Elizabeth
Ludwig is an award-winning author whose work has been featured on
Novel Rocket, the Christian Authors Network, and The Christian Pulse.
In 2012, the popular Edge of Freedom series released from Bethany House Publishers. Books one and two, No Safe Harbor and Dark Road Home, respectively, earned 4 Stars from the RT Book Reviews. Book three, Tide and Tempest, received top honors with 4 1/2 Stars.
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.
The following is an April 2014 interview with Elizabeth.
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.
The following is an April 2014 interview with Elizabeth.
ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
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THE INTERVIEW
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Tide and Tempest
by Elizabeth Ludwig
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Contest open to entrants worldwide.
Contest runs from 18 April - 2 May NZDT
AT THE END OF
THE INTERVIEW
Be in to win a copy of
Tide and Tempest
by Elizabeth Ludwig
One copy to be won
Contest open to entrants worldwide.
Contest runs from 18 April - 2 May NZDT
Tell us a little about yourself.
Well, first and foremost, I’m a blood-bought, born-again, baptized believer in Jesus Christ. After that, I’m a wife and mother, sister and daughter. Then, I’m a writer. . .in that order. I’ve gotten them confused before. Not good. God quickly reminds where my priorities lie.
Second, I grew up in a sleepy town in western Michigan. I’m a Texas gal now, but my roots are still planted in the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan. :-)
How did you become a novelist, and did you always want to write?
Basically, I was just a kid with a vivid imagination who loved to daydream about interesting characters and daring heroes. I also had a voracious appetite for books, and it was not unusual for my mother to catch me reading at two or three in the morning…on a school night! Since that got me into trouble, I took to reading with a small nightlight under the covers. My poor eyes! I’m surprised I can still see.
Anyway, fast forward twenty…um…thirty years, and that love of reading changed into a love of writing. I still daydream characters in my head, but now, that transfers onto paper.
What do you think is significant about Christian fiction?
I’ve often been asked what kind of books I like to read and if I have any favorites. After I’d had time to ponder those questions, I realized deep down what I’d always known to be true—I like books that challenge me. I don’t want something that stands on shock value, or that showcases the ugliness of the world. I want something that offers hope. That’s what’s so wonderful about Christian fiction. Not only are these books well written, they tell a wonderful story! They’re also about cutting away everything that hinders us from relying fully and completely upon Jesus. They’re about entrusting the people and things we love most in the world to Him. And they’re about learning to cast aside every unspoken fear and throwing ourselves on the infinite grace and mercy of the Savior. That is what I believe is significant about Christian fiction. It draws people closer to God.
Well, first and foremost, I’m a blood-bought, born-again, baptized believer in Jesus Christ. After that, I’m a wife and mother, sister and daughter. Then, I’m a writer. . .in that order. I’ve gotten them confused before. Not good. God quickly reminds where my priorities lie.
Second, I grew up in a sleepy town in western Michigan. I’m a Texas gal now, but my roots are still planted in the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan. :-)
How did you become a novelist, and did you always want to write?
Basically, I was just a kid with a vivid imagination who loved to daydream about interesting characters and daring heroes. I also had a voracious appetite for books, and it was not unusual for my mother to catch me reading at two or three in the morning…on a school night! Since that got me into trouble, I took to reading with a small nightlight under the covers. My poor eyes! I’m surprised I can still see.
Anyway, fast forward twenty…um…thirty years, and that love of reading changed into a love of writing. I still daydream characters in my head, but now, that transfers onto paper.
What do you think is significant about Christian fiction?
I’ve often been asked what kind of books I like to read and if I have any favorites. After I’d had time to ponder those questions, I realized deep down what I’d always known to be true—I like books that challenge me. I don’t want something that stands on shock value, or that showcases the ugliness of the world. I want something that offers hope. That’s what’s so wonderful about Christian fiction. Not only are these books well written, they tell a wonderful story! They’re also about cutting away everything that hinders us from relying fully and completely upon Jesus. They’re about entrusting the people and things we love most in the world to Him. And they’re about learning to cast aside every unspoken fear and throwing ourselves on the infinite grace and mercy of the Savior. That is what I believe is significant about Christian fiction. It draws people closer to God.
How do you hope your readers react to the stories you write?
