Ask Elin and Liza! > Likes and Comments

Welcome to the group! Elin and Liza will be answering questions throughout the day on Tuesday, July 2nd in this thread only. In the meantime if you have a question for Elin or Liza, or just want to introduce yourself, feel free to do so in this thread.

I am Elin's biggest fan! The Blue Bistro is a constant re-read for me! I am very excited to read Beautiful Day and the books inspire me to visit Nantucket one day! Elin, where on Nantucket would you recommend someone stay to get the full experience that seems to be present in each of your books?

Cynthia wrote: "Welcome to the group! Elin and Liza will be answering questions throughout the day on Tuesday, July 2nd in this thread only. In the meantime if you have a question for Elin or Liza, or just want to..."

I have read barefoot by elin and I liked the book but I like most romance books

I am a huge fan of Elin, absolutely loved Castaways, and can't wait to read Beautiful Day. My question is are you from Nantucket ? And why do you use this location in your stories ?

Hi Elin! The Castaways was the first book I ever read of yours and I was instantly hooked to your writing. I have read Blue Bistro and The Island and I am getting ready to start Silver Girl. I have loved every single one of them! I have laughed, and cried and I tell my fiance all the time that we need to move up there! Have you ever talked to anyone about turning your books into movies???

Liza, I have not read your work yet but now I will definitely look into it. I don't doubt you will please me as much as Elin does!

Love the way you write and I've read almost all of your books. "The Blue Bistro" was my favorite. I hated to have the story end.
I live in NH and my plans for a Nantucket weekend fell through this spring so I am hoping to spend my April birthday (my 60th) in Nantucket with my family next spring. Good idea or is everything still closed for the winter? When do you recommend a visit to Nantucket??
My brother actually coauthored a book about the Nantucket Quakers. Have you read anything about them?

Elin I am a huge fan and like many others here think The Blue Bistro is one of your best books and my personal favorite is The Love Season. It seems like your books are set during the summer, or are published in the summer. Is this something you have deliberately set out to do? You've certainly given me many great days of beach reading! Liza I am looking forward to reading your book this summer

Elin I have read all but about two of ur books I can't wait for the newest one. U probably get asked this a lot but Are your stories true or a they just fiction? I do want to ask Do you sit at a place like a cafe and watch people who come in and imagine their lives and background as stories? These characters seem like ordinary people they are like me and you and are really relatable. I want to thank you for putting ur stories out for us to read they are wonderful. My last question may be a little weird but hey I want to know

Thank you both so much for being a part of this open discussion. Now that summer is here what books do you both enjoy or have enjoyed reading during the summer months? Do you also have a favorite author/authors that have inspired your writing?

Elin I am a huge fan. I picked up one of your books in the bookstore one day just because it sounded like a good read. I've been hooked ever since!! My favorite is The Blue Bistro. I couldn't put it down but was then so so sad when I was finished reading it. I didn't want it to end. I have read all of your books. I have two questions. My first one is who are some of your favorite authors. My second is would you ever consider being one of the authors at the Texas Book Festival? It would be so great!! Can't wait to read your new book!!

Elin I am a huge fan and have really loved all of your books. My question is for Liza. I really loved Tigers in Red Weather and was wondering if you are working on a new novel?

Elin,
I love your books and feel like I am actually there witnessing the story. The setting is always in a favorite spot. I was wondering what inspires you to write your storyline. Can't wait to read your new book because they all just "take you away."

Hi Elin and Liza,

Elin, I have read The Blue Bistro and The Island so far and have the rest of your books on my To Read List. I do enjoy your style of writing and I am really hoping to visit Nantucket in the next year or so.

Liza, I have your book on hold at the library and it looks like I should be the next on the list to read it. Looking forward to starting it.

My question to Elin - have you ever thought of setting a novel away from Nantucket - maybe doing something historical in another country?

My question to Liza - I notice that your novel starts just after WW II - how did you come to choose that timeframe over a novel set in present day?

Hi Liza,

When I read that you were related to Herman Melville, I jumped at the chance to read Tigers in Red Weather. And I have to say, I really enjoyed it. A few questions for you (***THE FIRST TWO MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS):

1. Why did Nick turn around?
2. Why did you decide to make Ed's perspective the shortest?
3. As the great-great-great-granddaughter of Herman Melville, did you take any inspiration from his works (perhaps his poetry?), or feel any pressure to have your book live up to Moby Dick?

