11:59pm CST Wednesday, June 27. Winner chosen by random.org.

Melissa McGinnis is the Children's Ministry Program Director for LHF. She received a copy of Wildflowers from Winter through Waterbrook Multnomah's Advanced Reader Copy Program, and was not compensated in any way for reading or reviewing the book, nor for publishing the above interview. Katie Ganshert was not compensated by Melissa McGinnis or Living Hope Fellowship for this interview. All opinions expressed belong only those who expressed them.