Do you remember that final scene in the movie Diary of a Mad Black Woman? The entire cast is in church and the pastor starts singing, “Father, Can You Hear Me”. Every time I hear that song I want to stand up and PRAISE God. That is what I want—to write something that SO inspires someone they automatically want to praise God.
What responses to your novels have affected you the most and why?
I’ve had all kinds of responses to my books—both good and bad. The ones that impacted me most are the ones where people said their lives were changed. One woman wrote to say she wasn’t overly religious, but my books made her question her faith. Another person said they found hope after loss. Those words mean so much to me.
How has being a novelist impacted your relationship with Christ?
Writers are insecure…I get that, but honestly, I never dreamed that writing fiction would force me to rely on Jesus as much as it has. No matter how tough your skin is, reading a harsh review makes you question your skill! And rejections?? Yeah, still get plenty of those. Bottom line, I’ve had to surrender every bit of this writing adventure to God, and accept that when He says I’m done…I’m done.
Other than writing great novels, what other goals do you have for your life?
First, thank you for saying I write great novels. LOL!
I guess I’d have to say my goals are pretty basic: I want to keep learning and growing. I want to keep trying new things and never stop improving. And someday, I’d like to learn to play the piano. :-)
Do you remember that final scene in the movie Diary of a Mad Black Woman? The entire cast is in church and the pastor starts singing, “Father, Can You Hear Me”. Every time I hear that song I want to stand up and PRAISE God. That is what I want—to write something that SO inspires someone they automatically want to praise God.
What responses to your novels have affected you the most and why?
I’ve had all kinds of responses to my books—both good and bad. The ones that impacted me most are the ones where people said their lives were changed. One woman wrote to say she wasn’t overly religious, but my books made her question her faith. Another person said they found hope after loss. Those words mean so much to me.
How has being a novelist impacted your relationship with Christ?
Writers are insecure…I get that, but honestly, I never dreamed that writing fiction would force me to rely on Jesus as much as it has. No matter how tough your skin is, reading a harsh review makes you question your skill! And rejections?? Yeah, still get plenty of those. Bottom line, I’ve had to surrender every bit of this writing adventure to God, and accept that when He says I’m done…I’m done.
Other than writing great novels, what other goals do you have for your life?
First, thank you for saying I write great novels. LOL!
I guess I’d have to say my goals are pretty basic: I want to keep learning and growing. I want to keep trying new things and never stop improving. And someday, I’d like to learn to play the piano. :-)
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Well, let’s see…aside from reading and writing, 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.
What can you tell us about your latest novels?
I never imagined when I set out to write the Edge of Freedom series for Bethany House that I would be writing about grief. Or loss. Or separation.
I knew I’d be venturing onto unproven ground—combining Historical Romance with Romantic Suspense. I spent numerous conversations with the marketing gurus trying to figure out the best way to promote these books. We talked about cover designs, titles that invoked a feeling of romance and suspense, even colors for my website, and for many weeks, marketing was my focus.
But as He often does, God had bigger plans, though He waited until all three books were written to reveal that information to me.
“What are these books about?” an interviewer asked. “Besides the romance and suspense, what would you say is the theme?”
Normally, I do all right in an impromptu interview, but the answer that rose to my lips surprised even me.
“Grief,” I said. “These books are about losing someone you love and finding the faith to go on.”
“Grief? Isn’t that sort of an odd theme for a romance?”
I shook my head. “Not really. True love, the kind that God gives, always involves sacrifice.”
Is there anything more beautiful, or more difficult, than that?
Well, let’s see…aside from reading and writing, 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.
What can you tell us about your latest novels?
I never imagined when I set out to write the Edge of Freedom series for Bethany House that I would be writing about grief. Or loss. Or separation.
I knew I’d be venturing onto unproven ground—combining Historical Romance with Romantic Suspense. I spent numerous conversations with the marketing gurus trying to figure out the best way to promote these books. We talked about cover designs, titles that invoked a feeling of romance and suspense, even colors for my website, and for many weeks, marketing was my focus.
But as He often does, God had bigger plans, though He waited until all three books were written to reveal that information to me.
“What are these books about?” an interviewer asked. “Besides the romance and suspense, what would you say is the theme?”
Normally, I do all right in an impromptu interview, but the answer that rose to my lips surprised even me.
“Grief,” I said. “These books are about losing someone you love and finding the faith to go on.”
“Grief? Isn’t that sort of an odd theme for a romance?”
I shook my head. “Not really. True love, the kind that God gives, always involves sacrifice.”
