Today we have a special guest with us, author Elizabeth Ludwig!
Elizabeth Ludwig is an award-winning author whose work has been featured on Novel Journey, the Christian Authors Network, and The Christian Pulse. Her first novel, Where the Truth Lies, which she co-authored with Janelle Mowery, earned her the 2008 IWA Writer of the Year honors. This book was followed in 2009 by “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” part of a Christmas anthology collection called Christmas Homecoming, also from Barbour Publishing.
In 2010, her first full-length historical novel Love Finds You in Calico, California earned Four Stars from the Romantic Times. Books two and three of Elizabeth’s mystery series, Died in the Wool (Barbour Publishing) and Inn Plain Sight (Spyglass Lane), respectively, released in 2011.
Coming in 2012 is Elizabeth’s newest historical series from Bethany House Publishers. No Safe Harbor, the first book in the Edge of Freedom Series, will release in October, with two more books following in 2013 and 2014.
Elizabeth is an accomplished speaker and teacher, and often attends conferences and seminars, where she lectures on editing for fiction writers, crafting effective novel proposals, and conducting successful editor/agent interviews. Her popular literary blog, The Borrowed Book, enjoyed a wide readership in its first full year, with more than 17,000 visitors in 2011. Along with her husband and two children, Elizabeth makes her home in the great state of Texas. To learn more about her work, visit her at www.elizabethludwig.com.
Believe it or not, I started writing in elementary school. I had a fifth grade teacher who really got into the creative writing stuff, and encouraged us to love it, too. I also LOVED to read, so I guess she thought it was a natural progression for me to also write. So when she learned of a contest for young authors, she pushed me to enter.
I told myself I was going to hate it, but as I got into the story, I found I really liked coming up with my own characters. I did spend most of my time daydreaming about books, after all. I guess that was the spark I needed, because I never forget what it was like to write and began seeking publication in 2001.
Well, I wish I could say success came immediately, right after I submitted my first manuscript. The truth is, I wrote for five years before I sold my first book, and I completed six full manuscripts, none of which will probably ever see the light of day.
I sold my seventh book to Barbour Publishing in 2006 (though the book did not actually release until 2008). It’s a mystery called Where the Truth Lies. I co-authored it and two sequels, Died in the Wool (which is a Carol Award Finalist this year) and Inn Plain Sight, with Janelle Mowery.
Please share with us one fact about you that not many people know. And feel free to have fun with the question!
This is a fun one! I guess it would have to be that I love playing with computers. In fact, my kids call me a computer geek wannabe! I’m not good enough with techie stuff to actually do anything fancy…just good enough to get in trouble.
Which fictional literary character most inspired/inspires you?
Oh my goodness…I know this answer is going to baffle most people but…I have to say the character who most inspires me is Annabel Tippens.
Annabel is a little girl “with short blond hair and very good manners” (taken from the book description on Amazon.com/No Flying in the House by Betty Brock). She seems quite ordinary, except that she’s also half fairy—and instead of parents, she has a two-inch high dog named Gloria.
Well, you can imagine that for a kid who loved to read, this book was extraordinary. I read it over and over again, and dreamed of the day I would learn to fly. Later, I came to realize that what captured my imagination was not so much the story of a half-fairy princess, but of a little girl struggling to find herself. The sacrifices that Annabel Tippens makes challenged me to acknowledge what was real and important—love, faith, and family.
What inspired you to choose the setting for your novel?
My newest release, No Safe Harbor, is set in and around New York City, especially Ellis Island. For those of you not familiar with its history, over twelve million immigrants entered the United States through Ellis Island from 1892 to 1954. Many of those immigrants were Irish, so when I decided to write a book about an Irish girl searching for her brother in America, it seemed the natural choice.
If you could be best friends with any of the characters in your novel, who would it be? Why?
