Author Liz Tolsma talks about the novella “Under His Wings,” her contribution to the historical romance anthology Log Cabin Christmas (Barbour Books). The collection includes Christmas stories of the American pioneers, written by such authors as Wanda E. Brunstetter, Margaret Brownley, and Jane Kirkpatrick.
Q: WHAT WERE YOUR GOALS WRITING “UNDER HIS WINGS”?
I wanted people to understand that God cares for them and loves them. Even when we can’t see it or feel it, He’s wrapping his arms around us and caring for us.
Q: WHAT WAS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF WRITING THE STORY?
Getting it to novella length! My characters had so much to say, I finally had to stop them and write the end LOL! Actually, having to cut about 6000 words from the story helped me make it better. It’s tighter without those words.
Q: WHAT’S IT LIKE SHARING SPACE WITH SOME REALLY BIG-NAME AUTHORS LIKE WANDA BRUNSTETTER AND THE LIKE?
It’s amazing. I still have to pinch myself that God has blessed my writing in this way. I’ve always admired her and loved her writing. To see my name on the same book cover as her is, well, unbelievable.
Q: WHAT DO YOU HOPE READERS GET OUT OF YOUR FICTION?
You used the word in your question – hope. Hope that God loves them. Hope that He is working everything out for their good, hope even in the darkest, bleakest situations.
Q: WHY DO YOU THINK STORY SUCH A POWERFUL WAY TO COMMUNICATE TRUTH?
Because the characters are people you can relate to. You get to dive into their heads and see that way they’re thinking and feeling. And then you say, “Hey, that’s just like me!” A light goes on and people understand so much better than if you sat down and told them these same truths.