Friday, July 2, 2010

Interview With Elizabeth Ludwig and Giveaway!!


Today we have Elizabeth Ludwig, author of the new book, Love Finds You In Calico, California. She has offered to give one of you a copy so comment at the end.

Thank you for being with us today, Elizabeth !

Thanks for having me!


How long have you known you wanted to be an author?

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 even though I didn’t begin seeking publication until 2001, I never forget what it was like to write.

When a reader gets done with your book, what do you want them to come away with?

From the onset of Love Finds You in Calico, California, I placed several challenges before my heroine—things that not only sapped her strength, they sapped her faith. Bottom line, I hope my readers see what a loving Father they have in heaven, One who understands their strengths AND their weaknesses, and whose faithfulness to us does not depend on our faithfulness to Him. That’s the message I hope readers take with them when they finish my books.



Can you tell me a little bit about your book?

My book Love Finds You in Calico, California is set to release July 1, 2010 from Summerside Press. It’s a historical romance about a young girl who finds herself alone in a silver mining town after her father is killed. Driven to discover the truth about the facts surrounding his death, she begins searching for clues and winds up nearly losing her life (what can I say—I just can’t help putting a little mystery into my stories).

This is my first full-length historical novel, and I’m so excited about its release. Calico is a ghost town now, but at the time my story is set, it was a booming place full of rich history. I really hope I captured that.



Is there a place you have always wanted to visit? A vacation spot, historical monument, overseas, etc?

There are SO many places I’d love to go and see… Ireland , New York (Ellis Island especially), Montana …the list goes on and on. Hopefully, I’ll be able to travel A LOT when I retire. J

If you could have dinner with 2 people, who would they be?

Oh, that’s easy! I would love to be able to sit down with Seth and Peg—my son and my mother-in-law. Both have gone on to be with Jesus, but I am SO looking forward to that marriage feast when I can sit down to eat with them and the Lord. Wait…I guess that’s three people. LOL!

What one event would you love to be at? Historical or future?

Oh, goodness…I’m not sure. I would have loved to be at the tomb Resurrection Morning when Jesus triumphantly rose from the grave! Or with the Israelites when God parted the Red Sea . Or onboard Apollo 11 when Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon.

I do like modern conveniences however…so maybe I should stay in my own time period. J

Do you have a favorite hobby?

I love to read. When I was a young girl, around eight or nine, and I used to read by the light of the Christmas tree. It wasn’t enough to sit near the tree, mind you. I had to crawl completely under the tree and let the lights shine down directly onto the page (try explaining that to four sisters who already think you’re a geek).



Is there something about you most people wouldn't know?

Hmm…well, I’d like to share a holiday tradition my husband and I started several years ago. We noticed that after weeks of anticipation, Christmas morning came and went in a mad rush of shredded paper and gifts swiftly examined and tossed aside.

To avoid this, we begin opening presents the week before Christmas. . .one gift per day, for the seven days leading up to Christmas morning. Instead of ripping open a present and tossing it aside, our kids savor each gift, and share it with their friends.

One year, my daughter wore a sweater she had received to go Christmas shopping. Later that night, we sat down as a family to enjoy a video that my son received. It’s our way of extending the joy of gift-giving, but also teaching our children to appreciate the the giver!

Do you have any suggestions for the aspiring writer?

Just a bit of encouragement…if your goal is publication, great! But don’t be so focused on the goal that you forget to enjoy the journey you’re on while reaching it. There are some awesome lessons to be learned along the way, and great friends to be made…all of which you will miss if you attempt a shortcut. Trust God. His timing is always perfect.

Any last thoughts for your readers?

Do you remember that final scene in “Diary of a Mad Black Woman”? The one where 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. I hope my readers think I’ve accomplished that!

And how can they connect with you?

I’ve actually made quite a home for myself out in cyber space. Readers can find me at www.elizabethludwig.com or read about some of my current projects and interests at www.theborrowedbook.blogspot.com. I’m also on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?ref=name&id=1663260840. Stop on by! I’d love to have you visit.


READERS-Mandatory Entry-Leave a comment with the item you would most miss if you were in the 1800's. This MUST be done or the extra entries do not count.

EXTRA ENTRIES-
1.Become a follower of my blog.
2.Become a follower on Twitter-kingsdaughter24
3.Become a subscriber through my RSS Feed.
4.Tweet about this giveaway.

