Welcome, Cathy…

  Tell us a bit about yourself beyond who you are as a writer.

I was born and raised on the beautiful island of Bermuda, where I still live. Being a small island, it tends to get a little too small after a while, so I do love to travel. I’m a wife, married 25 years to my pediatrician hubby, and I’m Mom to two wonderful children who are sadly away at college, so I don’t get to see them nearly as often as I would like. I’m a dog lover and own a three year-old border collie named Noah, who really keeps me busy! I love gardening and hanging out with friends and family.

How did you come to be a Christian writer?

I started out writing for the secular market. I didn’t really even know that Christian fiction existed. I think the first Christian book I ever read was Deb Raney’s A Vow To Cherish, and it was shortly after that when I re-dedicated my life and knew that I wanted to devote my talents to Him, so it was pretty much a no-brainer. It hasn’t been an easy road but I’m learning (slowly), that it was the right decision for me, and writing for the CBA is where I am meant to be.

 What has been your greatest challenge in life so far?  How did you handle it?

Hmm. Aside from my mom dying, which was incredibly difficult, but expected and a blessing in many ways, as she was quite ill, I think my greatest challenge was deciding to search for my birth family. I really didn’t know what I was getting into, so of course I proceeded with much prayer and went forward with the support of my family. It was a very difficult time in my life and I went through enormous emotional upheaval, but God was faithful and He brought me through it all. I learned to rely fully on God and ‘lean not on my own understanding.’ I believe my faith is much stronger because of this experience. He also performed a couple of miracles along the way and gave me a sister whom I am blessed to have a wonderful relationship with, so it all worked out well in the end!

That’s awesome!  So what do you like to read?  What are some of your favorites that you have read?

I love to read! I read mostly romance and women’s fiction, CBA and ABA, and lately I’ve read a fair bit of historical fiction, which I’m enjoying. I recently finished The Language of Flowers, by Vanessa Diffenbaugh, which was really good. And Heiress, by Susan May Warren, LOVED that book and can’t wait for the next in the series! All time favorites would have to be Gone With The Wind, by Margaret Mitchell, all the Barbara Taylor Bradford books, The Forgotten Garden, and The House at Riverton by Kate Morton (love her), and anything by Jane Austen.

Do you have a quote or saying that’s extra-special to you?

‘I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.’ Philippians 4:13.

This is a scripture my mother used to say over and over as I was growing up and it kind of stuck. I was shy and insecure as a child, and had pretty low self-esteem, so she was always trying to boost me and get me to believe in myself. As I matured and grew in my faith and really laid claim to this, I realized how true it was. I can certainly try it on my own, but I always fail. Knowing who I am in Christ gives me a whole new perspective. I think she’d be proud of the things I’ve accomplished – unfortunately she passed away before I was published, but I know she’s looking down with big smiles. 

What projects are you working on right now?

I’m working on putting together a plot for a new story. This is always the hardest part of writing for me. Once I get something cohesive written down, it seems to come together. I’m also doing some revisions on a manuscript that my agent will be shopping in the near future, called Reprisal.

Cool.  So what other projects do you have already out?

My debut novel, Yesterday’s Tomorrow, released in March 2011, through OakTara. I have a second novel, Hidden in the Heart, which will release this year, also through OakTara. I recently began a new blog venture called This Is A Blog About Books, where the focus is on…what else…books! It’s a place where I hope readers, writers and reviewers can gather and learn and share with one another. I hope  you’ll check it out!

Also check out the trailer for Yesterday’s Tomorrow: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVQUMRlYhkM

Where can readers find you on the ‘net?

Website: http://www.catherinejwest.com

Blog: http://www.thisisablogaboutbooks.wordpress.com

Twitter: @cathwest

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CatherineJWest

Book Review of Yesterday’s Tomorrow, by Michelle Sutton – http://healingheartsseries.blogspot.com/

This review is going to be difficult for me to condense into a few paragraphs. There were so many things I loved about this book. I was talking to my aunt about how I was alive during the Vietnam War, but it wasn’t talked about much when I was growing up. It was like people wanted to forget it ever happened. I’ve met a number of Vietnam Vets and none of them wanted to talk about their experiences either. So while I wasn’t sure if I’d like this book or not because of the subject matter, I decided to try it anyway because it was a debut novel. Well, I am so glad I did because it far exceeded my expectations.

