Author Interview with Cathy Bryant

Please join me in welcoming back, one of my favorite authors, Cathy Bryant. Cathy’s debut novel Texas Roads was a 2009 finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Genesis contest. A Texas gal since birth, she lives in a century-old farmhouse with her husband of almost thirty years and a phobia-ridden cat.

[Anne] Welcome back, Cathy. I’ve been hearing some really wonderful things about Texas Roads. Will you remind us what the story is about?

[Cathy] Thanks for having me over for a visit, Anne. Texas Roads tells the story of a disillusioned widow’s quest for home. Here’s the back-cover copy:

Dani Davis longs for a place to call home. With quaint country charm, quirky residents, and loads of business potential, Miller’s Creek, Texas seems like the perfect place to start over … except for the cowboy who gives her a ride into town. Then malicious rumors and a devastating discovery propel her down a road she never expected to travel.

[Anne] You self-published this book, any regrets about not going with a publisher?

[Cathy] None at all. It’s been a huge learning curve, but what I’ve gained in experience more than makes up for the hours of work.

[Anne] I know you did a wonderful post on your blog about the pros and cons of self-publishing, but would you please list a couple that come to mind for those who may have missed it?

[Cathy] I’d be happy to. The biggest pro for me has been the ability to make all the decisions. I’ve always been the type of person who likes to get my hands into every part of a creative project. From cover design to interior design, I enjoyed learning about the process and making the final choices.

The biggest drawback for me has been the stigma associated with self-publishing. Unfortunately, many people won’t even take a chance on a self-published book. Truthfully, there are a lot of horrible self-published books out there, but there are also some really great ones (and some horrible traditionally published books). Statistics prove that more and more writers are choosing to go the self-publishing route, so I hope the self-publishing stigma will go the way of the dodo.

[Anne] Have you had any trouble lining up book signings? And do you feel they are worthwhile?

[Cathy] No trouble at all. In my opinion, book signings are more about gaining readers than they are selling books. While I’ve been very pleased with sales at the book signings I’ve done, I’m more pleased with the opportunity to meet readers.

[Anne] I totally agree with you there, Cathy. I love visiting with the readers too! You have a very successful blog, plus you’re a great writer. Do you keep to a rigid schedule that enables you to get everything done?

[Cathy] I’m a self-confessed workaholic, but I enjoy what I do. The hard part for me is fitting everyday life around my work. Last week, I finally took some time off to finish a major renovation project on our century-old fixer-upper. Sad, isn’t it? Take a break from work to—well, um—work!

[Anne] LOL. You’ve gotta love those working vacations. Do you have anything new in the works?

[Cathy] I just finished the rough draft of book two in the Miller’s Creek, Texas Series, entitled A Path Less Traveled. I hope to have it available to the public by October 2010. I also have a devotional book in the works.

[Anne] I had the pleasure of reading one of your devotionals in a recent Upper Room issue, so I’m looking forward to both your new books. What is your writing process like? Are you a plotter or a pantster?

[Cathy] I’m a card-carrying plotter! =) I compare writing a book to taking a trip. When I go on a trip, I want to know all the details ahead of time—which roads to take, where I’ll stay, what sights I’ll take in. I feel the same about writing a book. I spend at least two or three weeks plotting out every detail of the story, including lengthy character charts. My pre-writing is usually 50-100 pages long.

Next I zip through the first draft, usually in 4-6 weeks. After that, I spend considerable time on edits and revisions before sending out the novel to beta readers and editors.

[Anne] If you could be anyone of your characters, which one would you chose to be and why?

[Cathy] Without a doubt, Mama Beth. She’s the mother figure of Miller’s Creek, a woman shouldering a life-altering secret, but always willing to share her love and wisdom with anyone who needs it.

[Anne] Cathy, you’ve just been informed that Texas Roads is a NY Times bestseller and Hollywood wants to turn it into a movie. What actors would you choose to play your main characters?

[Cathy] Really? Thanks for passing on the good news! All kidding aside, Dani Davis would be played by Reese Witherspoon, and I see Scott Bakula in the role of Steve Miller.

[Anne] Great choices? What type of books do you like to read when you’re not writing?

