Monday, March 7, 2011

Yesterday's Tomorrow by Catherine West

We're happy to have Catherine West with us today talking about her book Yesterday's Tomorrow. To learn more about Catherine and her book, read on!

Title: Yesterday’s Tomorrow
Publisher: OakTara

Cover blurb: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.

1) How did this story come to you?
I’m not exactly sure. I’ve always been fascinated with Vietnam, and had heard about the young female journalists who traveled there to cover the war, so I thought it might be an interesting story.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Well. It’s a long story, but I’ll try to keep it brief.  Once I had a rough idea of the story, I put together a synopsis and sent it off to someone I’d been corresponding with through blogging. She was a freelance editor for some major CBA houses. She loved the idea and gave me some great tips and off I went. Once I finished the first draft, she asked me to send it to her. A few weeks after that, she told me she was in the process of making a career change, and would soon be a literary agent. That wonderful person was Rachelle Gardner, and she offered representation because of this book. But I think she liked me, too.  Anyway, it went through several re-writes and we shopped it to all the major CBA houses but nobody wanted it. Sadly, we had to sit on it for a couple of years. But then we started sending it to the smaller publishers who seemed more open to ‘touchy’ topics. OakTara loved it, and here we are.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
Wow, I don’t know.  I’m really not adventurous. I could never hop a plane to Vietnam like Kristin did. I hate to fly, which is bad because I live on an island. And I’m a very impatient person. My agent, editor and poor critique partners can attest to that one!!

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Right now I’m working on a family saga called Reprisal. Lots of interesting characters with a ton of issues. It’s the kind of book I like to read, so I’ve been having a lot of fun with it. I’m also working on a romance that takes place in a California vineyard. I was recently there on vacation and think I may have to go back for more research.

5) Parting comments?
I always love to encourage new writers, because were it not for the many authors who encouraged me along the way (and still do), I probably would have given up. Study your craft, go to conferences if you can, get some great critique partners and just believe in yourself. It’s not an easy road, but if it is the one you feel called to, you will succeed eventually.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Website: http://www.catherinejwest.com/
Blog: http://www.catherinewestblog.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @cathwest
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Catherine-West-Author/157773297594081
Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/vVQUMRlYhkM

23 comments:

  1. This is the first I've seen of this book. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. Please sign me up for the drawing.

    pepsi324[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  2. My nephew is a Vietnam veteran and I've been interested in journalism in high school, college, and in teaching. Therefore I would like to win and read your book.
    Kaye Whitney
    kayewhitney@bellsouth.net

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  3. Please enter me in your conteest for the book.
    I'm a subscriber and a follower through GFC.
    dancealert at aol dot com

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  4. I'm looking forward to reading Cathy's book. It sounds intriguing. One of my uncles was a photographer during the Vietnam War, so it will be interesting to learn more about the job. Plus, I love the fact that there's romance in there, too.

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  5. Interesting twist on a Vietnam story. It sounds like a good read. Thanks for entering me.

    twinwillowsfarm at gmail dot com

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  6. Thanks for sharing your journey to publishing! It's always encouraging to hear that patience and perseverence are key. This book sounds fun! Thanks for the giveaway. I'd love to win a copy.

    -Emily
    hendrickson_emily(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  7. Oh my goodness...I am going to have to stop reading all these reviews because I want every book I read about!!! I have run out of shelf space and my books are towering almost to the ceiling now..but I just can't give up the books to switch to a Kindle!!! This sounds amazing and I would love a chance to win...I corresponded with one of my cousins when he was in Viet Nam as a door gunner on a helicopter...he passed away about 3 years ago due to cancer related to Agent Orange...margie at mijares dot net

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  8. This looks like a good book! I've never read anything from this time period, but I'm looking forward to it!

    lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com

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  9. Awesome giveaway! Looks like a very interesting book!

    jennycohen104(at)gmail(dot)com

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  10. Looking forward to reading about Vietnam. Please enter me!

    icohen62(at)gmail(dot)com

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  11. Thanks, everyone! It is certainly great to see the interest, considering I was told Vietnam was such a taboo topic! Just goes to show that if you have something you believe in with all your heart, you should go for it!

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  12. I had the privilege of reading an early pdf version of the book, since Cathy and I are friends. I am telling you the truth when I say: I could not put this book down. I read the entire thing on my iPhone. The characters are so compelling you actually get inside their heads. You will fall for Luke if you're not careful. I remember waking up next to hubs and wishing he were Luke. It took me at least three months to get over him. Lol. If you don't win the book, please buy it. You won't be disappointed. ;)

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  13. Sounds good!

    warkworthbunch@aol.com

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  14. Her books sounds interesting too. You have so many good book giveaways. Thanks. gahome2mom/at/gmail/dot/com

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  15. Looks really good! Thanks for the giveaway!

    Emreilly303(at)gmail(dot)com

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  16. Can't wait to read this one!
    Sign me up!

    Dreilly316(at)gmail(dot)com

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  17. Looks really interesting. Great interview!

    Jreilly316(at)verizon(dot)net

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  18. Enjoyed the interview....I would very much like to read this interesting book!
    Blessings....Joy Hannabass
    ibjoy1953[at]yahoo[dot]com
    And I am a subscriber

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  19. thanks for the chance to read this fabulous story

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  20. Sounds like a good read
    lori_a_curtis@yahoo.com

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  21. This sounds like the kind of book that would draw you in and keep you there! I would love to win this one! Thanks for the chance. I'm an email subscriber.

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

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  22. This sounds like a wonderful book! Please include me! I'm an email subscriber.

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net


    ****I lost an entry a minute ago. If it pops up somehow, please delete. Thanks

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  23. Gripping, heart wrenching, poignant, fast paced, tender, descriptive . these are all adjectives that aptly describe Catharine West's debut novel Yesterday's Tomorrow. It's the story of Kristin Taylor, a young reporter out to prove herself by going into the field during the Vietnam War. In the midst of the horror and carnage she finds out what it means to be a friend, a lover, a Christian - a human being. This unfortunate era in US history is well researched yet never pedantic. Descriptive passages are wonderfully full and alive yet never get in the way of the story. West has masterfully juxtaposed contrasting elements to create a unique balance that keeps the story vibrant. Raw emotional scenes mix with quiet reflective moments. Passion spills over while the reality of everyday life goes on. The blood and carnage of senseless killing comes alongside the message of hope. I was hooked after Chapter One.

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