Yesterday's Tomorrow by Catherine West

We're happy to have Catherine West with us today talking about her book Yesterday's Tomorrow. To learn more about Catherine and her book, read on!

Title: Yesterday’s Tomorrow
Publisher: OakTara

Cover blurb:Independent, career-driven journalist Kristin Taylor wants two things: to honor her father's memory by becoming an award-winning overseas correspondent and to keep tabs on her only brother, Teddy, who signed up for the war against their mother's wishes. Brilliant photographer Luke Maddox, silent and brooding, exudes mystery. Kristin is convinced he's hiding something.
Willing to risk it all for what they believe in, Kristin and Luke engage in their own tumultuous battle until, in an unexpected twist, they’re forced to work together. Ambushed by love, they must decide whether or not to set aside their own private agendas for the hope of tomorrow that has captured their hearts.

1) How did this story come to you?
I’m not exactly sure. I’ve always been fascinated with Vietnam, and had heard about the young female journalists who traveled there to cover the war, so I thought it might be an interesting story.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Well. It’s a long story, but I’ll try to keep it brief.  Once I had a rough idea of the story, I put together a synopsis and sent it off to someone I’d been corresponding with through blogging. She was a freelance editor for some major CBA houses. She loved the idea and gave me some great tips and off I went. Once I finished the first draft, she asked me to send it to her. A few weeks after that, she told me she was in the process of making a career change, and would soon be a literary agent. That wonderful person was Rachelle Gardner, and she offered representation because of this book. But I think she liked me, too.  Anyway, it went through several re-writes and we shopped it to all the major CBA houses but nobody wanted it. Sadly, we had to sit on it for a couple of years. But then we started sending it to the smaller publishers who seemed more open to ‘touchy’ topics. OakTara loved it, and here we are.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
Wow, I don’t know.  I’m really not adventurous. I could never hop a plane to Vietnam like Kristin did. I hate to fly, which is bad because I live on an island. And I’m a very impatient person. My agent, editor and poor critique partners can attest to that one!!

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Right now I’m working on a family saga called Reprisal. Lots of interesting characters with a ton of issues. It’s the kind of book I like to read, so I’ve been having a lot of fun with it. I’m also working on a romance that takes place in a California vineyard. I was recently there on vacation and think I may have to go back for more research.

5) Parting comments?
I always love to encourage new writers, because were it not for the many authors who encouraged me along the way (and still do), I probably would have given up. Study your craft, go to conferences if you can, get some great critique partners and just believe in yourself. It’s not an easy road, but if it is the one you feel called to, you will succeed eventually.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Website: http://www.catherinejwest.com/
Blog: http://www.catherinewestblog.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @cathwest
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Catherine-West-Author/157773297594081
Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/vVQUMRlYhkM