Interview with Cathy Bryant

Cathy Bryant, author of A Path Less Traveled, joins us today to share about her writing adventures. You might recall our visit with Cathy last year, where she talked about her first book in the Miller's Creek Series, Texas Roads, and her decision to self publish her books. Good stuff! If you missed those posts, you can check them out here and here.

We also have a copy of A Path Less Traveled to share with one happy reader. Giveaway details follow below.

Karen: Thanks for joining us again at Write Now! You must be excited about having your second book in the Miller’s Creek Series out. I enjoyed reading it.

Cathy: Thanks for having me, Karen! I'm very excited about the second book in the series being out, and I'm glad you enjoyed the story.

Karen: You chose to self publish this series. (For details, click for previous interview here.) Have you done anything differently, marketing or otherwise, for this second book?


Cathy: The only difference was the release dates of the print and e-book versions. On Texas Roads, I released the e-book version two months before the print version. On A Path Less Traveled, I released both versions at the same time. I can't tell at this point if it has made a difference in sales or not.

Karen: I found the interaction between the main characters, Trish and Andy, interesting. Did you plan out all the details to their relationship or let it unfold as you wrote?

Cathy: I have the plot planned out before I start writing, but the characters and the story always evolve a little as I write and do edits. Of course, the story is a romance, so certain things have to happen within the confines of the genre, such as the "happily ever after" ending.

Karen: Do any of your characters reflect you? Strengths, flaws, otherwise?

Cathy: Every character I write, male and female, contain certain aspects of my personality. Quite honestly, I think it's impossible for a writer to keep those things out of their stories. And sometimes my characters are examples of who I'd like to be.

Karen: Is there a book three in the series? If so, can we get a peek at it?

Cathy: Originally, yes. At this point, I'm not sure. If the story does come to print, it will called The Way of Grace, and tells the story of a young woman trying to come to grips with her justice-seeking nature and God's call of grace on her life.

Karen: Love the title! If my vote counts for anything, I hope you write it.  How can readers contact you and learn more about your books?

Cathy: Readers can learn more about my books and reach me via my website at www.CatBryant.com.

Karen: Thanks so much for sharing with us, Cathy!

Cathy: My pleasure, Karen!

A Path Less Traveled, My Two Cents

Trish James is determined to get along all by herself. Her goal is to prove to family and friends that she can provide for her five year old son Bo and herself. Problem is, she's recently widowed, and is not just struggling emotionally, but is having a hard time paying the bills. As much as she hates to do it, she may have to leave her lifelong home in Miller's Creek and move to Austin, TX for a better paying job.

Trish's first meeting with Andy Tyler, the new lawyer in town, gets off to a rocky start. Naturally she can't even think of a relationship so soon after the death of her husband. But why does Andy seem to be so in tune with her needs? As if she doesn't have enough things trying to rattle her cage.

Andy, on the other hand, is battling his own set of inner challenges, and is looking forward to a simpler life in Miller's Creek. He can't deny his attraction to Trish, and is willing to be patient till she sorts out her life. He and Bo connect almost immediately, something that complicates matters further.

A good story must have conflict, and A Path Less Traveled delivers and then some. The tension between Trish and Andy escalates while both wrestle with the direction they feel God's leading them. I always wonder if the second book in a series will be as good as the first. In this case, it is. Cathy doesn't disappoint her readers. Her characters are genuine, engaging the reader from the start. I give A Path Less Traveled two thumbs up!

Giveaway Details

To enter, please leave a comment with your email address. Entries without email address are not eligible.

1) Receive an extra entry by becoming a follower, or by reminding me that you already follow.
2) Receive bonus entries by posting about this giveaway on Facebook,Twitter, and/or your blog. Please be sure and comment (and link where applicable) letting me know.
3) This giveaway is open to United States residents only.
4) Deadline to enter is noon Eastern Standard Time, Tuesday, February 8, 2011. Winner will be announced Thursday, February 10, 2011, will be notified via email, and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

What's your favorite genre to read? Got any reading planned for the weekend?

Happy weekend!

Karen

Review/giveaway copy of A Path Less Traveled was provided free of charge by Cathy Bryant. I received no compensation for this review.