Interview with Liz Tolsma & GIVEAWAY

Posted by Savanna Kaiser | Feb 24, 2015 | Author Interviews, Giveaways | 61

Liz Tolsma has lived in Wisconsin most of her life, and she now resides next to a farm field with her husband and their two daughters. Her son proudly serves as a U.S. Marine. All of their children have been adopted internationally and one has special needs. Her novella, Under His Wings, appeared in the New York Times bestselling collection, A Log Cabin Christmas. Her debut novel, Snow on the Tulips, released in August of 2013 and was a 2014 Selah Award finalist and a 2014 Carol Award finalist. Daisies Are Forever released in May 2014. When not busy putting words to paper, she enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping with her family.

Please visit her blog at www.liztolsma.com and follow her on Facebook and Twitter. She is also a regular contributor to the Barn Door blog.

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Savanna: Welcome to The Engrafted Word, Liz. Congratulations on your upcoming release, Remember the Lilies. I love the cover 🙂 While writing this story, did you ever uncover a piece of history that really surprised you?

Liz: I knew quite a bit about the story before I started, but it surprised me how much the Westerners interred at Santo Tomas suffered and how cruel the Japanese were to civilians. That they were able to endure what they did with the grace they did for thirty-seven months amazed me.

Savanna: When did you first start speaking? Do you have a particular favorite subject among the many topics you offer?

Liz: I first started speaking about two years ago. It’s not something I ever thought I would do. In fact, I would have been voted least likely to speak in my high school class, but I find I enjoy it. I really like speaking on “Living As Women of Courage”. I tell the stories behind my stories and link it to what we can learn from these courageous women who have gone before us.

Savanna: That sounds great. I’d love to sit in on your class. 😉

Your website says you enjoy camping, kayaking, and gardening, among other fun hobbies. What would you say is your favorite outdoor activity?

Liz: It depends on what day it is! I really enjoy gardening and can’t wait for this snow to melt so I can get back out there. Call me crazy, but I find pulling weeds to be very relaxing. I enjoy the time I have with my family, though, when we go camping or kayaking. I think that’s what makes those activities so enjoyable for me.

Savanna: I agree! I can’t wait for summer to get here. 😉

It’s clear to see that history is very important to you. If you had to pick just one historical figure from the past, who would you enjoy meeting in person and why?

Liz: It might have to be Corrie ten Boom. She survived a concentration camp, and I’d like to thank her for inspiring my interest in WWII. I hope to meet her someday in heaven.

Savanna: Can you share with us a piece of writing advice that has made a difference in your career?

Liz: Stick with it. I called my agent one day about five or six years ago when life was happening to me and told her that I would understand if she dropped me. I wasn’t making any money for her. She was so gracious, told me she understood the demands of having a family, and encouraged me to keep plugging away. I’m so glad I didn’t quit that day.

Savanna: We are too! 😉 Is there anything else you’d like to add? Any upcoming projects you can share with us?

Liz: There is nothing set in stone yet, but I do have a publisher interested in another series, so I’m busy writing again. It feels wonderful to be back at it. We’ll see what God has in store for me.

Savanna: That’s great, Liz! Thanks for sharing with us today! Hope you have a blessed year ahead.

GIVEAWAY!!

I’ll be giving away my copy of “Remember the Lilies” to one reader. Enter below and it could be YOU! 😉

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for entering! Contest is open only in the U.S. and ends March 3, 2015. The winner will be notified by email. Happy Reading, everybody! 😉

About The Author

Savanna Kaiser

Savanna Kaiser loves writing and reading historical romance. Her recent work finaled in the Genesis (2018) and First Impressions (2018 & 2017) contests. She’s written over 50 published magazine articles, including a piece for Focus on the Family. She’s also a web designer, blogger, and the president of her local ACFW group. She and her husband love to hike, kayak, and explore Civil War battlefields, but their favorite days are spent at home in the Missouri Ozarks, entertaining their sweet two-year-old with lots of Legos and books. Visit her at www.SavannaKaiser.com

61 Comments

Karen R on February 24, 2015 at 2:30 pm

I’m reading a library copy of this right now and it’s quite good! Loved Snow on the Tulips too. Surprised how much I enjoyed Sentinels of Andersonville by Tracy Groot, with a similar setting of a prison camp. Enjoyed reading the interview. Thanks for doing a giveaway!
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- Savanna on March 10, 2015 at 1:57 pm
  
