Writer’s Life: Catherine West

Welcome to another edition of Writer’s Life, my interview series with authors of inspirational or sweet romance. Today I’m delighted to have Catherine West! Catherine is an award-winning author and a witty friend. She has a new contemporary romance out, Bridge of Faith. It’s getting rave reviews, and I love the cover!

Let’s get to it!

1. What about writing makes your heart sing?

Love this question, Jill! Oh, so many things. I love diving into a new story, creating the setting, discovering new characters and wondering what they’ll teach me. Because they always do – I like to think I’m in control of the story, but really, it’s astonishing what pops onto the page without my planning. I love having the freedom to just write. Too often I worry about things like is it good enough, will people like it, will it sell – when really, the joy comes in just getting the words down.

 

2. What is the biggest hurdle you’re facing right now as a writer?

 

Ha! Well, to be honest, it’s always been my goal to be traditionally published. I had a brief stint at a small publishing house, but we’ve never been able to infiltrate the walls of the bigger houses. My books seem to fall through the cracks somehow. Hence the decision to move forward with Indie publishing. While I don’t know what God has in store, I may still get that elusive big name publishing house behind me one day, but for right now, I’m changing my mindset (slowly) to being okay with it if it doesn’t happen. I will continue to write and continue to share my stories by whatever means possible. So that’s been a challenge, but I’m getting there. Another big one for me is faith in myself. Believing I’m good at this gig and I can do it! I think I’m getting there with that one too, thanks to the love and support and encouragement of wonderful friends and family.

 

3. What do you do to fill your creative well?

I’m very blessed to live on the beautiful island of Bermuda, and our house overlooks the ocean, so I will often sit outside and just breathe in the view. That can recharge me quite quickly. I also love playing with my border collie, Noah, who is my third child! We go for long walks and he spends time in the garden with me when I’m weeding or tidying up. And reading. I can never get enough of reading. I love to paint too, and I started up again last year, but sadly, haven’t kept up with it. So much to do!!

 

4. What are you working on now?

 

Currently I’m working on marketing. Boring and tedious but very necessary! I have a few ideas kicking around for new books, but I haven’t made much headway on them so far. I have three unpublished books ready to go, so we’re waiting to see what happens with those as well. I’m taking a little sabbatical from writing anything new right now, but that won’t last long I’m sure.

 

***

Catherine, I can relate to your tough journey. I’ve had nine books rejected since I first started submitting almost a decade ago. And the publishing climate has been pretty chilly for a few years now. I’m really proud of what you’ve done, and you should be too! Yes, marketing is tiring, but, as you say, necessary. Your dog sounds like a sweetheart. Border Collies are so smart. 🙂 Thanks so much for being my guest today!

 

***

Bridge of Faith ~

 

Two lives taken down different roads – one enduring love – one shot at starting over.

If only they believed in second chances.

Julia Connelly is finally free from twelve long years in an abusive relationship. Now able to live the life she’s longed for, Julia takes her two children back home to Vermont, hoping for peace and healing. The last person she expects to see is the man she eloped with at eighteen—who then abandoned her two months into their marriage, with little explanation.

 

When an assignment in the Middle East ends in tragedy, popular news correspondent, Reid Wallace, returns to his hometown seeking answers and peace of mind.

Confronting his past was not in the plan.

 

Now he’s asking different questions. Like why the only woman he’s ever really loved still mesmerizes him. Why the haunted expression she wears reaches right into his soul.

And why her twelve year-old son looks just like him.

They say you can’t go home again. Sometimes you don’t have a choice.

 

Purchase Bridge of Faith here!

 

 

***

About Catherine West ~

 

INSPY Award-winning author Catherine West writes stories of hope and healing from her island home in Bermuda. 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. She and her husband have two grown children. Connect with Catherine: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Google+

***

Okay, who wants to visit Catherine in Bermuda?? I’m picturing turquoise water and endless sunshine. A far cry from April in Ohio!!

My good friend, Cynthia Herron, interviewed me on her blog today, and she’s giving away a copy of my book! Click HERE to stop by!

Have a terrific day!