Interview With Author Catherine West

It's amazing how the love of story can unite readers and writers. When the buzz on this week's debut author's novel YESTERDAY'S TOMORROW started to circulate, my curiosity piqued. I contacted Cathy and she graciously agreed to being a guest on Everyone's Story . . .and so I began reading her novel. Raised on my father's love of all war movies, truthfully, though Cathy's premise sounded interesting, I wasn't sure what to expect. I must tell you--this is one of the best books I have ever read. I fell so in love with the characters that I didn't want the story to end.


And, for that reason, I'm excited to say that Cathy is offering one copy of YESTERDAY'S TOMORROW to one randomly chosen viewer who leaves a comment. Please include your email address so we can contact you. I'd also appreciate if you become a 
Follower to this blog. Plus, there's a fun poll at the very end if you'd like to vote.


A short blurb on YESTERDAY'S TOMORROW:
Vietnam, 1967. 

Independent, career-driven journalist Kristin Taylor wants two things: to honor her father's memory by becoming an award-winning overseas correspondent and to keep tabs on her only brother, Teddy, who signed up for the war against their mother's wishes. Brilliant photographer Luke Maddox, silent and brooding, exudes mystery. Kristin is convinced he's hiding something. 

Willing to risk it all for what they believe in, Kristin and Luke engage in their own tumultuous battle until, in an unexpected twist, they’re forced to work together. Ambushed by love, they must decide whether or not to set aside their own private agendas for the hope of tomorrow that has captured their hearts.

Interview on Catherine West

In her first few days in Vietnam, your character Kristin experiences things she has never seen before such as a child killed—yet the child was about to kill her. As an author, what was it like to paint the picture of an enemy—a child—and then have the boy killed? How can present-day readers relate to those grim days of the 1960s and 70s?

I don’t particularly enjoy writing scenes of violence, death and destruction, but I knew that for this particular story to be authentic, I would have to do so. The scene you’re talking about takes place early on in the story, and is Kristin’s first introduction to the horrors she’s about to face. As hard as it is, she needed to look past the fact that he was just a kid, because he wouldn’t have thought twice about shooting them. Luke’s quick reaction, although brutal, was necessary. Out there a lot of the time it was ‘kill or be killed.’

You’ve taken a lot of chances as a debut author in Christian literature, such as writing a story placed in a war setting and characters that drink. Was this intentional so you could perhaps grow the market or was it more a situation that this was the story burning in your heart to tell?

The way I chose to tell the story really had nothing to do with the market. It is what it is. Again, I think it comes down to being authentic without crossing the line and offending all my Christian readers. I realize that some readers will be offended because of the actions of my characters and the decisions they make, but that’s life. I’m not really expecting those readers to pick up the book anyway, but if they do, perhaps they will look past the parts they don’t agree with and resonate with the final restoration.  

I’ve already had to address this issue, and while I do respect the beliefs and lifestyles of those who may take offense, my passion is to write stories about the real world that reach those who would not necessarily pick up a “Christian” novel. I could not have written a story about Vietnam in a way that came across as fluffy or too good to be true. The second reason is that I don’t believe I can accurately portray the love and saving grace of Christ without first portraying the sin He came to save us from. 

Your two protagonists are journalists. Do you come from a journalism background? If so, do you believe it has aided your fiction writing?

I did want to be a journalist in my early days! I worked for three summers at newspapers, and did a bit of reporting. While I enjoyed it, my heart was really in fiction. I did learn how to talk to people and ask questions though, which does help when you’re writing a novel, especially one that requires research. 

I can relate to Kristin. She’s full of fearless determination, willing to face obstacles despite past struggles, yet she suffers from daily anguish that makes her incredibly realistic. Is there any of you in Kristin?

Oh, probably not! I’m not at all adventurous and would never put myself willingly in a situation that might get me killed! I do relate to her struggles with her faith though. I have been there, and know the obstacles that stand between a life in the world and a life with God at the center. 

It wasn’t until I had lunch with a friend recently and she asked what I needed to edit the most—character or plot and I had replied plot—that I realized my stories center more on character. YESTERDAY’S TOMORROWS has a lot of exciting plot peaks and twists. Would you say you’re a plotter or character driven in writing?

