Thursday, July 1, 2010

Giveaway and Author Interview: Love Finds You in Calico, California

Today my guest is author, Elizabeth Ludwig.

Welcome to Writing for Christ! Thank you for being with us today. Tell us a little about yourself!


Thanks for having me!

My first novel, Where the Truth Lies, which I co-authored with Janelle Mowery, was released in spring of 2008 from Heartsong Presents: Mysteries, an imprint of Barbour Publishing. This was followed in 2009 by “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” part of a Christmas anthology collection called Christmas Homecoming, also from Barbour Publishing.

In 2010, my first full-length historical novel Love Finds You in Calico, California will be released from Summerside Press. Books two and three of my mystery series, Died in the Wool, and A Black Die Affair, respectively, are slated for release in 2011 from Barbour Publishing.

In 2008, I was named the IWA Writer of the Year for my work on Where the Truth Lies. I am the owner and editor of the popular literary blog, The Borrowed Book, and I’m an accomplished speaker and dramatist. I work fulltime, and currently live with my husband and two children in Texas.

(To learn more about Elizabeth and her work, visit her at http://www.elizabethludwig.com/ .)

1: How long did you write before you were published?

I finished my first novel in 2001. Like every other aspiring author, I sent my (VERY) rough manuscript out expecting every house I submitted to, to beg me for the right to publish my book. After all…I was an English major in college and I had read all the great works. Imagine my chagrin when every single publisher turned it down! LOL!

So, I started entering contests. I joined a critique group. I bought books on writing. All of this led me to understand how much I had to learn. Several years and manuscripts later, I sold my first novel to Susan Downs at Heartsong Presents: MYSTERIES!

I’ll never forget that day. Janelle (my co-author) called me at work to tell me she had just finished an Instant Message with Susan. She was interested in our cozy.

“How interested?” I asked.

“They want it.”

I’ve never heard more glorious words. LOL!

2: When you held that first book in your hands, what was your first thought?

This will probably sound weird, but I cried! I literally had to hold the book away from my body because I didn’t want to get tear stains all over it. It had been such a long struggle, with so many doubts along the way, I just couldn’t believe when I held my book that the words inside those pages were mine. I’ve kept the first copy of every book since…okay, there have only been three, but I hope to keep adding to that stack. ;-)

After the tears dried up, I spent a lot of time thanking God for the privilege of seeing my work in print. It’s an honor I don’t take lightly.

3: What are you working on now?

Well, currently, I’m drafting a historical series set around Ellis Island, and I’m working on a contemporary proposal about a retired football player who returns to his hometown and comes face-to-face with the demons of his past. Both of these books would require quite a bit of research, but I’m hoping the ideas will spark some attention.

4: Where can readers find out more about your books?

I have both a website and a blog, or I can be found on Facebook. Here are the addresses:

http://www.elizabethludwig.com/

http://www.theborrowedbook.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?ref=name&id=1663260840

5: What message(s) do you want to be clear to your readers?

I’ll use my current release Love Finds You in Calico, California as an example: From the onset, 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.

6: What are two things that people wouldn't normally know about you as a writer and or person?

Well, I guess that would be how much I love to read. When I was a young girl, around eight or nine, and I loved 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.

Thank you for being with us today. Any final words for readers?

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.

Readers to enter to win Elizabeth's book, PLEASE LEAVE AN EMAIL ADDRESS! If I draw your name and there is no email, YOU WILL NOT WIN!

For extra entries:
~Be a follower
~Be a subscriber
And a NEW one:
~Follow OR (not both for extra entries) subscribe to Operation Encourage an Author

Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org. I am not responsible for any lost or damaged items of said prize.

Thanks for coming by to enter!

Contest closes on July 17th.

116 comments:

  1. This book sounds like a great read!
    rbooth43(at) yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am a follower.

    rbooth43(at0yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am a subscriber and follower to Operation Encourage An Author.
    rbooth43(at)yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sounds great! Please enter me!

    lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm a follower.

    lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm also a subscriber.

    lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I absolutely LOVE the cover of this book!

    Thanks!
    mollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  8. I am a WforC follower!

    Thanks!
    mollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  9. I am a WforC subscriber!

    Thanks!
    mollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I am a OEA subscriber&follwer!

    Thanks!
    mollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Looks like an awesome book!
    Please enter me!

    Emreilly303@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm a follower!!

    Emreilly303@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'm a subscriber!

    Emreilly303@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. Would love to read this book!
    plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  15. Please enter me! I would love to win this book. i've never been dissapointed with a LFY book, yet. :) And the cover is GORGEOUS!

    booklovercb[at]yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. I love that cover! The book looks awesome! Please enter me!

    Blessings
    Michelle V
    michellevasquez[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  17. I subscribe to this blog.


    Blessings
    Michelle V
    michellevasquez[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  18. I follow this blog.


    Blessings
    Michelle V
    michellevasquez[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  19. I follow Operation Encourage An Author.


