Sunday, September 8, 2019

13 Reasons Why || Interviewing My Release Buddy



Happy Sunday, lovelies!

I hope y'all have/are having a marvelous day, rejoicing in the Lord's goodness. <3 As for me, I'm out of town visiting some friends this weekend—and consequently writing this post from their couch at nearly midnight last night, haha.

Today's post is another fun interview. This time, Kaitlyn and I did "author interviews" of each other, almost as if we don't know each other and the stories behind each of our works. So that was cool. Read on for my interview of Kate, and visit her blog for her interview of me.


Kaitlyn Krispense, Author



|| Interviewing My Release Buddy


Hello, my dear! Tell us a little bit about yourself and your writing journey. 
Hello! I'm Kaitlyn, a farmer's daughter that loves books, writing (obviously), music, and going barefoot. I'm a born-again believer in Christ, and it's Him that gave me the inspiration for this story. I'd dabbled with creative writing for a few years (even wrote a novelette that'll never see the light of day, thank goodness), mostly with fan fiction for my favorite book series. But then in 2016 I saw a pin on Pinterest that inspired the story of what is now Beloved. When I first started it, I wasn't planning on publishing it. I mean, there was always that tiny hope in the back of my mind, buuuuut I didn't really take it further than that until my writing partner read it and was like 'YES YOU'RE PUBLISHING.' She more or less got me hooked on the idea. And now we're here. #mindblown


I understand that Beloved is your first completed novel. How long did the writing process take and what was your favorite and least favorite parts? 
Yep! And hopefully not the last! ;) I started this baby in July of 2016, and finished it that September . . . I think? I'd have to go look through one of my notebooks to be sure, haha! So, yeah, it took just over a month. My favorite parts . . . Anything with the brothers. I love these guys so much. Though *cough* Erich is probably my least favorite? *cringes* Even though he's the heartthrob, he's just . . . too perfect. And yes, I'm aware that I'm the author saying this. It just . . . happened. But I love those couple scenes between him and Cara. No spoilers, ya know. ;) My least favorites . . . anything with Mrs. C. She drives me nuts. And that scene in the middle of the book (I can't give any spoilers *cries*) with Erich and Cara . . . while I love it and it's precious, I rewrote it and edited it and reread it and I still feel like it's the weakest part of the book. *sigh* I hope that's just because my eyes were tired of looking at it.




From Beloved, which character do you relate to the most and why? 
Cara, hands-down. I mean, I basically created her as mini-me. I'd been struggling with depression and insecurity and self-worth when I wrote it, so I wanted Cara's path to redemption to reflect what I knew was true, but was having a hard time getting myself to really believe and live out. Her struggles, her sarcasm . . . yep, Cara is definitely the one I can relate to the most. ;) Though, I don't have conversations with my conscience . . .


Your debut novel is releasing in two days—how does that make you feel? 
Uh. AHAHAHA. NOT READY. NOT. READY. *coughs* I honestly feel soooo unprepared for this, even though we've been planning this thing since . . . January? Yeah. Anyway. I'm super excited to take this step, I'm freaked out at the idea that my book baby might not be good enough (I wrote this for God's glory, not my own, but what writer doesn't want her stories to be loved?), I'm overwhelmed by God's grace that allowed everything to get this far. I hope my book touches someone for Him. <3




Thanks for being here today! Any parting words or advice for new writers? 
Thank you so much for hosting me! Ahh, there's so much I could say here . . . for one, write what God's put on your heart. Let His hand guide your words, and when you're doing His will, don't let the outcome scare you. Also, get yourself a writing partner! They're so amazing, and encouraging, and they don't get tired of you screaming about random plot twist ideas! ;)


|| R2L

Today's reason to live is: sunlight. There's something about sitting out in the sunshine, lifting your face to it's warm beams, and letting the sunshine-y glow seep into every fiber of your being. My worries become more bearable, my heart fills with joy, and no matter what's going on, I can't help but smile a little. It's just one of those simple, every day occurrences that makes life worth the living. <3


|| Today on the Tour


Sunday, September 8th

Rebekah @ RebekahAshleigh — Interview w/ Faith
Rose @ Adventurous Bookworm — 2x Spotlight
Hannah @ Elizabeth’s Corner — Review of Freedom



We'll be answering questions from the Q&A in tomorrow's post, so get your questions submitted! Giveaway is open through the 13th, and the paperback sale/fundraiser is open through the 30th! 

is Kate a dear or what? what's your R2L of the day? 

17 comments:

  1. Very excited for you, Kate!

    R2L for today is memories. The good and the bad. Who enjoys thinking of bad memories you ask? No one, but hear me out. Most of the time when I mull over bad memories it upsets me at first, but the more I think over them, turning them over and over, I'm able to find something in them that God is trying to teach me. Whether it's praying over the person that hurt me or realizing something in my life that needs to change or just seeing God at work even in the bad times, 9 times out of 10, I can take away some good even in the bad. And good memories...who doesn't enjoy those. That time you laughed way too hard with a friend...the book/movie that touched you in a way you can't explain...the day you spent with a dear relative before they passed on...that promotion you got at your job...the time you totally aced that test (or got a grade higher than your normal average. I was excited to get and 80-90 in math, lol)...the time that random dog came over and showered you in love and kisses...the first time someone shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with you. Cling to the good memories and learn from the bad.

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  2. YES EVERYONE NEEDS SOMEONE TO WRITE WITH!!! *motions to Ry’s comment* Trust me, having somebody in your corner helps your writing so much. My R2L...friends. ;) Think twice about the people you’ll leave behind. You may be the only person who does whatever with someone. Even if they never expressly say it, somebody needs you to have their back and believe in them.

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  3. R2L: You are incredibly capable and loved beyond anything you can imagine. There's help and hope for you.

    Thank you so, so much, Faith and Kaitlyn, for doing this blog tour. As a suicide loss survivor, it means a lot to see people spreading a cause so often ignored and close to my heart. <333

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    1. Oh my goodness, yes. <3

      Blessings and hugs to you, hon. Stay strong. <33

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  4. Oh, this was so fun to read! And I loved Kaitlyn's answer to that last question. Write what God tells you to write and always do it for His glory. From my own personal experience, I can say this with all certainty: that's truly the best way to do things. ❤
    And boy, Kaitlyn sure has a lot more patience than me to be able to wait THREE WHOLE YEARS to publish "Beloved"! Just to think, however, of all the lives both her book and yours will reach . . . plus the fact that you two are able to publish together . . . Thank You, Lord, for Your perfect timing!

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    1. I'm so glad you enjoyed! For sure. <3
      LOL, I know, right?! :D

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  5. <33 *All the heart eyes* I love this beauty!!!!

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  6. You two have come up with lots of fun ideas for the blog tour! I enjoy reading your posts each morning. <3

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    1. We had so much fun creating the post ideas! ^_^ <3

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