Can you give us a glimpse inside your book?
Sure! Here’s the last bit of Chapter 1, Kristin Taylor has just arrived in Vietnam, found a place to stay and taken a nap –
Kristin stirred from deep slumber. Still in her jeans and T-shirt, she glanced around the darkened room, getting her bearings. She stretched her arms above her head and yawned. Then bolted upright.
“You’re listening to Armed Forces Radio, Vietnam. Current time is 9.0.0. We’re looking for a high of 98 degrees today, folks. Now, here’s a little Rolling Stones to get you going this fine morning. ‘It’s Not Easy.’ You all stay safe out there…”
The radio. Kristin rubbed sleep from her eyes and let out her breath. Caroline must have arrived. Male laughter filtered through the closed door. And brought some friends back with her.
She worked the kinks out of her neck, pushed herself off the bed, and wandered barefoot across the threadbare carpet out into the next room.
“Don’t move.”
Kristin jumped back and stared down the barrel of a small pistol.
Tell us about 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.
What inspired you to write this story?
I’ve always been fascinated by the Vietnam Era. When I heard about young female journalists striking out on their own to go and cover the war, I was intrigued. The more I researched, the more convinced I became that this was a story that needed to be told.
Where is your favorite place to write?
I have an office at home. I like to be focused when I write, so I sit at a desk in silence most of the time, and just get on with it. I’m not one of those writers who can pick up the laptop and sit in Starbucks and write – too many distractions for me!
What are you currently working on?
I’m waiting on edits for my next novel, Hidden in the Heart, so as soon as those appear I shall be working on them! I have a couple of other manuscripts that I’m puttering with, and I’m also compiling ideas for a possible sequel to Yesterday’s Tomorrow.
Has being published changed your outlook on writing?
Great question! Yes, I think I take myself far more seriously now. J When I read reviews or get emails from readers, I realize that I’ve actually crossed the threshold and become a published author – and I seem to have set the standard pretty high! My biggest fear is that people won’t like my next novel! I definitely work harder and try to stick to more of a schedule with my writing now that I’m published, because I also have to keep up with the marketing aspect of it all, which means making time to answer interview questions and write blogs and keep in contact with readers. But I’m not complaining, I love it all!
If you could travel back in time where would you go?
Interesting! I would love to see the Victorian Era – all those beautiful dresses, the courtesans – of course The Renaissance would be pretty amazing too – or a picnic on the lawn of a place like Tara with someone like Scarlett O’Hara!
What is your favorite past time?
When I’m not writing, I love to read. I also love gardening so I do try to spend quite a bit of time in the garden. Roses and orchids are my two favorites. I also have a very energetic three year-old Border Collie who demands a lot of my time!
What is your biggest writing obstacle?
Brain freeze. There are days when I sit down and nothing comes. This used to freak me out, but now I’ve learned it’s all part of the process. I don’t force it. I’ll go do something else, like the mounds of laundry that need doing or I’ll go for a walk. Fortunately my writer’s block never seems to last too long!
What do you want readers to take away from this book?
Really, there are many takeaways. I think the best one is the idea of forgiveness and hope. We can go through a multitude of hard circumstances, but there is always light at the end of the tunnel. If we allow God to move in our lives, we’re able to have that hope and faith that in Him, things will not always be this way. I tried to show this through my characters and the journey they traveled to come to deeper faith.
I also hope that people might come to a better understanding of the military, and what the brave men and women who put their lives on the line for us actually experience. And some of my readers have said that Yesterday’s Tomorrow opened their eyes to that, especially how the soldiers were treated when they returned from Vietnam. While we may not all agree on whether or not to go to war, I think the military deserve our utmost respect.
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
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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
3 comments:
Great interview. Sounds like a unique story, especially since it's taking place during a timeframe that's rarely used in novels. Thanks for sharing.
This is an AWESOME book! Thank you for hosting Cathy, Salena.
I believe this book is labeled as contemporary fiction but is borderline historical. I personally consider it historical because it was just before I was born. My opinion is that this story will appeal to you whether your preference is historical or contemporary.
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