Interview with Author Cathy Bryant--and Book Giveaway!

Check out this great video trailer at the link below, leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of her book, and then read on to find out about this great lady:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VXblI4HgCg

Cathy, tell us a little about yourself.

I’m first and foremost a Christ-follower, but the different hats I wear are minister’s wife, mom to two grown sons and a lovely daughter-in-love, Nana to my one-year-old grandson, church accompanist, private music instructor, and writer. I’ve lived in Texas my entire life, and currently live in a century-old charmer (lots of character and precious little space) with my husband and a phobia-ridden cat.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I love being outdoors. When the weather permits, I take at least one walk a day (usually two). I also enjoy riding my bicycle (though riding a motorcycle sounds like great fun). I swim in the summer months, hike when I can, and go canoeing once a year. I also enjoy gardening, reading, home improvement projects, movies, and reality television.

Tell us about your latest book.

Here’s the book blurb for A Path Less Traveled (Book 2 in the Miller’s Creek novels):

Trish James is tired of being rescued. When a spooked horse claims her husband's life, she’s determined to blaze a path for herself and her traumatized son without outside help. But will that mean leaving the place etched on her heart?

Andy Tyler has had to struggle for everything, and starting a new law practice in Miller's Creek, Texas is no different. Though prepared for business challenges, he's not prepared for falling in love--especially with yet another woman who will probably abandon him for her career.

Will Andy and Trish be able to see past their limited human understanding to take a path less traveled?

Where did you get the idea for this story?

All my stories begin with a spiritual theme, usually arising from my personal pilgrimage. The message of A Path Less Traveled (Book 2 in the Miller’ Creek novels) is about trusting God to direct our paths even when we can’t understand why He’s leading in a certain direction.

This theme came from several times in my life when I’ve had to step out in faith when the move made no sense—to me or anyone else. (We see this all throughout the Bible—the Hebrew people moving toward the Red Sea at God’s direction, when there was a much shorter and easier route; Ananias making contact with Paul, one of the biggest persecutor’s of the early church; Joseph taking Mary as his wife when it appeared to everyone around that she’d been unchaste—the list could go on forever.)

I also wanted to continue the setting in Miller’s Creek, so readers could catch up with the characters in Texas Roads (Book 1 in the series). Stories have a way of unfolding in my brain. It’s not really a process I can fully explain. To illustrate, the third book of the series began with this snippet of dialogue that popped into my brain while I was on a walk: “Tyler, Dent and Snodgrass. Hold please.” Those six words introduced me to the heroine of The Way of Grace, a story which explores the contrast between law and grace.

What do you hope readers take away from your books?

Part of my personal mission statement is to know God and make Him known, so I hope readers glean God’s grace and goodness from every page. He loves us more than we can possibly imagine or understand.

I also want to encourage other Christians through my stories. We all struggle with the difficulties of this world. It’s not easy for any of us. If readers can make a point of connection with the characters in the story and come away encouraged, then I’m delighted.

Then, of course, I hope those who don’t know Christ as their Lord and Savior will see faith lived out in the pages of the book and make the decision to follow Him.

Where can your books be purchased?

Online purchases of the books can be made at Amazon.com and other leading retailers. For those who prefer electronic reading, both books are available in several electronic formats (for Kindle, iPad, Sony Reader, the Nook, etc.) at http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/CathyBryant (scroll down to find the books). The books can also be ordered through local bookstores, or if you’d like an autographed copy, you can e-mail me at catbry1 (at) yahoo (dot) com for more information. (Please put “Miller’s Creek book order” in the subject line, so the message won’t end up in the spam folder or trash.)

How can readers connect with you?

I’m on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/#!/cathy.england.bryant) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/CathyBryant) with the rest of the world. Readers can also contact me through my blog WordVessel, (http://WordVessel.blogspot.com) or through the guestbook on my website (www.CatBryant.com).