1–What is the title of your latest release?
2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
When an unexpected string of criminal activity leaves her with a wounded officer and unexplained murders, Police Chief Autumn Long must rely on an outsider for help as she fights to save her job and the small town of Shadow Gap, Alaska.
3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
I had been considering revisiting Southeast Alaska as a novel setting since my six-book Mountain Cove series set in the region. Then during research for Deadly Target (Rocky Mountain Courage 2), I came across a podcast about people missing in Alaska, and I got chills. Ha! I knew it was time. I emailed my editor to ask if she’d be interested in a series set in Alaska, and she was excited about the prospect.
4–Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life?
Chief Autumn Long is a tough character with a dangerous job, but she’s also all about her family, and I think it would be fun to hang out at The Lively Moose—the restaurant owned by her grandparents, Ike and Pearl (Birdy) Lively, and listen to the adventures as told by Autumn, her former police chief father and her Alaska State Trooper brother, as well as her grandparents who’ve lived in the small town for decades.
5–What are three words that describe your protagonist?
Savvy, Determined, Compassionate.
6–What’s something you learned while writing this book?
I learned all about cold water diving in Alaska, and that many divers prefer cold water because more marine life can be seen.
7–Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
I start out trying to edit as I draft but then feel the urge to get the story on paper, so I will often end up with a first draft of only half the required word count. Then as I edit and flesh out the story, I will add the other half.
8–What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
Years ago, I turned to peanut M&Ms to fuel my brain as I wrote. I gained fifteen pounds on one book that I had to write in a short time, and I can’t look at that book without thinking of those pounds. So I’ve tried to ease back on “indulgences” while I write, at least. Like lots of people, I’m a chocolate lover, but my favorite indulgence would be a cinnamon roll. I love cinnamon rolls more than chocolate.
9–Describe your writing space/office!
Right now, my office is a complete wreck as I try to finish up double-deadlines. I actually converted the dining room into my office because it’s just more convenient for it to be next to the kitchen. I often have to cook and monitor meals, and so I’m back and forth between the two rooms. Since the dining room is partially open on two sides, I have two wall dividers to give me privacy. That’s my office, but my true writing space is a comfy recliner in the living room. Ha!
10–Who is an author you admire?
There are just so many authors to admire that it’s hard to pick only one. Susan Sleeman is an amazing romantic suspense writer that puts out more books than I ever could imagine writing. She writes a lot of forensics into her stories, and readers love her attention to detail. I both admire Susan and aspire to be like her.
11–Is there a book that changed your life?
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers is popular because it has changed a lot of lives. But it brought to life to me the story of Hosea in the Bible and conveyed a lot of truths I hadn’t seen before. The book also allowed me to understand how important and life-changing novels can be, and the power of the written word—the responsibility we have as authors.
12–Tell us about when you got “the call.” (when you found out your book was going to be published)/Or, for indie authors, when you decided to self-publish.
Each of my proposals must go before the publishing board, of course, and so I was nervously waiting to hear from my editor after the PUB board meeting. She emailed to let me know the proposal was accepted, and then sent me an offer that included a beautiful image of Alaska. She goes out of her way to make this time special.
13–What’s your favorite genre to read?
Romantic suspense, of course! I read widely though and also enjoy science fiction and fantasy novels, as well as historical romantic suspense.
14–What’s your favorite movie?
Right now, my favorite movie is Cruella (Disney)! It has a great soundtrack!
15–What is your favorite season?
I LOVE Autumn and the way the season shifts and leaves change, and the holidays it brings.
16–How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
Going out to eat at the restaurant of my choice!
17–What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
Enola Holmes—I love both Netflix movies. They’re well-done and I can highly recommend them.
18–What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
It’s a toss-up between Mexican and Italian, and in fact, at my house we’re eat one or the other every day!
19–What do you do when you have free time?
Free time? What’s that? I haven’t had free time in years. Ha ha! That said, I try to carve out a half an hour to an hour every evening to read the latest novel I’ve found to enjoy.
20–What can readers expect from you next?
Shadows at Dusk, Missing in Alaska book 2 releases in the fall of 2023!
COLD LIGHT OF DAY by Elizabeth Goddard
Missing in Alaska #1
Police Chief Autumn Long is fighting to keep her job in the quiet Alaska town of Shadow Gap when an unexpected string of criminal activity leaves her with a wounded officer, unexplained murders, and even an attack on her own father. Despite her mistrust of outsiders, she turns to Grier Brenner, a newcomer who seems to have the skills and training Autumn needs to face this threat to her community.
Grier is in Alaska for the same reason so many others are–to disappear–when Chief Long enlists his help. He emerges from the shadows and proves his mettle, but his presence in her life could be a deadly trap for them both. If his secret is exposed, all will be lost. And he’s not sure even Autumn could save him.
As the stakes rise and the dangers increase, Autumn and Grier must rely on each other to extinguish the deadly threats.
Mystery Woman Sleuth [Revell, On Sale: February 7, 2023, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9780800742041 / ]
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About Elizabeth Goddard
Elizabeth Goddard is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than 50 novels, including the Rocky Mountain Courage and Uncommon Justice series. Her books have sold over 1 million copies. She is a Carol Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award finalist. For more information about her books, visit her website.
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