Elizabeth Goddard Interview

Q: How long have you been writing and what other careers or jobs have you had? 

A. I’ve been writing on and off for decades, but didn’t start writing for publication until 2001. My first novel was published in December 2007. I have a computer science degree from the eighties—that’s right, useless—and worked in the software industry for about seven years. Then I spent some time in pharmaceuticals, but I’ve always loved the written word, and even while working in software, wrote proposals and marketing literature.

Q: Do you write in only one genre and if so which one and why? If not, which ones and why?

A: I’ve written a cozy mystery (really a romantic cozy mystery), and romances and romantic suspense. Sometimes it takes a few books before you decide where you want to focus your efforts, and I’m definitely wanting to focus on romantic suspense. I think my readers want that from me as well.

Q: How does your faith play into your writing? 

A. I love having God work in each of my character’s lives in a big way, the same as He works in my life. Sometimes that “working” is stronger than at other times, in my stories, and in my life. J

Q: How do you choose your settings for your books?

A. Oh, the setting chooses me! I don’t even have to think twice about this.

Q: Do you base your characters on people you know or are they totally made up?

A: Funny question. I might have a few death threats if I did that. Of course, they’re made up, but it’s only natural to build your life experiences with people into your characters.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release Wilderness Peril? 

A: Wilderness Peril is the sequel to Treacherous Skies and Riptide—my “Learjet Repo Man” stories. Shay and Rick go to Alaska to find Rick’s missing brother who was supposed to return with a small repossessed plane, but he called for a mechanic and Shay is it. Instead of finding Rick’s brother they end up captured and held at a gold mining camp. Each character comes to the story with a lot of baggage and that all plays out when the pressure hits.

From the back cover –

ON THIN ICE 

Run off the road and left for dead, Shay Ridiker’s only hope for surviving the frozen claws of the wilderness is pilot Rick Savage. The beautiful airplane mechanic came to Alaska expecting a routine repo, but a missing coworker and a crippled plane are just the tip of the iceberg. Now held captive by ruthless killers at a derelict gold mine, Shay needs Rick’s protection more than ever. But Rick has shadows that follow him into the land of the midnight sun. With gunmen at their backs, can he be all Shay needs—a haven…and a hero?

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for Wilderness Peril?

A: The initial series idea started from an article I read about an actual “Learjet repo man.” He has a big operation that goes into seriously dangerous places to retrieve luxury items like yachts (Riptide) or Learjets or big jumbo jets. One such story he repossessed a jumbo jet from the leader of Congo, and he’s wanted dead or alive in some countries! I thought that would be a fun suspense series. As for Wilderness Peril, I read about a man who went to Alaska to retrieve a plane and never returned. He was found dead when the snow melted. So, I just started asking, “What if. . .”

Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

A: While I was writing the ending, there was a song that kept coming to mind—Overcome by Jeremy Camp.  You know the one? And it just gripped me because yes, this is the message I want to get out in this story. My characters had a lot to overcome, both externally in their environment, and inside—all the baggage they carried around. That’s the message for you—the reader. You can overcome, too—with God’s help.

Q: Tell us what you like about the main characters of this book.

A: Well, in a romance, there are two main characters of course, but for some reason, I always gravitate toward the hero. I love how Rick Savage tried to be a real hero in the Middle East during his service, but instead his failure follows him home and it tortures him in a way that he’s not a safe person to be around. But he keeps trying and never gives up, and he’s willing to give his life, if that’s what it takes to be a hero. I think he’s one of my favorites so far.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?  

A. I’m writing two novellas for a Christmas collection—A Grand Teton Sleigh Ride—due out next September. And I’m about to start on a new mountain rescue series set in Alaska. The first book is tentatively titled AVALANCHE. What does that tell you? I’m VERY excited about this new series.

Q: If money were no object what vacation would you like to take and why?  

A. Oh, I’d take a long Alaskan cruise because I love the beauty and grandeur of mountains, and then I’d go to Scotland because well, who doesn’t want to go to Scotland, and then I’d head to Africa to visit my good friend, Lisa Harris, in Mozambique!

Q: What is the silliest thing you have ever done?  

A. Who me? I don’t do silly things, even though they keep telling me I’m a blond.

Q: What is the hardest thing you have ever done? 

A. Write novel after novel after novel while home schooling my children. J

Q: Where can readers find you on the internet? 

A. Well, I have a gorgeous new website at http://elizabethgoddard.com where you can find all my connection points and my blog. I’d love to connect with readers on my author Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethGoddardAuthor, Suspense Sisters: http://suspensesisters.blogspot.com and Christians Read: http://christiansread.wordpress.com

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?  

A.  I’m currently building my street team! If you enjoy my books and think you’re interested, please contact me via Facebook or on my website form! I’d love to hear from you. Thank you for having me.