Katie Ganshert's Blog, page 22

The Time Keeper: A NYT Best Selling Experiment

Wow. Talk about choosing an excellent first book for my NYT Bestselling Experiment!

I picked up The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom from the library last Monday evening and was already itching to vlog about it by bedtime.

Remember, these reviews are solely based off the first 50 pages. I can’t speak for the rest of the book.

A Review for Readers:

Reader Review Cliffs Notes:

This is a story about the first man to measure time and the repercussions of such a choice, not just for him, but for every person...

Friday Faves

Chin-Grabbers for Everyone:

Musings on Weariness and Restlby Amy

Ever feel like there’s too much on your plate? Or like you’re being buried beneath all the demands and expectations life tends to heap on the old shoulders? Then this is where you need to park yourself today! I found it to be a much-needed shot of honesty and encouragement.

Cracked Out: It Can Happen to Anyonelby Jessica R. Path

“Doing something for God’s glory doesn’t replace spending time in God’s glory.” Can I get a resounding Am...

How do you Grieve? A Lesson about Anguish

Several months ago, a friend said, “I read the Bible to get to know the author.”

And it was like this huge light bulb went off in my head.

That may be the biggest DUH-epiphany I’ve ever shared on this blog, but stick with me for a moment.

I am a selfish person.

Let’s get that right out there in the open.

I have a tendency to think in terms of me.

Which means I’ve always read the Bible with the mindset of, “How does this apply to me?”

Don’t get me wrong. That question isn’t bad. In fact, it’s a good...

A New York Times Best-Selling Experiment

I have decided to embark on a reading adventure and I’m bringing all you lovely folk along for the ride.

Here’s what’s going down.

I’m always on the lookout for great reads. Plus, I’d love to unearth the secret all those New York Times bestselling authors must be sharing behind closed doors. Because clearly, once I discover this secret, all the difficulties and challenges in my writing life will shrivel up and die.

Right?

Right.

So with that said, allow me to explain.

Over the next several months,...

Friday Faves

Chin-Grabbers for Everyone:

Confessions Behind the Mask, a new blog by Betsy St. Amant

In this day and age of social media, it’s all too easy to hide our real selves behind a facade. By picking and choosing what to share, we can basically be whoever we want to be. Which is fine and dandy, until we start looking around at all our Facebook and Twitter friends, wondering how they have it all together while we’re still a raging mess. If you’re tired of feeling alone in your inadequacy and hurt, th...

Widows and Orphans

This was hands-down the coolest fundraiser I’ve ever been a part of–the epitome of James 1:27. Rescuing the orphan by serving the widow.

If those two look familiar, it’s probably because they shared their real-life Wildflowers from Winter story on my blog earlier this spring. Their story is truly evidence that God can use those barren, broken seasons in our lives to bring about something beautiful and breathtaking.

If you’d like to help bring an orphaned brother and sister from Haiti to their f...

Waiting for the Bubble to Surface (Otherwise Known as Writer’s Block)

My husband insists it’s idea block.

I have no idea why he’s so adamantly against calling it writer’s block.

No matter. The possessive noun is unimportant here. The word to focus on is block.

Basically, I’m attempting to write a synopsis for a potential novel, only I can’t get a grip on the story.

The thing is slipperier than a wet penguin.

I find reassurance in the fact that this isn’t the first time I’ve faced this problem. Nor am I the only creative person who’s faced it.

So I wait expectantly an...

Friday Faves

This week’s roundup is a short one! Not because the internet was lacking in awesome blog posts, but because my week was so full (celebrating my son’s 4th birthday, visiting a friend in Madison, brainstorming a new story idea), I didn’t have time to read everything in my Google Reader.

Despite the hectic schedule, these four grabbed me….

Chin-Grabbers for Everyone:

In Other Words: Hope and Havingmby Beth Vogt

I found this short and sweet post super applicable, since the balance is one I’m constant...

Adoption Insight from an Adoptee & a Giveaway

Adoption is near and dear to my heart. It’s a journey my husband and I are walking and will continue to walk for the rest of our lives. Which means I’m always looking for insight. I’ve taken online courses, read books and blogs, and talked with other adoptive mamas. But nothing’s quite as insightful as talking to a person who knows what it’s like to be adopted. Today, I’m pleased to have award-winning author and adoptee, Catherine West, on my blog to answer some questions.

Cathy, what’s the be...

4 Handy Building Blocks of Story

I don’t do character charts. They are the opposite of helpful for me.

Instead, whenever I endeavor to begin a new story, I sit down, write the protagonist”s back story, and thanks to Jeff Gerke and now, Lisa Cron, I search for….

A dark, significant moment from the character’s past

This could be anything….

As a child, the character could catch his mom having an affair.

She could discover she was an “oops” baby while eavesdropping.

Bullies might call her ugly or fat or any other mean thing bullies li...