Goodness…I love them all, but if I had to narrow it down, I guess I would have to say Cara. She’s the perfect definition of a true friend—honest, loyal, and caring, and she would do anything for those that she loves. Want to know a secret? I fashioned this character after my four beautiful, loving sisters. J
What inspired this novel?
Family members on both my side and my husband’s emigrated from Europe in the early 1900’s. Some of my ancestors were from Spain. My husband’s ancestors were from Holland, Ireland, and Germany. These brave men and women who risked everything in search of a better life were the inspiration for this story. I hope I’ve done them proud!
What are 3 things you like to do to relax?
First, I love to read. Even as a kid, I spent hours curled up with a book. My sisters never understood the fascination. One of my younger sisters (whom I affectionately call Magon Dragon—she knows what that means) used to hide my books just to get me outside to play!
Apart from reading, I love to ski. My family and I look forward to going to Colorado every Spring Break. Last year, we took twelve newbies with us and taught them all how to ski. Okay…so we taught them how to avoid killing themselves. Still, by the end of the week, they could all get off the lift, and they all could stop at the bottom of the mountain before they crashed into the chalet.
And lastly, I’m a sports nut, so everyone knows…don’t bother me when the Steelers are playing. Go Pitt!
What book(s) are you reading, or have read lately?
I just finished reading Stephanie Landsem’s debut novel, The Well (Howard Books, 2013) for endorsement. It’s a wonderful book about the woman at the well who is written about in the scriptures (John 4). Actually, it’s not only about the woman…it’s also about her family and how they are impacted by her sin…and by her meeting with Jesus.
Sorry folks, it doesn’t release until next year, but it’s definitely worth the wait.
What piece of writing advice have you received that was most helpful to you?
Don’t stop learning, and never, ever give up!
Where can readers connect with you?
I’ve actually made quite a home for myself out in cyber space. Readers can find me at:
Website: www.elizabethludwig.com
Blog: www.theborrowedbook.blogspot.
I’m also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/
Stop on by! I’d love to have you visit.
Thank you so much for giving me the pleasure of an interview with you!
And I wish you the very best with your newest release!
The pleasure is all mine, Faye. Thank you so much for having me!
About Ms. Ludwig's new book No Safe Harbor:
The Thrill of Romantic Suspense Meets the Romance of 1800s America
Lured by a handful of scribbled words across a faded letter, Cara Hamilton sets off from 1896 Ireland on a quest to find the brother she'd thought dead. Her search lands her in America, amidst a houseful of strangers and one man who claims to be a friend--Rourke Walsh.
Despite her brother's warning, Cara decides to trust Rourke and reveals the truth about her purpose in America. But he is not who he claims to be, and as rumors begin to circulate about an underground group of dangerous revolutionaries, Cara's desperation grows. Her questions lead her ever closer to her brother, but they also bring her closer to destruction as Rourke's true intentions come to light.
We've got a copy of No Safe Harbor up for grabs just in time for Christmas!
*GIVEAWAY ENDS DECEMEBER 9TH, 2012*
Elizabeth Ludwig is an award-winning author whose work has been featured on Novel Journey, the Christian Authors Network, and The Christian Pulse. Her first novel, Where the Truth Lies, which she co-authored with Janelle Mowery, earned her the 2008 IWA Writer of the Year honors. This book was followed in 2009 by “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” part of a Christmas anthology collection called Christmas Homecoming, also from Barbour Publishing. In 2010, her first full-length historical novel Love Finds You in Calico, California earned Four Stars from the Romantic Times. Books two and three of Elizabeth’s mystery series, Died in the Wool (Barbour Publishing) and Inn Plain Sight (Spyglass Lane), respectively, released in 2011.
Coming in 2012 is Elizabeth’s newest historical series from Bethany House Publishers. No Safe Harbor, the first book in the Edge of Freedom Series, will release in October, with two more books following in 2013 and 2014.