    Blessings
    Michelle V
    michellevasquez[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  20. What a great interview. I read historical novel many years ago and tried of them. You read one your read them all.Latly someone gave me one to read and it sparked my intrest again. I have continued reading them again and would love to win this one. The title is unique. Not forgettable. Thanks for the chance to WIN! ybutler@oppcatv.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. I follow on Google Friend Connect. Thanks ybutler@oppcatv.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. I follow on Operation Encourage an Author. Thanks for all the extra entries. ybutler@oppcatv.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. I love the Love Finds you books.
    Please enter me. Thanks
    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  24. I'm a follower of WfC
    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  25. subscriber of WfC
    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  26. I love the "Love Finds You" series!

    Thanks for the chance to win

    readingatthebeach(@)gmail(.)com

    ReplyDelete
  27. I'm a follower

    readingatthebeach(@)gmail(.)com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I'm a subscriber

    readingatthebeach(@)gmail(.)com

    ReplyDelete
  29. I'm subscribed to Operation Encourage an Author

    readingatthebeach(@)gmail(.)com

    ReplyDelete
  30. I put Love Finds You in Calico, CA on my wish list as soon as I read about it. I'm looking forward to the Ellis Island book also!
    worthy2bpraised[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I'm a follower of Operation Encourage An Author.
    worthy2bpraised[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I haven't gotten the chance to read a "Love Finds You" book yet, so please enter me. I love the cover of this one! Thanks!
    bluerose_shelnut(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  33. I'm a follower of WFC.
    bluerose_shelnut(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I'm a follower of OEAA.
    bluerose_shelnut(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  35. Id love a chance to win this book! Sounds great!

    legacy1992(at)gmail(dot)com

    Katie M

    ReplyDelete
  36. I am a follower!

    legacy1992(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  37. I am a subscriber to this blog!

    legacy1992(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  38. I follow Encourage an Author! :-)

    legacy1992(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  39. This sounds like a great book. Can't wait to read.

    Thanks for the opportunity to enter.

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  40. I follow via GFC

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  41. I am email subscriber

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  42. I'm an email subscriber! Also a follower.

    Blessings,
    Sandee61

    Muzzley56[at]aol[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  43. I haven't had the chance to read any of the "Love Finds You"....books, and this one would be a great one to start with! Please enter my name in your giveaway. Thank you. Really enjoyed the interview and excited to learn about another new-to-me author.

    Blessings,
    Sandee61

    Muzzley56[at]aol[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  44. This book sounds great! :)

    I am also a follower.

    pinkdaddysgirl[at]msn[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  45. please count me in...thanks :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  46. email subscriber :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  47. I can't wait to read this one!

    Thanks for entering me!
    Michelle
    scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

    ReplyDelete
  48. I'm a subscriber. Thanks!

    scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

    ReplyDelete
  49. I'm a follower! Thanks!

    scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

    ReplyDelete
  50. I am a follower of Operation Encourage and Author.

    Thanks!
    scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

    ReplyDelete
  51. I'm a follower and a subscriber!

    Western fictions are one of my favorites!

    Doreen
    priviesandprims at yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. Please enter me.....love the LFY books. Thanks!!!
    jackie.smithATdishmailDOTnet

    ReplyDelete
  53. Am e mail subscriber.
    jackie.smithATdishmailDOTnet

    ReplyDelete
  54. Sounds like a interesting book. Enter me.

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

    ReplyDelete
  55. I'm a follower

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

    ReplyDelete
  56. I"m a subscriber

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

    ReplyDelete
  57. Would love to win this book. Thanks for the chance.

    naburcaw@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  58. I am a follower.
    naburcaw@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  59. I subscribe via bloglines.

    naburcaw@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  60. I enjoyed reading about Elizabeth's success in being published and would love to read her LFY book. Both of the ideas she is working on - Ellis Island and retired football player - sound great. Best wishes as you write, Elizabeth.

    cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

    ReplyDelete
  61. I'm a follower.

    cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

    ReplyDelete
  62. I also subscribe to this blog.

    cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

    ReplyDelete
  63. And I subscribe to Operation Encourage an Author . . . a great idea, by the way!

    cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

    ReplyDelete
  64. Please enter me! I adore the LFY series. :)

    I subscribe.
    I follow this blog.

    booklovercb[at]yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  65. Please enter me! I am a follower.
    djkeoppel(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  66. Looks great. Carman sent me. shondaet@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  67. I'm a follower. shondaet@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  68. This book looks so fun! I am currently a follower. :) Thank you for giving away so many wonderful books!
    Stephanie
    lightlifelove@live.com

    ReplyDelete
  69. This book sounds good. I'm planning to put it on the public library request list.

    nina4sm[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  70. Please enter me! the book looks really good!
    Carman sent me.

    dymesich(at)juno(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  71. I would so love this book. As a native Californian (transplanted to Indianaa 9 years ago) you would think I would have gone to Calico at some point in my life but sad to say my family never wanted to get off the highway to venture out to a ghost town. Sad. I always wanted to go. Maybe through the pages of this book I can finally visit Calico! Would love to win it!

    Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  72. I am a GFC follower.

    Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  73. I am a subscriber.

    Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  74. I am an email subscriber & follower of Encourage an Author.

    Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  75. Nice interview! Sounds like a great book. Can't wait to read it. Plz enter me.
    randomness.is.awesome@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  76. Sounds like an awesome book!!!!


    Amy
    artsyrockerchick at aim dot com

    ReplyDelete
  77. Oooh, please enter me! The "Love Finds You" series is great, and I adore the cover on this one. ;)

    Thanks!

    I'm a follower. :)

    ~Amber

    stokes[dot]a[at]suddenlink[dot]net

    ReplyDelete
  78. I would love to read this! Please enter me :)

    ksmiley2[at]kent[dot]edu

    ReplyDelete
  79. Oooh, please enter me for this!

    srfbluemama[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  80. I follow Operation Encourage an Author

    srfbluemama[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  81. I've been enjoying reading the Love Finds You books. Please enter me in the drawing.

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

    ReplyDelete
  82. What a pleasure reading your interview, Elizabeth. The cover art on "Love Finds You in Calico, California" really grabs my attention. There is just something about the women in a blue dress, red cowboy boots with a gun strapped on - looking like she is going somewhere with a purpose, that makes me want to read the book right now to find out what is happening! I like the premise of the two ideas you talked about (series around Ellis Island & retired football player), both sound like they would be good reads.

    Blessings to you both~

    Beverly

    ReplyDelete
  83. I would love to read this book. I have never been to Calico but have driven by numerous times.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  84. I found your review to be intriguing and one that I would take pleasure in reading.

    Thank you so much for hosting this giveaway.

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

    ReplyDelete
  85. Sounds like a fun read.

    I'm a subscriber.

    julesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  86. Elizabeth, I met you at an ACFW conference a couple years ago. I'd love to read one of your books!
    Ann
    Ann_Lee_Miller@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  87. Please count me in

    estherym[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  88. I am a subscriber.

    estherym[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  89. I am also a follower of your blog

    estherym[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  90. I also follow Operation Encourage an Author

    estherym[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  91. Wow! 94 comments...you guys have been busy over here!

    Thank you all so much for your kind comments and for your interest in Love Finds You in Calico, California. Good luck to you all in the drawing!

    ReplyDelete
  92. Carmen and Molly...I'm glad you like the cover. Summerside does a fantastic job with them, and I've never seen one that didn't look just gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  93. grannyvon, I'm glad you're back to reading historicals! I hope Love Finds You in Calico, California doesn't disappoint!

    ReplyDelete
  94. Thanks, Merry!! Good luck in the drawing.

    ReplyDelete
  95. Hi, Ann Lee!! Nice meeting up with you again (even if it's in cyberspace). Thanks for stopping by.

    And Kameko, I'm so glad you like the cover. I'm beyong blessed to work with a publisher who takes such pride in their books!

    ReplyDelete
  96. Carman sent me!

    Please enter me in this giveaway - Thanks!

    seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  97. I am a follower

    seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  98. I follow Operation Encourage an Author.

    seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  99. Please enter me - thanks!!
    winnieayala at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  100. I follow Operation Encourage an Author!
    winnieayala at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  101. I would love to win this book. Thank You!!

    alekee02 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  102. I would love to read this! oh by the way; Carmen-http://www.christianbookgiveaways.blogspot.com/- sent me!

    ReplyDelete
  103. And I'm a follower!
    -Kait
    knownasjane@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  104. Sorry to say that I've not read any works of yours, Elizabeth. After seeing your book, and reading your interview, I certainly want to read your writings. Thanks, Casey, for the opportunity to win this book.

    Grace & Joy,
    Barb Shelton
    barbjan10@tx.rr.com

    ReplyDelete
  105. I'm a follower and a subscriber, I am happy to have another chance to win Elizabeth's book. Thanks.

    Blessings,
    Barb Shelton
    barbjan10@tx.rr.com

    ReplyDelete
  106. Please add me to the drawing! This book looks amazing, and I would love to win!!
    I am a subscriber to this blog and to Operation Encourage an Author as well. Thanks for the Chance to win!!:)
    Lindsey
    lindseypa89(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  107. hi,
    This book sounds very interesting. Please enter me.
    Blessings,
    Trinity Rose

    wandaelaine at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  108. I'm a follower
    Trinity Rose

    wandaelaine at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  109. I subscribe to your RSS feed.
    Trinity Rose

    wandaelaine at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  110. I follow Operation Encourage an Author
    Trinity Rose

    wandaelaine at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  111. I am a follower.
    dymesich(at)juno(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  112. This book sounds wonderful! Thanks for the chance.

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  113. follower

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  114. email subscriber

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  115. I am a follower at Operation Encourage An Author

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for stopping by, I love to hear from those who traffic my blog! Have a wonderful day. :)