  Hi Karen! Glad to hear you’re enjoying Liz’s books. The Sentinels of Andersonville by Tracy Groot is on my reading list as well. 😉 Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the giveaway!
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Sharon Timmer on February 24, 2015 at 2:40 pm

The last book that Surprised me was The Butterfly & The Violin – I was afraid that it would be difficult to read because of the Holocaust but it was very enlightening & a wonderful read!
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- Savanna on March 10, 2015 at 1:58 pm
  
  Awww, The Butterfly & The Violin. That book will always have a special place in my heart. The second in the series, A Sparrow in Terezin, is just as amazing. I hope you’ll get to read it as well, Sharon. 😉
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Kathryn Voss on February 24, 2015 at 4:01 pm

The last book that surprised me was Eizabeth Camden’s latest. I didn’t expect the ship to end up that way! But I don’t want to spoil it for others!!!
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- Savanna on March 10, 2015 at 1:59 pm
  
  Isn’t it fun to find surprises all the way to the end? I definitely want to read some of Elizabeth’s soon. I’ve heard SO many good things about her books. 😉 Thanks for joining us, Kathryn!
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Caryl Kane on February 24, 2015 at 5:28 pm

Hey Savanna, thank you for the great interview with Liz. I too would like to meet Corrie ten Boom. She was/is such an inspiration. I would love to read REMEMBER THE LILIES. 🙂

I subscribe and follow – psalm103and138[at]gmail[dot]com
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- Savanna on March 10, 2015 at 2:00 pm
  
  Hi Caryl! I agree with you both. What an amazing conversation that would be, huh? 😉 Thanks for stopping by. I hope you get to read this book soon.
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Lucy on February 24, 2015 at 6:38 pm

TY for the interview. I have never read her books, but they all look intriguing. TY for the chance.
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- Savanna on March 10, 2015 at 2:00 pm
  
  I’m so glad you stopped by, Lucy. Definitely check out Liz’s books. I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve read so far. Have a great week and good luck in the giveaway!
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Ann Ellison on February 24, 2015 at 7:31 pm

I really enjoyed the interview. I love Liz’s books. I have read Remember the Lilies on e-book but would love to have a copy for my library.
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- Savanna on March 10, 2015 at 2:01 pm
  
  Hi Ann! Love your idea to add this to your library. 😉 Good luck to you!
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Tammy Cordery on February 24, 2015 at 8:24 pm

the last book that I read was Laurel by Susan F. Craft. I loved it
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- Savanna on March 10, 2015 at 2:02 pm
  
  I haven’t heard of that one, Tammy. I’ll have to check it out now, thanks! 😉 Good luck in the giveaway!
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- Susan F. Craft on March 19, 2015 at 12:07 pm
  
  I’m so happy you liked Laurel. Sorry I haven’t responded before now, I just today ran across your comment. Thanks, Tammy, for mentioning Laurel.
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Pam K. on February 24, 2015 at 10:03 pm

All of Liz’s books are on my “want to read” list. I like that she’s done a lot of research and based her books on stories of actual people.I’m currently reading Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, to discuss at book club Saturday.It does amaze me how resilient, yet fragile, human bodies and minds are. Long after the body has healed, the mind is often still in turmoil after a very difficult situation, such as being in a POW camp.
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- Savanna on March 10, 2015 at 2:03 pm
  
  You’re exactly right, Pam. I think there is so much we can learn from the historical accounts of others. There is so much inspiration and strength and encouragement to glean from their stories and experiences. Thanks for joining us!
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Sandy Barela on February 24, 2015 at 11:51 pm

I can’t wait to read this book!
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- Savanna on March 10, 2015 at 2:03 pm
  
  I’m really enjoying it so far! 😉 Good luck in the drawing, Sandy!
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Karen Clinton on February 25, 2015 at 12:00 am

Thanks for the opportunity. I hope to win the book.
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- Savanna on March 10, 2015 at 2:04 pm
  
  Thanks for visiting, Karen. I hope you get to read “Remember the Lilies” too! 😉
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Maxie Anderson on February 25, 2015 at 4:29 am

