Author Kim Banet & Just Another Dream

Kim Banet was on the blog about a year ago talking about her debut novel, Just Another Home. Today we’re talking all things writing and featuring her new book, Just Another Dream!

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Jen – One of my favorite questions to ask authors is, how do you come up with your ideas?

Kim – They often come to me when I’m doing things that have nothing to do with writing. I make notes in my phone and sort through them later when I’m at my computer. Otherwise, character traits and development come to me as I’m writing. I’m very much a “pantser”. I usually start a book knowing the overall theme and the ending, but I normally have no idea how I’m going to get to that ending until I start writing.

Just Another Dream

Sam Grayson has achieved what he once thought impossible. Overcoming a troubled childhood in foster care, he has graduated college and embarked on a dream career that honors his faith. Grateful for his adoptive parents, John and Abbie, who took him in at sixteen, Sam enjoys a picture-perfect life in Franklin, Tennessee, where John thrives as a college basketball coach and Abbie runs a local business.

But when Andy Quinn, Sam’s estranged biological father, reaches out from federal prison, turmoil ensues. A misunderstanding fueled by deception escalates, shattering Sam’s relationship with his girlfriend and fracturing his family. As everything he values hangs in the balance, Sam must confront painful truths and lean on his faith. Is it too late for Sam to rebuild his life, restore his dreams, and heal the bonds of the Grayson family?

Kim’s writing process

Jen – Well, you just answered my next question! Do you outline or write a rough draft before you start writing?

Kim – I don’t outline before writing, but as ideas come to me during writing, I make a list of plot points that I want to write.

Jen – What’s the hardest part about writing a book?

Kim – Getting started! Sometimes I have to make myself sit and write, even if it’s bad, just to get into the routine.

Jen – Totally agree! Even if it’s bad!

Themes & pivotal moments

Jen – What themes do you like to use in your books?

Kim – My first series focuses on the themes of family and God’s love and guidance.

Jen – I love that! Were there pivotal moments or challenges in your writing career that helped define your path?

Kim – I was a finalist in the Scrivenings Press Get Pubbed Contest. Although I did not win, the owner of Scrivenings Press told me that if I changed one of the main POVs to a different character in the story, she would review it for publication. I made the change and was offered a publishing contract, and that led to the Family Forever Series.

Kim Banet’s bio:

Kimberly Banet received her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University, where she majored in Business and Psychology. She and her late husband of more than thirty-six years, Jeff, raised two wonderful children: Nicole, who lives in Seattle, Washington, and Brandon, who lives in Louisville, Kentucky. Today, Kim shares her long-time home in Starlight, Indiana, with her dachshund, Daisy Mae, and yorkie-poo, Winnie.

When not working, Kimberly’s hobbies include reading, Bible journaling, crocheting blankets, making seasonal crafts and mugs, and spending time with good friends and family.

Writing advice

Jen – What’s the best writing advice you’ve received?

Kim – Keep writing! Before I was published, I entered a lot of contests. In one particular contest early on, I received very low scores and some harsh criticism. But at the end of the critique, the judge said, “Keep writing, because you have an interesting story to tell.” That propelled me to use that critique to move forward by learning everything I could to make my writing better and stronger.

Jen – What are you working on next?

Kim – I’m currently working on the third and final book of the Family Forever series, tentatively titled “Just Grace”. I hope this will be in readers’ hands this time next year.

Jen – I can’t wait! What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Kim – I crochet and make other crafts, read, and spend time with family, friends, and my dogs Winnie and Daisy. And a special note on that – Daisy is featured in Just Another Dream. And her real-life personality is the same as in the book LOL.

Jen – Thanks for being on the blog, Kim! I am on the launch team for Just Another Dream, and I’m excited for it to be out in the world!

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Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married for over 39 years, have 5 amazing kids, and have 3 adorable grandkids. I homeschooled our three youngest children and used to blog about homeschooling. I also taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! My first cozy mystery – Birds Alive! – released Feb. 27, 2024! And book #2 in the series – Where’s the Quetzal? – released Feb. 25, 2025!

When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)