Discover more about
Kathryn Cushman
and her contemporary novel
Finding Me
Bethany House
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A book character that sticks in my mind is… Why? Katniss Everdeen. She’s not perfect, she doesn’t set out to be a hero, doesn’t want recognition, but she is brave and she does everything within her power to protect those she loves.
The last book that made me cry was… “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah. I was on a plane. It was embarrassing.
The last book that made me laugh out loud was… “Orphan Train” by Christina Baker Kline. It was during a scene where a couple of teenagers were discussing their 91-year-old friend’s sudden prowess with the computer. Hilarious, spot-on dialogue. My teenage daughter came over to see what I was laughing about. She didn’t get it so much.
I’m completely immersed in their storytelling, whenever I read a book by…Donna Tartt
The first person who encouraged me to pursue my writing was…my mother.
If I wasn’t a writer, I would be… well, I used to be a pharmacist. Does that count? 🙂
I write stories because… Stories have been a powerful influence in my life, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. I try to write stories that will entertain and leave the reader just a tiny bit changed–in a good way.
Finding Me
What would you do if you learned your life was a lie?
All her life, Kelli Huddleston has been told the story of a fire–a fire that killed her mother and two siblings when she was an infant. After her father’s death though, she uncovers evidence of a different story, including clippings about a boat accident that killed a young father and his infant daughter. And Kelli quietly realizes the story of her life has been a fiction.
How far would you go to discover the truth?
Armed with only a few pictures of what she thinks might be her family, Kelli crosses the country to Tennessee, determined to uncover the truth about what happened over twenty years ago in a small southern town. When the trip threatens to open doors to the past better left shut, and her plans for the future are jeopardized, Kelli is faced with an agonizing choice that will change her life forever.
My latest novel can be described by these 5 adjectives… thought-provoking, suspenseful, emotional, funny, heart-warming.
My main character is… A girl who think she’s had a mostly happy life with one of the best fathers in the world. Then she finds out everything she once believed is a lie, and her father was the purveyor of that lie.
My main characters resemble…. Kelli (main character) is an earthy British actress I found on Google (and whose name I don’t remember and I can’t find now!). Shane (her sort of romantic interest) looks a lot like Ashton Kutcher.
My story’s spiritual theme is… being a “good person” is not good enough. Also, God can and does rebuild from the ruins.
The most recent movie or tv show I loved was… Why? McFarland, USA It was an amazing movie. Heartwarming, suspenseful, and based on a true story. To me, the captions at the end that tell what happened to the real people were crazy moving. I cried.
The story I’m currently working on involves… a lot of 1940’s glamour gowns, a grumpy elderly woman, and a spoiled young starlet whose attempt for publicity ruins my protagonist’s life. Or so it seems…
You may not know this about me, but I… can never remember people’s names. This includes the characters of books I am currently writing. I keep a list on my screen all the time of who is who, because I can never remember. This can prove embarrassing when I’m speaking to a book club about one of my books.:)
I might go all fan girl if I met… Beverly Lewis. Okay, this actually happened several years ago. I was at a Bethany House event, I was a brand new author, and she was… well she was Beverly Lewis, who routinely hits the New York Times bestseller list. I was completely intimidated, so I tried to avoid her. I made it a point to sit at a different table from her, and she picked up her plate and moved to sit with me. She is a wonderfully sweet, gracious, and humble woman. To me, she is the very picture of what a highly successful person should model in life.
If I could travel back in time, I’d go to… ancient Persia to hang out with Queen Esther. Did she want to marry Artaxerxes? Was getting picked to be queen sort of like getting the final rose on The Bachelor? Was there any love involved at all? These are answers I’d like to have.
I get lost in the music when I listen to… Hillsong United. I find their music to be very powerful.
A long held dream of mine is… to learn to play the violin.
Thanks Kathryn!
Relz Reviewz Extras
Character spotlight on Sabrina & Brandy
Get to know Katie Cushman
Visit Katie’s website and blog
Buy at Amazon: Finding Me or Koorong
April 18, 2015 at 8:53 pm
Sometimes for the historical event but I f enjoy the journey the characters walk in the book. Thanks!
April 18, 2015 at 9:55 pm
As a rule there is also a male hero. I enjoy following him to see how he will deal with the issues in the heroine’s life.
April 18, 2015 at 10:50 pm
The dialogue between characters is usually very entertaining.
April 19, 2015 at 1:38 am
Thank you so much for the interview with Kathryn.What I enjoy about women’s fiction is the way the storyline is brought to life with intriguing characters. It is really hard to put down a good book when you are getting to a good part.