Again, I loved your book and felt like it was something I would want to discuss in a class or in a book club. It made me think, and I really appreciate that in a book. Very nice job and I look forward to any other books you happen to be working on!

-Cara

Almost finished reading "Beautiful Day"! I am in love with all of your biiks, Elin. Have yet to find one I could put down!

haven't read that one I have read barefoot

Hello Elin and Liza!

Liza, the book cover is interesting. Am curious as to the process of its selection?

Elin, after reading Castaways I was hooked! What is the writing process like for you? Do you find an inspiring moment that ignites a story? or maybe a better way is to say, what inspires your stories?

Hello Elin and Lisa! Elin, I think your book, Barefoot, was one of the very first books that I downloaded onto my Kindle. I read it about 2 1/2 years ago while my husband and I spent 2 weeks with his sister. She was diagnosed with leukemia and my husband was an almost 100% match for a bone marrow transplant for her. So while we were waiting for that whole procedure to happen, I had a lot of time to read and your book was one that I devoured in those 2 weeks. I don't normally remember the particulars of where or when I read a book but this one will forever stick in my mind. Thank you for writing such a memorable book for me to read at such a memorable time. I look forward to reading more of your work!

I read barefoot and liked the book and it was my first book by elin

My question is for Liza - what exactly makes Nick so magnetic that she is instantly forgiven all shortcomings and sins? I adored the book (read it for ELLE last year) and I loaned it to students, who keep passing it around and not giving it back! Is it more than looks alone that makes her so alluring? I wasn't exactly under her spell, although I did find her intriguing.

Liza - loved Tigers in Red Weather - was sad to have to put it down when I was finished. I ordered my book club to read it ASAP, but alas, we broke up because there were too many schedules to cater to.

Elin is one of my favorite authors, I have read all your books and am almost finished Beautiful Day. I have been visiting Nantucket every summer for the past 6 years because of reading your books. I have 2 questions, will you ever write a sequel to Blue Bistro, my absolute favorite book and when you are writing books from different characters perspective, do you write it person by person and then weave it together or do you write the story start to finish.

Hi to both of you. My name is shima. I am a Literature student but unfortunately I do not know most of the new and modern writers. so I have joined to this web and this groups to know better the new books and writers.

I like to write a fiction and short stories and I have tried several times, usually I have a good beginning but after some pages I lost my connection and I do not know how to progress my stories. my imagination is good and I have some dream that can be turned to a good stories. Please give me some guide in this way and tell me how can I generate a good plot and progress my story.

Lisa, it was very interesting the way you told the story using the views of the characters. I heard Tigers was your first book. Do you have another one coming out?

My question is for Liza as, I'm afraid to say, I've yet to read any of Elin's books.

The WW2 and post-war setting is so beautifully described, does this come from an overall interest in the era or just a lot of research? Was there any particular source you turned to to evoke the time period so clearly?

Hello Lisa, I really enjoyed "Tigers in Red Weather", the title particularly intrigued me. Did you have the poem in mind for the title or did it come later as the book evolved? If it was made into a film do you have any favourites to play each character and lastly the book made me think a lot and also find and research the poem of the title so thank you! carol.x

Hello Elin, I recently read your book Summerland. I was captivated by your ability to transport me to Nantucket and make me feel at home in a place I have never been. I wish we could have learned more about Penny through Penny's eyes but I really loved how you showed her through the pieces of her that her family and friends each had to hold on to. You made her such a strong presence even though she wasn't alive and that really made me enjoy the book.

My question is: What motivated you to discuss such heavy topics as teen alcoholism, depression and teen pregnancy? Why did you choose to make your characters on such extreme ends of each situation's spectrum?

I am new to the group and have not read either book. I'm very excited to see what happens on Tuesday with this format- I'm also new to Good Reads so thought this might be a good way to join in. Looking forward to "hearing" both of you !
Anne

I LOVE Elin Hilderbrand books! I keep perusing my local
Book store in hopes there will be one I haven't read! Last summer
I read and reread the Blue Bistro and then lent it to
My mom and a friend! They are both hooked! I can't
Wait to read Beautiful day! She is my summer go to
Author! Can't wait to ask some questions and read
Others too!!!!

