I’m psyched about today’s author interview on The Literary Mama. Catherine West is the author of “Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” I’m pleased to welcome Catherine to The Literary Mama.
Catherine, thanks so much for taking the time to chat with The Literary Mama. Tell us a bit about yourself.
Sure! I was born and raised on the island of Bermuda, where I still live with my hubby and two-college age kids, when they’re home. J I went to school here and in England, and Canada, where I earned a BA in English from the University of Toronto. We also lived near Toronto for the first seven years of our marriage, which convinced me I’m not cut out for Canadian winters! I love dogs and gardening. I’m pretty shy around strangers, but I love meeting new people and traveling.
Where did you get the inspiration for Yesterday’s Tomorrow?
I first started thinking about this story in the early 80’s. I think movies about the Vietnam era were just getting popular at that time. I wrote an early version of the story, which was shelved for many years, but the idea stayed with me, and when I was ready to tackle it again, I kept most of the main character’s, but the storyline changed completely from that original draft.
What theme(s) did you explore while writing Yesterday’s Tomorrow? What do you hope readers walk away with knowing?
I think the most important theme of the book is forgiveness. Without forgiveness, we really can’t experience healing or any kind of restoration. It’s the first step. Kristin and Luke go through some pretty horrific experiences, so they must find a healthy way to process what they’ve been through. They’re both on their own spiritual journeys as well. Although they don’t always find answers for the tough questions, in the end they realize it is more about the trusting than the knowing. That is what I hope readers will understand. That whether you know it or not, God is always there, and He can be trusted.
How do you balance writing with your daily life?
Not especially well. J It depends on the day. I don’t work outside the home, so I’ve always been fortunate in being able to keep my own schedule. And my kids are both college-age so no more Mom’s Taxi service for me! The only distraction I have now is my two year-old border collie, and he can be a big distraction. JMost days I try to get at least three hours of writing or more in, but I don’t always manage that. And some days I just read. Lately it’s been time spent marketing and filling out interview questionnaires, but that’s fun too!
How did you know you were called to write?
It’s the only thing I’m good at, LOL! Well, I used to paint quite well, but no, I’ve always loved to read and write my own stories from an early age. It seemed like a natural fit. Except for that year when I wanted to run away and join the circus…
Tell us about your upcoming novel, Hidden in the Heart.
Hidden in the Heart is the story of Claire, a young woman going through the grieving process after losing her mom to cancer and suffering a miscarriage days afterward. Claire is adopted, and wonders if somehow she has inherited something that might have caused the miscarriage. She embarks on a journey of discovery to find her birth family, but ultimately to find herself, and receive the healing she is so desperately in need of.
How can readers get in touch with you?
I love to hear from readers! You can reach me at Catherine@catherinejwest.com
Or visit my Website: http://www.catherinejwest.com
or Blog: http://catherinewestblog.blogspot.com
or Twitter: @cathwest
or Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Catherine-West-Author/157773297594081
Thanks so much for chatting with us today Catherine.
Thanks for having me!
You can order Yesterday’s Tomorrow on March 15th at Amazon and other major online distributors. See OakTara’s Website for a full list.
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