Is there anything more beautiful, or more difficult, than that?
What stories can your fans expect from you in the days ahead?
I’m SO looking forward to the release of the third book in my Edge of Freedom series, Tide and Tempest. Originally, I had intended Edge of Freedom to be a two book series, so this was the only story that wasn’t planned. It has turned out to be my favorite. I love, love, love this hero and heroine—Keondric and Tillie. Their story amazed me, and their love was just phenomenal to write.
Also, I share a common grief with Tillie—the loss of a child. I think that’s why she resonated with me so deeply. I really hope her triumph over guilt and grief speaks to readers.
What would you like to say to your fans in New Zealand, and others worldwide?
I think I would say there’s a reason that God described the spreading of the gospel as the planting of “seeds.” A seed is small, but it can yield a great harvest. There is always a seed in my books. Sometimes, it’s a seed of salvation. Other times, it’s seeds of forgiveness or trust. It’s my prayer that by reading my books, people are able to glean those seeds, and that they will yield a great harvest of faith and encouragement in their lives.
Do you have any parting words?
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, search for me on Facebook. I would love to visit with you.
I’m SO looking forward to the release of the third book in my Edge of Freedom series, Tide and Tempest. Originally, I had intended Edge of Freedom to be a two book series, so this was the only story that wasn’t planned. It has turned out to be my favorite. I love, love, love this hero and heroine—Keondric and Tillie. Their story amazed me, and their love was just phenomenal to write.
Also, I share a common grief with Tillie—the loss of a child. I think that’s why she resonated with me so deeply. I really hope her triumph over guilt and grief speaks to readers.
What would you like to say to your fans in New Zealand, and others worldwide?
I think I would say there’s a reason that God described the spreading of the gospel as the planting of “seeds.” A seed is small, but it can yield a great harvest. There is always a seed in my books. Sometimes, it’s a seed of salvation. Other times, it’s seeds of forgiveness or trust. It’s my prayer that by reading my books, people are able to glean those seeds, and that they will yield a great harvest of faith and encouragement in their lives.
Do you have any parting words?
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, search for me on Facebook. I would love to visit with you.
No Safe Harbor
New York City, 1897
She came to America searching for her brother. Instead all she's found is a web of danger.
Cara Hamilton had thought her brother to be dead. Now, clutching his letter, she leaves Ireland for America, desperate to find him. Her search leads her to a houseful of curious strangers, and one man who claims to be a friend--Rourke Walsh. Despite her brother's warning, Cara trusts Rourke, revealing her purpose in coming to New York.
She's then thrust into a world of subterfuge, veiled threats, and attempted murder, including political revolutionaries from the homeland out for revenge. Her questions guide her ever nearer to locating her brother--but they also bring her closer to destruction as those who want to kill him track her footsteps.
With her faith in tatters, all hope flees. Will her brother finally surface? Can he save Cara from the truth about Rourke... a man she's grown to love?
Purchase No Safe Harbor (Edge of Freedom #1):
[Amazon.com | Amazon Kindle | The Book Depository]
New York City, 1897
She came to America searching for her brother. Instead all she's found is a web of danger.
Cara Hamilton had thought her brother to be dead. Now, clutching his letter, she leaves Ireland for America, desperate to find him. Her search leads her to a houseful of curious strangers, and one man who claims to be a friend--Rourke Walsh. Despite her brother's warning, Cara trusts Rourke, revealing her purpose in coming to New York.
She's then thrust into a world of subterfuge, veiled threats, and attempted murder, including political revolutionaries from the homeland out for revenge. Her questions guide her ever nearer to locating her brother--but they also bring her closer to destruction as those who want to kill him track her footsteps.
With her faith in tatters, all hope flees. Will her brother finally surface? Can he save Cara from the truth about Rourke... a man she's grown to love?
Purchase No Safe Harbor (Edge of Freedom #1):
[Amazon.com | Amazon Kindle | The Book Depository]
Dark Road Home
The nightmares of her past have found Ana Kavanagh an ocean away.
Ana Kavanagh's memories of Ireland are mostly of fire and pain. As a girl she survived a blaze that left her an orphan, left her scarred, and left her angry at God.
