Friday, April 08, 2011

Elizabeth Goddard is giving away a free book!

Hi Bloggers, I have a special guest today. Beth Goddard is a fantastic writer and I'm really excited she decided to stop by today. I hope you'll read about her and leave a comment to be entered in the drawing for her latest book, THE CAMERA NEVER LIES. I know you don't want to miss this opportunity!


Elizabeth Goddard is a 7th generation Texan who grew up in a small oil town in East Texas. Surrounded by Christian family and friends, coupled with her love of reading, writing Christian fiction seemed like a natural outcome. Elizabeth attended the University of North Texas where she received her degree in computer science. She spent the next seven years working in high-level sales for a software company located in Dallas, and traveling throughout the United States and Canada. At 25, she finally met the man of
her dreams and married him a few weeks later. When she had her first child, she moved back to East Texas with her husband and daughter and worked for a pharmaceutical company. But then, more children came along and it was time to focus on family. Elizabeth loves that she gets to do her favorite things every day-read, write novels, and stay at home with her four beautiful
children and wonderful husband.

1.Plug Time: Tell us about your latest book and/or share with us the back cover blurb.
Back Cover Blurb: Photographer extraordinaire, Polly Perkins, runs her business in a small town on the Oregon coast. Though it is her primary source of income, there are limits to how many mismatched jackets, earrings and shoes she can take. Still, people fascinate her—their smiles might brighten with the flash of the camera, but their eyes never lie. When Polly is hired to photograph a wedding at Caldera National Park, she captures a murder victim instead. Will her uncanny ability to read emotions through a camera lens help her prevent another murder—and find romance for herself?


2.What do you hope readers take away from the book and think about long after they've finished the story?

That’s an interesting question because I didn’t write the story with a take-away in mind, but there are several spiritual nuggets. The one that stayed with me after the book, and I hope others will pick up on it, is more a question. Have you ever in the darkest corner of your heart wished ill-will upon someone? Polly has to face the music when her ill-will comes to pass, but not by her hands, then she wonders if she is still guilty. Of course, this all has to do with forgiveness, but what if it’s only a crime of the heart?

3. Are there any particular spiritual themes you like to write about?


Years ago when I began crafting stories (none of those I submitted for publication) I wanted my themes to center around treasures in heaven, and putting emphasis on what is really important in life. Now, looking at the books that have been published, they all have something in common—my characters are looking for purpose and direction, something they can only find through a relationship with God.

4. How did you learn to write? Did you have a mentor? Do you have a specific way that you write? For example, are you a plotter or a pantser? Do you use a spreadsheet? Storyboarding? Or do you just sit down and start writing?

I have to credit the critique group I joined in 2001 when I joined ACFW. I read voraciously, but I didn’t have a clue how to write a novel. Joining the group, I had to send in a chapter a week and through that process, I learned the craft, along with books and attending conferences. But that got me started. Because I started out by writing for Heartsong Presents, and they require a chapter synopsis, I learned early on to plot out my story. Now, I find that to be an invaluable tool so I’m not staring at the page wondering where the story is going. Of course, it’s a loose outline, because I’ll often change things around, or add a different element, but for the most part the story follows the synopsis. I’ve purchased several programs, including Scrivener, and the Snowflake, thinking these could help make my lfie easier. But I haven’t found the time to go through the learning curve, plus I’m not sure changing the system that works for me is a good thing in the middle of deadlines!


5. What are your goals for the future when it comes to your writing career? Where do you see yourself in five years?

I love writing category romance and I hope to always write for Heartsong and Love Inspired Suspense, but in addition to writing those, I’d love to add bigger books. I enjoy the fast pace of romantic suspense so I would hope in five years, I could be writing category and romantic suspense.


6. Is there a particular Scripture verse that’s made a big difference for you?

Psalm 45:1 My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. This is the verse the Lord continued to bring to me repeatedly during those years he was calling me to write. This verse speaks to my heart and says that my voice can be heard through writing.


7. How can readers find you online? (i.e. website, facebook, twitter, etc.)

Please stop by my website and join my newsletter at www.elizabethgoddard.com and follow me daily at my facebook author page, www.facebook.com/elizabethgoddardauthor and twitter, twitter.com/bethgoddard


8. Anything else you’d like to share?

The Camera Never Lies released in December 2010, as well as Praying for Rayne. In October 2011, I have two books releasing. Under the Redwood Tree (Heartsong Presents) and Freezing Point (Love Inspired Suspense)




Thanks for having me Lynette!

Thanks for being here, Beth. Winner will be announced one week from today, so check back to see if you won. God Bless and happy reading!

17 comments:

Sheri Salatin said...

This book sounds awesome! Thank you for sharing. I would love to be entered into the drawing.

sheri.salatin(at)gmail(dot)com and of course I'll be checking back.

I have been really enjoying your blog, Lynette. Keep up the great writing!

Courtney said...

Sounds like a really interesting book! Great interview! I would like to be entered in the drawing for this book! Thanks!

kcmelone/at/yahoo/dot/com

CarlybirdH said...

I would love to win a copy of this book. Thank you!
carlyberd[at]yahoo[dot]com

Carmen said...

Because of my background as a legal assistant, I am HIGHLY interested in The Camera Never Lies! Please add me into the giveaway.

Thanks.

desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for sharing! It is always very interesting to get the "inside scoop" from the authors. I would love to be entered in the drawing.
sallyphyllis@hotmail.com

Thanks!
Tory

Giveaway Lady said...

I would love to be entered in this giveaway! Her book, The Camera Never Lies, sounds really good and I love a mystery:) Thanks!

esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

I would love to receive a copy of The Camera Never Lies, I love these Christian suspense novels.

cathylcraft@gmail.com

Jordan said...

Wow, this looks great! I would love a chance to win!

lizzielaura17(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anne Payne said...

Very informative interview. Love the Scripture verse you picked! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of your book.

homesteading[at]charter[dot]net

Beth Goddard said...

Thanks for stopping by, everyone! And thanks for having me, Lynette. :)

Beth

Unknown said...

A book about a photographer? I gotta read that! Please enter my name in the drawing...

Lynette Eason said...

You're welcome, Beth. And Rebecca, if you're the Becky I'm thinking you are, then I thought of you when I saw this book!!

Jo said...

This book sounds great. Definitely one that I want to read. Please enter me.

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

Ann Lee Miller said...

I'd love to win. :)
Ann_Lee_Miller@msn.com

Vie said...

Lynette--love your blog, and enjoyed the interview with Elizabeth Goddard.

Merry said...

The Camera Never Lies sounds like a great mystery. I love the photography angle, please include me!
worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com