This week’s author interview is with Kathi Lambrides Westlund. She is the author of Prayer PathWay: Journeying in a Life of Prayer.

   

 

• Question #1—Tell us a little bit about yourself: where you’re from, family, job, personal interests, unique hobbies, what you do in your spare time, etc.

I live the midwest with my husband, Randy, and the youngest two of our five children. Our children range in age from 17 to 31. Life with two 17 year olds is never dull – or quiet! We’ve been homeschooling for 25 years – it’s been my primary hobby/ministry/job. Our little family school is called Ancora Impara (which means “Always Learning”). That’s what it’s been for me as much as for my children – a great learning experience! In my “spare” time, I like to collect old things: old books, old hymns, old quotes, old dishes, and old linens. My favorite thing? Travel – definitely travel – with a tote bag full of books!

• Question #2—When did you first want to write a book?

I never planned to write a book. I’m a reader – not a writer. Writing requires an inner stillness of me that my life rarely offers. I would MUCH rather read than write. But experience has shown me that writing is helpful for my reading – it forces me to collect my swirling thoughts and funnel them. It helps me to understand more. I had a high school teacher who said: “Read until you’re full – write until you’re empty.” I aspire to write more.

• Question #3—Which writers inspire you?

Charlotte Bronte, Victor Hugo, C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, and John Piper.

• Question #4—What book are you reading now?

I’m currently reading Surprised by Oxford by Carolyn Weber.

• Question #5—Other than the Bible, do you have a favorite book?

One favorite is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Another is Desiring God by John Piper.

• Question #6—Do you have a favorite movie? What is it and why?

One of my most favorite movies is Apollo 13 because it a real-life depiction of desperation and perseverance and careful thinking.

• Question #7—Do you have a favorite quote?

Just one?? I collect quotes. I have several thousand! This is certainly one of my very favorites:

“Look at everything always as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time: Thus is your time on earth filled with glory.” (Betty Smith – A Tree Grows in Brooklyn)

• Question #8—The Lord of the Rings or The Chronicles of Narnia?

Pretty impossible to choose between these two crucial works but I’ll say Narnia because my dad read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe aloud to our family when I was in about 3rd grade. It had a huge impact on me, spiritually and intellectually. It made me love God more. And it awakened my imagination to a sense of painful beauty.

• Question #9—What famous person (living or dead) would you like to meet and why?

Definitely Elizabeth Prentiss. As much as I loved Stepping Heavenward, I’ve been challenged and inspired and strengthened and encouraged by More Love to Thee: The Life and Letters of Elizabeth Prentiss (by her adoring husband, George Prentiss).

• Question #10—If you have a favorite book of the Bible, what is it and why?

Of course, I love the Psalms – I could live there (I DO live there – scarcely a day goes by without dipping into the Psalms). I also love Deuteronomy and Ruth.

• How can readers discover more about you and your work?

—Website: prayerpathway.com

—Twitter: @prayerpathway

—Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PrayerPathWay/