Tuesday, August 13, 2013

SNOW ON THE TULIPS - Liz Tolsma - One Free Book

Welcome, Liz. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
Each of my characters has a little bit of me sprinkled into them. I’ve never been caught up in a war, but I can relate to their fear, their hopelessness, their need for redemption. We can all empathize with them and where they are in their spiritual journey and the struggles along the way.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
Boy, this is tough. I’m not a very quirky person. It would have to be asking my cat what the quirkiest thing is I’ve ever done!

When did you first discover that you were a writer?
I’ve always loved making up stories. When I was in 5th grade, I had a great teacher who taught us how to write. I remember writing a tall tale that was super fun because I could let my imagination go wild.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I love historicals, romances of all kinds, anything sweet and uplifting.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
It’s difficult, especially with two teenagers and a special needs child. These years will fly past and soon these days will be nothing but memories. In fact, my oldest has left the nest and is at Marine boot camp right now. This season in my life won’t last forever and I need to cherish these moments – no matter how crazy life gets! We also have a cabin in central Wisconsin that we love. No TV, no internet, no outside world. It’s a great place to get away, slow down, and appreciate all of the blessings the Lord has given us.

How do you choose your characters’ names?
I choose names that I like, that don’t have a bad connotation to them, and that I won’t get tired of by the end of the book. I try to make them as authentic to the time period as possible. Because some of my books are set in different countries, I work to choose names that reflect that country but are still easy for English speakers to pronounce.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
I am so proud of my son and all that he has overcome in his life. He is growing into a fine young man with good goals and plans for his future. But this isn’t my accomplishment, or my husband’s. This is all the Lord’s doing. Without His work in my son’s life, he wouldn’t be where he is today.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
This discussion comes up in my family with alarming frequency! I would be the pampered indoor cat of an old woman with no grandchildren. I could sleep all day, no one would bother me, and I wouldn’t have to go into the cold to do my business.

What is your favorite food?
Um...didn’t have to think about this one. CHOCOLATE.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it? 
Time was my biggest problem. I homeschooled our kids for six years which gave me little to no time to write. At one point, I called my agent to quit, but she encouraged me to keep at it and not to worry if I didn’t submit anything to her for a while. I got my first contract three weeks after I sent all of the kids to school. The Lord’s timing was perfect.

Yes, it is. That’s one of the most important lessons for a Christian author to learn. Tell us about the featured book.
The war is drawing to a close, but the Nazis still occupy part of the Netherlands. After the losses she’s endured, war widow Cornelia is only a shadow of the woman she once was. She fights now to protect her younger brother, Johan, who lives in hiding.

When Johan brings Gerrit Laninga, a wounded Dutch Resistance member, to Cornelia’s doorstep, their lives are forever altered. Although scared of the consequences of harboring a wanted man, Cornelia’s faith won’t let her turn him out.

As she nurses Gerrit back to health, she is drawn to his fierce passion and ideals, and notices a shift within herself. Gerrit’s intensity challenges her, making her want to live fully, despite the fear that constrains her. When the opportunity to join him in the Resistance presents itself, Cornelia must summon every ounce of courage imaginable.

She is as terrified of loving Gerrit as she is of losing him. But as the winter landscape thaws, so too does her heart. Will she get a second chance at true love and learn to depend on the Perfect Love that drives out all fear? Or will her new love be snatched away before it has a chance to bloom?

Please give us the first page of the book.
The province of Friesland, Netherlands
February 1945

            “Schnell, schnell.” A German solider jammed the cold, hard barrel of his rifle into Gerrit Laninga’s back.

Gerrit’s heart throbbed against his ribs like waves against a dike. Any minute now, it would burst through his chest, splitting open as it flopped to the ground.

            He scrambled to keep pace with the nine other Dutch Resistance workers in front of him. If he fell behind, the Germans would shoot him on the spot. Not that it mattered one way or the other.

            Gerrit was on his way to his execution.
            Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up. The words of Psalm 56 that he had memorized long ago. I know, Father, what awaits me on the other side of the bullet. But if it be Your will, let this cup pass from me.
           
The smell of boiled cabbage wafted on the early evening air as people finished their suppers. He sensed their pitying stares as they hid behind their lace curtains, peeping out to spy on the men marching to their deaths. Behind closed doors, these people whispered, wondering what crimes the men had committed to be executed in this way. Tomorrow morning, they would talk about it around their breakfast tables.

            He would not be here in the morning.

I can’t wait to read this story. How can readers find you on the Internet?
I’m at http://www.liztolsma.com/Facebook; Twitter @LizTolsma; and on Pinterest under Liz Tolsma.