Liz, I too would pick Corrie ten Boom to visit with. Loved her books and she was a strong and GOD loving girl to be able to do all she did to survive. And to help the other women in the one small room they were kept in. So many and only one bed. They had to lay cross-wise to sleep. I have recommended her books many times. I have Snow on the Tulips but missed the second. Sure would be happy to win this one. Thanks Savanna for having Liz for this interview. I sure enjoyed it. Maxie Anderson
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- Savanna on March 10, 2015 at 2:05 pm
  
  I’m thrilled to welcome you all to the blog, as always! Thanks for taking the time to stop in, Maxie. Good luck in the giveaway and Happy Reading!
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Chris Bures on February 25, 2015 at 5:13 am

I have loved all of her books and how great that Liz speaks about women of courage. I think that we are in a different kind of war today and are called upon to be women of the Word and courageous in Christ. Thanks for the giveaway! I can’t wait to read this one too!
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- Savanna on March 10, 2015 at 2:06 pm
  
  Love that, Chris. Women of the Word and courageous in Christ. 🙂 That is my hope! Thanks for sharing. Have a great day!
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Rhonda on February 25, 2015 at 6:54 am

I am reading Anne Tyler’s Spool of Blue Thread surprised because she has written another fantastic Book.
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- Savanna on March 10, 2015 at 2:07 pm
  
  I’ll have to look that one up as well! Thanks for sharing, Rhonda. Good luck in the drawing.
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Becky B on February 25, 2015 at 6:57 am

I like Corrie ten Boom. Her nurse/travel compansion came to speak at a Women’s retreat I attended. It was fun to hear a little about Corrie through her.

Becky
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- Savanna on March 10, 2015 at 2:08 pm
  
  Oh wow. How neat is that? Thanks for stopping by, Becky. Good luck to you!
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Melanie Backus on February 25, 2015 at 7:06 am

I have not read Liz yet but I know I need to change that. This is the book that would change that! Thank you for the opportunity! I am a follower and subscriber!

mauback55 at gmail dot com
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- Savanna on March 10, 2015 at 2:08 pm
  
  Oh, I hope this does change that for you, Melanie! 😉 So glad you could join us. And thanks for following!
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Loraine N. on February 25, 2015 at 7:08 am

I enjoyed this interview. As a writer, it is encouraging to hear that we need to keep plugging away even when discouraged. Thanks for the interview and giveaway!
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- Savanna on March 10, 2015 at 2:10 pm
  
  I’m glad to hear it encouraged you too, Loraine. Trust me, we all struggle with that. Here’s hoping you have a blessed and refreshing week ahead of you! And Good Luck in the giveaway!
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Joan Arning on February 25, 2015 at 8:17 am

I do not know a lot about that era so this book should be interesting.
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- Savanna on March 10, 2015 at 2:10 pm
  
  I’ve learned a lot from it and I haven’t even finished it yet, Joan. 😉 Hope you get to read it as well. Thanks for stopping by.
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Robin Bunting on February 25, 2015 at 8:27 am

Hi Savanna, I enjoyed this article very much. I guess I really don’t know much about how prisoners of war suffered at the hands of the Japanese. Book sounds interesting. Have a great day. Thank you for a great interview.
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- Savanna on March 10, 2015 at 2:11 pm
  
  Yeah, I didn’t know much about this either, Robin. Isn’t it wonderful to learn more with every book we read? 😉 Thanks for joining us for the interview. Good luck!
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Rachael Merritt on February 25, 2015 at 9:56 am

This is a new author to me. Very much looking forward to reading her books!
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- Savanna on March 10, 2015 at 2:12 pm
  
  Yay! Love new author introductions! 😉 I hope you’ll visit her website as well, Rachael. Have a great day and good luck in the giveaway!
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Brandy Tyler on February 25, 2015 at 11:13 am

Excellent interview! Love Liz Tolsma books. Love the cover of her books as well! Can’t wait to read the book.
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- Savanna on March 10, 2015 at 2:13 pm
  
  I LOVE the covers too! 😉 Glad you enjoyed the interview, Brandy. Happy Reading to you always!
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Edward Arrington on February 25, 2015 at 12:42 pm