This giveaway will end 7/9. Winner will be chosen by Random.org.

61 comments:

Katy said...

I would totally miss electricity (because that would mean no air conditioning!).

I'm a follower of this blog.

Tweeted: https://twitter.com/afewmorepages/status/17576609670

srfbluemama[at]gmail[dot]com

Ariel Wilson said...

I would miss my phone. Sad, I know :P

I am a follower.

I love the Love Finds you books!

pinkdaddysgirl[at]msn[dot]com

Linnette Rochelle said...

Being chronically ill, I would most miss Air Conditioning and all things convenient.

I am a follower. I'm also a fellow writer and lover of reading.

Elizabeth said: Just a bit of encouragement…if your goal is publication, great! But don’t be so focused on the goal that you forget to enjoy the journey you’re on while reaching it. There are some awesome lessons to be learned along the way, and great friends to be made…all of which you will miss if you attempt a shortcut. Trust God. His timing is always perfect.

Thank you, Elizabeth! I needed this encouragement today. It seems my first novel is taking forever as necessary living constantly interferes. It's tempting to shut everything out and just write in order to get it done already. But, I do want to enjoy the journey and I appreciate you input.

~Linnette
lr.mullin at live.com
www.linnettemullin.com

Cafe Lily said...

I would miss the internet and being able to blog about great books!

Signing up to follow your blog :)

(Found you on Book Blogs)

I haven't read any of the "Love Finds You" books yet - would love to win a copy.

runner10 said...

Sounds like a lovely book. I would miss my car and internet.
I am a follower.
csdsksds[at]gmail[dot]com

Elizabeth Ludwig said...

I am so glad you were encouraged by that Linnette!

Katy...I live in Texas, so like you, I would REALLY miss air conditioning...especially in July!!

Good luck to all of you!

Elizabeth Ludwig said...

Glad you like the Love Finds You books, Ariel! Good luck in the drawing.

Mystica said...

Electricity!

I follow you on GFC

Thanks for this giveaway

mystica123athotmaildotcom

karenk said...

would enjoy reading this novel...thanks for the chance :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

I would probably miss my computer. I'm not sure what I would do with out the internet and my computer... lol
Kim
lonebanana(at)msn(dot)com

Unknown said...

I am a follower of your blog! :)
Kim
lonebanana(at)msn(dot)com

Unknown said...

I am a follower of yours on Twitter
Kim
lonebanana(at)msn(dot)com

Unknown said...

I am a subscriber via your RSS feed
Kim
lonebanana(at)msn(dot)com

apple blossom said...

I would miss my computer and blogging

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

apple blossom said...

I'm a follower of google friend conncet
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

apple blossom said...

email subscriber

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Unknown said...

I've read severl Love Finds You books and have enjoyed them all. Since historical romance is my favorite, I'd really like to win this book.

Electricity covers many conveniences, but right now in SE Georgia in the summer, it would have to be AC.

I've just recently discovered your blog, and I'm enjoying it very much.

tgriffis31503(at)gmail(dot)com

Bluerose said...

Elizabeth, I LOVE your idea for Christmas presents!! That might just become a tradition in our house, too.

I was just thinking of the answer to this question this morning. I would miss my hot showers I think more than anything!!

bluerose_shelnut(at)yahoo(dot)com

Bluerose said...

I'm a follower.
bluerose_shelnut(at)yahoo(dot)com

Cindy W. said...

I would miss my computer and music CDs.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Cindy W. said...

I am a follower of your blog.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Cindy W. said...

I'm a subscriber through RSS feed.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Elizabeth Ludwig said...

Hey Teresa,

I'm glad you like historicals!! They were my favorite genre growing up. Good luck in the drawing.

Elizabeth Ludwig said...

Thanks, bluerose! I would love to see that tradition spread. My kids absolutely LOVE the way we do this. They're the envy of all their friends! LOL!

Jody said...

I would miss the selection of books available now. I know there were books but not nearly as many or the variety that there are now.

Thanks for the chance to win a copy of this wonderful book.

Jody

rodgerandjody(at)hotmail(dot)com

Jody said...

I'm also now a follower.

Jody

rodgerandjody(at)hotmail(dot)com

Vanessa said...

I'd miss air conditioning. I could live without lights, electric stove, and running water but I hate to be hot!

Vanessa said...

I am a follower of your blog.

Sandee61 said...