I’ve read a few other books set during the Vietnam war era, but none of them were as detailed and compelling as this story. I felt like I WAS Kristin and that I was in Vietnam with her. I rarely have an experience that is so enthralling that I forget I’m reading and my mind goes to the place where I’m reading about. I felt that connection with this story. I read a lot of books so I know exceptional writing when I read it. Why was this story so amazing? I’ll tell you…

When I read a book I want to get lost in the story. This book did that for me. When I read a book I want to care about the characters. This book did that for me, too. I loved the people and the relationships between them. I loved the emotion and the fact that the author wasn’t afraid to let her characters deal with some difficult challenges. I got tearful a number of times and had to refrain from crying in the airport (I didn’t want people to wonder why I had tears rolling down my cheeks.) All I wanted to do was read the book until I finished it, but I had to go out of town, so when I got a chance to finish the story I picked it up again and stayed up until I read THE END.

Did I mention that I loved this book? My emotions soared. I felt like I understood the characters when they had PTSD symptoms. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but toward the end I was practically biting my nails wondering what would happen to them. This novel satisfied me in every way. I never thought a love story set in Vietnam would have such a powerful impact on me that I would keep thinking about the story even after I finished it. There were so many good nuggets of truth in the story. The faith message was believable, and the love story was incredible!

I am definitely going to read another book by this author. Not only is her prose beautiful, but her pacing is perfect and her romantic tension is written exactly the way I like it. A very satisfying read, and just edgy enough to be compelling without being overly done. In fact, though I really hate to part with this book, I told my aunt she MUST read it because I can guarantee she will not only love it, but will spread the word about the story, too. This book is worthy of that kind of buzz.

Yesterday’s Tomorrow was published by OakTara and released in March 2011.

*~*~*~*

Educated in Bermuda, England and Canada, Catherine holds a degree in English from the University of Toronto. When she’s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border Collie for long walks or tending to her roses and orchids. Catherine and her husband live on the beautiful island of Bermuda, with their two college-aged children. Catherine is a member of Romance Writers of America, and American Christian Fiction Writers, and is a founding member of International Christian Fiction Writers. Catherine’s debut novel Yesterday’s Tomorrow, released in March 2011 through

OakTara Publishers. Catherine’s next novel, Hidden in the Heart, will be available in the near future, also through OakTara.

Website: http://www.catherinejwest.com

OakTara Website: http://www.oaktara.com

Blog: http://www.catherinewestblog.blogspot.com

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVQUMRlYhkM

April had a great idea last week…so I’m copying her. Imitation is the highest form of flattery, you know.

She was good with choosing her top ten reads. I couldn’t stop there…I tried, and it hurt to even stop here. But between two book clubs, reviews for several organizations and individuals who ask, and because I wanted to read fav authors, here are my enjoyable reads from the past year. And because great minds think alike, you’ll notice a couple of same titles as April.

Steven James, The Patrick Bowers series

Fell in love with Pat when doing a Revell book review, and it’s a good thing he’s fictional; sigh. Although I’d probably have to kill him if I spent any time with him because he’s pretty analytical and rather clueless about anything but murder clues and coffee. Still–Steven James invented a character to…sigh for. You won’t be able to read just one; the books are titled after chess pieces, and yes, start with the Pawn.

Jill Williamson, From Darkness Won

Jill asked me to preview book number one, which I was thrilled to do as soon as I started reading. Loved her characters and story world and rejoiced when she won numerous awards for it. Had to get the second book, To Darkness Fled, and honestly, waited and waited for this one, hoped the price would come down but it didn’t so I bought it for my birthday and it is the most expensive e-book I’ve purchased so far, Jeff Gerke.

Michelle Griep, Undercurrent

Michelle didn’t have to ask me to buy or review this book. I loved her first book, a time-travel adventure, Gallimore, and waited years for some other publisher to figure out what a good writer she is. Undercurrent is such a fun read, especially for those of us who get a kick out of mixing up fantasy and real history. Michelle is a woman after my own heart with medieval period and culture adoration.

Naomi Musch, The Red Fury

Ditto with Naomi. She asked me to review The Green Veil, and as a good Wisconsin sister writer, wasn’t about to refuse, and all I can say is, she made a fan out of me. Awesome tale of the early lumber baron era of our home state, and the Peshtigo fire, which took place the same night as the Great Chicago fire in 1871, but with much more devastating results. And my historic license plate reads 1871. Not that I’m biased or anything.