Elizabeth is an accomplished speaker and teacher, and often attends conferences and seminars, where she lectures on editing for fiction writers, crafting effective novel proposals, and conducting successful editor/agent interviews. Her popular literary blog, The Borrowed Book, enjoyed a wide readership in its first full year, with more than 17,000 visitors in 2011. Along with her husband and two children, Elizabeth makes her home in the great state of Texas. To learn more about her work, visit her at www.elizabethludwig.com.
Welcome! I’m so excited to be interviewing you! First, I would love it if you would start by briefly telling us how your writing journey began.
Believe it or not, I started writing in elementary school. I had a fifth grade teacher who really got into the creative writing stuff, and encouraged us to love it, too. I also LOVED to read, so I guess she thought it was a natural progression for me to also write. So when she learned of a contest for young authors, she pushed me to enter.
I told myself I was going to hate it, but as I got into the story, I found I really liked coming up with my own characters. I did spend most of my time daydreaming about books, after all. I guess that was the spark I needed, because I never forget what it was like to write and began seeking publication in 2001.
Well, I wish I could say success came immediately, right after I submitted my first manuscript. The truth is, I wrote for five years before I sold my first book, and I completed six full manuscripts, none of which will probably ever see the light of day. I sold my seventh book to Barbour Publishing in 2006 (though the book did not actually release until 2008). It’s a mystery called Where the Truth Lies. I co-authored it and two sequels, Died in the Wool (which is a Carol Award Finalist this year) and Inn Plain Sight, with Janelle Mowery.
Please share with us one fact about you that not many people know. And feel free to have fun with the question!
This is a fun one! I guess it would have to be that I love playing with computers. In fact, my kids call me a computer geek wannabe! I’m not good enough with techie stuff to actually do anything fancy…just good enough to get in trouble.
Which fictional literary character most inspired/inspires you?
Oh my goodness…I know this answer is going to baffle most people but…I have to say the character who most inspires me is Annabel Tippens.
Annabel is a little girl “with short blond hair and very good manners” (taken from the book description on Amazon.com/No Flying in the House by Betty Brock). She seems quite ordinary, except that she’s also half fairy—and instead of parents, she has a two-inch high dog named Gloria.
Well, you can imagine that for a kid who loved to read, this book was extraordinary. I read it over and over again, and dreamed of the day I would learn to fly. Later, I came to realize that what captured my imagination was not so much the story of a half-fairy princess, but of a little girl struggling to find herself. The sacrifices that Annabel Tippens makes challenged me to acknowledge what was real and important—love, faith, and family.
What inspired you to choose the setting for your novel?
My newest release, No Safe Harbor, is set in and around New York City, especially Ellis Island. For those of you not familiar with its history, over twelve million immigrants entered the United States through Ellis Island from 1892 to 1954. Many of those immigrants were Irish, so when I decided to write a book about an Irish girl searching for her brother in America, it seemed the natural choice.
If you could be best friends with any of the characters in your novel, who would it be? Why?
Goodness…I love them all, but if I had to narrow it down, I guess I would have to say Cara. She’s the perfect definition of a true friend—honest, loyal, and caring, and she would do anything for those that she loves. Want to know a secret? I fashioned this character after my four beautiful, loving sisters. J
What inspired this novel?
Family members on both my side and my husband’s emigrated from Europe in the early 1900’s. Some of my ancestors were from Spain. My husband’s ancestors were from Holland, Ireland, and Germany. These brave men and women who risked everything in search of a better life were the inspiration for this story. I hope I’ve done them proud!
What are 3 things you like to do to relax?
First, I love to read. Even as a kid, I spent hours curled up with a book. My sisters never understood the fascination. One of my younger sisters (whom I affectionately call Magon Dragon—she knows what that means) used to hide my books just to get me outside to play!Apart from reading, I love to ski. My family and I look forward to going to Colorado every Spring Break. Last year, we took twelve newbies with us and taught them all how to ski. Okay…so we taught them how to avoid killing themselves. Still, by the end of the week, they could all get off the lift, and they all could stop at the bottom of the mountain before they crashed into the chalet.
