Elizabeth Ludwig

Q: Let me start with asking you to tell us a little bit about yourself.
A. Let’s see…what would I want written as an epitaph…I’m fun-loving, quirky, I have a good-sense of humor…and, oh yeah, I’m married to the most WONDERFUL man in the world! (I promised him I’d say that in every interview from now on.)

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
A. Honestly, I didn’t know I wanted to write until I was in my thirties. Before that, I just wanted to read! I didn’t get in trouble for pulling normal pranks as a kid…I got in trouble for staying up too late on school nights reading. LOL! I know…queen of the geeks.

Q: Could you give us the highlights of your professional writing career including how you got your first writing break?
A. I spent a lot of time and money sending out proposals long before I was ready. It wasn’t until I contacted Natasha Kern, of Natasha Kern Literary Agency, hoping to land representation that anyone took the time to point out some major weakness in my writing. After that I really focused on honing my writing skills. I attended conferences and workshops, I joined several critique groups (in addition to the one I was in) and I shelled out cash to enter contests instead of mailing proposals. It was at an ACFW Conference in 2005 that I met Susan Downs, who later became the acquisitions editor for Heartsong Presents: MYSTERIES! She bought my first book, Where the Truth Lies, which I co-authored with Janelle Mowery. I’d say that conference fee was money well spent. ?

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release?
A: INN PLAIN SIGHT is book three in the Massachusetts Mayhem Series. I loved writing this book, because in it, two of the main characters, Luke and Casey, finally wind up getting married. Who doesn’t love a good wedding? Plus, I felt like the reader (and the authors) got to say goodbye to some really fun characters.

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for INN PLAIN SIGHT?
A: It all started with Cain and Abel…LOL! Seriously, Janelle and I were brainstorming story ideas when we came up with the plot for book one of this series, Where the Truth Lies. From there, it was a lot like hanging on for the ride with Luke and Casey.

Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?
A: Faith and trust are two of the major issues for the characters in this book. It’s my hope that when readers turn the last page on Luke and Casey’s saga, they find a deeper love for the One who created them.

Q: What is your favorite scene/chapter from the book?
A: There is a really funny scene in Chapter 15 where Monah (Casey’s friend and co-sleuth) nearly sets the house on fire. I’m going to paste a couple of lines for you here:

Monah handed the bottle across the table, hitting the candle centerpiece in her haste. Hot wax spattered onto her hand. She gasped and jerked her hand back, the move sending the candle skittering across the table.
“Oh, oh!” Monah cried, scrambling to catch the rolling candle. Rather than making the flame go out, all the movement set the lace tablecloth on fire. She fanned frantically then drew a huge breath.
“Monah, don’t—” It was all Luke got out. She blew like a tsunami, igniting a shower of sparks that immediately lit the gauze hanging from the chandelier.

Okay, I can see why some would wonder why that’s funny. I guess you’d have to know Monah, and how klutzy she is to appreciate the humor. LOL!

Q: What inspires you to write?
A. God gave me a talent, I absolutely believe that. The problem was, I didn’t know what to do with that talent until I was almost thirty years old! I caught myself day-dreaming in church one morning and realized as the congregation bowed to pray that I hadn’t heard a word of the sermon. It was at that moment that I began seeking God for an answer to ridding myself of the stories spinning inside my head. Instead of getting rid of them, He said, “Write them down!”

I’ve been writing ever since.

Q: How has being a published novelist differed from your expectations of the profession?
A: Oh, it’s so much more than just writing! There’s marketing, and research, and blogging, and networking…I could go on and on. Writing is not for the faint of heart, and it’s not for everyone. You can usually spot the writers who will end up getting published. They’re the ones who get hit the hardest, yet manage to drag themselves up and keep going. I think that’s God’s way of preparing you for what lies ahead…reviews! (Shudder)

Q: What advice or tips do you have for writers who are just getting started?
A: Join a critique group! Enter contests! Attend conferences! Okay, enough with the exclamation points. Seriously, though, learn the craft before you spend the money getting rejections.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?
A. I am SO excited to be working on a Historical Romantic/Suspense series for Bethany House called Coming to America. The stories are all about three Irish women struggling to find their way in a strange land, but who are also facing some sort of danger. The first book, tentatively titled A Distant Shore, will release in 2012. Books two and three come out in 2013 and 2014.

Q: What is something your readers might be surprised to learn about you?
A. I am a huge football fan (GO STEELERS!!!). Don’t call me on Sunday afternoon when Pittsburgh is playing. I won’t answer.

Q: When you’re not writing what do you like to do?
A. I still love to read when I can, but I also love spending time with my family. We go skiing every year in Colorado, and when possible, we take little weekend jaunts just to get away. It’s getting harder to make everyone’s schedule match as my children get older, however. I am SO not ready to be an empty-nester!

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?
A. Along with S. Dionne Moore, Sandra Robbins, and Amber Stokes, I run a great blog called The Borrowed Book. It’s all about helping readers and writers connect! Stop by and visit us at www.theborrowedbook.blogspot.com. While you’re there, enter our weekly drawing. I’d love to send you a free book. ?