Serena Miller, The Measure of Katie Calloway

So, I usually avoid these types of sighing, looking in the distance, quasi-historical romances, but I agreed to review for Revell, and, despite the cover and the title, really enjoyed this book to the point of keeping it on my shelf in the hopes to read it again. Yes…another lumber baron story, but great details on the lumber camps and fantastic characters.

Anita Estes, Letters to God, on a Prodigal Son

Just to show you I don’t read all fiction, although it is my first choice, I have to give a high five and a bow and a thank you to Anita for this book. Everyone with children should read it and not be afraid. Anita honored me by asking me to proofread, and she truly blessed me at a time when I needed to read what she had to share.

Schaffer, Mary Ann and Annie Barrows, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society

I read this book last January in one of my book clubs. I had read the review in a newspaper but I’m not sure that I would have picked it up. The story behind the story is so attractive: Annie is Mary Ann’s neice, and a published author. Mary Ann spent years on this manuscript in her writing group, and passed away before it was published. Annie worked on it and got it published, and it truly is a gem about a little-known or heralded area of World War II history. I love the Channel Islands-a nation unto themselves, as I learned.

Catherine West, Yesterday’s Tomorrow

Cathy asked me to do a review for her. This story is so gripping. It takes place during the Vietnam war era and is gritty with realism, tragedy and triumph.

Christmas Campfire Companion, Chila Woychik, editor

I can’t bring myself to choose a favorite child–I just can’t. But I do love this anthology of short stories. From bust a gut laughing to poignant to frightening to just plain fun, this is a wonderful group of short stories by a great group of today’s best western authors, including Terry Burns. Just buy it. You’ll find somebody to give it to.

Klavan, Andrew, The Final Hour (Homelander Series)

Kind of hesitated over this one, but I keep thinking about it. A high school boy is asked to perform a highly dangerous mission for secret services – to infiltrate a terrorist organization. It’s also a series. Very well done, despite the questionable story line. Klavan will make you believe.

Rebecca Rasmussen, The Bird Sisters

I cyber-met Rebecca at SheWrites in the Wisconsin authors group. She was touting her debut novel long before its release date. I pre-ordered it and read it this year. I’ve shared it with friends. The Bird Sisters is an intriguing literary read about a pair of spinster sisters who grow up in Wisconsin – yes, I’m biased – and the unfolding of the summer that changed their lives.

Michael Perry, Coop

It’s hard to describe Michael Perry. He’s a Wisconsin-born author much like eastern Minnesota’s Garrison Keillor but a little more family friendly. Must be something about that part of the state. If I told you he writes about his life in a tiny little backwoods part of the midwest, you’d wonder why? Who cares? Apparently, quite a few people. And his popularity is growing. He not only has a knack for creating personal intimate relationships with his audience about everyday events, he’s a fantastic sought-after speaker and performer. Grab a copy from the library, then go buy his other books.

Eddie Jones, The Curse of Captain LaFoote

Anyone who loves pirates and time travel and weird events and action and a little romance (okay, so it’s teen angst but very cool) will love this book. I hope he does well with it, because I want to read more. It has the best cover (tied in my mind with Cathy’s), and it’s fun to read. And it doesn’t take place in Wisconsin.

A book set in Vietnam during the war wouldn’t normally have been my first choice, but the more I read, the more it drew me in. Of course, I want a story with a compelling plot, but I’m primarily drawn to characters that I grow to care about. And YT definitely fits the bill.

I love books. I always feel a sense of accomplishment when I turn the last page. However, I don’t always look forward to that time of day when I can open a specific book and plunge into the story, but that’s exactly how I felt about reading YT.

It’s not an easy book to read, but anyone who is old enough to remember the Vietnam War knows it wasn’t an easy time. Emotions ran high. The author doesn’t pull her punches. Because of it, it is a compelling story. The characters are real. Their stories are real. Their joys are real. And so are their heartaches.

The author doesn’t create a sanitized version of reality, nor does she overwhelm readers with too much disturbing detail. To me, she strikes the delicate balance.  And it’s just plain believable – another element of fiction that truly matters to me.

The pages of YT overflow with action, suspense, drama, character interplay, and an overarching romance (minus the fluff). If this appeals to you, I highly recommend Yesterday’s Tomorrow.

