Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi y’all! I’m a middle-aged Mrs., Mama and Nana, who upon ridding my nest of children decided to follow my dream of writing books. I followed the sage advice of writing what I know (i.e. the ins and outs of living in small-town Texas) by creating the fictional town of Miller’s Creek. So far I’ve written four novels, all romance or romantic suspense, and I’m working on the fifth book in the series. Although I cherish my small-town Texas heritage, I recently moved to the lovely Sangre de Cristo mountains of northern New Mexico, revisiting Texas every day in my stories. You can find out more about me and the Miller’s Creek novels by visiting my website at www.CatBryant.com or my blog, http://WordVessel.blogspot.com. I’m also on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recently published book is PILGRIMAGE OF PROMISE, inspired by the matriarchal figure in Miller’s Creek and the heartache she’s endured throughout her life. Part of her earthly pilgrimage involves dealing with a stack of dusty unopened letters.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Other than a total lack of distraction, odd hours, working in my pajamas, eating and drinking at the computer, and using scrap lumber for a makeshift writing desk on the handles of my treadmill so I can exercise while I write, I can’t think of a thing.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Sometimes I think I learned to read before walking or talking. I cut my teeth on Dr. Seuss, whose whimsical characters and rhyming words activated by imagination. As a child, I devoured all sorts of stories, with many favorites: Anne of Green Gables, Little Women, the Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, Old Yeller, Where the Red Fern Grows, Treasure Island, Black Beauty, etc. But it was Francine Rivers’ Redeeming Love that ignited the longing in my heart to write stories.
What are you working on now?
The book I’m currently writing is A BRIDGE UNBROKEN, inspired by the concept of forgiveness. When we’ve been deeply wounded by someone we care about, the only way to get past the hurt and move toward reconciliation is forgiveness. I like the way that Mark Twain puts it: “Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.”
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Awesome Gang and other similar sites are invaluable to me as an author. Without them, I would struggle to get the word out about the availability of the books I’ve written. In addition to that, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention readers who are kind enough to leave reviews and to pass on their recommendation via word of mouth.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Three things: 1)read voraciously over several genres; 2)study the craft of writing as though you’re in college and writing is the degree you’re pursuing; 3)write, write, and then write some more. Then rinse and repeat for the rest of your life.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
In relation to writing, it would have to be to ramp up the tension in my stories. Without conflict and tension, a story isn’t worth telling or reading.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading a book about writing nonfiction. I hope to add that skill to my repertoire in addition to writing fiction. At one time I’m naively believed writing fiction and nonfiction were the same. Some aspects of each cross over into the other, but they’re basically as different as baseball is from football.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to continue the Miller’s Creek series. The quirky characters have become my very good friends. As mentioned above, I also hope to break into writing non-fiction books as well.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
First and foremost, my Bible. In addition to that, I’d take Tolstoy’s War and Peace since I’m guessing I’ll be there awhile, and a dictionary and thesaurus.
Author Websites and Profiles
Cathy Bryant Website
Cathy Bryant Amazon Profile
Cathy Bryant’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account