I’m definitely character driven. I really don’t plot much at all, which can be to my detriment, as it takes longer to figure it all out. Usually what happens is that I’ll get a vague idea of a story, setting or premise, then the characters will begin to introduce themselves. Most of the time it’s like a movie playing in my head and I’m constantly re-writing until the end of the first draft. 

Cathy, I love the Oscar Wilde quote Kristin uses: “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.” Would you say that since launching your writing career you’re seeing your dreams come alive?

Yes, for sure! Becoming a published author has been a dream of mine for longer than I can say. It’s not easy to get to this point, but it’s rewarding to see all the hard work pay off when I hear from a reader who loves my writing. The hard work continues though, with marketing and of course writing more books!

Your skill of dialogue made me fall in love with Kristin and Luke and prompted me to keep reading. How have you developed this talent?

Thank you! Dialogue actually comes pretty easy for me. When I first started out, once I was in critique groups and getting feedback from writers who knew what they were doing, I struggled a lot with POV and really had to work hard to get that right, and I loved writing in past tense, which was an extremely hard habit to break. I’m happy to say that I have broken the curse!

Cathy, how would you describe your story(ies): mainstream fiction with love-story elements or romances with mainstream elements?

Hmm. I think my books are more mainstream with romantic elements. I love romance though and will always have it in my stories, but sometimes they are issue driven as well, like my next novel, Hidden in the Heart, which is about a young woman’s search for her birth family. 

For fun: if you were a movie director, whom would you cast to play the roles of Kristin and Luke?

Oh, I’ve been asked this before and I still don’t really know! For Luke, people have said Charlie Hunnam or Chris Hemsworth. I have no ideas for Kristin as of yet. 

Charlie Hunnam

Chris Hemsworth

****Viewers, which celebrity do you think should be cast as Cathy West's hero, Luke?****

A Preview of Cathy's novel HIDDEN IN THE HEART- releasing soon from OakTara 

After losing her mother to cancer and suffering a miscarriage soon after, Claire Ferguson numbs the pain with alcohol and pills, and wonders if her own life is worth living.

Adopted at birth, Claire is convinced she has some unknown genetic flaw that may have been the cause of her miscarriage. She must find a way to deal with the guilt she harbors. But exoneration will come with a price.

With her marriage in trouble and her father refusing to answer any questions about her adoption, Claire begins the search for her birth mother. For the first time in her life, she really wants to know where she came from. 

It never occurs to her that the woman who gave her life may not want to be found.

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, 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

We Shall Overcome But Never Forget

Think of the 1960s and early ‘70s and most likely you imagine bad. Bad hair—long, shaggy, or beehive. Bad clothes ranging from pink bell-bottoms (and yes, I speak from personal experience) to polyester suits and a hybrid cross between shorts and knickers called coolats. There was even bad war—the never-ending controversy of the Vietnam War. 

Just a toddler when JFK was assassinated I spent my childhood growing up in the fading whispers of the wonders of where the United States was heading. I vaguely remember when Martin Luther King was assassinated, but what followed, I believe, has remained with me all these years and has influenced who I’ve become. To this day I cannot listen to the song We Shall Overcome without choking up in tears.

Ten years ago, on a beautiful—it was the mild, crisp, sunny, blue-and white day one is convinced exists in heaven—September morning I left my home to drive up to Saratoga, NY to attend a writers’ meeting. Since I’d made this trip twice monthly for several years already I’d become accustomed to what was usual. That day, pretty much everything—except about 8-thirtyish AM there was this plane flying overhead taking an odd route for that day—flying west (from Boston?) but suddenly veering south as it neared Albany toward NY City.

Although I’d be presenting a workshop that day, rather than mulling the presentation I listened to the last part of the audio novel of HOUSE OF SAND AND FOG by Andre Dubus III. Wow, I thought when the riveting story ended. Three people, from three different backgrounds all wanting the same thing—a place to call home—and what they were willing to sacrifice for a place to kick back and cuddle up with a mug of coffee or tea or a can of beer. But then, I tuned the radio on.

