Wednesday, February 23, 2011

ANOTHER DAWN - Kathryn Cushman - Free Book

Welcome, Kathryn. So good to have you here on my blog. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I write a lot of myself and my friends and family into my books. There is always one or two real-life experiences woven in my stories, plus expressions, etc., that I observe in my friends and family.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I went zip lining in Alaska. As I have a moderate fear of heights, this was a bit of a challenge.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I've always had a vivid imagination and always known I wanted to write "some day." I actually started writing as an adult, after I’d left my career as a pharmacist and was staying home with my kids.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I like a mix of everything. If I read something sad, then I might choose suspense for the next book. If I read something light, then I'll likely go to something more dramatic.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

That's something I'm currently pondering. My life has been CRAZY this last year, mostly due to an extremely ill daughter. After spending weeks at a time sleeping on a cot in a hospital room, I realized there are many activities in life that are not really necessary. I’m trying my best to cut back on some of the less necessary things.

Something like that will really bring what's important to the forefront. How do you choose your characters’ names?

Many of my characters are named after friends, family, or people I know (first or last name, rarely the combination of both). My rule is that a character can be nothing like the person for whom they are named. For instance-- my daughters have shared names with middle-aged mothers, my husband has been an elderly man, and my friends show up in all sorts of weird places.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Having the tenacity to stick with writing through years of learning, striving, and rejection. There were many times I wanted to quit, but I believed that God had called me to write and I kept at it.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

A cat, because I think my cat lives a pretty ideal life. :-)
What is your favorite food?

Cheeseburgers and french fries

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Plotting and first drafts overwhelm me. This continues to be a problem for me. I overcome it by walking in the faith that God has called me to do this.

Tell us about the featured book.

Another Dawn is the story of Grace Graham, a woman who tends to run when things get hard. She returns to her hometown to help her estranged father recover from surgery, and soon after arrival her unvaccinated four-year-old son is ground zero for a measles outbreak. Several infants, including Grace’s niece, develop severe complications. As Grace begins to come to terms with how her decisions have affected others, she must choose whether to run, or stand strong and help in any way she can.

Please give us the first page of the book.

The Santa Barbara Wharf was the perfect place to get lost from reality for a few hours—the smell of salt air, the smiles of tourists, the Ty Warner Sea Center to enthrall my son, and the complete absence of anything resembling my normal life. We climbed out of my car and Dylan ran immediately to the safety rails lining the edge of the pier. “Look, Mama,” he said as he pointed toward the churning water below.

My sandals made a contented scuffling sound against the wooden deck as I moved to his side. At the mouth of the harbor, a long blue sailboat was cutting through the water on its way into the marina, several people hurrying around its deck folding and securing the sails. Yes, this had been a brilliant idea. “Isn’t that awesome?” My mood was already improving.

“Yep, now let’s go pet a shark.” Dylan turned and started skipping in the general direction of the Sea Center, his dark brown hair bouncing with each step.

“Dylan, wait for Mama.” I hustled toward him, almost laughing with the lightness of the day.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.kathryncushman.com/

Thanks, Lena, for letting me drop by!

My pleasure, Kathryn.
 
Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.



Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

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21 comments:

windycindy said...

I would love to see how Grace comes out in this intriguing story...
Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
Illinois

Anonymous said...

I would love to win a copy of this book. Love the cover.Angela from Kentucky

Linda Kish said...

I would love to read this book.

Linda from California

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Jackie S. said...

I would love to read Kathryn's latest book!! Thanks..from GA

Jordan said...

This books looks great! The cover is one of my favorites that I've seen lately. It seems to promise a tender, wonderful story...I would love a copy!

Jordan from South Carolina
lizzielaura17(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

Thanks Lena and Kathryn for the chance to win this book. Sounds intriguing. i love to read about families/mothers with young children.
Marianne from Arizona
mitzi_wanham[at]yahoo[dot]com

Lorna Faith said...

Pray that your daughter is better Kathryn:) I have 2 daughters and 2 sons and don't like it even when they're mildly sick.
The first page sounds like a great read...love stories that really connect the reader with life! Thanks for sharing:)

I love a chance to win your book!

lornafaith(at)gmail(dot)com

dancealertreads.blogspot.com said...

The book sounds like a great read. I would like to be entered.
I'm from Michigan.

dancealert at aol dot com

Lorna Faith said...

...sorry forgot to mention...I'm from Alberta, Canada:)

Wendy said...

I would love to win this book.
Wendy from Buffalo, MN.

EJ said...

I've read Kathryn's other books, and look forward to reading this one also. Thanks - Elaine from Iowa

Kristen said...

Oh, sounds great.
Please enter me.
Thanks
Kristen from WA

Unknown said...

Looks like a great read! Thanks for the chance to win!
kari_linder @ hotmail dot com

Ann Lee Miller said...

I'd love to win Katherine's book.
Ann Lee Miller
Gilbert AZ

Coolestmommy said...

Wow--what an interesting story line. As a family who vaccinates on a delayed schedule, I'm interested to see what happens to Grace and her son.

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE

Sheila Deeth said...

Sounds a great storyline, and thank you for the reminder never to quit writing, but keep trusting God. Thanks.

Pam K. said...

I've read good reviews of "Another Dawn" and enjoyed Kathryn's book, "Leaving Yesterday." I would like to win a copy of "Another Dawn."
Thanks.

pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Kansas

Norma said...

I would love to win this book.
Norma from SK, Canada

Judylynn said...

Please enter me in this giveaway!

Judy in East Tennessee

grannyvon said...

Sadly its a reality that there a lot of single moms raising children by theirselves and this sound like one. I would love to win it. I will have to read this. Live in lower Alabama ybutler@oppcatv.com

Nancye said...

This sounds like a great book! I'd like to read this book to see how the measles outbreak turns out. Thanks for the chance!

Nancye in Kentucky
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net