~ A Chat With Wanda ~

Thrilled to welcome another new writer to The Author's Table.
Hi Wanda, pull up a chair.

 Wanda, this is your first published novel, tell us a little about your writing journey. 

I started Beyond The Horizon during National Novel Writing Month in 2009. Long time ago, right? In 2011 I worked on revisions so I could pitch it to an agent at ORACON. That agent asked for a full and I thought I had it made. But, as we all know, publishing is a fickle mistress. The editor left, the company sold, and my manuscript came back six months later. After I picked myself up off the floor, I started the query process again. After 12 rejection letters, a writer friend told me Breathless Press wanted to see NaNo novels. That was last fall. They accepted it after yet another revision and the rest, they say, is history.

 Tell me how Katie and Josh's story was born.

Their story came to me as I watched my own daughter struggle with an abusive relationship. Unable to help her, I decided to write a story showing a woman escaping that situation and finding a happily ever after ending. It's the story I wish for my daughter. 

What a beautiful thought, Wanda. I felt as I was reading your book that somehow you had a personal connection with the storyline. If only we could write the happily ever after endings for all of those we love. 

Check out the sexy cover:

Back of the Book:

Katie and Josh, both desperately seeking redemption from their past, discover passion in each other's arms. With danger just around the corner, will love survive?

When Katie Sullivan makes the hasty decision to run away from an abusive relationship, she has no clue what is ahead of her. She only knows it has to be better than her life up to now. Her boyfriend is a powerful drug dealer who will stop at nothing to get her back. She knows too much. Car trouble leaves her stranded in the middle of Kansas, with little money, and a growing fear of failure.  

Widower Josh Warner works and lives on an elderly couples’ farm. He juggles the responsibilities of raising his young son and his passion for the rodeo. Unable to let go of his deceased wife’s memory and on the rebound from a misguided affair, he has no desire for another relationship. But, when Katie appears out of nowhere, everything changes.

Against all reason, Katie and Josh find themselves drawn to each other. If the past catches up to them, their newfound passion, and their lives could be in jeopardy. Can their love win against the evil headed their way?

 Here's a little sneak peak

Josh had his back turned to Katie as she approached. Sneaking up she reached around him and put her hands over his eyes.

"Cindy, stop, I don't have time for your games."

Katie lowered her hands and crossed her arms over her chest.

Josh turned around. His lips, stretched tight over his mouth, showed his annoyance.

"Hey," he grinned and reached for her.

She stepped back. His hand got a fist full of air.

"Who's Cindy?"           

"What?"

"You called me Cindy just now."

"I did?"

"Yes, you did."

"Oh, Cindy." He turned his back to her and adjusted Spirit's saddle. "She's just a barrel racer on the circuit."

Josh looked at her over his shoulder. "Where are Betsy and Bud?"

Katie sensed he wasn't telling her something, but decided to let it go for now. Maybe she would ask Betsy later about this Cindy person.

"They're getting our tickets and seats. They told me to wish you good luck."

"I need all of that I can get."

Katie looked around. "Where's Chad?"

"He's working."

"Working?"

Josh turned around and propped one leg up on the trailer. He adjusted his jeans over his boot before answering.

"Yeah; he helps take care of the livestock."

"Is that safe?" Katie surprised herself with the concern she felt for the boy.

"No need to worry. The guys watch out for him and don't let him around the bulls. Mainly Chad just feeds and waters the calves and steers, and cleans their pens. He loves it and he earns a little spending money too. I made him open a savings account for his college fund with part of it. He's saved quite a bit already."

"That's great," Katie said. An awkward silence fell between them.

"Well, uh, I need to finish getting ready."

"Oh, of course, and I need to find Bud and Betsy. I just wanted to wish you good luck."

"Thanks, I appreciate it."

"Even if I'm not Cindy?" Katie couldn't help the jab as she turned to go. He reached out and this time successfully grabbed her hand.

"I'm glad you're here." He tried to pull her to him, but she resisted. Katie squeezed his hand and let go.

"I guess I'll see you later." Katie searched his eyes for any kind of clue as to how he felt about her, but she couldn't tell. This Cindy person had somehow stepped between them.

Want more?

Purchase 'Beyond The Horizon' here:

Breathless Press

 Amazon

Author Bio

Wanda Kay Fittro lives in the beautiful Ozark Mountains in Southwest Missouri. Born and raised in a small town community, gave her an appreciation for that lifestyle, and provides the inspiration for her novels. A love affair with books started early on while reading Nancy Drew by flashlight under the bed covers. She won the prestigious Missouri Literary Festival Reader's Choice award in 2011 for her Civil War short story One, Two, Three.

You can find and follow her at:

 http://awritercalledwanda.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/wandakayfittro

https://twitter.com/WandaFittro

Who doesn't love a cowboy? 

Not this girl. 

And you will too, once you sink your teeth into Wanda's debut novel

 'Beyond the Horizon'

Here's wishing you all the best Wanda 

Thanks for stopping by.