OUR CHRISTMAS ANNOUNCEMENT

Everyone loves Christmas presents, right? And this year, the Alley was given one of the coolest gifts EVER! A NEW CAT!

And not just any cat either! A cat who comes with lots of experience, talent, kindness, encouragement ... and FUN!

We'd like to welcome the fantastic Cara Putman to the Alley with an early Christmas Party.

Come join the fun! Cara is going to ... (suspicious squint) answer some strategically designed questions to initiate.... her introduce her to our wonderful readers! YOU!!

Welcome ! Welcome!!! CARA!!!!! We are so glad to have you!

What is the most awkward/embarrassing thing that has happened to you that you have been able to use in some way--even morphed in one of your stories?

I try not to live in past mistakes…so I’m actually blanking on this one. I’m sure I’ve had embarrassing moments, but I’m forgetting them right now. Intentional amnesia I guess. 

How involved are your kids in your story-writing/publishing process?

My kids are awesome! They’ve grown up watching me write and chase this dream. They are often my biggest cheerleaders, and I realized a year or so ago, that they actually have bigger dreams for my writing than I do. That was humbling. As they get older, the kids help more with mailings and my 14 year old is a great help at book-signings where she can sell books. That really frees me to focus on the readers.

People always jokingly call you superwoman because you keep so many balls in the air at once. If you really could have a super power, what would it be?

Oh, if I could have a super power, it would be to stretch time. I often pray for God to make the sun stand still and stretch my time when I’m under deadline. Sometimes there doesn’t feel like enough time, but He’s been faithful to help me get everything done. I definitely learn to rely on Him!

What was your favorite book as a child?

It’s a tie between Anne of Green Gables – who doesn’t love Anne with an E – and Little House on the Prairie. I read both series multiple times and still adore Anne and Laura.

Looking back now on everything you've experienced in your writing career, what words of wisdom would you give to your pre-published self?

I would tell myself to enjoy the journey. In some ways I published so fast that it felt like work as I raced from deadline to deadline that I often forgot to stop and celebrate the successes and achievements in between. I am amazed and humbled at what God has done. And it’s worth celebrating.

What does your "writing spot" look like? And if you don't have one, is there a ritual you go through to get ready to write?

I’ll attach before and after photos. The before is when I’m under deadline. The after is in those pockets of time in between or when I can’t stand the chaos a moment longer!

What's the most random thing in your bag?

This question makes me smile. I’d have to say it’s the package of crayons from Cracker Barrel. With four kids you never know when you’re going to need some coloring distraction.

Who are your favorite heroines in fiction?

I love Scarlett O’Hara – the heroine you have to love to hate, but she is strong and holds her family together. Anne, who never makes the same mistake twice, even if she makes a lot of them. And a host of modern heroines who show what it’s like to seek God in the messiness of life.

If you could meet any one person in history, who would it be?

Margaret Thatcher: she was a woman who went counter-culture and literally changed the face of history (with the help of Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul)

Christmas questions:

Tree: Real or Fake?  Fake – we travel too much to have a real one.

Favorite Christmas Carol.  O Holy Night

Favorite Christmas Movie. White Christmas

Favorite Christmas Decoration. The Nativity.

Okay - everyone! Come give a warm welcome to Cara Putman....the Mentor Cat!

(Below is a little bit MORE information on Cara Putman)

Cara C. Putman, the award-winning author of 19 books, graduated high school at 16, college at 20, and completed her law degree at 27. FIRST for Women magazine called Shadowed by Grace “captivating” and a “novel with ‘the works.’” Cara is active at her church and a lecturer on business and employment law to graduate students at Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management. Putman also practices law and is a second-generation homeschooling mom. Putman is currently pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration at Krannert. She serves on the executive board of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization she has served in various roles since 2007. She lives with her husband and four children in Indiana. You can connect with her online at:

 Website: www.caraputman.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/caraputman

Twitter: www.twitter.com/cara_putman

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/caraputman

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/CaraPutman