[Cathy] I’m an eclectic reader. I read books in the genres I like to write, romance and women’s fiction. I try to read books from the Christian fiction market as well as books from the ABA. I also enjoy the classics, biographies, devotional/Bible studies, books on the craft of writing, and books that help me better understand the psychology of my characters.

[Anne] What advice would you give to someone who wants to self-publish their book?

[Cathy] Pray, pray, pray and research, research, research. Avoid subsidy publishing. You can do it yourself for much less money. Consider your time schedule and the LOADS of work required when self-publishing.

[Anne] Excellent advice, Cathy. Will you remind our readers where can we find you on the web?

[Cathy] At my blog, WordVessel (http://WordVessel.blogspot.com), my website (www.CatBryant.com), on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cathy.england.bryant), and on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CathyBryant).

[Anne] And for those who haven’t read your wonderful book, where can we purchase Texas Roads?

[Cathy] For all eReaders: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/8963.

For a print version: http://www.amazon.com/Texas-Roads-Cathy-Bryant/dp/0984431101/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1278725220&sr=1-1

[Anne] Is there anything else you’d like to add?

[Cathy] Thanks again for the opportunity to join you at your wonderful blog, Anne. It’s always a pleasure!

[Anne] The pleasure was mine, Cathy. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to visit. In closing, I’ll let you all view Cathy’s book trailer. Folks, if you haven’t picked up a copy of Texas Roads yet I highly recommend you do.

Author Cathy Bryant Interview & Book Giveaway

Joining us today is Cathy Bryant. Cathy’s debut novel, Texas Roads, was a 2009 finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers' Genesis competition. A Texas gal by birth, Cathy lives with her husband in a century-old Texas farmhouse, complete with picket fence, flowers, butterflies, and late summer mosquitoes the size of your fist.


Those are some mighty big mosquitoes! Thank you for joining us today, Cathy. Make yourself comfortable, grab a brownie and let’s get started. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

For me it wasn’t so much a realization that I wanted to be a writer as much as just knowing I was a writer. As an early reader, I’ve always written. I wrote a lot of essays and newspaper articles during my public school years, followed by a lot of late-night term papers in my college years. I started trying my hand at novels and children’s books when my children were small, then after a series of events (including an empty nest), I felt God nudging me to pursue my writing dream in 2007. I joined ACFW, studied every book on the craft of fiction writing I could get my hands on, and haven’t looked back.

Were books a big part of your life growing up? If so, what books would you say influenced you most as a child?
Books were a HUGE part of my life growing up. My grandmother took me and my siblings to the public library every week during the summer where I would check out as many books as they’d let me take home. I’d devour every one of them before the next visit.

For the sake of space and time, I’ll limit myself on the childhood books that influenced me the most and only mention the Little House on the Prairie books, Nancy Drew books, Dr. Seuss (he taught me to read), Little Women, and Anne of Green Gables. Honestly, I could go on for hours…

Share with us a little about your publication journey.
It’s been an interesting ride! I wrote my first book, TEXAS ROADS, during NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) 2008. In March of 2009 I entered the book in the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Genesis contest in order to garner professional feedback. I was literally dumbfounded when they called to tell me the book had placed.

Though I didn’t win, making it to the finals brought attention to the book it wouldn’t normally have received. TEXAS ROADS was being considered by two different publishers when I felt a very strong leading from the Lord to publish it independently. I pulled it from further consideration (with much fear and trembling), and launched into unknown territory.

In January 2010, I formed my own publishing imprint, WordVessel Press, and TEXAS ROADS was made available in eBook format (for the Kindle, Nook, I-phone, palm readers, computers, and more). It’s currently in the process of being brought into print. (My proof copy should be here any day!) =)

Congratulations, Cathy. That’s quite an honor just to be a finalist. Will you tell us more about the book?
TEXAS ROADS, a contemporary Christian love story, is about a disillusioned widow’s quest for home. On a whim, city gal Dani Davis decides to visit an aunt she barely knows in Miller’s Creek, Texas. The town’s charm, quirky residents, and business potential convince her it’s the perfect place to start over, except for the dusty cowboy who gives her a ride into town…

She secretly finances renovations to downtown, until malicious rumors force her to choose between keeping her involvement a secret and the home for which she’s always longed. Then a devastating discovery propels her down a road she never expects to travel.

