Els thanks for taking the time to visit us today! I appreciate you answering these few
questions. It will be fun to get to know you better. Tell us a little about yourself and your
family.
My husband Edward and I have five children, ages 17-8. Two boys and three girls. Our
life is full of variety, with our oldest son graduated, the two girls schooling online from
home, and the youngest two in a Christian school in town. In addition to this, we own an
equestrian centre with about thirty horses, and have a horse trailer dealership. My
husband is a land developer, which has been very difficult for us the last few years with
the recession. The publication of “Ransomed” truly is a sign of God’s faithfulness to us
throughout our journey.
How long did you write before you were published?
I have been writing since I was a young child. I had this dream to be a writer since then. I
have written for various magazines, but not seriously pursued the publication of a novel
until now.
Tell us about “Ransomed,” the featured book.
“Ransomed” was born out of the pain of our failed adoption: the Canadian couple in the
book is us, although I have changed the identities of the people. The details of the journey
to Russia and what happened there is what really happened to us. It’s biographical. I
came back filled with pain, and wanted to have an outlet for healing from this journey,
but also to share what is going on in other countries around the world.
Is there any person who has been a strong influence in your writing journey?
My grade six teacher: he believed enough in me to write, “When will you publish your
first book?” on one of my essays. I never forgot that. I would also say that Francine
Rivers has been influential in my writing. I love her style, her straightforward approach to
difficult topics.
What message(s) do you want to be clear to your readers?
The main message I want to share is that healing is available for everyone through Jesus
Christ. No one is exempt. But I also wanted to share a picture of what that healing may
look like: the forgiveness that God extends to us, we need to extend to others.
Also, we have a responsibility to care about the orphans. Not many of us have the
privilege to do what I did and adopt, but perhaps we can all sponsor a child.
What are some of your likes and dislikes? Your hobbies, interests? Where do you like to
vacation?
I like to work. Nothing makes me feel better than a day of productive work, especially
since I have had a lot of health issues that have laid me low this past year. I love spending
time with my husband and kids. Every night we sit around and debrief our day. We don’t
watch television, so have lots of time to spend together as a family. I also really like to
spend time with people. I find almost everyone interesting, except those who are only
interested in themselves.
Dislikes? People who are rude to others.
My favorite vacation spot is Europe: that’s where I was born. We had the opportunity to
spend five weeks there a few years ago, and worked in Romania with an orphanage
organization. That was the best holiday we’ve ever had.
Tell us a little-known fact about yourself that readers may not know.
All my writing comes from my own brokenness. There have been so many pieces over
the years, put God has put it all back together again. All the praise is to Him!
How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of
words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?
A novel takes me the time of my own healing to be accomplished, if that makes sense.
The last two years since finishing the book have been the most difficult in my life, and I
believe another novel is being born out of this. I don’t have goals: when I write, I forget
the time and the words just keep coming. I will write at any time of the day, and
sometimes the middle of the night.
What are you currently reading?
John Maxwell: “Everyone communicates, Few connect.”
Do you grow flowers or vegetables? What are your favorite flowers?
I have a shade garden with a pond. My favorite plants are the shade plants with big leaves
like hostas, pulmonaria, and ferns: they don’t need to have flowers. On the prairies, a
shade garden is very rare, but my European side craves that greenery.
What are you writing now?
The sequel to “Ransomed”, but in the very beginning stages. Not sure if I’m up to the
task yet!
How can readers find you on the Internet?
My website is www.elsvanhierden.com. You can also order the book through Winepress
or Amazon
And thanks for spending this time with us Els,
We wish you much success.
I enjoyed your book very much.
Thank you as well. If there is anything else I can do for you or your bloggers, let me
know. I appreciate you taking the time to do this.
My review of Ransomed:
http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2010/06/ransomed-by-els-van-hierdenbook-review.html
All you have to do to win this book is be/become a follower and leave a comment and tell me what you liked most about the interview and also leave an email address to enter!
This giveaway is for U.S. residents only. The deadline for entry is July 21, 2010. A winner will be chosen via the Random Number Generator and the winner will be notified by email.
