Christian Historical Fiction | WFBC Media Center

Y’all are in for a treat today! We have a fantastic interview with Christian author, Elizabeth Ludwig. Her current series that is out, The Edge of Freedom, has two books already and I’m eagerly waiting for the third book next year!! She has generously donated an autographed copy of, Dark Road Home, as our giveaway this week: 9/23 – 9/27 (the winner will be selected on 9/28).

Enter to win an autographed copy of this book! 9/23 through 9/27

I have been in contact with her through email and she is one of the sweetest people you’d ever want to meet! So, let’s get to the interview so you can “meet” her too!

Elizabeth Ludwig (Isn’t she beautiful?)

Here’s Elizabeth’s Bio:

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. 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. To learn more, visit ElizabethLudwig.com.

Let’s get to know Elizabeth better through this interview:

The Edge of Freedom series is about Irish immigrants coming to New York. Are you an Irish descendent that immigrated or does this era just fascinate you?

Hey, Debbie! First, let me start by saying I’m so thrilled to be on your blog, and I can’t wait to talk with your readers!

Now, to business.

Though many of my ancestors emigrated from Europe, I am not Irish. I am part Spaniard, part Mexican, and 100% American! LOL! My husband’s family, however, does have some Irish blood, as well as German and Dutch. I guess that’s why I wanted to write a story about immigrants—to do our ancestors justice and make them proud!

It would seem like writing an historical novel would take a lot of research. How much time did it take you to research this book?

Oh my goodness…by far, this series has involved more research than any I have ever had to do. Part of that was simply because the saga carries across two continents. Not only was researching New York City in 1897, I was researching Ireland and everything that was happening there during the same time period. Fortunately, I stumbled across the Ellis Island Foundation’s website, which helped me immensely. I also found and studied a wonderful PBS production called Forgotten Ellis Island, which provided such an interesting look into America’s history.

I’m always interested in author’s process of writing a book. How do you come up with your ideas? Do you plan the whole story out or just start writing and see where it takes you?

It’s a little of both, I think. I always start out with a detailed timeline, but every now and then, inspiration strikes, and the story takes off in a direction I didn’t see coming. For example, in No Safe Harbor, when Douglas Healy comes to visit the boarding house, I really had to stop and ask myself what he was doing there. It was in my timeline, but his motivation for being there, and what he would say when he arrived, those things eluded me. Finally, inspiration took over, and I realized he wouldn’t lie about why he came. He would do something even more shocking—he would tell the truth. Not only was it believable, it was a stunning twist that readers have told me totally caught them off guard.

Where do you like to write? At a desk or sitting in a comfy chair? Desktop computer or laptop?

We have a room in our house that is very comfortable and private—no TV, no phones, no distractions whatsoever. It’s decorated like an old-fashioned parlor, and I absolutely love it because it transports me to another era. And of course, there’s my comfy red chair…

Elizabeth’s “quiet room” with her comfy red chair!

So far there are two books in this series, No Safe Harbor #1, and Dark Road Home #2. When will book 3 be released? I can’t wait! Can you tell us something about Book 3?

Book 3 in the series, Tide and Tempest, releases in February, 2014, and believe it or not, I’m as excited about it’s release as you are!! Originally, I had intended for 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.

The Edge of Freedom Series by Elizabeth Ludwig

How many books have you written and are they all historical?

All told, I have eight books to my credit, with two more to come in 2014. They are not all historical, in fact, I started out writing cozy mysteries (think Murder She Wrote starring Angela Lansbury). From there, I went to writing Contemporary Romance, and then finally came full circle to my first love, which was Historical Romance with more than a touch of Suspense. Readers can find a complete list of my books here.

What’s your favorite genre when you have time to sit down and read?

Definitely Romantic Suspense. Definitely. Definitely Romantic Suspense.

Who’s your favorite author?

Oh, this is hard. I love several—Dani Pettry, Jessica Dotta, Michelle Griep…they are all fabulous storytellers, but if I had to pick a favorite, I would probably say Francine Rivers. She influenced how I right early, and I’ve admired her ever since.

What are you reading now?

I just finished A Heart Deceived by Michelle Griep. It’s an amazing book by a very talented writer. And I love that it has that Gothic Regency type feel that I try to infuse in my own books.

If you could go anywhere in the whole world for a vacation, where would it be?

Ireland. Absolutely. I would love to see and taste the culture that I’ve spent so much time researching.

What’s your favorite Bible verse and why?

My favorite scripture, one I sign all my books with, is from Habakkuk 2:2-3. It says:

2 Then the LORD answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. 3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

I received these verses at a time when I was really questioning my call to write. Now, it is a reminder to me that God is faithful to complete the good work HE has begun.

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

LOL! Well, anyone who knows me would say, what day is it, cuz she does crazy stuff all the time. Just recently, I was sitting at The Cheesecake Factory, and Shaquille O’Neal walked by. For a second, I was too stunned to say anything, but then, I saw him start down the stairs. From my vantage point, I could see him hop up onto the hand rail, as though he wanted to slide down. For a split second, our eyes met, and then I sorta growled, “Dooo it!”

He just smiled, and slid down the railing! LOLOL!

Shaquille O’Neal and his ride down the hand rails!

If you could meet one person, living or dead, who would it be and why?

There are many people I would love to meet, but I think I’d like to chat with George W. Bush about his faith, his family, and his presidency.

Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about you?

I have a website at www.elizabethludwig.com and a blog at www.theborrowedbook.blogspot.com, but my favorite place to connect is still on facebook. I hope you’ll stop by!

Quick, Quirky Questions:

Are you a list maker? Always.

Do you like to cook? Love it. Wish I knew how.

What’s your favorite food? Pizza. Or Pasta. Or M&M’s. Oh, and seafood.

Do you have a pet? Dachshunds! Four of them. LOL!

What’s your favorite color? Black and Gold, especially when worn by the Steelers.

What’s your favorite holiday? Christmas.

Do you have a hobby? Knitting! And skiing. Sometimes both at the same time.

Elizabeth, I feel like I got to know the “real you” while reading this interview. I loved your answers and finding out about your talent for skiing and knitting at the same time! LOL!!!!

Thank you so much for being with us today and for being so generous by donating an autographed book for our giveaway. I know everyone that comments will be looking forward to your comments back to them. That makes it SO special!

Now for the autographed book giveaway:

Enter to win an autographed copy of this book! 9/23 through 9/27

You must be 18 years or older and be a U.S. resident.
Leave a comment in the comment section at the end of THIS post. One entry per person.
We will randomly compile a list of everyone who made a comment and will draw a name on 9/28/13. We will then notify you by email giving you further instructions on collecting your free book. DO NOT include your personal mailing address in your comment for security reasons.
If we do not hear back from you in 5 days, we will draw another winner.
Please allow 2-3 weeks for book delivery. And we can’t be held responsible for lost books, sorry! (So far, everyone who has won a book has received it. Way to go USPS!!!)
If you win the book it would be really great if you could come back to this post after you have read it and tell us what you thought about the book.