Cowboy mayor Steve Miller is determined to rescue his dying hometown. When vandals jeopardize the renovation, he can’t help but suspect Dani, whose strange behavior has become fodder for local gossips. Can Steve and Dani call a truce for a higher cause, and in the process help Dani discover the true meaning of home?

It sounds like a wonderful read. Where did you get the idea for it?
This book was literally born from my own desire to find a home. For years, my family and I seemed destined to move from one small Texas town to another. Just about the time we’d start to feel at home, God would move us somewhere else. I yearned to put down roots, but God had other plans. He used this time in my life to grow me spiritually, and I realized that for believers, home will never be a place. That home-sized hole in our hearts can only be filled by Jesus. The verse from John 14:23 that says: “If anyone loves Me, he will obey My teaching. My Father will love him, and We will make Our home with him” became my theme verse for the story.

What most inspires your imagination?
For me, inspiration for stories comes from all sorts of places. It might happen while I’m out in my garden digging in the dirt, and a car drives by slowly. The idea for the book that will become book three in the Miller’s Creek series came when I was on a walk. Out of nowhere, I heard this prim and proper voice in my head, saying: “Tyler, Dent & Snodgrass. Hold please.” (Weird, huh?) =)

Do you do a lot of research for your books? If so, how do you go about doing it (internet, books, one on one)?
Since I write contemporary novels, most of my research has to do with locations and careers. I’ve used the internet, books, and one-on-one conversations.

What do you know now that you wish you’d known when you first started writing?
Nothing. Every aspect of life is a necessary journey. Yes, parts of it have been extremely difficult, but I wouldn’t trade any of it.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers out there?
Lots! First of all, read, read, read. Then read some more. Read the kind of books you want to write, but also read other genres. You’ll learn so much.

Next, study, study, study. Find quality books on the craft of writing. Treat those books like college textbooks. Underline the parts that are beneficial to you. Tag them with sticky tags. Do the exercises. Your writing ability will increase exponentially.

Write, write, write. Everyday…even if only for a few minutes.

I’ll also mention prayer. Become the best writer you can be, but don’t allow anyone but God to dictate the direction you should take with your writing.

Great advice, Cathy! Now for a little fun; where is your favorite place to write?
One of our spare bedrooms is also my writing space. I have a desk that overlooks my flower garden.

Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what are some of your favorite bands/artists?
Interestingly enough, I’m a musician who can’t listen to music during the writing process. I find it too distracting. My musician brain takes over, and I either start analyzing what I’m listening to or singing along!

When you’re not writing, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy home improvement projects, gardening, hiking, canoeing, reading, and watching movies.

What are two things people might be surprised to know about you?
I’m a published composer of six children’s songs. I recently visited Southeast Asia on a mission trip.

You’re at the checkout counter in your favorite department store and you’re purchasing something from the book, music & movie sections. What are you buying?
Probably craft of writing books…but only if they’re on sale! (I’m a big bargain hunter and an even bigger cheapskate!) =)

Are you an animal lover, if so, do you have any pets?
I do love animals. I’m owned by one phobia-ridden cat, Miney. (She came from a litter of four, Eenie, Meanie, Miney, & Mo. Poor girl got stuck with us!)

Do you have a favorite TV show? What’s your favorite movie?
True confession—I’m a huge reality TV show freak. My two favorites are The Amazing Race and Survivor. I also really enjoy Castle.

My favorite movie would probably be a toss up between It’s a Wonderful Life, The Sound of Music and the remake of Sabrina.

Where can we purchase your books, and do you have a website?
TEXAS ROADS (eBook edition) can currently be purchased at http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/8963, and will soon be available at Amazon and other leading retailers. (The site will also allow you to read the first half of the book free of charge!) You can also sign up for a free chapter every week at http://TexasRoadsbyCathyBryant.blogspot.com.

My website is www.CatBryant.com, but I hang out daily at my blog WordVessel (http://Wordvessel.blogspot.com).

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Here’s my book trailer for TEXAS ROADS:



Thanks so much for having me over for an interview. I enjoyed it!

I love your trailer, Cathy! Your book is definitely going on my TBR list. Folks, if you haven’t visited Cathy’s blog, I encourage you to do so. It’s a beautiful and inspiring site.  Also, Cathy is giving away a free download of her book to one lucky person who comments on this post.  So be sure to leave your email address.  The drawing will take place Sunday at noon CTS.  Good luck everyone!