Erica, a character from the post WWII period (1946), was intrigued when she learned about career-driven journalist Kristin who hailed from the Viet Nam era in YESTERDAY’S TOMORROW. Erica became impressed with Kristin’s commitment to go to war-torn Viet Nam in 1967. So much so, that Erica had a burning desire to interview Kristin in honor of Veterans Day.

Erica: I’m thrilled that you were able to do this interview. In my time, Kristin, I was considered daring simply because after I married I opened my own dress shop and would occasionally be seen around the village in slacks. Of course, that was 1946. YESTERDAY’S TOMORROW is set in 1967 and you courageously took off for the battleground of Viet Nam hoping to garner a Pulitzer Prize. That’s quite ambitious. Can you tell us what motivated you?

Kristin:  Thanks, Erica! I think my driving ambition to become a foreign correspondent was due in large part to my father. He was one of the best. He died in Vietnam on assignment, when I was twelve. I always knew I wanted to write stories like him, but after his death it was more like something I had to do. After my brother enlisted, I didn’t see any reason to stick around. I went to Vietnam to discover the truth and try to form my own understanding of a war that seemed confusing to everyone I talked to back home.

Erica: You must have seen many injured and dead US soldiers in Viet Nam. I recall that in my era, by the end of Word War II, I was heartsick because we’d lost so many boys in the war. How did you handle your emotions witnessing many horrific scenes?

Kristin: At first I wasn’t sure I’d be able to stomach it. Nothing could have prepared me for the things I saw in Vietnam. When you’re sitting at home watching the news, it doesn’t really sink in. But when it’s right there in front of you, death, that’s when you know you’ve woken up in hell. Over there people had different ways of coping. They partied. Talked sports. Anything to get their minds off what was going on around them. I tried to ignore it, tell myself it didn’t matter, but of course it did. After a while I kind of got numb, you know? Once I came home I knew I had to deal with those feelings. But it was hard.

Erica: In my time, US military personnel were held in the highest esteem in America. I always carried a special honor and respect in my heart for GIs and veterans. I married one. It was quite different during the Viet Nam War. Boys going to battle then weren’t given the respect they deserved. How did you feel about that when you knew so well what they suffered in the war?

Kristin: It made me sick to see how our boys were treated when they came home. Almost like second-class citizens. Like they’d
done something wrong, committed a great sin by going to Vietnam and fighting for their country. I was even treated with disdain because I wrote stories about the war. Most people at home just didn’t get it. There was little to no support for our GIs once they hit American soil. After everything they went through, all they gave up, its just tragic, really.

Erica: By the end of WWII, II was in a pretty serious spiritual crisis. Our tiny village had lost so many of the boys I’d grown up with. How did the things you witnessed affect your spiritual life? Did it totally alter your worldview?

Kristin: Absolutely. Nothing was the same for me after Vietnam. For a long time though, I was very angry with God. I couldn’t understand how he could allow such devastation, so many lives were being lost, and there seemed no end to the horror. Even when I came home, I still wasn’t ready to fully acknowledge who God was or that I needed him in my life. I was in crisis, I just didn’t know it. I think when you witness so much tragedy, it changes you. Hardens you and sows seeds of bitterness if you let it. But God didn’t give up on me, and eventually I came to realize my need for Him and that sometimes there just aren’t answers to the hard questions. God’s grace is sufficient.

Erica: Let’s talk a little out of school. Do you think there will be a sequel to YESTERDAY’S TOMORROW? You know author Cathy West better than most. What other projects is she working on?

Kristin: Well, I suppose there should be more to this story, shouldn’t there? I have a feeling between Luke and I, we can convince her to continue our story at some point. At the moment though I think she’s working on a few other projects, but none of them have bombs going off or anything. Not very exciting if you ask me.

Author Bio: Educated in Bermuda, England and Canada, Catherine holds a degree in English from the University of Toronto. When she’s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border Collie for long walks or tending to her roses and orchids. Catherine and her husband live on the beautiful island of Bermuda, with their two college-aged children. Catherine is a member of Romance Writers of America, and American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and is a founding member of International Christian Fiction Writers. Catherine’s debut novel YESTERDAY’S TOMORROW, released through OakTara Publishers. Catherine’s next novel, Hidden in the Heart is coming soon, also through OakTara.