The first book I read by Elin was Silver Girl. I can say I appreciated the authenticity of the characters. Sometimes, when writers present main characters with wealth, affluence it can be difficult to related to them I applaud your ability to bring their lives and conflicts to a relative place. I recently completed Sumerland; again an amazing job. The storyline was so very rich and deep. I especially liked the way you used Nantucket as the narrator. I cannot get enough if the "hidden gems" of love stories you develop, as well. The best piece to your writing; it doesn't always come together pretty and wrapped up nice in the end. Your books are about life, on life's terms. Something a realist, like myself, can truly appreciate! Thank you for sharing your gift with us and taking the time to answer questions. I have Beautiful Day "on deck" for my next read. I plan to kick off my 3 week vacation with reading your latest. Here's to many more to come!!!

my first book I read was barefoot and I liked it

I am another die-hard fan of Elin and loved every book. My favorite is Barefoot; it helped me pay attention to my sisters and our relationships. I love all the relationships and especially the strength of the women. As soon as I am opening a page, I feel like I am in Nantucket and am ready to move there. I am excited for tomorrow's chat!

Elin I have 2 questions. I have all of your books, some I have both in hard copy and on my kindle app.
1) Do you think you'd ever do a sequel to Beautiful Day. I think Margot is such a rich character, and there's so much more that can be written about her.

2) Any early hints about your next book :).

Tawnya wrote: "I am Elin's biggest fan! The Blue Bistro is a constant re-read for me! I am very excited to read Beautiful Day and the books inspire me to visit Nantucket one day! Elin, where on Nantucket would yo..."

Well, if you had all the tea in china, I would rent a house for a week, in order to get the full experience. Now, rental houses run from the expensive (2000-3000/wk) to the ridiculous (10,000/week). The other option is taking a room off-season at the White Elephant in town, or at one of the inns. I like the Brass Lantern.

Amy wrote: "Elin I have 2 questions. I have all of your books, some I have both in hard copy and on my kindle app.
1) Do you think you'd ever do a sequel to Beautiful Day. I think Margot is such a rich charact..."

I am going to do a sequel to one of my books...not sure it will be Beautiful Day, but you never know. Have you read "The Surfing Lesson" -- that tells Margot's backstory (available on any e-reader for $1.99). The novel I'm writing now is called The Matchmaker and it's about a woman who is dying who is trying to find a match for her husband, her lover, and her grown daughter.

Kiera wrote: "Hello Elin, I recently read your book Summerland. I was captivated by your ability to transport me to Nantucket and make me feel at home in a place I have never been. I wish we could have learned m..."

I really wanted to write a novel about teenagers. My eldest child is only 13 now, so my experience when I wrote the novel was limited to what I had heard from friends. I think teenagers feel things most keenly; they have shed the naivete of childhood, but they aren't jaded yet. The topics I covered in Summerland seemed to me to be the most meaningful. I didn't want to write a Brittany Spears novel. I wanted to write about the tough things.

Pam wrote: "Elin is one of my favorite authors, I have read all your books and am almost finished Beautiful Day. I have been visiting Nantucket every summer for the past 6 years because of reading your books. ..."

I am going to write a sequel to one of my novels, and it MIGHT be The Blue Bistro, I have not yet decided, but that book is my very favorite because I am a foodie, and because it has such a heartbreaking love triangle. Now, when I write a novel from multiple points of view, as I nearly always do, I write it pretty much as you read it. I hate to say this, but it keeps me from growing bored or weary with one character for too long. Also, there are different points in the story where different people should narrate, if that makes sense. Great question!

Susan (The Book Bag) wrote: "Hello Elin and Lisa! Elin, I think your book, Barefoot, was one of the very first books that I downloaded onto my Kindle. I read it about 2 1/2 years ago while my husband and I spent 2 weeks with h..."

That's a beautiful post, thank you for sharing that. I hope everyone in your family is well.

Amanda wrote: "Elin I am a huge fan. I picked up one of your books in the bookstore one day just because it sounded like a good read. I've been hooked ever since!! My favorite is The Blue Bistro. I couldn't put i..."

