Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Hangin' Out with Ginny Yttrup!

I have really missed interviewing authors in the last few months, and am so happy to be back in the swing of things with today's featured author, Ginny Yttrup. Ginny is the author of two books published by B&H Publishers--Words and Lost and Found, the latter being released just a few days ago. I hope you enjoy our fun interview today, and that you'll have a great time "hangin' out" with Ginny!

***

Not including writing, what was your first job?

I got my first official job when I was 15 years old. I worked at Baskin Robins Ice Cream scooping ice cream. There I developed an obsession for ice cream that’s never left me.

What is one movie that you could watch over and over again?

The Sound of Music. I’m sure I’ve seen it at least a hundred times. Love, love, love it!

We have a common bond with that movie!  When I was a girl, I would watch it over and over again, sometimes twice a day.  I used to imagine that I was Liesl, and couldn't wait for the day that I would actually be "sixteen going on seventeen!"

If you could have any one superpower, what would it be?

I’d like to be invisible, which is the title of the next book I’m working on. I’d love to observe things without being seen—or to help someone without them knowing who’d helped them. I can see all kinds of advantages to invisibility! Plus, I’d never have to do my hair or makeup or think about what I’m going to wear!

What food do you love, even though you know you shouldn’t?

Ice cream, pizza, filet mignon—rare, baked potato with lots of butter and sour cream. That’s just a partial list. I’m a foodie, however, in the last two months I’ve given up sugar and have eaten only foods considered vegan. I’m dealing with some health issues and felt God leading me to make some changes in my diet. So, needless to say, I haven’t eaten any of the foods on the above list for a while.

I've come very close once or twice to giving up sugar, but it is sooooo hard!  Gotta have my sweet tea now!  :o)

Which magazine do you pick up when you’re stuck in a waiting room?

Tabloid stuff or People Magazine. Embarrassing, but true!

Have you ever met anyone famous?

I met Arnold Schwarzenegger about 15 years ago—long before he was California’s Governor. I was surprised that he was much shorter than I’d imagined.

What did you do growing up that got you into trouble?

The only time I remember being in trouble was when I was a senior in high school. I was 17 and dating the guy I eventually married. I had a very strict stepfather that year who had set a 10:00 p.m. curfew for me. On a Sunday night, my boyfriend and I were driving home from my grandparent’s house and I got home 5 minutes late. My stepfather grounded me for the entire week. Sadly, it was the week of graduation. I was allowed to walk in my graduation ceremony but couldn’t attend any other festivities. I felt that injustice for so long until I realized that I deserved to be in trouble a lot more often for much worse infractions, but I never got caught!

You’re next in line to audition for American Idol. What song do you sing for the judges?

First, that would never happen—I would never audition because I can’t sing a note on key to save my life. But, in the world of fantasy, I would definitely sing Amazing Grace because that is the story of my life.

***

Ginny, thanks so much for stoppin' by today, and also, thanks to our mutual connection, Jeane Wynn from WynnWynn Media, for making it all happen.  :o)  I hope you'll come back to visit again soon!

Friends, if you'd like to get more info on Ginny and her books, visit her website to sign up for her newsletter or find her on Facebook.

And one more fun tidbit...  You have the opportunity to win a copy of Ginny's newest book, Lost and Found!  If you'd like to have your name entered in the drawing, please fill out the form below as requested.  US addresses only, and all entries must be received by 11:59pm Tuesday, March 6.  




24 comments:

  1. I left a comment on Ginny's interview and it didn't come up...hmmmm vrush729@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Virginia,

      Your comment and entry came through on the form above (no worries there). Anything submitted through that comes straight to me and is not public.

      Folks, if you want to leave any comments for Ginny, be sure to leave them down here in the comments section. Thanks!! :o)

      Delete
  2. Thanks for the intro to a new author for me, I love to find good books and new authors to read.
    Thanks Ginny for sharing your thoughts and book with us today.
    will be looking forward to reading some of your work.
    Paula O

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Paula. I hope you'll enjoy my books!

      Delete
  3. LOVED Ginny's first book. Sooo good, have this one on my wish list too! I've entered my info. :) GOOD to have you back, Christy!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I've not read anything of Ginny's, but perhaps this will be the first :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hey Christy, I have missed your author interviews too! Several common factors with this author- The Sound of Music...and FOOD! I haven't cut out sugar but I have cut back portions and lost 4 lbs in the last 9 days!

    Anyway, glad you're back, girl!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anne, I need your weight loss secret. I've cut portions in half, if not more, cut out sugar, and have eaten a vegan diet since 1/1. I haven't lost a pound! However, I am off my blood pressure medication. So I'm happy.

      Congratulations on your 4 pounds! :-)

      Delete
    2. Thanks for coming back for the interviews, Anne! I always love to read your comments. :o)

      And bravo to you on that weight loss! I'm with Ginny...I need your secret. I've been trying to cut back on those portions, but I haven't put much effort into tracking any kind of results. When my jeans fit better, I'll know for sure!

      Delete
    3. Hi Ladies, I don't have a magic secret or anything for the weight loss. I get on the treadmill 2-3 times a week, walk outside (but not more than a 1/2 mile at a time right now), but mostly I cut portions and increased my water intake! It's hard and I'm stalled right now. I can say that age and medications have a huge factor in the lack of/or slow progress for me.

      BTW: I'm having a giveaway on my blog of Ginny's book as well, just in case anyone wants to enter. It ends tonight at midnight 3/2.

      Delete
  6. Christy, thank you so much for interviewing me and for supporting my books. I'm so grateful!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ginny, you are most welcome!! Thanks so much for taking the time to be here this week. :o)

      Delete
  7. I absolutely loved Words so I look forward to reading Ginny's new book! Great interview! And The Sound of Music is one of my all time favorites. When I was a kid they didn't have VHS or DVD's, but they would play it once a year on TV and also I could go to the local library and watch it on laser disc! And don't even get me started on FOOD! Ack! I need to do the no sugar thing. Keep it up Ginny! I'm sure you are feeling better for having given it up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Julie, I've had Words in my TBR pile for awhile, and now that I'm thoroughly engrossed in Lost and Found, I can't wait to back to read her first. Glad to hear another positive recommendation for it!

      Delete
  8. I've read Ginny's first book. Powerful! Can't wait for this one. Please enter me.

    desertrose5173 at gmail dto com

    ReplyDelete
  9. I was so sad when I reached the end of the interview above and just saw the entry form to submit with no place to comment... almost missed this below, but decided to scroll down and see what else was here. :)
    I'm glad to know about Ginny and her books. I went to Amazon and downloaded Words. Looking forward to reading it AND the next ones too.
    purensimplenatural at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi Ginny, I read Words and really enjoyed the story. Great interview. I have Lost and Found on my wish list and looking forward to reading. Thanks for stopping by to chat and share with us. I love authors interviews as we can found out little things about them. Makes us feel comfortable when reading their books.
    Thanks for the opportunity to enter giveaway.

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  11. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I read WORDS last year, and was touched by the heart-wrenching story I found within. Ginny sure has a way with words that goes right to the heart! I'd love to read this newest book by her--looks like it will be another powerful read!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi Ginny,
    We have your book "Words" in our church library, which I confess I have not read yet. However, after reading this interview I will make more of an effort to read your new book. I am getting ready to send in an order for our church library and your book will go on it if I don't win it. Great interview!
    Candace

    ReplyDelete
  14. I would love to win this contest
    thank you

    ReplyDelete

I love your comments!! They make me happier than cold sweet tea on a hot summer day! :o)