Thank you, Liz, for sharing your book and life with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Snow on the Tulips - Christianbook.com
Snow on the Tulips - Amazon.com
Snow on the Tulips - Kindle


Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

45 comments:

Patty said...

I've not read many WW II era books, at least not recently. Thanks for the opportunity and intro to a new author!

Patty in SC

Britney Adams said...

Snow on the Tulips sounds like a touching story! Thank you for a wonderful interview!!

Britney Adams, TX

Unknown said...

Liz is a new author to me and I love new authors. Her book sounds great. Enjoyed the wonderful interview. Thank you sharing and entering me in the giveaway.

Barbara in Louisiana

barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com

rubynreba said...

Snow on the Tulips looks good.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

Abbi Hart said...

This book looks really good! I love WWII era books! Thanks for the chance to win!
Abbi in PA

Karen G. said...

Great interview. Would love to win and read this book. Sounds really good. Thank you for the chance.
Karen G., NY
kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Looks like an excellent book!

Katie J. from FL

Katie said...

This sounds wonderful! Please enter me. I'm from NC.

Liz Tolsma said...

@Patty - thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoy the book!

Liz Tolsma said...

@Britney - Glad you liked the interview. Hope you enjoy the book. The story touched me so much I knew I had to share it with the world.

Liz Tolsma said...

@barbara - Glad I was able to introduce myself to you! I like getting to meet new readers.

Liz Tolsma said...

@rubynreba - good luck on the contest. Thanks for stopping by!

Liz Tolsma said...

@Abbi - WWII era books are very popular right now. I'm glad I was able to share my story.

Liz Tolsma said...

@Karen G - So glad you stopped by! Good luck!

Liz Tolsma said...

@Katie - Thanks! I hope you enjoy it!

Liz Tolsma said...

@Katie G - Thanks for entering. We were at the Outer Banks 2 years ago. We loved it and are looking forward to going back!

Casey said...

I'd love to read this book!

Casey in Oregon. :)

momofmhasr said...

I would love to read this book!

momofmhasr said...

I would love to read this book :)

momofmhasr said...

I would love to read this book, I love this historical time period.

Jasmine A. said...

I am really starting to like reading WWII books and this one sounds really good.
Jasmine in MT

Library Lady said...

I would love to win this book for our church library.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Florida

Mary Preston said...

Such courage. I saw 1945 and German and my heart stopped. A must read for me.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

karenk said...

thanks for the chance to read this novel :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
...from PA...

apple blossom said...

sounds like a good book thanks

apple blossom said...

oops forgot
to post in first post

from ND

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Kandra said...

Sign me up! Looks like a great new read!

Kandra in Oklahoma

Anonymous said...

would love to win. Angel from KY

Bonnie Traher said...

Wouls so love to win.

Marissa said...

I would love to win this book! Looks really interesting!

Marissa from CO

Amy C said...

Great interview with Liz. Thank you!
Amy C
VA

Sharon Richmond Bryant said...

Enter me!!
Sharon Richmond Bryant
Conway,SC.
sharonruth126@gmail.com

Elyssa said...

I LOVE WWII novels, and this one looks amazing! Thanks for the chance to win! I'm from NY.

lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com

Jenny said...

Ooh, I like the sound of this book! Please enter me!

jennycohen104(at)gmail(dot)com

NY

Emily said...

I'm looking forward to reading this book. Love this time in history, I think it's gotta be my favorite! Thanks for the giveaway!

New York

Debbie said...

I've seen this book in a lot of places, and have promised to try it out. I'm excited to get my hands on a copy!

Long Island

Pam K. said...

I've been reading good reviews of Snow on the Tulips so would really like to read it. Thanks for the chance to win a copy. I also enjoyed the interview with Liz. It's fun to learn more about her.

pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Kansas

sm said...

I think this is a great book idea about the war in Europe and hiding a person. Love to win! Sharon, CA

bonton said...

Hi, Liz, - enjoyed your interview.

Like the storyline of your book & would love to read it. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

Ky.

Anonymous said...

I've seen many reviews for this book and would love the opportunity to read it.

Katie J. from FL

Evlin said...

This looks like a great read. Going to add it to my wish list. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.

Kevlin in NY
prettyinpurplerose(at)aol(dot)com

Jean said...

I love stories that are set in times of war. Thank you for the opportunity to win this book.

Jean Kropid
West Palm Beach, FL

Charlotte Kay said...

This truly is my type of read!
Liz is a new author for me, and I couldn't be happier with this new historical book!!!!
Thanks, Liz!

Blessings and Smiles:)
Charlotte, Ohio

Unknown said...

I enjoy reading novels of the World War II era. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

Kay from NY
msbookwormlady(at)aol(dot)com

Shopgirl said...

This sounds really good. I love the unique plot! I'm in MN.