Author Interview: Katja H. Labonté
Hello everyone! I am excited for the opportunity to share an author interview with all of you, today! Katja H. Labonté is a Canadian author of Christian fiction, who I am blessed to count as a personal friend. This week, she is releasing her novella The Tussie-Mussie, as part of Wild Blue Wonder’s new anthology Springtime in Surrey.
Before we dive into the interview, here’s a little bit about the Springtime in Surrey collection:
Title: Springtime in Surrey: a Wild Blue Wonder Press anthology
Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction, both Historical and Contemporary
Launch Date: Tuesday, July 25th, 2023
Publisher: Wild Blue Wonder Press
Amazon: Springtime in Surrey
Goodreads: Springtime in Surrey
The Tussie-Mussie by Katja H. Labonté
Caitrìona is determined to rescue her family from poverty by making a brilliant match. She is on the verge of success when her brother is arrested for a sensational crime. Banished to the country, she meets Ewart, a fearful recluse with a younger sister in need of aid. Ewart and Caitrìona grow together through shared goals—but as mysteries are uncovered and characters tested, what truth will be revealed?
Springtime in Surrey, the first collection releasing with Wild Blue Wonder Press, is a Christian anthology featuring eight lovely stories. With a mix of historical and contemporary, romance and women’s fiction, a dash of mystery here and there, real-life themes presented in a loving way, and a vintage feel, this story is sure to charm lovers of Christian women’s fiction.
Welcome to the SAW Blog, Katja!
Courtenay: We’re excited to have you here with us today! To start off, what was the most exciting part about writing for the Springtime in Surrey collection?
Katja: Getting a story published in the anthology at all!! I love Wild Blue Wonder Press’ books so much and I was so excited to be get a chance to enter this anthology, join the team, and explore my story.
Courtenay: What values would you say are at the core of your writing style?
Katja: Sharing the lessons God taught me with those around me is my main goal. I strive to have good, clear, beautiful writing with deep truths, enjoyable characters, and interesting plots.
Courtenay: When did you first dream of becoming an author?
Katja: I was twelve years old when a friend published her first novel and that’s when I was straightaway consumed with the desire to be an author. It took me until the age of seventeen or so to publish my first story—which isn’t awesome—and the journey’s not been easy, but it was worth it. 🙂
Courtenay: Honestly, I’m impressed that you had a story published that young! If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring writers, what would it be?
Katja: Take your time. You are not less because you have not published as a teen. So take your time. You have time. Keep working at this. Keep studying the craft of writing. Read a lot, read widely, and read well. Keep growing as a Christian. Keep writing. Don’t give up, and don’t rush (into) anything. Pursue excellence, not quantity.
Courtenay: Is there a special lesson/message you hope readers take away from Springtime in Surrey?
Katja: I’m not sure what everyone’s specific messages are, but I hope each one touches someone. In my story, “The Tussie-Mussie,” I hope readers are encouraged by the messages of surrender to the Lord’s plans and of learning our own worth in God’s eyes. But above all, I hope the Springtime in Surrey collection refreshes souls and encourages readers to draw near to God and walk with Him every day, as a friend and a Father. <3
Courtenay: Thank you so much for joining us today, Katja! I know our readership is always on the lookout for authors who promote healthy, Christ-centered literature. Wishing you all the best with the launch!
(And Don’t Miss the Giveaway, Either)
If you’re as intrigued by the Springtime in Surrey collection as I am, you won’t want to miss the launch tour giveaway:
I know everybody says that, but honestly, you WON’T want to miss this one. And a special note for our non-American readers: if you’re tempted to skip the giveaway, because they’re usually only open to U.S. residents, the Springtime in Surrey tour is set to draw both a U.S. and an international winner, both with exciting themed bundles!
More About Katja
Katja H. Labonté is a Christian, an extreme bibliophile who devours over 365 books in a year, and an exuberant writer with a talent for starting short stories that explode into book series. She is a bilingual French-Canadian and has about a dozen topics she’s excessively passionate about (hint: that’s why she writes). Katja writes both contemporary and historical fiction, as well as non-magical historical and contemporary kingdom fiction, and covers themes of worth, love, peace, and Christian growth. She spends her days enjoying little things, growing in faith, learning life, and loving people. You can follow her life journey, find free books, browse her services, and more on her website and blog.
Website/Blog: littleblossomsforjesus.wordpress.com
Bookstagram: instagram.com/oldfashionedbooklove
Goodreads: goodreads.com/oldfashionedbooklove
Tumblr: https://tumblr.com/blog/oldfashionedbooklove
Pinterest: pinterest.ca/oldfashionedbooklove
Amazon: http://amzn.to/3WE7D15
Newsletter: https://sendfox.com/katjahlabonte
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/katja-h-labonte
Complete Blog Tour Schedule
Don’t miss any of the Springtime in Surrey celebration!
Monday, July 24th
Kickoff Post at Lilacs & Reveries
Interview with Katja H. Labonté at Sheep Among Wolves
Interview with Faith Blum at Library Lady’s Kid Lit
Launch Announcement at Writing to Inspire
Interview with Rachel Leitch at Words & Wildflowers
Three-Novella Review at Miraculous Homeschool
Tuesday, July 25th (LAUNCH DAY)
Collection Spotlight at Of Blades and Thorns
Collection Spotlight & Single-Novella Review at Review from the Stacks
Collection Review at Emily Yager
Collection Review at The Book Dragon’s Alcove
Collection Review at Story of a Christian Girl
Launch Announcement at Resting Life
Wednesday, July 26th
Two-Novella Review at H.S. Kylian
Collection Review at Abbigail B.
“Tips from Editing 7 Novellas in a Month,” a Guest Post by Kellyn at Joyfully Natasha
Collection Review at Imperial Scribis
Thursday, July 27th
“Why We Wrote Stories Set in Surrey,” a Guest Post from Kellyn at A Handful of Quietness
Collection Review at Library Lady’s Kid Lit
Collection Spotlight at Kelsey’s Notebook
Single-Novella Review at Vanessa Hall
Interview with Andrea Renee Cox at Story of a Christian Girl
Friday, July 28th
Two-Novella Review at Read Review Rejoice
Collection Spotlight at Writing to Inspire
Single-Novella Review at Joyfully Natasha
Collection Review at Graceful Reflections
“Why I Love Writing Women’s Fiction,” a Guest Post from Kellyn at Abbigail B.
Saturday, July 29th
Collection Review at Saraina Whitney
Collection Review & Collection Spotlight at Little Blossoms for Jesus
“Children’s Books I Drew Inspiration From,” a Guest Post from Kellyn at Library Lady’s Kid Lit
Wrapup Post at Lilacs & Reveries
And as always, if you have any questions or comments, we’d love to hear from you in the section below!
Thanks so much for having me, Courtenay!! <3
Thanks for the interview!
Thank you so much for participating in the blog tour! I truly do appreciate – and this interview was so fun!
~Kell
My pleasure, Kellyn!
Thos looks like a wonderful novel.
I agree!