Purchase Links: a

Oak Tara Publishers.  http://www.oaktara.com

Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Yesterdays-Tomorrow-Catherine-West/dp/160290278X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320256407&sr=1-1

Barnes & Noble. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/yesterdays-tomorrow-catherine-west/1102624394

Cathy’s Website: http://www.catherinejwest.com

Cathy is blessed to live on the beautiful island of Bermuda, a British colony located about 700 miles east of the coast of North Carolina, in the Atlantic. She shares her home with her pediatrician husband Stephen, their seventeen year-old son, Chris, who is off to college in September to study music, and a two year-old Border Collie, Noah. Their soon-to-be twenty-one year old daughter, Sarah, is at college in Canada. Cathy is surrounded by males most of the year—but only one of them obeys her without question. She graduated from the University of Toronto “some decades ago” with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.

Through the years, Cathy has tried her hand at a number of things, including crocheting, stained glass, scrapbooking, and dried wreath making. She says she completed a few blankets and a cool scrapbook that she gave to her sister, “but that’s about it.” Cathy enjoys gardening, has a passion for roses and orchids, and spends a lot of time training her border collie. She loves to sing and is on the worship team at her church, serving alongside her worship leader hubby. And Cathy has volunteered with Riding for the Disabled in Bermuda the past four years working with children from five to eighteen years of age.

When I asked Cathy to name her favorite treat, she had this to say . . .

Ooo! Let’s see…cheese. Yep, I love all cheeses, with crackers or homemade bread and dipping oil, a bowl of olives, and a lovely red wine to wash it all down with!

In Cathy’s honor, I’ve got a tray of cyber cheeses and crackers—along with some olives. Grab a plate of goodies, sit back, and enjoy getting to know more about this talented author and her journey to publication.

Cathy’s Journey Begins

•When did you fall in love with romance novels and decide to write your own?

I have always been an avid reader. I grew up reading Agatha Christie and Mary Stewart. I think my first real ‘romance’ novel was Gone With The Wind. I was fourteen and at a horrible boarding school in England at the time. I remember our librarian was staggered that I wanted to attempt such a book, and probably even more shocked when I returned a few weeks later having completed it! I remember a year after that, the school showed it on a movie night. I was absolutely entranced, and I think it’s safe to say that Rhett and Scarlett are to blame for my endless hours in front of the computer weaving my own romantic tales.

I began writing with the goal of publication, probably about sixteen years ago! There were a few years in between that I quit and didn’t write at all. I got back into it again about seven years ago, and this time I knew it was what I was supposed to be doing.

•Wow! I admire your dedication and determination, Cathy. How many manuscripts did you complete in those sixteen years? Of those, are there any you consider practice and wouldn’t show anyone?

I have about seven complete manuscripts, but only two of which I would consider worthy of publication! I may go back and resurrect some of the story ideas from those old manuscripts, but honestly, they’re just good for a laugh now. And if we ever run out of firewood in the winter…

•Since you began writing in the mid-90s, things have changed greatly. What have you done to keep pace with technology and the shifting demands in the publishing world that have resulted from those advances?

I’d have to say my life as a writer really began in earnest with the introduction of the Internet. It was only then that I was able to join writer’s groups, find a critique group and really start to hone my craft. I try to keep up with what’s being published from who, and have narrowed down my list of go-to websites considerably since those early days. I think we’d all be lost without the Internet!

Cathy’s Squee-worthy Successes

•In March 2008, you received an offer of representation from Rachelle Gardner. How did you react to her invitation to join the WordServe Literary family? Did you squeal so loudly those in the States could hear you all the way from Bermuda?

Yes, I certainly did!

My relationship with Rachelle actually began a few years prior, before she was an agent, when she was just blogging about life in general. I wasn’t aware of her position (as a freelance editor) in the publishing world for some time. When we did finally talk writing, she was the first person to hear my ideas for Yesterday’s Tomorrow, and gave me some wonderful advice on the story.

By the time I finished the book, she was getting ready to put on her literary agent hat, and asked to see the manuscript. At the time I don’t think I realized the enormity of that request. Now of course, I thank God for that initial connection made through her first blog. She is a fabulous agent!

•We often hear that having an agent isn’t a guarantee of a sale. They send out submissions and receive rejections just as we writers do. Eighteen l-o-n-g months went by as you waited for a sale. And then it came! On Tuesday, October 26, you opened your email and found a message that changed your life. An editor from Oak Tara wanted to purchase your story. What led to this momentous event? How did you respond to the BIG news?