Why was H.G.Wells’ War Of The Worlds being broadcasted? This was the turn of the 21^st century—not the 1950s! I listened more but as if my brain had stopped functioning I couldn’t comprehend what all the talk was about. Airplanes? Twin towers? Hell erupting in New York City? I began to see police vehicles stopping people. I made it to my meeting with a tight gut and dry mouth. No . . .dear God . . .we’re not being attacked, are we? The president of the writing group dismissed the meeting and I drove the hour home. I stopped at the vet to buy cat food. I stopped at the convenience store to buy milk. Weren’t these essentials the kind of things you need to have when your country is turning upside down?

I don’t know. I still don’t.

What I do know is that September 11^th—9-11—two numbers that have taken on new meaning throughout the world—is basically similar to Mr. Dubus’ novel. Earth is a huge planet, filled with diverse people, and we all want the basics in life. A home. The right to food. The right to believe in the faith and God we choose. The right to have a lifestyle one wants. Yet, on that once beautiful day several people banned together to make what they believed was an honorary statement and to accomplish that feat they had to kill thousands. This was not the first time in history of humanity that this has happened. I pray to God it will certainly be the last.

Since that day ten years ago, I have changed. I try to be more kind to others. More accepting. More patient.

I write differently.

I pray much more.

May God bless us all,

Elaine

The Makings Of A 1950s Child--Why I Have So Many Stories by Sharon Craver

My guest today is aspiring writer Sharon Craver, known to many as Doc Nani. Doc's endearing term comes from working many years in the medical world combined with her loving grandchildren running to her to make all their hurts better. Sharon will take you back to the 1950s-60s and share glimpses of her childhood and teen years, and show how this melded her into the woman she is today.


A Few Questions for Doc:

You list on your blog that you’ve received the Powerful Woman Write Award. Can you tell us about it and were you surprised to receive it?

The Power Woman Award was given to me by a fellow blogger, Tara Tyler. I was surprised because I wrote the blog mainly for myself as a way to blow steam or act silly when I wanted to.

Can you tell us some about your work in the medical field, particularly running Life Squad? Have any work related experiences inspired any stories?

I have been in the medical field for over forty years. I work at an Ambulatory Surgery Center as the medical record coordinator. I ran life squad for over fifteen years and it provided me the opportunity to meet a wide variety of people. There were scary moments and funny moments, and all were very rewarding. And yes there are a few of my writings that are not published as yet that the experience working in the medical field has played into.

If you can become any book/TV/movie character for a day, who would you like to be and why?

I would have to pick Lucille Ball. I loved her zaniness, intellect, and character. She was the actress who everyone loved. Not only was she a comedian, but an excellent actress in any role she was in, whether serious and comedic roles. I myself was in some comedic situations at one time or another, although I didn't think so at the time. I have a lot of stories to tell!  

Courtesy of Google Images

WHY I HAVE SO MANY STORIES

A child of the 50s and 60s, I had a very funny and happy childhood. I was born in a small town in Ohio and when I was about eight and a half we moved to Saginaw, Michigan as Dad had a job with General Motors there. We lived there in the “mitt” area for almost eight years. There were now nine kids. Dad, an ex-marine, was not Catholic, yet he had us kids baptized into the faith and we went to a parochial school.

Both my parents worked. Since I was the oldest they counted on me to watch the kids, keep them fed, and out of trouble. But it was us older ones who got into mischief. I guess you could say I was the leader and all the other kids that I hung out with were my followers. I sure did have a crowd that would go where I went and do what I asked. We never got into big or bad trouble… just annoying type trouble. If anyone ever saw the movie “Trouble with Angels”...my dad said that movie didn’t hold a candle to what I did, not that I ever thought my actions were bad, mean or wrong. Then again, that’s the workings of a fourteen-year-old mind.

I started making up stories to keep the kids occupied and get the smaller ones to sleep. Around the time I went into the eighth grade I started to write my thoughts down. Although I no longer have those written testimonials of my teenage years, those ideas didn’t go away. As I grew older and became a mom, I went back to telling my kids stories. Again I was just making them up as I went along. I was always an avid reader. I read all of Laura Ingalls Wilder and that of her daughter Rose Wilder Lane. But then I started to read Victoria Holt, Phillipa Carr (Victoria Holt’s other name) and it is when I started reading Barbara Cartland, that I so immersed myself into the book that I actually thought I was part of the book. I was so enthralled by her writings that I couldn’t get enough of them. The Regency time era was fascinating. And they were really scoundrels too. Heroes and heroines all within a hand held book.