Amanda wrote: "Elin I am a huge fan. I picked up one of your books in the bookstore one day just because it sounded like a good read. I've been hooked ever since!! My favorite is The Blue Bistro. I couldn't put i..."

My favorite authors are: Tim Winton, Richard Russo, Lorrie Moore, Anna Quindlen, and Jane Smiley. I will nearly always run out and buy their books, and I fully believe them all to be geniuses. You probably haven't heard of Tim Winton because he's an Australian writer, but if I were you, I would start with The Riders, which is one of my favorite books of all time, about a man and his daughter out searching for their disappeared wife/mother. Amazing.

I have long wanted to come to the Texas Book Festival. If you can email me at elinhilderbrand@yahoo.com, I will get the details to my publicist and we'll see if we can make that happen! Thanks!

Of course I read the Surfing Lesson, lol. I read everything you write. In fact, knowing Margot's history is what made me believe she had so much story left to tell :).
Since most if your characters are so rich and complex, any sequel would be amazing.

Danielle wrote: "I am a huge fan of Elin, absolutely loved Castaways, and can't wait to read Beautiful Day. My question is are you from Nantucket ? And why do you use this location in your stories ?"

I have lived on Nantucket for 20 years -- my actual "20-year anniversary" is July 6, this Saturday. Oh my how the time has flown! I can remember pulling into the harbor on the ferry and thinking, "This is the most beautiful place I have ever seen, and I am never leaving." There are certain experiences that are transforming, and the summer of 1993 was one of those for me. Now, three years after, I attended the graduate fiction program at the Iowa Writer's Workshop. I was miserable. The program was stressful and competitive, and I was landlocked, and I missed Nantucket. That was when I decided I would write about Nantucket, and The Beach Club was born...!

Rebecca wrote: "Hi Elin! The Castaways was the first book I ever read of yours and I was instantly hooked to your writing. I have read Blue Bistro and The Island and I am getting ready to start Silver Girl. I have..."

No movies yet, though I feel in my heart that the time is coming.

Elin wrote: "Rebecca wrote: "Hi Elin! The Castaways was the first book I ever read of yours and I was instantly hooked to your writing. I have read Blue Bistro and The Island and I am getting ready to start Sil..."

And my instincts are perfect. :)

Paula wrote: "Hello Elin and Liza!

Liza, the book cover is interesting. Am curious as to the process of its selection?

Elin, after reading Castaways I was hooked! What is the writing process like for you? Do ..."

My inspiration comes in two ways. The first are the thematic ideas -- I want to write about a hotel (The Beach Club), I want to write about a restaurant (The Blue Bistro), I want to write about a wedding (Beautiful Day). The other way ideas come are situational. I read an article about Ruth Madoff, and I wonder, "What is HER life like?" (Silver Girl), or I look around at my group of friends, and I wonder, "What if one of these couples died?" (The Castaways). A novel requires a lot of layered and intersecting elements, so once I come up with the "main idea" there are still a lot of details and subplots to come up with, along with interesting and descriptive language. It's mentally exhausting to think about the process sometimes, so in general I just PRAY AND LET IT HAPPEN!

Elin,
As I wake up to the constant rain here in the capital region of New York I only wish I wasn't landlocked. The way your describe feeling about the first time you saw Nantucket is the way I felt when I first saw St Thomas in the USVI. My husband and I got married there last summer after being together for 10 years. At 33 years old now, I continue to save for my beach house that I will someday have! Until then I will have to read about characters and their beach houses. I devoured A Beautiful Day in less than 24 hours. You are a very talented writer and I can't wait for your next novel. Thank you for taking the time to reply to each person on this board! Enjoy your summer!

Thank you so much Elin for responding to all of our questions and posts. I will get the information on the Texas Book Festival sent over to you. It would be so amazing to have you there!!

Elin loved your book barefoot

Thanks for adding me as a friend on goodreads.com

Elin wrote: "Pam wrote: "Elin is one of my favorite authors, I have read all your books and am almost finished Beautiful Day. I have been visiting Nantucket every summer for the past 6 years because of reading ..."

I finished Beautiful Day in a day and a half and loved it! Thanks for giving me something to look forward to every summer :) Thank you for answering my question, crossing my fingers the sequel is to Blue Bistro!