Chat with author Elizabeth Goddard with Book Giveaway!

Congratulations to Warnken Wanderings who won a copy of Debbie's Seeds of Summer! And because you can never get enough great books, I'd like to introduce you to another close friend of mine and her latest release, Exposing Amber.

Elizabeth Goddard is a 7th generation Texan who lives in East Texas with her husband and four children. She and her family recently spent five years in Oregon, which serves as the setting for several of her novels, but in 2010 they returned to Texas to live near family again. Elizabeth is the author of seven novels and novellas, including Praying for Rayne and The Camera Never Lies, releasing December 2010.

First, the blurb for Exposing Amber.


This historian loves the past…unless it’s his own. Brandon Selman is struggling to reestablish his position and reputation as a competent museum director. Hampered by scandal from his last post, he is determined to stay on the straight and narrow. He especially will not allow himself to be taken in by any innocent-looking college student interns.

Amber McKinsey is excited to learn she’s been accepted as a summer intern for the Harrington museum. Working under Dr. Selman is just the opportunity she needs to determine the direction her future studies should take. But the reality is not the dream, and her own secrets threaten to undo her.

Then, a valuable artifact disappears and Amber is the likely suspect. How can Amber leave the shadows of the past behind when they follow her so closely? And could Brandon have misjudged a woman so badly again? Will either of them learn to trust or forgive before it’s too late?

LISA: I'm so glad to have you on my blog, Beth! Tell us some of the background behind the idea for Exposing Amber.

BETH: One of the great things about being a writer is that all those things we’d love to do or have an interest in, we can explore and throw ourselves into that world—at least fictionally speaking. I love science, especially creation science and the kids love dinosaurs. I came across a museum that is connected with a fossil dig—something I’ve always wanted to do. The setting seemed perfect for a story.

LISA: Since this is book two in your latest Heartsong series, can you give us a brief peek into the rest of the series?

BETH: Book one, Disarming Andi, is set on a decommissioned missile launch control facility, and book three, Praying for Rayne is set at a fountain design company. Think of the fountains you’ve seen at Epcot. It’s amazing the science and engineering that goes into creating these amazing creations!

LISA: I find in my own writing that I often grow alongside my characters. Is there a character who you relate to from the book and who made an impact on your life?

BETH: For some reason, I find myself relating more to the hero in the story, rather than the heroine. In all my stories the characters have to learn to trust God’s plan for their life—that’s something that is a continual struggle.

LISA: Tell us a bit about the research you had to do for this story?

BETH: I already mentioned that I love science but I don’t claim to be an expert. I was able to talk with a paleontologist who conducts fossil digs. Walter Stein at Paleoadventures was generous with information, giving me wonderful details. Sometimes a contact won’t be the type of person who can give you what you need as a writer. But Walter is a writer, too, so I’m sure that helped. Also, I went behind the scenes of a museum. The staff showed me around and answered all my questions, even giving me new ideas for my story. In fact, one such idea I added mid-way through the writing. But it was too good to pass up.

LISA: What is the number one thing you’ve learned from your writing journey?

BETH: I blogged about this over at Seriously Write a couple of weeks ago—to take time to live your life, focus on your family and others. Don’t be consumed by the writing—it’s very easy to do.

LISA: You have a cozy mystery getting ready to release with Barbour as well. Can you tell us a bit about that story too?


BETH: Oh thank you for asking! The Camera Never Lies is about a photographer who learns that her ability to read emotions through the lens of her camera can also be used to discover a killer. It’s a bit quirky and I immensely enjoyed writing this story because I was able to insert my own strange sense of humor. The risk is that not everyone will get the humor. But I’m a risk taker—what can I say?

LISA: Because I know there are many aspiring writers out there, can you share any tidbits of wisdom on getting published?

BETH: One of the most important things is attending a conference and networking, getting to know people. It will all the difference in the world.

LISA: Anything else you’d like to share?

BETH: Yes. I want to thank the Lord for His great favor.

Thanks so much for stopping by, Beth! You can learn more about Beth's books here. AND Beth has agreed to give away a copy of Exposing Amber to a Stateside address. Please leave a comment on this post with a way for me to contact you!

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