I started to put my thoughts into words on paper and before I knew it I had enough to write a book, although I didn’t realize it at the time. That would come much later. I had friends that when I would tell them something that really happened to me or someone I knew, they would tell me “Sharon, you should write a book”. But I didn’t feel as though it was time to write a book. I was happy with just putting my thoughts on paper.

I wrote my first book and submitted it in. It came back for “minor editing.” I did what editing I thought it needed and resubmitted again. So far I haven’t heard anything. I don’t get antsy about not hearing anything (that comes again with being raised Catholic /military... “Patience is a virtue”) so I just go about my every day things I have to do and I write in the evenings late at night. To me that is when I start to wind down and my thoughts start flowing.

Courtesy Google Images

I have a secret crush—well, maybe not so secret any more—or should I say adoration towards Tom Selleck. He is the ultimate package and the best darn cowboy since the Duke. I molded my muse after him. Yes, my muse is a guy, and he can be testy at times. But when I hear that nagging little voice a picture of Tom Selleck comes to light and it’s all right from that point on. I have two other books done that I am in the editing stage with and another one about a fourth of the way done.

I am an open book. If you have any questions just ask.

~*~Sharon would enjoy sharing reminiscences about your past and how it has shaped you and your profession today~*~

Author's Bio:

I am a mom, grandmother, sister,and I love to read and I am a fan of Debbie Macomber and Barbara Cartland books.I am a romantic at heart. I am a very new , novice writer. And I believe that at some point in time I will get published. Want to know more about me? Just ask me. You can find me on the following:

www.docnanisblogging.blogspot.com

www.twitter.com/slcraver

TIPS TO BEING A MORE PRODUCTIVE WRITER--with Liz Tolsma

My guest this week is debut author  Liz Tolsma. I met Liz for the first time at the 2010 ACFW Conference. Warm, sweet, and sincere, Liz is the type of woman you want as a friend that lives around the corner so you can easily drive off together to the nearest cafe for lattes and good chatting. She and her husband have adopted three children from three different countries. And this September Liz will have another dream come true with the Barbour Publishing release of her novella in A LOG CABIN CHRISTMAS COLLECTION. 


First, three questions for Liz:

You and your husband adopted 3 children from different counties. Do you have a particularly interesting story you'd like to share? Any encouraging words for those considering adoption?

Our oldest is from Vietnam and we were among the first Americans back into the country after the war. We were warned to be aware that, because we would be in the North, the people may be cold and distant toward us. That was definitely not the case. We were celebrities. Everywhere we went, people waved to us – even from across the street – and gave us the victory sign and the thumbs up. We loved the country and were touched by how excited the people were to talk to us and to encourage us in our adoption. I’m sad that Vietnam is now closed to American adoptions. Pray that will change as there are many children there waiting for families.

For anyone considering adoption, I would ask that you would prayerfully consider this option. It’s a beautiful way to build a family. There are 163 million orphans worldwide. That’s more than all the children in the US put together! Ask the Lord if there might be a child (or children!) out there who need you as their parents. Yes, it may be a long, long journey that will test and try your patience, but the rewards are worth it.

Did you write your novella UNDER HIS WINGS during the Christmas season? If not, did you do anything special to get you in the holiday/snowy mood to give your writing a boost? 

I wrote it in the fall, while I was preparing for Christmas, but I didn’t have to do anything to put myself in a holiday mood. Christmas is my favorite time of the year, so I’m ready to think about it any time!

Are you planning any publicity for your novella? Any advice to others in marketing first novels/novellas?

I don’t have anything set in stone, but I’m working on a couple of book signings and I’ll have something special on my blog as Christmas gets closer, so stay tuned for that. I’m blessed to know other published authors and I have been picking their brains to help with publicity. I’m also on Facebook and on Twitter, so you can follow me there, too.

TIPS TO BEING A MORE PRODUCTIVE WRITER

Wednesday, I sent 2/3 of my kids back to school. Then I proceeded to have one of the most productive days of the entire summer. Between various therapy sessions for my youngest, lessons, volunteering and work, all along with multiple vacations, I have to admit to not getting many words written in the last two months.

