Hangin' Out with Katie Ganshert! (Plus Giveaway)

I've been itching for weeks now to get to today's interview with debut author, Katie Ganshert!  Y'all are going to LOVE getting to know the juicy details about Katie that don't come in her "official" bio--

Katie Ganshert was born and raised in the Midwest, where she writes stories about finding faith and falling in love. When she’s not busy plotting her next novel, she enjoys watching movies with her husband, playing make-believe with her wild-child of a son, and chatting with her girlfriends over bagels. She and her husband are in the process of adopting from the Congo. You can find her online at her blog and on Facebook. 

Ok, so that's cool, but the dirt about Katie is down below.  (Oh, and thanks, Katie, for being a great sport.)  :o)

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Not including writing, what was your first job?

My very first job was at Old Chicago. I was a hostess. It wasn’t the most fun job in the world. Rolling silverware can only be so exciting. My first real-life, adult job was teaching. I graduated with a degree in Elementary Education and taught 5th grade for four wonderful years. Fifth graders rock.

You are a better woman than me.  I always knew teaching was *not* my calling. 

Photo credit - IMDB

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

Oooo! There are so many eighties movies I could watch over and over again. Like Goonies. Totally awesome. The Breakfast Club.  The Princess Bride. Weird Science. Or Little Monsters! Does anybody remember that one? Eighties movies rocked. But I guess if I could only pick one, I’d have to go with Pride and Prejudice, the 2005 version with Keira Knightley. I love me some Mr. Darcy.

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

I would be able to apparate like the witches and wizards on Harry Potter. Do you know how much time and money I could save? No more traffic jams. No more gas money or airfare. Plus, I could go anywhere. If I wanted to pop on over to Budapest for lunch, there would be no reason not to.

When all the book deadlines have been met, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Playing outside with my crazy little boy. He loves squirt guns. Cuddling up with my hubby and watching a great movie. Going to Panera with girlfriends and talking about life and God and books over bagels and tea. And of course—reading! There’s nothing like curling up in bed with chocolate and an excellent book.

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

Oh, I totally go for the celebrity magazines—like Star and US Weekly. Basically, the ones that are probably only half true. If I see one of my favorite actors or actresses on the cover, I can’t resist.

Photo credit - Wikipedia

Have you ever met anyone famous? If so, who?

I met one of the Baldwin brothers once. I can’t remember which one. He was at an Iowa wrestling meet of all places. I was a senior in high school. I didn’t even know who he was, but my friend was like, “Oh my goodness! That’s a Baldwin!” So I walked up the bleachers and introduced myself. That’s about as close to a famous person I’ve ever been.

Oh! But I sat courtside at a Chicago Bulls game once….back in the day when Michael Jordan was on the team. He stood so close to me that I could’ve pinched his butt. Of course, I never would do such a thing, even though I was totally obsessed with MJ in junior high.

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

Oh, goodness. I did all kinds of crazy shenanigans when I was younger. Typical silly stuff, like TP friends’ houses, ding-dong ditch, and make prank phone calls. Our favorite being: “I’m sorry to bother you, but your cats in our garden.” Then the person would inevitably say, “We don’t have a cat.” And we’d say, “We don’t have a garden!” And then we’d hang up and laugh like it was hilarious. Apparently, we were easily amused. One time we prank called this random lady and ended up talking to her until one in the morning. It was weird.

I recall some fun times like that with pranks.  Probably shouldn't recount them for my own safety...don't need to wonder if anyone will decide to take revenge!

You have the opportunity to choose between appearing on American Idol or Dancing with the Stars (and that’s without an audition). Which reality tv show beckons your participation?

Holy buckets! I would make an absolute fool out of myself on either one. I’m completely tone deaf and I have zero rhythm. I’d probably pick American Idol and I would sing the opening song to The Lion King. Nyaaaaa, Sven Ya, Va-va leeshy, va-va! I have no idea if those are the words, I just know I’m pretty good at belting them. If I made an appearance on Dancing with the Stars, I suppose I could try to bring back the running man. I’m not half bad at that one.

Pretty good Lion King rendition there, I'd say!  I'll alert the Broadway folks that there's theater talent in the Midwest!  :o)

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Katie, thank you so much for a marvelously fun interview this week!!  If no one else had a great time today, I know I did.  :o)

Wouldn't you love to read Katie's debut novel?  I know we didn't talk about it, but trust me...you *really* want to sign up for this giveaway!!  :o) Just complete the form below with your full name, mailing addy, and email addy, and your name will be entered to win a copy!  Be sure to complete your entry before Tuesday, May 8th, 11:59 CST, if you want it to count.  :o)  Giveaway is limited to US residents only, and void where prohibited.  Odds of winning are based upon number of entrants.  I am not responsible for lost or damaged books.

And if you'd like to leave a comment for Katie, scroll down just a little further past the giveaway form to the comment section, and talk 'til your heart's content.  :o)  I know she'd love to hear from you!