Christmas Interview ~ Elizabeth Ludwig

Elizabeth Ludwig’s first novel, Where the Truth Lies, which she 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, her first full-length historical novel Love Finds You in Calico, California was released from Summerside Press. Books two and three of Elizabeth’s mystery series, Died in the Wool, and Inn Plain Sight, respectively, are slated for release in 2011 from Barbour Publishing.

In 2008, Elizabeth was named the IWA Writer of the Year for her work on Where the Truth Lies. She is the owner and editor of the popular literary blog, The Borrowed Book, and she is an accomplished speaker and dramatist, having performed before audiences of 1500 and more. She works full time, and currently lives with her husband and two children in Texas.

To learn more about Elizabeth and her work, visit her at www.elizabethludwig.com.

We’re focusing on Christmas all this month! What do you most associate with Christmas where you live?

Christmas is a special time for me and my family. It’s always been our favorite time of year. The past few years, however, have been quite different from my experience growing up. Since moving to Texas, we’ve traded snow days for hurricanes and Yule logs for bon fires held outdoors. Still, I’d have to say the one thing that hasn’t changed is the annual Christmas parade and lighting of the Christmas tree downtown.

I love to go riding in the car late at night just to see the lights. My family and I pack up a thermos of hot chocolate (even if the weather is eighty degrees outside) and head out into the neighborhood to find the best lighting display of the season.

Do you have any special family traditions you do at Christmas time?
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Several years ago, my husband and I started a tradition with our kids that has become one of our favorite things about Christmas. We noticed that after weeks of anticipation, Christmas morning came and went in a mad rush of shredded paper and gifts swiftly examined and tossed aside.

To avoid this, we begin opening presents the week before Christmas. . .one gift per day, for the seven days leading up to Christmas morning. Instead of ripping open a present and tossing it aside, our kids savor each gift, and share it with their friends.

One year, my daughter wore a sweater she had received to go Christmas shopping. Later that night, we sat down as a family to enjoy a video that my son received. It’s our way of extending the joy of gift-giving, but also teaching our children to appreciate the the giver!

Do you have a favorite Christmas Carol and if so do you know why?

I love everything about the holidays, especially the music. Every year, our church puts on a cantata, but one song in particular stands out in my mind. It’s called Joseph’s Song, and it focuses on the unique position that Joseph found himself in as father to the Son of God. What a job! It’s a beautiful message, and a precious reminder that sometimes, God calls us to impossible circumstances, yet His plan is always perfect.

If you could spend Christmas anyway you could how would you celebrate?

No doubt…I would have all of family and extended family gathered about in a warm winter cabin with a gentle snow falling outside. Special guests would be those beloved family members who’ve gone on to be with the Father. I would really love to spend Christmas with them.

Do you have any special memories of Christmas?

Too many to count! LOL! How do I narrow down a lifetime of Christmases to a few I call special? Every year has had its particular moments, but all of them have been a celebration of the coming of my Savior.

I was reminded of that a few years ago when my mother-in-law passed away from cancer. Driving home to Texas after the funeral, I was listening to the CD of our church’s Christmas musical and thinking there was no way I wanted to participate that year, when my heart was so heavy. But then, a song called Joy, Joy came on, and I realized that Jesus had indeed come to bring joy. . .even in the very worst moments of despair.

I must have been a sight, I tell you, singing at the top of my lungs, the windows rolled down and tears streaming down my face, “Jesus has come to bring joy!”

What is a typical Christmas eve and or Christmas day for you.

Christmas Eve is so much fun. We leave the Christmas tree lit all day and a candle burning in the fireplace at night. Then, early in the morning, we get the kids up, open presents, cook a big breakfast, and settle in for some football. After that, it’s eat, sleep, eat, go to the movies, eat…you get the idea.

Do you have any Christmas movies or Christmas books you like to see or read each year?

There are a handful of movies I watch every year, no matter what. A Christmas Carol (the George C. Scott version), and It’s A Wonderful Life with James Stewart. I also like While You Were Sleeping because it makes me laugh, and A Charlie Brown Christmas. LOL! Bet I surprised you with that last one, huh? Still, it’s just not Christmas until Linus gives his famous speech.

Tell us a little about your book:

Soar to new heights in this inspirational Christmas romance collection where four females encounter love amid the Colorado Rockies. A widowed grandmother, Carol Scheirer, is filled with angst, unsure that her family will accept the new man in her life. Wedding planner Noelle Evans wonders if the guy who once jilted her deserves a second chance. Old letters put writer Christmas Scheirer at odds with the guardian of her grandfather s estate. Missionary Holly Rivers finds she still has feelings for the man she left behind. Will mistletoe missives result in more than one Boulder bride?

Where did you get the idea for Christmas Homecoming?

Brainstorming with such a talented group of writers is a wonderful thing. When we first started tossing around ideas for a Christmas anthology, ideas were flying fast and furious. Thankfully, Debby has a solid head on her shoulders and got our group to focus on one particular theme that flowed throughout all four stories. I firmly believe that it’s because of her guidance we were able to put together a proposal that snagged Barbour’s interest. Anyway, using Debby’s idea of a common thread, I created a character whose passion for publication had driven her away from home. It’s only when she learns that her grandmother intends to remarry that she dares return to face the people she loved, and who she’d desperately disappointed.

Do you have a Christmas message for The Borrowed Book readers?

Enjoy Christmas with all of your heart. This Holy Child, Jesus, was born for you. He lived and died for you. My prayer is that you will make Him yours this holiday season. May your season be blessed.
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Elizabeth is giving away a copy of her book, Christmas Homecoming. Be sure to stop by The Borrowed Book on Friday for your chance to win!