Getting to know you with Katherine Walden

 Please welcome my friend and debut author Katherine Walden to my blog today. She has a new devotional book out that looks like a good read.

 1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I live with a neurological disorder called Charcot Marie Tooth Disease, but I have not allowed my disability to stop me from living an active, productive life. I worked with Youth With A Mission for 13 years and finally settled in Alberta, Canada. However, my disability progressed to the point where I was no longer able to work in a regular work environment. After consulting with my doctors and seeking the advice of trusted pastors and family members, I decided to hang up the traditional work hat, and I now live on a small disability pension.

Someone once said, "You can take the minister out of the pulpit but you can’t take the ministry out of the minister." I continue to minister around the world without taking a step from my apartment through the Internet, I founded I Lift My Eyes Ministries in 1996, and I now reach thousands on a daily basis, thousands more than I would have ever imagined when I was involved in regular ministry!

I have been an active member of Harvest Vineyard Christian Fellowship, in Alberta, Canada since 1993. At present, I serve the local body through helping to facilitate a weekly small group fellowship as well as overseeing our emergency prayer line. At present, I am also a mentor and friend to several younger women, providing a listening ear, wise counsel, and of course, prayer!

 2. When you were a child did you have a favourite book or books?

My favourite author was L.M. Montgomery, the author of the beloved "Anne" series. I own most of her works, and every few years, I pull one of her books off my shelf for some comfort reading. Some people reach for a chocolate bar at times of stress; I reach for a chocolate bar and a good book!  Coincidentally, I once led a home fellowship group with L. M. Montgomery's great-niece although L.M Montgomery lived thousands of miles from me.

3. Do you have a favourite Genre to both read and write?

 I love to read Christian fantasy, C.S. Lewis, Tolkien and George MacDonald's faerie tales. I devoured Jeanette Oke books when I was younger as Mrs Oke wrote most of her fictional books while living a few miles from where I grew up!  Right now, I mostly read non-fiction; books on prayer, Christian living, counselling, and relationships. I am drawn to books that inspire me live my faith with authenticity.  My writing is mostly inspirational devotional in nature, although I have written several instructional articles on prayer. (Jenny here it was Janette Oke's Canadian west series that got me back into reading.)

4. Did you have favourite authors growing up who have influenced you?

L. M. Montgomery, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Louisa May Alcott, Margaret Mitchell, Anne Frank, Helen Keller and Marie Killilea, who wrote 'Karen' and 'With Love from Karen'. I see echoes of their collective influence in all my writings.

5. When did you know you wanted to be an author?
At the age of nine, I created an outline for a book about a girl and her horse. I am now well aware that the concept wasn't very original. However, the dream of owning horses, and then writing about them, died after a week at summer camp. I discovered I didn't like horses as much as I thought I did. I didn't give up my love of writing though and literature, English and Drama were my favourite classes in my school years. (Jenny again love the story of the horse. its funny how we can really want something till we actually either see or do the activity)

6. How did you go about becoming an author?

I suppose the obvious answer is simple. I wrote. When it comes to my devotionals, God challenged me to move past occasional snippets and quips that would pop out of my head and onto paper. I had not written formally for several years, and I was very rusty. I cringe at some of my earlier writings, but I extend grace to the earlier me.  Once I began sending out weekly devotionals via email, I had no choice but to write. It spurred me on and the author within reawakened.

7. If you were not a writer what would you like to be?

A teacher or counsellor. But I don't think I could stop being a writer any more than I could change my eye colour.

8. Outside reading and writing what do you like to do?

I listen to worship music, classical music and just about anything else except for rap and twangy country genres. I enjoy my friends and my local church, where I serve as a mentor and prayer coordinator. I am also a member of a home fellowship leadership team. In the summer, I enjoy traipsing about my urban neighbourhood; there are great coffee shops, sweet little parks and many independent boutiques and stores within blocks of me.

9. Do you have a place you love to visit or would love to visit?

I have lived most of my life in Alberta, Canada, and I grew up within an hours drive of the Rocky Mountains. Banff National Park and Jasper National Park are both places that fill a deep place in my heart. I am hoping to travel down the Oregon Coast to Northern California in the next year. My ultimate dream vacation would be a six-week holiday travelling through the whole of the United Kingdom: Scotland, Ireland, England and Wales.

 10. If you could have a meal with 3 living people who would you choose and why?

This answer changes at a whim as I love to share a meal with three or four very diverse people and just listen to them talk.  I am feeling a bit cheeky today, so my answer would be the following.

Danny Silk, Justin Bieber and Justin's mother who is a strong believer. Danny Silk is a Christian psychologist and relationship expert and has written several books, including 'Keep Your Love On' and 'Loving On Purpose'. I think it would be fascinating to watch the three of them as they discuss family dynamics, personal responsibility and faith. I would be taking copious notes!

Finally can you tell us about your current books and/or any that will
be coming out soon. Also where we can find you on the web.

 

 http://katherinewalden.com

"Seasons - Reflections on Changes Throughout Life" is a compilation of 90 inspirational devotions and thought-provoking writings, penned with humour, wisdom and compassion. It is my hope that this thought-provoking devotional will challenge you to consider a delightful myriad of uplifting possibilities that all surround the fact that God is good, He is on our side and His intention is to bless His children. "Seasons" is currently available on Kindle and I will be releasing other digital formats of the book in October.

I am currently in the process of publishing another collection of 90-100 devotions that is tentatively titled, "Dare to Call Him Friend." I will probably publish that on to Kindle in September 2014.