But Wednesday, that glorious day, I got back into my routine and wrote 2235 words in less than three hours. If you’re counting, by writing an average of 2000 words a day, five days a week, you can write an 80,000 word book in eight weeks. Eight short weeks. Of course, there will be edits to come, but it can be done. I wrote two books – one 82,000 words and the other 17,000 words – in the space of four months. Hey, I had Christmas in there! Just three hours a day, still giving me time for cleaning my house, grocery shopping, laundry, and carting the kids around town.

1. 1. Rid yourself of all distractions. For me, my biggest distraction is the internet. I’m so tempted to play around on there. We have our wireless router hooked up to one of those Christmas light remote things and turn it off at 10:00 every night. I don’t allow myself to turn it back on the next day until I’ve written my 2000 words. Discover whatever your distraction is and then find a way to defeat it. 

1. 2. Locate a comfortable place to write. For me, strangely enough, it is my bed. I prop pillows against our tall headboard and sit there. Because I have fibromyalgia, sitting on a chair for long periods of time is uncomfortable and I don’t have the room to spread out on the couch like I need. It works for me. Whether it’s at a desk or on the floor, wherever you’re comfortable, write there.

1. 3. Establish a routine. This includes a time you write each day. I write between 8:30 and 11:30 in the morning. That’s when I’m most productive. Some do their best work in the evening. Whatever works for you.

Courtesy stock.xchng

1. 4. Reward yourself for a job well done. Rewards can be small, like a break for a cup of tea or coffee because you’re halfway to your goal. Or they can be bigger. I like to go out to lunch with my friends – but that doesn’t happen until I’ve met my quota. And when you’re finished with your book, plan a night out with your family or buy a new piece of clothing, or celebrate your accomplishment in some way.

1. 5. Make others respect your writing time. This is your time and you shouldn’t be interrupted unless someone is tossing up their cookies or dying or the house is on fire. I now have caller ID on my phone, so that makes it easy for me to choose which calls might be important (my kids’ schools, for example) and which I’ll ignore. I know a homeschooling mom who treats her kids with candy if they leave her alone and allow her to make her daily word count. 

1. 6. Have some kind of warm-up time. I like to do my critique work before I write. It gets my juices flowing. Maybe you’ll want to do a blog post or some other small writing project. Sometimes getting into the flow can be hard, but I find once I get my fingers flying, it’s hard to stop them. I often lose track of time because I’m so focused on my story. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

1. 7. If you’re someone who outlines before they write, it’s probably easy for you to pick up and start writing at the beginning of the day. I’m a SOTP (seat of the pants) writer who never knows what’s going to happen. In order for me to get going the next morning, I write a sentence or two so I can find my place and remember what I was going to write next. That helps me to get going with my writing. I don’t spend much time sitting and thinking. I do that when I exercise or drive in the car or do the dishes. 

Courtesy stock.xchng

1. 8. To borrow those famous words, just do it. In the end, if you don’t put your butt in the chair, it ain’t going to happen. Whether you feel like it or not, write. Even if it’s drivel you’re going to delete later, put those words on paper. That’s what editing is for. The sense of accomplishment when you type The End is worth it!

What other tips do you have that help you be a productive writer? Leave a comment for Liz--she'd love to hear from you!

Author Bio:

Liz Tolsma has lived in Wisconsin most of her life, and she now resides next to a farm field with her husband, their son, and their two daughters. Add a dog and a cat to that mix and there’s always something going on at their house. She’s spent time teaching second grade, writing advertising for a real estate company, and working as a church secretary, but she always dreamed of becoming an author. When not busy putting words to paper, she enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping with her family. She’d love to have you visit her at www.liztolsma.com or at www.liztolsma.blogspot.com.


 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002316555886
 http://twitter.com/#!/LizTolsma

"Under His Wings" coming September 2011 in "A Log Cabin Christmas" from Barbour Publishing

"Simply His Mother" and "As American As They Come" available now in "Cup of Comfort for Adoptive Families"

     

Soli Deo Gloria

I'll Volunteer--By Sara Goff

My guest this week is Sara Goff, a truly beautiful person and friend. From New York, she now lives in England with her husband and young son. Sara's feature focuses on volunteering, a subject I can definitely relate to since I devoted the full decade of my 30s helping my community fight a mining company prepared to blast away two hills within feet our our homes, and then later serving on the zoning board of appeals. Yet, Sara goes beyond helping others and talks about how to serve God when God serves you.

