Welcome back to
Writing for Christ Elizabeth Goddard, I am excited to have you here for a
second time. :)
What has
changed in your writing life since you were last here?
Well,
thankfully things haven’t slowed down in the least—I’m writing more books and
faster than ever. In the fall of
2012 I contracted for three books with Heartsong Presents now under Harlequin,
and two more books with Love Inspired Suspense (also a Harlequin imprint)—the
sequels to TREACHEROUS SKIES—to release in 2013. So I’m busier than ever doing what I love. Life doesn’t get better
than that. On a more personal note, since I was last here on the blog, I moved
from my home-state of Texas to central Louisiana. Believe me, the people and
the landscape inspire many stories.
What recent
read stood out to you as truly spectacular?
Mother of Pearl by Kellie
Gilbert is a gripping story. Definitely a must-read by a new and rising star in
the Christian publishing world.
Do you have
favorite authors?
We’re
so fortunate to have such a large selection of Christian fiction that I
sometimes struggle to decide on favorites.
I’ve already mentioned Kellie Gilbert, and I look forward to reading more
of her work. Lisa Harris is a stellar writer and I can’t wait to read her
newest romantic suspense series releasing with Revell in 2013. Lynn Gentry’s is
also an amazing writer with Tyndale. Some other favorites are Tamera Alexander
and Tracy Higley—I read every book they write.
What do you
find the most enjoyable part of writing?
The
most enjoyable part of writing for me is the excitement that comes when a new
story idea begins to click—I’m talking inside my head before the actual
plotting or writing. We writers have to let the idea simmer for a while. The
hard part is getting what’s in your head on paper and it doesn’t always work
out like you want.
What do you
find the most ideal atmosphere for writing? Do you ever get those surroundings? :)
I’m not one of those people who can go to
Starbucks or an internet café and write. Maybe if I tried it a few times I would get
comfortable with that environment but I’m too conscious of what is going on
around me. The perfect environment for me—the place where I can become
completely immersed in the story—is a quiet office with no distractions. I can
write fast that way, and I’m more aware of the nuances of the story. In our new
home in Louisiana, I have my own office where I can go when I need to focus and
accomplish a lot. But before we moved, I was stuck in the middle of the chaos.
I’ve discovered as I get older that it’s much harder to write with my kids
frolicking around me.
Okay, something
fun for those writers out there: In what point of your writing career did you
surprise yourself by writing the most words ever in the shortest amount of
time?
Ha!
That one’s easy enough. The answer is at the beginning of my career. When Tracy
Peterson requested my full manuscript for Seasons
of Love, I hadn’t written a single word. I’d only submitted a short
synopsis. I didn’t want the opportunity to pass me by so I got busy and wrote
the book in a month. I hit 13K on my best day. But those writing days are
behind me—the best day I’ve had in recent years is 8k and that was a few weeks
ago. Normally I’m doing well to write a thousand words or maybe two in a day.
Thanks for
being here again! It has been a joy and we wish the very best with your novels.
Readers, here is your chance 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.
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 for said prize.
Thanks for coming by to enter! Contest ends on January 18th
Attn Readers! If you're struggling to leave a comment on my blog, please email your comment entries (in ONE email) and I will submit it for you. But PLEASE only do this after you've failed to leave a comment. My email is: caseym.writer(@)gmail.com
13k in one day! That's spectacular. :) Great interview!
ReplyDeleteBeth, I'm like you, I need quiet to write and to get into the zone. I'm glad you have an office where you're living now. The days I write the most are when my deadlines are approaching and the book isn't finished. Deadlines are amazing motivators, huh? Congratulations on all your contracts.
ReplyDeleteAnd Casey, I'm a follower.
Vickie
fictionfan1 [at] cox [dot] net
I would love to read this book. It sounds really good. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com
ReplyDeleteThanks for the interview, Casey and Elizabeth!
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower and subscriber.
andrearenee2004@yahoo.com
I enjoyed reading your interview. Email address for the win. DDowning@gmail.com. Thank you for writing books that give god the glory.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you.
Thank you for the interview and for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteHaving family in Louisiana I know what you mean about ideas for stories popping up from all kinds of places around you.
Shirley
beekeeper5(at)bellsouth(dot)net
I am a follower and a subscriber
Loved the interview.
ReplyDeletegrandmomma@yahoo.com
I already a follower and a subscriber.
Hi Elizabeth.
ReplyDeleteThank you for giving me a chance to win your book. I am glad that you moved from Texas, to Louisiana, so you could have a office so you could write your books. Great interview. God bless you.
Norma S. n38stanforth(at)gmail(dot)com from Ohio
Wow! I am impressed with how much you are able to write. I would have trouble writing that much. This new book looks amazing. I would love to read it. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteagent_beckster(at)yahoo(dot)com
Another great book to read! Please enter me. Already a GFC follower and email subscriber.
ReplyDeleteandrea2russia@hotmail.com
What a great interview and I am looking forward to reading your books. Thanks for the opportunity!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jo
azladijo(at)aol(dot)com
I'm a subscriber!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jo
azladijo(at)aol(dot)com
I'm a follower!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jo
azladijo(at)aol(dot)com
Sounds like a great suspense story!
ReplyDeletepbclark(at)netins(dot)net
I am a follower.
ReplyDeletepbclark(at)netins(dot)net
I love suspense stories...not horror . . .too scary. i would love to win Elizabeth's book. mimary_vee@yahoo.com Oh, yes, I am definitely a follower:)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the interview! Treacherous Skies sounds like a suspenseful read!
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower and a subscriber (Cheryl Hart / nicnac63 AT gmail DOT com)
Enjoyed the interview, Elizabeth! Please enter me in this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteaizess@christianbookreviewblog.com
I am a follower.
ReplyDeleteaizess@christianbookreviewblog.com
Nice interview.
ReplyDeleteI follow via email.
bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
I love reading suspense novels. This sounds like a great read.
ReplyDeletemaypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
I am an e mail subscriber
ReplyDeletemarypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com