Interview with Liz Tolsma  | The Engrafted WordLiz 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?

Interview with Liz Tolsma  | The Engrafted WordLiz:  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?

Interview with Liz Tolsma  | The Engrafted WordLiz:  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?

Interview with Liz Tolsma  | The Engrafted WordLiz:  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! 😉

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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! 😉