Lisa T. Bergren ~ Interview + Giveaway!

Author Lisa T. Bergren is visiting today, and telling us about her book, Breathe: A Novel of Colorado. She is also giving away an autographed copy of her new book to one lucky commenter! Breathe released in June 2009.

Welcome, Lisa! Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a mom, wife, writer, disciple, traveler.

How long have you been writing? How many books do you have published?
Since 1992. More than thirty books so far!

If you compared your writing style to any other Christian Fiction author, who would it be?
Hmmm….I’m always writing something different! I’m kinda like Bodie Thoene and Francine Rivers with my historical women’s fiction (CAPTAIN’S BRIDE/Northern Lights and BREATHE/Homeward Series) and Frank Peretti with my Gifted series (THE BEGOTTEN, BETRAYED, BLESSED). Depends on what you’re reading!

In your own words tell us a little about Breathe.
I’m currently writing the Homeward Series, which is really about three prodigals—whether they realize it or not—and their journey toward acceptance of the Father’s love. The first is BREATHE, about a woman with consumption (tuberculosis) in 1883, and her journey toward Colorado—and love in all forms. The next up is SING, the second in that series, about Odessa’s sister—who wants nothing more than public accolades (but is really hungering for God.) And I’m currently working on CLAIM, the third in that series—which centers on Nic, who has some anger issues…

Blurb:

By the time Dominic and Moira St. Clair get their ailing sister, Odessa, to Colorado Springs in the winter of 1883, she is nearly dead. Odessa has been seriously aling for the past year from consumption, an illness that claimed the lives of four of her younger brothers, prompting her father, to send his only surviving children west to chase the cure.

Moira is beautiful and dangerously headstrong; and pugnacious Dominic is charged with establishing a new arm of the family business--a business he doesn't want.

Several days after her arrival, Odessa witnesses what she fears is the murder of miner Sam O’Toole, friend and neighbor to the charming Bryce McAllan.

What’s more, Sam leaves her a poem containing clues that seem to direct her to his mine, which is purported to carry a fantastic vein of silver. But if she is ever to rise from her bed again, she must first concentrate on conquering the giant that threatens her─consumption. Indeed, she must learn to breathe again─daring to embrace her life, her future, and hope in her God.

My review HERE.
What made you want to write this story?
I learned that at the turn-of-the-century, 1/3 of our residents were here to seek the Cure for tuberculosis. I thought that was evocative—what drives a woman to travel out West to find healing? What is a society like that is so heavily weighted toward those who are seeking healing?

What research did you have to do for this book?
I did a lot of reading about the history of tuberculosis and the treatment for it in the early years—highly interesting: can you imagine eating a dozen eggs and eating a gallon of while milk each day??
 
What are you working on now or going to write next?
SING #2—going through copyediting; CLAIM #3--editing
 
How can readers get in contact with you?
Find me at http://www.lisatawnbergren.com/ or on Twitter or Facebook!
 
What are you currently reading?
The 4th in the Twilight series—I’m writing a young adult series next—and Dan Brown’s LOST SYMBOL. Looking for an amazing read??? Read GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL SOCIETY. I’ll never forget it.
 
Tell us something surprising about yourself that readers may not know.
20 years ago I was tending bar on Sundays. (Then God called me back to my knees. HELLO!)
 
If you could be any animal, which would you choose? Why?
Bald eagle. Powerful. Can fly. Beautiful. Strong.
 
Favorites:
TV show, and/or movie?
LOST, HEROES, FAST FORWARD, GLADIATOR.
 
Place to go on vacation?
We’re always looking for the next vacation! We go every year to NW Montana…but we’re seeking even greater adventures! See http://www.theworldiscalling.com/
 
Book this year or month? Why?
GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL SOCIETY. Amazing, memorable characters I hated to leave; learned a lot about a period of history and locale I knew nothing about; laugh-out-loud and alternately sob story…hugely moving. Can’t wait for the movie!
 
Here is the cover of Lisa's next book in the Homeward series:
 

 

 
 
Aren't her covers gorgeous?? I love them.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

~~~~~

**USA residents only, please**

Okay readers, here is your chance to win an autographed copy of Breathe: A Novel of Colorado! To enter: Leave a comment with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win), and please specify that you want to be included in the contest! *If you want an extra entry, become one of my followers.* The comment is mandatory. (Please, say in the comment that you are a follower!! It makes my job easier when you do.) You will not be entered unless you leave a comment. If you are already a follower, and then you leave a comment, you will still get two entries in the contest. The contest will run from today (Oct. 30) until 10:30 CST on Thursday (Nov. 5). I will announce the winner that night. The winner is always randomly drawn. I will contact the winner on Friday the 6th, and then that person will have one week to reply. If the winner doesn't reply within that time period, I will pick a new winner. Good luck! Thanks for visiting.