Wow. Eighteen months? LOL. When you put it that way – yes, it was a L-O-N-G time coming.

But Yesterday’s Tomorrow was one of those ‘heart’ stories. It grabbed me from the start, even after several revisions and multiple rejections, there was just something about this story that said, “Wait. It’ll happen.” I think I probably took a risk writing about Vietnam, but I believe it was something I was supposed to do.

I didn’t give up on the book, and began sending it out to some smaller publishers last year, Oak Tara being one of them. I knew they liked the story from the first email reply when they asked to see the full, but you know, after years of rejection, you have to be realistic. I didn’t let myself believe that Yesterday’s Tomorrow might actually be given a chance, until I did receive that email saying that they wanted to publish it. I probably still won’t believe it until I’m holding the book in my hands. Then I’ll probably cry. Or pass out.

How did I respond? Well, I have to say Ramona Tucker (my editor), sent me an extremely long and fabulously detailed email listing all the things she loved about the book – which was wonderful, but I wanted the bottom line! The whole time I was like, “Please, God…” LOL.

I admit I scanned all the way down to the end until I found what I was looking for. Then I screamed and immediately called my husband. Sat down and read the email in its entirety, and then I thanked God. It’s an exciting moment for sure, but also extremely humbling.

Cathy’s Perseverance

•Sixteen years passed between the time you began writing and your First Sale. What kept you going despite bouts of doubts and a growing rejection collection?

Because I have been at this for SO long, I know all about perseverance. And it really does pay off.

I surrounded myself with other writers who were going through the pain of rejection, and we provided moral support for one another. I did actually quit writing for a while due to some personal matters, but when I got back into it, I knew it was what I was supposed to be doing. I think that’s the key. When you know you’re following your dream, you’re willing to keep going in spite of everything.

I was also fortunate in that I made some great connections through American Christian Fiction Writers, and was given a lot of wonderful advice, and also received invaluable encouragement about my writing from several published authors. This boosted my self-esteem and pushed me to learn even more and not to give up.

•What advice would you have for others who have been writing for a number of years and have yet to receive their first contract?

Believe in yourself. Join a good writer’s group and a critique group. Learn all you can. Listen. Ask questions, even if you think they’re dumb. Have patience and then some. But don’t give up. Ever.

Cathy’s Sources of Inspiration

•What sparked the idea for Yesterday’s Tomorrow? Did you begin with a place? Did scenes begin to play in your mind? Or perhaps your characters began chatting?

I honestly have no idea. The original idea came to me back in the eighties, when I was a very novice writer and had no idea what I was doing! It was my second completed manuscript, written for the secular market, and it was horrible!! But the notion of writing about a female journalist who goes to Vietnam to report on the war stayed with me for some reason.

When I was ready to write the story again, my two central characters were the same, but it was an entirely different story. A better one. So yes, I began with the characters. Kristin and Luke have pretty much written their own story. I did the research and put it all down, but they’re pretty good at giving orders. Not so great at taking them.

Partners on Cathy’s Journey

•Many writers have a critique partner, plotting partner, mentors, and cheerleaders. Who are some of yours, and how have they helped you?

Oh, my goodness, what a wonderful question! I have so many people on that list.

My best bud and critique partner Jenness Walker has been there since we met online just before going to our first ACFW conference together. Since then our friendship has grown and I’m sure at times she wishes we’d never met, but she’s a wonderful sounding board, encourager and she knows how to smack me around when I need it! She got published before I did, but I never held it against her.

Rachelle Gardner of course, is just a wonderful source of encouragement and she often has to administer a hefty dose of reality – I rank at about zero on the Patience scale, but somehow she puts up with me.

Others that have encouraged me with this particular story – my first critique group, Betsy St. Amant, Jennifer Hudson Taylor, Lynda Schaab, Angie Breidenbach, Becky Yauger, Audra Silver – some wonderful authors and mentors – Deborah Raney, Susan May Warren, Patti Lacy, Trish Perry and most recently, Meredith Efken. I probably would have given up on this book a long time ago without them.

Cathy’s Debut Novel

•Please tell us about Yesterday’s Tomorrow.

It’s 1967 and Kristin Taylor wants to go to Vietnam to report on the war, and honor her father’s memory by becoming an award-winning journalist like he was. But no editor will send her. So she strikes out on her own and steps into a world more terrifying than she’d imagined.

