Book Bash:Author Interview:Snow by Kathryn Hewitt

Blurb about myself:
As a teenage mother, I understand the consequential trials and sacrifices resulting from teen pregnancies. I seek to promote premarital abstinence and accountability, and pro-life support. To me, premarital abstinence isn’t about a religious standard; it’s about respect for yourself. It’s about protecting more than just your body. I currently live in Camden, South Carolina with my husband and am a proud stay at home mom of four boys.

1. Who or what inspired you to become a writer?
I’ve also written. From the time I was old enough to write I was writing poetry. I began writing my first “novel” in sixth grade and still have the hard copy! I didn’t seriously consider writing a career until after the birth of my oldest son when I realized that there may be other girls out there who could learn from the mistakes I made. So, I set out to change a life by changing a perspective. 

2. How long did it take you to write “Snow”
5 years from start to finish. “Snow” is based on a true story; although I cannot confirm nor deny which parts are derived from my own experiences, I did have to relive many things from my past while writing this novel. I found myself having to grieve for the things I had lost; like my virginity, my innocence, my teenage years. But most of all, I had to learn to forgiveness for myself and for those that hurt me. It was a very difficult time while writing, but if it changes the life of just one person it will have all been worth it. 

3. While writing how many times did you have to go back and rewrite a plot?
I sort of just put the story on paper. Then I went back and added more dialogue. When I thought it was complete I sent it to my editor and it came back covered in red ink. The thing he said was, “Show don’t tell.” So, I sat down and for 3 days straight did nothing but rewrite almost every paragraph of the novel. When it was completed I sat back and realized it was finally written just the way I had imagined.

4. You run into a bookstore. Where do you go first?
The Christian section. I believe in the sanctity of marriage so I am constantly finding books to help make my marriage better. Then I look for a great fiction book and lastly dig through the bargain bin to find some books for my kids. 

5. How many books in a month do you tend to read?
Wow, can’t really put a number on a month. Some months I have no time to read anything. Other months I can down 10-15. So, if averaged out for the year I’d say about 3-4.

6. In all the books you’ve read, who is your favorite character and why?
Elizabeth Bennett in Jane Austin’s “Pride and Prejudice.” I feel like I could have been Lizzy. She is quiet, but opinionated. Composed, yet untamed. Witty and charming. But mostly, she is passionate and only experiences things with a deep appreciation from her soul. She is who she is; take it or leave it. And this, I think, most accurately describes myself. 

7. State 5 random facts about yourself.
1) I am a terrible speller. 
2) I once lead a student walk out in protest of not observing the nation day of prayer after 9/11.
3) No one can speak to me or touch me in the morning before I have at least 1 cup of coffee.
4) I am incredibly shy despite my outgoing personality
5) I have a vivid imagination so to overcome my fear of speaking in front of people or public events, I pretend I’m a celebrity and suddenly I find bucket loads of confidence!

8) Your favorite Genre
Romance Religious Fiction

9) What are you currently reading?
Charlotte Bronte’s “Jane Eyre”. I read it every Christmas.

10) What is the best book you’ve ever read?
Oh, my. I must choose? I have to say that “The Shack” made the biggest impact on my life. 

11) Any new projects coming up?
I have several projects that I am currently working on. I am completing an adult fiction novel that delves into the dark and unforgiving world of adultery. The characters in this novel could be any family, in any home, in any town. What happens when communication between spouses cease to exist and speculations began to fly? Will the truth be revealed before the unimaginable happens?
I am also working on a novel that deals with the topic of child molestation and a novel about the lives of law enforcement officers. All of my novels are realistic stories, drawn from true stories, that bring a message of hope.


Book Genre Religious Fiction/ YA (13+ or 7th grade)
Publisher Westbow Press, Inc A Thomas Nelson Division
Release Date May 2012
Amazon

Snow is a fiction novel, based on true events, about the struggles of a teenage girl and the consequences of a devastating mistake. Whether readers are young adults, exploring their sexuality for the first time, or an older adult, struggling to understand their teenage daughter, everyone will have a character in which to relate.

Young adults will be gripped by the reality and bluntness of it's characters. Parents will appreciate the censorship of otherwise “uncomfortable” topics. With sexuality among young adults beginning at an early age, "family values" are now being pushed back into the forefront of parental teaching. Snow influences people with Christian values, such as sexual abstinence, pro-life advocacy, and prayer, without pushing God as the subject of the book. Biblically based information is strategically scattered throughout the novel with dialect and personal thoughts.

The protagonist's quest to discover the path she needs to take unearths findings of a secret life, lead by her boyfriend. With two lives at stake, readers will eagerly anticipate the outcome only to find themselves with lessons and warnings about the consequences of making detrimental mistakes. Comfort will be found in understanding that God is bigger than any situation and He catches ever tear. Miracles so often go unnoticed, yet powerfully affect those they touch. Snow will set the stage for future novels reflective of countless miracles and divine intervention.

Excerpt:

Mrs. Davis grabbed Luke by the arm and pulled him along behind
her as she purposefully marched toward the bar. After ordering a
Grey Goose martini, she turned around to face Luke.
"You know why I brought you over here," she glared at him,
her voice shaking with anger.
"Yeah, I know." Luke sat on the bar stool and folded his arms
on the counter.
"What are you going to do about this, Luke?"
"I don't know, Mom. She wants to have it."
"You can't allow that to happen. You know that."
"I can't make her do it." Luke ran his hands through his un-gelled
hair. " And her mom! She just won't stop interfering. She
had this church lady come over yesterday and talk to Ruth about
having the abortion. That lady managed to change her mind,
because, believe it or not, I did have her convinced."
Mrs. Davis sipped her martini and lit a cigarette.
"Well, we have to get rid of this one. You can't have two of
these things hanging over your head for the next eighteen years."
"I don't know how to convince her." He laughed as he said,
"I told her, when we first found out, that I'd hire someone to beat
her up and make her miscarry."
Mrs. Davis chuckled, "Or you could just kill her."
"Mother, please."
Mrs. Davis tapped the ashes off her cigarette and motioned
for Luke to leave. "Don't worry; I'll take care of this. Tell her to
come here."
Luke got off the bar stool and went into the arcade. He should
have gone straight to look for Ruth, but part of him didn't want
his mom to convince her to have the abortion. He loved how
sweet and obedient Ruth was and didn't want to lose her. His
eye caught a military game, so he headed over, ready to release
some frustration.

Author Bio

Kathryn Hewitt was born and raised in the small town of Camden, South Carolina. Breaking away from becoming a statistic, she was an Honors Graduate from Camden High School and went on to study British Literature and Sociology at Charleston Southern University, inspiring to teach High School English.

Kathryn has a passion for teaching teenagers and reaching out to those who seem as though the world has closed the door. Because of her own experiences, including becoming a teenage mother at fifteen, Kathryn knows the value of life and the blessings it contains. Understanding the importance of making wise decisions, Kathryn passionately seeks to instill that wisdom into the minds of every young lady she encounters. The inspiration for Kathryn's writings comes from her own experiences, and she is never afraid to speak the truth that others refuse to acknowledge.
Kathryn married in 2005 and is a stay at home mom with her four sons. She and her family currently live in the same town she grew up.

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