Twisted Innocence by Terri Blackstock had some surprises. I can’t say much about it because it would be a spoiler. Let’s just say there were some relationships I did not expect.
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- Savanna on March 10, 2015 at 2:14 pm
  
  Thanks for intriguing us without giving away any spoilers, Edward! 😉 And thanks for stopping by. Good luck to you and have a great week!
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Sierra on February 25, 2015 at 12:59 pm

Ooo historical fiction! My favorite! Thanks for the giveaway 😀
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- Savanna on March 10, 2015 at 2:14 pm
  
  A girl after my own heart! 😉 Good luck in this drawing, Sierra, as always!
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MS Barb on February 25, 2015 at 4:51 pm

OH! I’m going to have to request your books at my county bookmobile! THANK you for sharing a bit about yourself (I have relatives in WI (Boyceville & Wauwatosa!) and thanks for a nice Giveaway!
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- Savanna on March 10, 2015 at 2:15 pm
  
  Wonderful, MS Barb! 😉 Thanks for visiting us for the interview and giveaway. Good luck!
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Jan Hall on February 25, 2015 at 8:41 pm

I can’t imagine pulling weeds as relaxing. On second thought I remember sitting out in the yard and absentmindedly pulling weeds while staring out at the lake. Good memories.
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- Savanna on March 10, 2015 at 2:16 pm
  
  Haha! A beautiful lake nearby would make anything more enjoyable! 🙂 Thanks for joining us, Jan. Have a great week and Happy Reading!
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Britney Adams on February 25, 2015 at 10:29 pm

Thank you for sharing this wonderful interview, Savanna and Liz! I love World War II era fiction and am eager to read Remember the Lilies!
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- Savanna on March 10, 2015 at 2:17 pm
  
  Our pleasure, Britney! This book sounds like it would be a perfect fit for you. Hope you get to read and enjoy it soon! 😉
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Trixi O. on February 26, 2015 at 10:12 pm

Thank you for coming out to have an interview Liz! You sound like you have a happy, busy family & enjoy outdoor activities!I bet you can’t wait until Summer for all of your camping & kayaking and your gardening! I can see where pulling weeds would be therapeutic (you know, for life’s frustrations, lol).
Your book “Remember the Lilies” sounds like a good one. Thank you for a chance to win a copy!
Savanna, another great author interview. I love reading about each one and their stories. Blessings to both of you!
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- Savanna on March 10, 2015 at 2:19 pm
  
  Hi Trixi! Pulling weeds definitely eases life’s frustrations. 😉 Haha! So glad every time you stop by. Blessings to you too!
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Abby Breuklander on February 27, 2015 at 5:28 pm

Sounds like a great book, can’t wait to read it!!
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- Savanna on March 10, 2015 at 2:19 pm
  
  Hi Abby! Thanks for visiting us. Hope you get to read “Remember the Lilies” real soon! 😉
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Deanne Patterson on February 27, 2015 at 11:40 pm

I love to rad about this time period. This is a new to me auithor and I’d love to have a chsnce to read her book. It really looks delightful. The cover is gorgeous !
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- Savanna on March 10, 2015 at 2:20 pm
  
  I fell in love with the cover too, Deanne. It’s even prettier in person. Hope you get to hold this book in your hands as well. Thanks for stopping by!
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Connie Saunders on February 28, 2015 at 7:54 am

Liz, I also enjoy pulling weeds. Some of my best thinking is done during this time and I am able to “purge” my troubles as I purge those weeds. Thanks for a great interview and giveaway.
Savanna, I am a follower.
Connie
cps1950 at gmail dot com
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- Savanna on March 10, 2015 at 2:21 pm
  
  Hi there fellow gardener! 😉 Glad you could join us, Connie! I sure appreciate you following my blog. Have a great week and Happy Reading!
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Jennifer Bretsch on February 28, 2015 at 8:12 am

Thanks for the great interview! I haven’t had the pleasure of reading Liz’s books yet, but they are all on my to-be-read list. All of her books sound so intriguing.
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- Savanna on March 10, 2015 at 2:22 pm
  
  Hi Jennifer! Thank you for reading. Hope you get to read some of Liz’s work soon. You’ll be so glad you did. 🙂
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