And lastly, I’m a sports nut, so everyone knows…don’t bother me when the Steelers are playing. Go Pitt!
What book(s) are you reading, or have read lately?
I just finished reading Stephanie Landsem’s debut novel, The Well (Howard Books, 2013) for endorsement. It’s a wonderful book about the woman at the well who is written about in the scriptures (John 4). Actually, it’s not only about the woman…it’s also about her family and how they are impacted by her sin…and by her meeting with Jesus.
Sorry folks, it doesn’t release until next year, but it’s definitely worth the wait.
What piece of writing advice have you received that was most helpful to you?
Don’t stop learning, and never, ever give up!
Where can readers connect with you?
I’ve actually made quite a home for myself out in cyber space. Readers can find me at:Website: www.elizabethludwig.com
Blog: www.theborrowedbook.blogspot.
I’m also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/
Stop on by! I’d love to have you visit.
Thank you so much for giving me the pleasure of an interview with you!
And I wish you the very best with your newest release!
The pleasure is all mine, Faye. Thank you so much for having me!
About Ms. Ludwig's new book No Safe Harbor: The Thrill of Romantic Suspense Meets the Romance of 1800s America
Lured by a handful of scribbled words across a faded letter, Cara Hamilton sets off from 1896 Ireland on a quest to find the brother she'd thought dead. Her search lands her in America, amidst a houseful of strangers and one man who claims to be a friend--Rourke Walsh.
Despite her brother's warning, Cara decides to trust Rourke and reveals the truth about her purpose in America. But he is not who he claims to be, and as rumors begin to circulate about an underground group of dangerous revolutionaries, Cara's desperation grows. Her questions lead her ever closer to her brother, but they also bring her closer to destruction as Rourke's true intentions come to light.
We've got a copy of No Safe Harbor up for grabs just in time for Christmas!
*GIVEAWAY ENDS DECEMEBER 9TH, 2012*
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Great interview! Your new book sounds fascinating, Ms. Ludwig! I love books set in that time period.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rosie! I'm very excited about the release.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for having me, Faye!
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome! It was super fun! Thank you :)
DeleteExcellent interview, ladies. The book sounds right up my alley :) Also, love the cover!
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it, Anne.
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
Didn't they do an amazing job?? What a blessing to work with the entire team at Beethany! Just got the cover to book two, and its just as beautiful! :-)
DeleteHow exciting!
DeleteVery interested interview !!! The new book sounds exciting with adventure and hope - that's when millions of people coming to America for a new hope and a land of great opportunities !!!
ReplyDeleteAmen to that! I hope I captured even a LITTLE bit of the hope that drove so many to America.
DeleteYou are new to me but the book sounds great would love the chance to win it. joeym11@frontier.com
ReplyDeleteHi Faye! I am a new Google Friend Connect friend. That little window up there with the brown hearts hanging down is mine! I am a Historical Fiction reviewer, but these mysteries of Elizabeth's look interesting too! half-Irish Kathleen
ReplyDeletelanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
I like that you like to go skiing! Even though I live in Colorado, I don't go skiing as much as I would like to.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read your book!
marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com
She loves to read and she has four sisters.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
sweetpea.judy(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love playing around with the computer. I am retired now but when I was working, people would come to me and ask how to do different things.
ReplyDeleteCarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
I'm excited about your new book as it touches on immigrants and Ellis Island... I've loved my visit to the island.
ReplyDeleteThe Well sounds like a fascinating read! Thanks for pointing that one out. No Safe Harbor is definitely on my to-read list. I really appreciate the opportunity to win!
ReplyDeleteBeth
So great your fifth grade teacher pushed you to enter a contest for young authors! I laughed out loud at your sister hiding your books to get you to play outside! :)
ReplyDeleteJes
jswaks at gmail dot com