Now in New York, Ana finds a kindred spirit in Eoghan Hamilton, who's struggling with his own anger. His twin sister, Cara, betrayed him by falling in love with his enemy. Cast aside by everyone, Eoghan hopes to rejoin the Fenians, an organization pushing for change back in Ireland, by securing information against Rourke, the man his sister married. Ana, Cara's friend, may be his best source, and despite the attraction he feels, Eoghan determines to use the girl's sweet nature to his advantage.
Adding to the danger is a specter from Eoghan's own past, one whose thirst for vengeance knows no bounds. Eoghan must choose which road to follow--bitterness or forgiveness--and where to finally place his trust.
Purchase Dark Road Home (Edge of Freedom #2):
[Amazon.com | Amazon Kindle | The Book Depository]
The nightmares of her past have found Ana Kavanagh an ocean away.
Ana Kavanagh's memories of Ireland are mostly of fire and pain. As a girl she survived a blaze that left her an orphan, left her scarred, and left her angry at God.
Now in New York, Ana finds a kindred spirit in Eoghan Hamilton, who's struggling with his own anger. His twin sister, Cara, betrayed him by falling in love with his enemy. Cast aside by everyone, Eoghan hopes to rejoin the Fenians, an organization pushing for change back in Ireland, by securing information against Rourke, the man his sister married. Ana, Cara's friend, may be his best source, and despite the attraction he feels, Eoghan determines to use the girl's sweet nature to his advantage.
Adding to the danger is a specter from Eoghan's own past, one whose thirst for vengeance knows no bounds. Eoghan must choose which road to follow--bitterness or forgiveness--and where to finally place his trust.
Purchase Dark Road Home (Edge of Freedom #2):
[Amazon.com | Amazon Kindle | The Book Depository]
Tide and Tempest
Two years ago, her fiancé perished
during their voyage to America. Now she discovers it may have been murder...
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.
Purchase Tide and Tempest (Edge of Freedom #3):
[Amazon.com | Amazon Kindle | The Book Depository]
Two years ago, her fiancé perished
during their voyage to America. Now she discovers it may have been murder...
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.
Purchase Tide and Tempest (Edge of Freedom #3):
[Amazon.com | Amazon Kindle | The Book Depository]
Christmas Comes to Bethlehem, Maine
This year, spend Christmas in Bethlehem, Maine, as the town prepares for annual living nativities.
Will stepping into the roles of Mary and Joseph help empty nesters David and Kate Walters discover the joy of becoming parents again unexpectedly? Can a young pastor and a pretty choir member convince the town to be like three wise men of long ago when a devastating hurricane threatens tradition? Can veterinarian Leesa McElroy survive working alongside a man more at home with camels than Christians? Will the truth about singer Angeline Monroe’s abandoned career come to light at Christmas?
Pre-Order Christmas Comes to Bethlehem, Maine
[Amazon.com | The Book Depository]
This year, spend Christmas in Bethlehem, Maine, as the town prepares for annual living nativities.
Will stepping into the roles of Mary and Joseph help empty nesters David and Kate Walters discover the joy of becoming parents again unexpectedly? Can a young pastor and a pretty choir member convince the town to be like three wise men of long ago when a devastating hurricane threatens tradition? Can veterinarian Leesa McElroy survive working alongside a man more at home with camels than Christians? Will the truth about singer Angeline Monroe’s abandoned career come to light at Christmas?
Pre-Order Christmas Comes to Bethlehem, Maine
[Amazon.com | The Book Depository]
Purchase Elizabeth's Books at The Book Depository
ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Be in to win a copy of
Tide and Tempest
by Elizabeth Ludwig
One copy to be won
Contest open to entrants worldwide.
Contest runs from 18 April - 2 May NZDT
Please comment about the interview, or leave a message for Elizabeth Ludwig. Simply commenting about entering the draw or wanting to win the books does not qualify for valid entry into the draw.
All entries must be made using the Rafflecopter contest to be eligible for drawing. Winning entries drawn will have their entry options validated before being accepted - if incomplete another entry will be drawn.
Tide and Tempest
by Elizabeth Ludwig
One copy to be won
Contest open to entrants worldwide.
Contest runs from 18 April - 2 May NZDT
Please comment about the interview, or leave a message for Elizabeth Ludwig. Simply commenting about entering the draw or wanting to win the books does not qualify for valid entry into the draw.
All entries must be made using the Rafflecopter contest to be eligible for drawing. Winning entries drawn will have their entry options validated before being accepted - if incomplete another entry will be drawn.
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