As she encounters the horrors of war, Kristin struggles to report the truth while desperately trying to keep tabs on her only brother who enlisted some time ago, but both tasks seem impossible.

When she meets photographer Luke Maddox, Kristin knows she’s found a story. The mystery beneath his brooding eyes triggers her curiosity. She’s convinced he’s hiding something and determines to discover his secrets. The only trouble is, he won’t let her within three feet of him.

In an unexpected twist, Kristin and Luke are forced to work together. With war raging all around them, they engage in their own tumultuous battle of emotions. Headstrong and willing to risk it all for what they believe in, they’ll do whatever it takes to fulfill their own private agendas. Kristin is after a story that might get her the Pulitzer. Luke wants retribution from the enemy that took away his family. In the face of death, Kristin and Luke must decide if they’re willing to set aside selfish ambition for the love that seems to have ambushed them and captured their hearts.

Cathy’s Journey Continues

•Oak Tara purchased one of your stories. Is there a possibility they might be interested in more of your work?

It’s a possibility, yes.

•You have another manuscript you consider marketable, and there’s a special story behind it. Please share it with us.

The manuscript is called Hidden in the Heart, (women’s fiction), and the story is loosely based on the journey I embarked on several years ago – the search for my birth family. In the story, Claire, like me, always knew she was adopted. After her mother dies and she suffers a miscarriage, she decides that she really needs to find out where she came from. Like many adoptees, her initial reasons for searching were to get medical information – I said that too – but as one quickly discovers, there is an inherent need-to-know that cannot be denied.

Like Claire, I discovered a sister I never knew I had, as well as eventually being able to connect with my birth mother before she passed away a few months after we met. Hidden in the Heart also follows the journey of Claire’s birth parents, as they struggle to come to terms with their past, and are reunited after twenty-seven years, so there are some romantic elements to the story as well!

A Few Fun Questions for Cathy . . .

•If you could have anyplace in the world entirely to yourself for one day, which place would you choose, and why?

Ooo. I had to really think about this! Of course my first instinct was to say The Mall of America! But no. I would say The Louvre in Paris. I love art but I detest crowds. The only time I was there was during the month of August and it was jam packed with people. I would love to have that place all to myself to truly appreciate all the great works of art inside it.

•If you could have 50 lbs of anything other than money, what would you choose?

LOL! Hmm. Another toughie. I would probably get a bronze statue. There is a sculptor here on the island whose work is absolutely delightful but completely unaffordable. So I’d find one of his statues that weighted fifty pounds and get it!

•In your opinion, what is the most beautiful man-made object in the world?

Gracious, I don’t know! Object? I would have to go with jewelry in that case – specifically I would say The Crown Jewels in The Tower of London.

•If you could open your own retail store, what type of merchandise would you sell?

Clothes. We definitely need more choice here in Bermuda!

•What do you like best about Bermuda, and which of the sites would you insist upon taking a visitor from another country to see?

The beauty of the turquoise ocean and the pink sand. There are actual bits of pink coral in our sand, which give it that pink hue in all the photographs. We have many historic sights, forts, the Lighthouse, the old town of St. George’s, the Royal Naval Dockyard – the island is so small that I would probably take you everywhere. And of course all visitors want to hang out on the beach!

Cathy’s Question for You

When I got the idea for Yesterday’s Tomorrow, I really knew nothing about the Vietnam War and had no idea, really, of the impact it had on an entire generation. What do you know about it, and how did that era impact you or your family?

Cathy’s Drawing

Cathy has generously offered to give away a Bermuda Colours calendar.

To enter the drawing, just leave a comment for Cathy by midnight December 7th (Pacific time) and enter your email address when prompted during the comment process. (You don’t have to leave it in the body of your comment this way.)

On December 8th, I will hold the drawing and post the winner’s name here as well as in a comment and will contact her/him via email to get a mailing address. (I don’t share your information with anyone, other than sending your mailing address to my guest, and I don’t add your name to any mailing lists.)

Congratulations to Rebecca Booth, winner of the Bermuda Colours calendar!

Note: Offer void where prohibited.
Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.

Learn More About Cathy

Visit her website ~ http://www.catherinejwest.com

Visit her personal blog ~ http://catherinewestblog.blogspot.com

Visit her group blog ~ International Christian Fiction Writers

Friend her on Facebook ~ Cathy West and Catherine West – Author

Follow her on Twitter ~ cathwest