Interview with Author Lisa Bergren and a GIVEAWAY!

I recently reviewed here on my blog the first two books in the River of Time Series by Lisa Bergren.  I loved them and I'll tell you why.  They were well written, fast paced and had everything I look for in a great book.  Action, romance, history and strong characters.  What I loved even more was that once I was finished with these books, I was able to hand them right off to my 13 year old daughter with no worries.  Lots of times I read books and really enjoy them but I don't let her read them because they contain something inappropriate for a young teenage reader.  I love that this is a series I can share with her.



Lisa has graciously agreed to do a short interview with me and then give you all a chance to win her newest book, Cascade, which was just released this week.  How happy is that?!  Well, it sure makes me happy!  I love giving away books!  Here we go...


Welcome Lisa.  I'm so glad you are here.

 I love to travel.  I haven't been many places but I dream of going all over this earth.  I know you love to travel too.  Where is the most memorable place you have been?

Is it a cop-out to say Italy? Truly. Been three times and can't WAIT to return. (I'm heading there in October with Daughter #2.) But Israel and Egypt were equally memorable.

 You have written many different kinds of books.  Fiction, non-fiction, children's books...  Have you always wanted to be a writer?  Which genre do you love writing the best?

Wow, I'm ADORING YA. Never even considered it until my daughters were teens (they're now 16 and 13). But I love this age for a heroine--all of life, poised, ready, before you... And yes, I think I always wanted to be a writer. But I didn't dare to think it was truly possible. It wasn't until my 5th or 6th book was out that I could utter the words, "I'm a writer." "Author" seemed too pretentious!

 You mention on your website that one of your daughters was a reluctant reader and that you wrote the River of Time Series for her.  Did she have any input in your stories and characters?

She didn't have any input up front, but she had plenty, once the book was written. She was my first reader, telling me if I was off on how teens said things, thought, etc. And when she loved it, I knew I was onto something special.

 I was impressed with the amount of research you did for these books.  Do you enjoy that part of writing?

I really do love research. Historical fact always brings up unique turning points for my plot.

 What made you choose the fourteenth century as the time period for your books?

Pre-Renaissance, Pre-Reformation...it was an innocent, but powerful age of change, potential. I think it's a perfect setting for a "coming of age" series for two young women.

 What are you working on now?

A trilogy on a group of young people, children of the copper kings, setting out on the Grand Tour of Europe in 1914. I'm loving it, too...The first, TO HAVE AND TO HOLD, comes out Summer 2012.


Thank you, Lisa for taking time to answer some questions!


Now on to the giveaway!  Here's what you need to do.  Watch the following trailer for Cascade and leave a comment here telling us what you liked about it.  Don't forget to include your email address so I can get in touch with you if you win.  If you want an extra entry, comment on either review I wrote for Waterfall or Cascade and leave another, separate comment letting me know where you commented.  Giveaway ends Friday, June 17th.

You can find Lisa at the following places:

http://www.LisaBergren.com (author web site)

http://www.theworldiscalling.com (the Bergrens’ travel web site)

Facebook: “Lisa Tawn Bergren” and “River of Time Series”

Twitter: @LisaTBergren