April 19, 2015 at 4:00 am
I feel like the characters are generally people I can relate to. Even if I haven’t dealt with the same issues they’re facing, there are usually traits that I identify with.
April 19, 2015 at 5:29 am
I liked reading about Kathryn! And what I enjoy most about women’s fiction is simply an engaging {and generally sweet} story. I’m not big on drama, but adding a few twists in the plot can be fun to experience! I like reading about heroines that I can relate with as well, both in age and in character. Not that they should all be like me {that would certainly be boring}, but there are just certain characters that draw me in more if I find that I understand them.
April 19, 2015 at 2:10 pm
What I most appreciate is being able to relate to the characters.
April 19, 2015 at 8:50 pm
I appreciate the encouragement and biblical lessons I can relate to.
April 20, 2015 at 2:36 am
I love learning “real life” lessons from the women of fiction stories. How closely they often are to real life!
April 20, 2015 at 3:59 am
“What do you enjoy most about reading Women’s Fiction?”…. I love the stories, meeting the characters, and going places/time periods I may never be able to visit. It doesn’t matter to me if the if the book is in the Contemporary, Historical, or Amish Fiction as long as it is within the Christian genre.
~Tammi
April 20, 2015 at 5:50 am
Women’s fiction speaks to hope in everyday life, especially Inspirational fiction.
April 20, 2015 at 6:50 am
What I enjoy about women’s fiction is being able to lose myself in a relateable story for a short escape from my day-to-day activities.
April 20, 2015 at 6:50 am
i like reading women’s fiction because there is something in the characters or story line that i can relate to some area of my life
April 20, 2015 at 8:24 am
When I read women’s fiction, sometimes I relate to the characters, sometimes not. Either way, I usually end up learning something about myself or finding some nugget of truth that helps me in my life.
April 20, 2015 at 12:17 pm
Women’s fiction allows me to travel to places I will never visit and experience adventures that will never happen to me personally. It also shows me that my feelings are not new and that other people have felt them also! Thank you for this giveaway.
April 21, 2015 at 12:11 am
I enjoy reading women’s fiction because I feel that I can get into the characters abd understand them
April 21, 2015 at 12:26 am
I enjoy being able to relate to the characters and sometimes their situations.
April 21, 2015 at 12:27 am
I love the depth that is often found in Women’s Fiction. It’s always been one of my favorite genres because of the relationships built, the subjects tackled. I don’t read them often as they tend to be more weighty emotionally, but that’s also the main reason why I love them. 🙂
April 21, 2015 at 12:39 am
I love to read Women’s Fiction because I can relate to some of these women. I always find some female character who is either going throughor have gone through what I am experiencing in the moment. I love to read Christian Women Fiction because it showcase our need for our Heavenly Father. It reminds me that only God can complete me and understand me. No man can do what Only God can do. Our strengths and weaknesses are exposed in terms of our relationship with God.
April 21, 2015 at 12:48 am
What do I enjoy about reading women’s fiction? Everything! 😉
April 21, 2015 at 1:09 am
I love the complex characters and the wide variety of themes and issues addressed in Women’s fiction. I enjoyed reading this interview. The story sounds fascinating. 🙂
April 21, 2015 at 1:17 am
Wow. Can’t imagine finding out your whole life has been made up. Sounds like a really good read. Being from Tennessee, I look forward to reading it.
April 21, 2015 at 3:50 am
I enjoy reading Christian fiction with fun characters or ones who are working through difficult areas of their lives. Helps to see how someone else resolves a problem and laugh along the way too. Fun interview. 🙂
April 21, 2015 at 4:50 am
Thank you for the chance to win!
April 21, 2015 at 4:59 am
I love getting lost in the story and getting to know the characters. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview. I have read a few of your books and really enjoyed them.
April 21, 2015 at 11:34 am
I am a bit of Tom-boy and most of my friends are male, so I love feeling connected to female characters!
April 21, 2015 at 11:45 am
I’d love to read this!!
April 21, 2015 at 4:40 pm
I like reading about situations and problems unique to women. Sometimes it can help me decide what to do in my own life!
April 21, 2015 at 7:55 pm
I love being swept into the world of someone else. It makes the perfect escape when life is getting a little tough.
April 22, 2015 at 12:50 am
I love that I have an excuse to laugh AND cry within the pages of the same book. Women’s fiction tends to touch a lot of emotions which is a wonderful gift to give to readers.
April 22, 2015 at 4:00 am
I enjoy the relationship developments between the characters.
April 22, 2015 at 7:36 am
I enjoy women’s fiction because they are wise and they just get it!!