image: header
image: gownflare

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Spotlight on Kim Vogel Sawyer and Katy's New World

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KIM SAWYER is a bestselling, award-winning author who wears many hats besides “writer.” As a wife, mother, grandmother, and active participant in her church, her life is happily full. But Kim’s passion lies in writing stories of hope that encourage her readers to place their lives in God’s capable hands. An active speaking ministry assists her with her desire. Kim and her husband make their home on the beautiful plains of Kansas, the setting for many of Kim’s novels.

KATY'S NEW WORLD
by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Published by Zondervan

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Katy Lambright is given the opportunity to attend a secular high school outside her Mennonite community, she is ecstatic. But as Katy begins to adjust to life outside her community and begins to make decisions for herself, her relationships with her family and lifelong friends become strained. Can Katy balance her new world with the Old Order?

Readers, buy your copy of Katy's New World today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. This is your debut young adult novel. Congratulations! What gave you the inspiration for this story?

In my "former life," I was a teacher. I'm also a mom of three daughters. So I have a desire to be an encouragement to young people. There's an incredible pull for teens to be accepted by their peers, yet acceptance sometimes involves compromising principles. I truly hope these stories will give young readers the courage to hold tight to their convictions regardless of what the "crowd" tells them to do.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

Like Katy, I grew up Mennonite. I had a fascination with words and writing--had to write out my thoughts or I feared I'd explode. Unlike Katy, I have never lived on a farm, and I had the privilege of two parents. I was painfully shy as a kid--Katy has a lot more spunk than I possessed at that age.

3. If your hero/heroine were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

I think Katy would be something unique, like Creme Broulee. She stands out in her Mennonite community because of her desire to continue her education; she stands out in the secular high school because of her Mennonite dress. So she'd have to be something outside of the norm, flavor-wise.

4. Are there any themes in Katy's New World that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

Obviously, I hope readers recognize the importance of holding tight to Christian convictions. Some things that emerged effortlessly was the importance of family relationships as well as reaching others with the gospel. I can't say any more than that without giving things away. :)

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

Well, it has been a while since I was a 16-year-old girl! (lol) Sliding into the teenage mindset proved more challenging than I had anticipated. I loved the scenes between Katy and her father, as well as the scene with Katy and her grandmother. I enjoyed replaying some tender moments with my own dad and step-grandma as I wrote the story.

6. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

I'll have two releases in June--the second book in the Katy Lambright series, titled Katy's Debate, and an historical, A Hopeful Heart, which features women from the east attending a herdsman school in Kansas to learn the skills needed to survive as western ranchers' wives. I hope readers will look for both stories.

* * * * *

Thank you, Kim, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Katy's New World.

Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). You won't be entered in the drawing without it. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when the winners are announced each time.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

23 comments:

vutofan said...

I absolutely love Kim's books. I have read all that she has written. She has you hooked before you know what has happened. Then if your like me , you read faster than she can write. Her books are uplifting as well as insprirationol. I would absolutely love to win her book. Lynn Hughes

Anonymous said...

I am a huge fan of Kim. I love her books and cannot wait to read this. She is also a very kind person. When you email her with a prayer request, or a comment she will reply. Thanks Kim.
Sherry
sherrycrow13@yahoo.com

Connie Stevens said...

I'm blessed to be one of Kim's critique partners so I get to read her work as she is writing it. SOOOO fun. She IS an incredible writer. I don't know how she does it, but each book seems to be better than the last. Her readers are in for a real treat.

skw9730@aol.com said...

I just love your books and looking forward to reading Katy's world with my 15 year old daughter. Should be inspirational for her, and me too.

Anonymous said...

Kim is one of my favorite writer's.
Look forward to reading Katy's world. Blessed to have her as a friend on facebook.

Michelle said...

I love Kim's writing! Thank you for entering me!

Blessings,
Michelle
scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

Casey said...

I love Kim's writing and I have a younger sister, so this book would be great for her! Thanks for entering me. :)

caseym(dot)writer(at)gmail(dot)com

Carolynn said...

I love Kim's books...thanks for the chance to win!
carolynnwald [at]hotmail [dot]com

Rebecca Herman said...

Sounds interesting thanks for the contest.

rebecca191 at aol.com

Cherie J said...

Please enter me. I enjoyed the the interview. Thank you!

cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Nice iterview. I'm a big fan of Kim's.
13rubberduckies [at] gmail [dot] com

Anonymous said...

Kim, I really enjoy reading your books and would love this one to put in our church Library...
thanks
Lee
leej_7@charter.net

Mindy said...

I have a daughter Katie who is in a similar situation to Katy's, so I would love to have this book for her! And as I enjoy Kim's writing so much, I'd love to read it myself.

Mindy
xavionite@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed reading the interview and LOVE reading Kim's books! She is a wonderful author and I look forward to reading 'Katy's New World'!
Thanks!
Wendy~
bwncrew@aol.com

Kirsten said...

Thanks for the good review!

Anonymous said...

Please enter me in this contest for this book. I would love to win it. I love all of Kim's books!!
ekvermillion@hotmailcom

One way or another I will get this book to read. HA!

Anonymous said...

Love Love Love Kim's books, they are well written and leave you spellbound! Please enter me in the contest to win her book featured here, thanks! hummingbirdlady04@hotmail.com

Your Mom said...

Love Kim's books, I look forward to reading, Katy's New World! I would LOVE to win an autographed copy!
lenijay@juno.com

Anonymous said...

I really enjoy Kim's grown-up books, but as a teacher I'm drawn toward young adult fiction. I'm excited to have a book I can safely recommend to girls. I can't wait to read it and would love the chance to have an autographed copy!
suzbeav@hotmail.com

Rosalie Patience said...

Please enter me in the drawing. It sounds interesting. ~Abby


abster dot rose at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I dearly love Kim's books...and she is such a great person. Please enter me. Thanks!!!
jackie.smith(at)dishmail(dot)net

Giveaway Lady said...

Please enter me!! Would love to win this:) Thanks!!

esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com

JoAnn said...

Interesting interview. Please enter me in the drawing. JoAnn
joann4us(at)yahoo(dot)com