Elizabeth Ludwig and Free Books!

Two years ago, her fiancé perished during their voyage to America. Now she discovers it may have been murder...

Before we visit today's author, I want to announce that the winner of the signed copy of Snowflake Tiara, by Valerie Comer, is:

ecriggs1990@ . . .

Congratulations! I'll email you today to get your mailing address, and we'll get your book to you right away.

I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right (above my list of books) in order to participate in future book give-aways! Subscribers are entered a second time when they comment.

And now let's revisit novelist Elizabeth Ludwig, author of Tide and Tempest (Bethany House Publishers, March 2014).

Elizabeth Ludwig is the award-winning author of No Safe Harbor and Dark Road Home, Books one and two in the Edge of Freedom series. Book three in the series, Tide and Tempest, was recently named a Top 10 Pick of 2014.

Her popular literary blog, The Borrowed Book, enjoys a wide readership. Elizabeth is an accomplished speaker and teacher, often attending conferences and seminars where she lectures on editing for fiction writers, crafting effective novel proposals, and conducting successful editor/agent interviews.

Along with her husband and children, she makes her home in the great state of Texas.

Please tell us three random things we might not know about you.

-- 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.

-- I love to ski and I have a ridiculous number of dogs. Someday, I’ll write a book about my life and call it Downhill Dachshunds: Keeping up with the Pack.

-- And lastly, I’m a sports nut, so everyone knows…don’t bother me when the Steelers are playing. Go Pitt!

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Tide and Tempest.

Dreaming of a better life, Tillie McGrath leaves Ireland behind and, with her beloved fiancé by her side, sets sail for America. But when illness robs her of the man she holds dear, she's left alone with only a handful of tattered memories. While forging on proves difficult, Tillie soon finds some new friends at her New York boardinghouse, and begins pursuing a new dream—to open a home for orphaned children.

Despite two years passing, Captain Keondric Morgan has never forgotten the lass who left his ship so heartbroken. When a crewman's deathbed confession reveals her fiancé’s demise was the result of murder, the captain knows he must try to contact her.

But his attention draws the notice of others as well--dangerous men who believe Tillie has in her possession something that could expose their crimes. And to their way of thinking, the best way to prevent such an outcome is to seize the evidence and then hand Tillie the same fate as her naïve fiancé.

What is it about Tillie that will make your readers care about her?

To be honest, if everything had gone as I planned, this book would never have been written. You see, when I first proposed my idea to my publisher, I was only planning for a two book series. Later, I was asked if I could expand my idea. Of course I said yes, though at the time, I really wasn’t sure what the third book would be about.

It wasn’t until I finished the first book, No Safe Harbor, that inspiration struck. I realized that everyone I’ve ever met has carried some kind of wound—either pain from a broken relationship, or grief, sometimes even loss. When I sat down to write Tide and Tempest, I wanted to reach out to those who were hurting and offer some kind of hope. To do that, I had to reach into my own past, and touch on the pain and guilt I carried after the loss of my son. I think that’s why the character of Tillie resonated with me so deeply, and why I think her story will touch reader’s hearts. Her triumph over guilt and grief is an inspiration to us all.

I'm so sorry to hear that about your son, Elizabeth. I can't imagine the hurt of that loss. And I can see how your experience would strongly inform Tillie's character. God bless you for delving that deep into your personal pain in order to touch others. 

If you were the casting director for the film version of your novel, who would play your lead roles?

One of the first things I do when I’m plotting a new novel is look for actors who fit my characters. It helps me to visualize them better and focus on the kinds of actions that are appropriate to them. For Keondric, I chose Antonio Cupo. He has that dark, brooding look that seemed to fit so well. And it doesn’t hurt that he’s drop dead gorgeous. ☺


Tillie McGrath was a little harder to pinpoint. I wanted someone small in stature, but with a feisty spirit that shone through her eyes and smile. I finally settled on Autumn Reeser. She had just the right amount of beauty and vulnerability that made her perfect for this part.


What story from recent news do you think would make a good basis for a novel?

I write suspense, so I’m always looking for stories that get the heart pumping. I saw an article recently about Facebook Messenger, and how some people are very leery about downloading the app because of the access to information it gives to Facebook administrators. For example, through the app, Facebook would have access to all of your contacts, your browsing history, even your camera and recording devices. They could literally watch you and record your actions through your phone!! Boy, did that get me thinking. I immediately started visualizing a contemporary conspiracy theory type novel, with all sorts of techie-type feats. LOL!

Excellent (and creepy) idea. 

What is the last novel you read that you would recommend?

I just recently finished Return to Exile by Lynne Gentry. This is book two in the The Carthage Chronicles. The first one had me weeping and cheering right along with the main characters, Lisbeth and Cyprian. This one was no different. The characters’ struggle to forge a life from the ashes of Carthage’s diseased city made my heart pound, and as the peril facing them ratcheted, so did my pulse rate.

Adding to the story’s overall appeal is Gentry’s enviable talent for wordsmithing. She truly is a genius. Finally, weave in unfathomable sorrow with passionate hope and Return to Exile makes for an incredibably entertaining read.

What are you working on now?

I am so excited to be releasing a Christmas collection this coming September. It’s called Christmas Comes to Bethlehem, Maine (Barbour Publishing, 2014). It’s about a small town in Maine that hosts a live nativity every year. My novella, “One Holy Night,” is about a young veterinarian struggling to come to grips with her sister’s betrayal. The other stories in the collection are “The Christmas Gift,” by Virginia Vaughn, “A Christmas Promise,” by Sandra Robbins, and “The Last Angel Song,” by Lorraine Beatty.

This is my second anthology with Barbour Publishing. The first, Christmas Homecoming, released in 2009, so there’s been some time between collections. Still, I learned so much about tight writing with that first novella, and I was anxious to see if I could do it again.

That’s the thing about writing. I never stop learning. Every manuscript has been different, and each one has taught me something about the craft. If I could give advice to anyone just starting out, it would be to accept the fact that from now on, learning will be a lifelong process.

You're so right, and thanks for that advice.

Where else can readers find you online?

I love connecting with my readers. I wish I could visit with every single one—find out where they are in life, and what hope or encouragement (if any) they drew from reading my books. Stop by and visit with me! I post information on upcoming releases on my website at www.elizabethludwig.com.

Or check out my blog at www.theborrowedbook.blogspot.com. We do author interviews, weekly devotionals, and book giveaways. We also post book reviews and list upcoming releases from many of your favorite Christians authors. In other words, there’s something for everyone!

Lastly, if you just want to see what I’m up to, search for me on Facebook. I would love to visit with you.


The book can be purchased in fine book stores and online via the following buttons:




CBD.com


Finally, what question would you like to ask my readers?

I’ve received many reviews over the years, both good and bad. I’ve accepted that I can’t please everyone, but every once in a while, the wording in a review will make my blood boil, especially if it’s not the quality of my writing that earns the negative rating, but the Christian content. How you feel about reviews? Do you read them? Have you written one, and if you absolutely hated a book, would you post a bad review?

Thanks, Elizabeth, for visiting with us and telling us about your novel. Readers, Elizabeth has offered to give a signed copy of her book to the winner of our drawing on Monday, October 20. To enter, leave a comment below in answer to Elizabeth's question, above. "Please enter me" won't get you entered. Leave your email address, in case you win, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com.

Be sure to check out my interview with Leslie Gould, below. Leave an appropriate comment at the bottom of the post to enter the drawing for a free copy of the book.

Also, I'd love it if you'd connect with me on Facebook. Just click on my name at the right of today's post.

Annoying legal disclaimer: drawings void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents; the odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. See full disclaimer HERE.