Skip to main content

Interviewing Author Kathy Willis



1. Tell me about your self?

Others call me “the grin gal” because they see me smile despite some pretty big trials in my life. I’m passionate about helping believers have “aha moments” with the daily application of Scripture. I coach them to learn how to remove the training wheels and not just risk, but also take pleasure in the joy ride of a life trusting in God. Even with all the circumstances, I’ve faced, I have an expectant hope and contentment in the Lord.

In my coaching, writing, and speaking, I address the issues that hold people back and shine the light on their path to freedom. It’s a joy to help others, and a privilege to lead my writing group, WordGirls.

I have fought health issues since my 20s and have a heart for others who are suffering.  

2.What are your favorite books to read?

I love reading novels that make me feel like I’m watching an exciting movie in my head!

3. When did you decide you were going to write a book?

I knew I was a writer when I was in third grade, but I actually wrote thousands of articles before I wrote my first book.

4. How did you come up with the name of your book?

My brand is The Grin Gal, so my books all have that somewhere on the cover.

5. What are you working on for 2021

I’m writing a book called The Grin Gal’s Guide to WellBeing that will release in the early summer of next year. Currently, a focus group is going through the material together, and it’s been really rewarding to lead this group from all over the country.

6. How long have you been writing?

I’ve written since third grade, but professionally have been published since 2001.

7.What advice would you give other authors?

Ask yourself these questions:

Who: Who is your reader? Keeping your audience in mind helps for every stage of the process.
What: What is your main message? What is your brand?
When: When do you make time to write? A writer writes—plain and simple.
Where: Where do you write so you can avoid distractions best? (Or at least wear noise-canceling headphones!)
Why: What is the reason you write? Keep your WHY in front of you and you’ll be able to push through writing challenges.

8. Where can people find you online?


9. What is your favorite coffee drink?

No coffee for me (not even coffee-flavored desserts)! But I’ll take a chai latte anytime!

10. What is your favorite coffee shop?

Mobius Coffeehouse in Brenham, TX. I wrote the entire manuscript for Grin with Grace there!

11. Do you plan on making a new book in the future?

I do! My brand plan has me releasing two books a year. In November 2020 7 Trials Every Woman Faces (The Grin Gal’s Guide to Trials) releases. I’m already working on The Grin Gal’s Guide to WellBeing for a 2021 release.

12. How many books have you written? I’ve ghostwritten four books, had chapters in ten collaborative books, have my name on six published books, and have four books not yet published.

13. Did you go to college to be a writer? 

I did not. But I’m an avid learner! have two Bachelor’s Degrees. Bible and Church Education.

Thank you for inviting me to your blog! See attached for my photo.

Kathy Carlton Willis




 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Interviewing Author Margie Harding

Interviewing Author  Margie Harding Q1. Tell me about your self?    A. I am a wife to Charles (47 years), momma to 5 grown children— four of which are married, with 17 grandchildren and another on the way!  I enjoy reading and writing and when I have the time, I enjoy quilting and studying all kinds of things!  I like learning!  My husband and I travel a good deal and plan to visit Alaska, the only state we haven’t been to in our married life!  I have a strong faith and believe God has given me the gift of writing for a purpose.  It took me a while to realize it, but the perspective of my writing includes writing for children with disabilities—- but not only for the children with the disability, but for the one who asks, ‘What’s wrong with my friend?’  This makes these books unique and a great resource for a classroom as a starting point for conversation. Q2. What are your favorite books to read? A. I read a lot of Christian material.  I...

Interviewing Author Preeti Narang

Interviewing Author Preeti Narang Q1.     Tell me about yourself. what are your favorite books to read?  A. I am the author of the book ‘Prodigal Love?’, a true blend of romance, crime, and mystery. I am compassionate, zealous, and creative. I have a Master's degree in Software Systems and has been working in the IT industry for 15+ years. I am an Indian, currently residing in the USA. I love to paint, dance, sing, travel, read, write, workout, and do taekwondo. My passion for writing has driven me to take up writing professionally recently. I love reading thriller and mystery genre books. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Jeffrey Archer, and Jane Austen are some of my favorite authors.   A. 2. When did you decide you were going to write a book?  A. Five years ago, when I came across a true story. I started writing it two years ago and published the book this year.   Q3. How did you come up with the name of your books?  A. My novel is a blend of romance, cr...

AUTHOR INTERVIEW- DIANE HOLIDAY

AUTHOR INTERVIEW- DIANE HOLIDAY Q1. Tell us about yourself. What are your favorite books to read? A.  I write romantic suspense books and live on Lake Murray in beautiful South Carolina with my retired Navy husband, who is my go-to for colorful slang and guy talk. I have two grown children who live in Maine and San Diego. I like to write heroines who are relatable, everyday people with spunk and wit. Their only superpower is fierce independence. I’m an animal lover, and each of my three books has a dog in them. A tribute to the golden retriever that stole my heart for thirteen years and warmed my feet when I wrote on chilly mornings. My favorite books to read are romantic suspense and contemporary. I read many authors but love Jill Shalvis, Catherine Coulter, Susan Elizabeth Phillips,  and Linda Howard. Q2. Where did the inspiration to write come from? A.  As a child, I loved to read, (Nancy Drew, Laura Ingalls Wilder books, and Little Women...