Best-selling author of The Pumpkin Patch Parable
(Tommy Nelson Publishing)
http://www.lizcurtishiggs.com
by Trisha Bleau Smith
T4JYM: What is your target audience? The books that I have read and reviewed have been mostly children’s books. Do you write to other audiences?
LCH: I’ve had the joy of writing five books for children ages 3-7, eleven nonfiction books for women which feature both humor and encouragement, and two contemporary novels and a novella for women! I’m blessed to have publishing partners who are willing to let me write in more than one genre, and who support my ideas when I say, “This is what God is calling me to write. Please say yes!”
T4JYM: Where do you get the ideas for your books and stories?
LCH: Sometimes I literally wake up with stories spinning in my head, like the remnants of a dream. Sometimes women at my speaking engagements will mention some need they have, and God will nudge me and whisper, “You can help her, Liz. Write about that.” But most of my ideas come straight from Scripture. I’ll be reading along and suddenly an idea jumps off the page and into my heart and I can’t jot down my thoughts fast enough. Those are the best ideas, because they come directly from God’s Word.
T4JYM: What is the message you hope people walk away with after reading one of your books?
LCH: Each book has its own message, so with each one my goals are a bit different. With The Pumpkin Patch Parable, I wanted both children and adults to have a clear picture of what it means to be made new in Christ. It was inspired by the very first verse I memorized when I met Jesus in 1982 was 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (NASB) With The Pine Tree Parable, I hoped to show the sacrificial side of Christmas, so that we have a better understanding of what it cost God to send his Son to earth as a helpless infant.
T4JYM: How have your books been received by the general public? Do you usually receive feedback from your readers?
LCH: I have the most encouraging readers in the world! I get tons of letters. For my most recent titles, Bad Girls of the Bible, Really Bad Girls of the Bible, and Mad Mary: A Bad Girl from Magdala, I’ve received 1,600+ letters and emails. I treasure every one, answer every one, and keep every one! On those days when I feel lonely in my writing studio, or start to lose heart (“Is anybody out there?!”), then I read a note or two and am reminded why I write and why it matters. I treasure my readers and do my best to serve them.
T4JYM: What are your next plans for writing? Do you have any works in progress currently?
LCH: I’m always working on something! I just finished writing my third novel, an historical epic. Thorn in My Heart explores the lives of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel, transporting their story to 18th-century Scotland. I believe the stories of the Bible are timeless, and apply to all people through the ages, and so wanted to demonstrate that by taking this ancient story and putting it in a new setting. For details, check out: http://www.LizCurtisHiggs.com/Fiction.
T4JYM: How do you find time to write? Life is busy and time management is hard to do sometimes. When do you do your best writing and where?
LCH: Much as I love writing, my family is my first priority. Bill and I have been married 16+ years and have two teens–Matt is 15, Lilly is 13. Writing is my second priority; making time for it is easy, because I love doing it! I basically write Monday-Thursday 8am-5pm, and spend evenings with my family, then speak at Christian women’s conferences on the weekend, flying out Friday, flying home Saturday night or early Sunday morning. Sunday is set aside for the Lord and for my family, then Monday, it’s back to my writing studio, which is in a separate building behind our house. I’m blessed to work at home through most of the week, so I’m there for my family.
T4JYM: What training do you have in writing? When did you start writing?
LCH: I’ve always wanted to be a writer. In fact, I wrote my first novel when I was TEN! (It was awful, but it was a start…!) God has graciously encouraged me, nudged me, shoved me, led me–all that. I have to know that I’m ultimately writing for Him, to please Him and glorify Him. Otherwise, why bother? It’s not about money or fame or seeing my name in print. It’s all about God and sharing his message of grace and sovereignty.
T4JYM: What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career in writing?
LCH: Since I’m asked that question often, I finally put a whole page of tips on my website. Check it out! Lots of good links and, I hope, helpful info and inspiration. Just hit the main page at http://www.LizCurtisHiggs.com and look for the icon for “How-Tos for Writers and Speakers.”
Both my teens are writers, posting stuff on the web, crafting stories and poetry for their friends and for their own pleasure. I think that’s how almost all writers begin: writing for the sheer delight of doing it. If God has called you to write…go for it!
Much joy to all who write and read! And thanks for your great questions, T4J!
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