WISDOM TO KNOW - Elizabeth Maddrey - One Free Book

Welcome, Elizabeth. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

This is a tough question. I don’t intentionally put myself into my characters, but I often find it in there when I’m going back through to edit. I tend to have a snarky wit that gets me in trouble … and there’s always one character who seems to suffer from that same problem. I try not to leave too much of it in.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I went to Space Academy during the summer my freshman year in high school. I’ve always been a space nut, and that was hands down the best summer camp I ever attended. But I’ve been told it’s quirky. And also possibly nerdy. I’m okay with both of those labels.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I’ve been writing forever – truly. (I know it seems like everyone says that in their bios, but it really is true!) But I still struggle with the idea that I’m a Writer. I consider myself someone who writes – I can’t imagine not writing. But “Writer?” That’s a title for people like Jane Austen.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I read everything. I love a good romance – though I prefer contemporary to historical. (Really, I prefer contemporary to historical in any genre.) I also love fantasy and sci-fi and mystery (both the hard-boiled detective novel and the bumbling-heroine cozy.) Honestly, as long as there’s a good plot, I’m willing to give it a try.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I read. Reading is my escape valve. I tend to work my way through 120-150 books a year, just catching five minutes here and another five there. But it keeps me sane.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Most of the time it seems like my characters choose their own names. That said, I’ve had to go back and rename a few people because I started to realize they were all sharing a first letter, which just won’t do. In those cases, I dig out a baby book and I look at the Social Security list of names that were popular the year that character was born and I try to find something that fits well enough that the character won’t mutiny when I use it.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

It’s probably a toss up between finishing my PhD in Computer Science and having Wisdom to Know published.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

Probably a cat. I love cats – they’re the perfect blend of independence and companionship. And you always know where you stand with a cat. I’m a lot like that – probably even the negative aspects of cat-dom as well, if I’m honest.

What is your favorite food?

The avocado. There’s really nothing as wonderful as fresh avocado.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Finishing. I struggle a lot – probably more than most people – with self-doubt. I’m truly my own worst critic. And so I tend to start novels and then decide they’re terrible and put them aside and start something new. But with Wisdom to Know, I started sending pieces of it to my sister and she hounded me until I finished it. And even after it was done, she really is who hounded me to push through the next hurdle and find it a home with a publisher. I haven’t really overcome the self-doubt issue – but I’ve always got my sister to push me to keep going despite it.

Tell us about the featured book.

Wisdom to Know tells the story of Lydia Brown. She’s someone I consider a pretty typical “good” young woman who, despite growing up in church, has never really made her faith her own. So she goes through the motions and knows all the right answers, but other than Sundays, you don’t see faith impacting her life all that much … until the consequences of her actions start catching up with her. When that happens, Lydia isn’t sure how to handle the crisis and she spirals into a deep pit without really caring what relationships she destroys in the process. After she finally crashes at the bottom, she realizes how much she needs God if there’s any hope of rebuilding those relationships.

It’s also a love story. It’s about the love between two flawed people. Lydia, who so desperately wants to measure up that she’s willing to do anything, and Kevin who is so consumed by the fact that he loves Lydia that he doesn’t see her … and then when he finally does, and he realizes she’s not the perfect woman he imagined for so long, he runs the other way when she needs him most. It’s also a love story between God and His fallen, sinful children. Because what both Lydia and Kevin need – and find – is grace

Please give us the first page of the book.

“You look like a prostitute.”

Lydia frowned at her best friend. “Brad likes my legs.”

Kevin admired the long, shapely legs in front of him from where he was sprawled on her living room couch. “Won’t you be cold if you show so much of them?”

“It’s September, not the middle of January. It’s still warm out.” Aggrieved she patted her hem. “Besides, the skirt reaches the end of my fingertips.”

“Your elbows are bent.”

“That rule shouldn’t apply to me, I have long fingers.”

Kevin cocked a brow. “You wouldn’t wear that to church.”

“We’re not going to church.” Lydia shot him an impish grin. “Besides, there are a couple of guys there who wouldn’t usually give me the time of day ... maybe if I wore this, I’d get their attention.”

“More than likely.” Kevin shook his head. “Where are you going? You never did say.”

“Dinner downtown, then to a club, in Georgetown I think.”

“Bridge club?”

Lydia snickered. “Dance. But then you knew that. And before you ask, no, I don’t know which club. But,” she lifted a red tipped finger to forestall his comment, “since it’s Brad, it’ll be either Swing or Salsa.”

Kevin frowned. “Everyone is going to see your underwear in that skirt.”

Lydia rolled her eyes.

Kevin started to speak several times before rubbing his forehead. “I’m just trying to look out for you, kiddo.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

“Didn’t you just finish complaining that Brad treats you like an object?” At her grudging nod he continued. “You think it might have something to do with clothing choices?”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is here: http://www.ElizabethMaddrey.com  

I’m also on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ElizabethMaddrey

and on Twitter: @elizabethmaddre

Thank you, Elizabeth, for spending this time with us today.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Wisdom to Know - paperback
Wisdom To Know (Grant Us Grace) - Kindle


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