I would miss the convenience of electricity, and maybe no libraries available. I'd like to be added to your giveaway...Elizabeth's book looks really good! Thank you.

Sandee61 said...

Forgot my email...sorry!

Sandee61

Muzzley56[at]aol[dot]com

Ashley said...

I would miss my hot showers!!

hewella1 at gmail dot com

Deborah said...

i would miss the freedoms that women have in modern times. i really don't think that i would be able to survive in a world where women were still second class citizens and not considered equal

Edgy Inspirational Author said...

I would miss my cell phone. Wait, that would be the 1980s when we didn't have them. How about I would miss my PT Cruiser.

Steve Capell said...

I would miss all the health achivments that occured in the late 1800s and beyond. I am always reminded of Louis Pasteur vacine that wasnt produced untill 1885 for rabies. Before this time thousands of people were dying each year of rabies, Louis Pasteur, pioneer of immunology, was working on a vaccine. Just as he was about to begin experimenting on himself, a 9-year-old boy, Joseph Meister, was bitten by a rabid dog. The boy’s mother begged Pasteur to experiment on her son. Pasteur injected Joseph for ten days– and he lived. Decades later, of all the things Pasteur could have had etched on his headstone, he asked for three words: JOSEPH MEISTER LIVED. I think the thought of living in the 1800 also had a lot of risks. I am thankful to live now in here and now!

Thank you so much for hosting this giveaway.

steven(dot)capell(at)gmail(dot)com

Jo said...

I would definitely miss the internet

Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

Wendy said...

I love the Love Finds You series.
I am also a follower.
wsmarple/at/gmail/dot/com

Cindy said...

I would miss running water and bathrooms. Used an outhouse before and they aren't fun!

I am a RSS subscriber. Thanks for the chance to try and win the book!

clariail on PBS

Carole said...

I love a good romance and the plot of Calico really appeals to me. Interesting how a once booming town can become a ghost town.

As for the question, electricity would definitely be an excellent choice because almost everything we use depends on it. However, since I love to read, I'll be more specific and say a good light. I don't believe the lamps of the 1800s would do it for me!

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

Carole said...

Extra entry:

I follow this blog.

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

Carole said...

Extra entry:

I follow kingsdaughter24 on Tritter.

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

Carole said...

Extra entry:

I subscribe to this blog through RSS Feed.

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

Marjorie/cenya2 said...

I would really miss an indoor bathroom especially in the cold winters.

cenya2 at hotmail dot com

Marjorie/cenya2 said...

I follow by google reader.

cenya2 at hotmail dot com

Aimee said...

I would definitely miss easy access to so many wonderful books. I read a lot, and not having the ability to go out & get new books when I was done reading the "old" ones would drive me crazy!

gevin13{at}gmail{dot}com

Aimee said...

I tweeted
http://twitter.com/pixie13sweeps/status/17997667522

gevin13{at}gmail{dot}com

Anna Weaver Hurtt said...

I would definitely miss electricity! :)

writer_weaver at yahoo dot com

Tori said...

I would miss my washing machine
vrtheriot@gmail.com

Tori said...

I tweeted:
https://twitter.com/MommaTori82/status/18008235155
vrtheriot@gmail.com

Tori said...

I follow you on twitter - mommatori82
vrtheriot@gmail.com

Tori said...

I subscribed to the RSS feeder
vrtheriot@gmail.com

Ann Lee Miller said...

I'd miss air conditioning (in Arizona).
Ann
Ann_Lee_Miller@msn.com

Chantel said...

I would miss my iPod so much, I'm insanely attached to it.

cwilliams127 at gmail dot com

Chantel said...

Tweet: http://twitter.com/cityslicker127/status/18054608687

cwilliams127 at gmail dot com

Amanda said...

I would miss air conditioning the most!
winnieayala at yahoo dot com

Amanda said...

I follow on GFC
winnieayala at yahoo dot com

Amanda said...

I'm an rss subscriber!
winnieayala at yahoo dot com

holdenj said...

I think I would miss a fully stocked library and the ability of women to reach levels of higher education. (for the most part) Thanks for the chance to win.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I'm an rss subscriber.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

Nancye said...

If I lived in the 1800's I would miss my computer and iPod the most!

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

I follow you on Twitter
@NancyeDavis

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

Tweet! Tweet!
@NancyeDavis

http://twitter.com/NancyeDavis/status/18157557465

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

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