I'll Volunteer by Sara Goff

Lift the Lid School Fair

I found my road to success through volunteer work. The story starts with an evening in Manhattan eleven years ago. I was approaching thirty and felt lost in my career in the fashion industry. I sat down on the hard-wood floor of my apartment and prayed until tears streamed my cheeks that God would do something meaningful with my life.

Not long after my prayer, I saw an opportunity at The National Arts Club to help kids to write. I applied right away to volunteer, but didn’t hear back, probably because I didn’t have any writing credits. So I picked up some local magazines—distributed free of charge around Tribeca and SoHo—and pitched a few articles. The SoHo Journal accepted one, and I started writing lifestyle articles for them on a regular basis. My first piece covered a story which pertained to The National Arts Club. Well, the second time I applied to volunteer at the club, my phone rang.

Marta Valle Secondary School in the East Village was my first assignment, an inner-city pubic high school with all the physical and academic bumps and bruises typical of a low-income neighborhood. My goal was to inspire the honors English students in the eleventh grade to write personal essays, and I was full of hope.

Sara and Pia

When I first walked into the school, I felt unbalanced, like riding the subway surfer-style. In addition to my fear of speaking in front of a class, I felt out of place. Metal detectors and security officers were not a part of my education growing up. Once I found the classroom, students of different backgrounds turned their caged eyes on me. How would I get them to open up about their lives and to commit their feelings to words? They needed to be confident enough to make themselves vulnerable, and yet I was struggling to keep a steady voice.

By the end of the year, I had a chapbook of 22 entries to distribute to the class, highlighting the work of each and every student. Three students were chosen to read at The National Arts Club’s Creative Writing Festival. After that one workshop, I was asked to monitor a panel of authors for the club’s Student Enrichment Program. Following that, a friend of a friend asked if I’d speak about writing for her class at Saint Francis College in Brooklyn. I even found the courage to volunteer as a writing instructor at Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen’s Writing Workshop, sharing personal essays with men and women who had far more life experience than I had. From helping others, I learned to ignore my fears, to put my trust in God and to become a leader.

Walking Pia in France

In 2009, my husband’s work moved us to Stockholm, Sweden, and I lost my network of schools, as well as the Soup Kitchen. In our new home, on a dark morning in November when the Scandinavian sun could barely muster an hour of light, I gathered up all my trust in God and started Lift the Lid, Inc., a charity that raises money for schools while encouraging students to write. Now I could continue to volunteer, continue to grow and to be inspired in my own writing.

I believe volunteering has three requirements: time, the willingness to learn from trial and error, and an unwavering trust in God that you are indeed qualified to help others. If you are longing for a sense of purpose or feeling stagnant in your career, my advice is to volunteer. It’s a lot like love, where the more you give, the more you get back. Once you’ve made a difference in someone else’s life, you start to see a change in yourself.

Jumping jacks in France

If you feel you need a little “I’ll Volunteer!” counseling, I’d be happy to offer my support, advice, or ideas on how to get started. Do you have a volunteer story to share…or volunteering opportunities to pass on? You might encourage someone to reach out to others. Like the force of wind, there’s no telling how far one act of love might spread.

Read more about Sara’s work volunteering in her recent article, “How to Let God Work in Your Life” on Crosswalk.com: http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/women/how-do-you-let-god-work-in-your-life.html

Sara would love to hear from you about your experiences volunteering, how God has arranged the least expected opportunities for you, or if you have any questions or need any advice. Drop by for a visit and leave a comment.

Author's Bio:

SARA GOFF has published in several New York City journals, as well as on Crosswalk.com. Her short story "The Smell of Burnt Vegetables" is published in the July 2011 issue of Christian Fiction Online Magazine. Sara received fellowships to Summer Literary Seminars in Russia and Kenya, and was a writing workshop leader at The National Arts Club. She has spoken on the topic of writing in NYC high schools and at St. Francis College and was a writing instructor for the homeless at Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen. She founded Lift the Lid, Inc., a charity for Third World schools that encourages creative writing. Sara is a Semi-Finalist in the 2011 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Contest, and she helped judge the 2011 Global eBook Awards. She is represented by literary agent Wendy Lawton of Books and Such Literary Agency.

www.saragoff.com

www.lift-the-lid.org