An Interview with Lisa T. Bergren

Q: You’ve written contemporary romance, nineteenth-century
fiction, general contemporary fiction, and a medieval suspense
series. Why return to the nineteenth century?

A: There is something intriguing and reassuring about the 1880s
to me. It’s both a vibrant time in the world with the Industrial
Revolution well under way, but also somewhat simple and
innocent, too. Sometimes I wish I lived in the 1880s, but
with a computer, vaccines, appliances, and indoor plumbing
everywhere.

Q: You’re a travel junkie. Why place this series in your Colorado
backyard?

A: People love Colorado. I love Colorado. It’s visually beautiful, of
course, and it’s been on my mind and heart to set a series here
for some time. And when I learned of how so many people
came to Colorado Springs to seek the cure for tuberculosis
(in the early years, about a third of our residents), I knew it
had to be here. But I have to say my eye is wandering back
toward Europe for my next series. Can’t keep me home for
long! I’ll stay put for Sing and Claim but then I’m outta here,
baby! Luckily, Sing takes place in the Sangre de Cristos and the
gold camps of Colorado; Claim will take place near Ouray—a
fantastic, gorgeous place to visit. And Moira and Nic are on the
move—around the world—so I can do some exploration, too.

Q: Your fascination with travel has even led to a new business,
hasn’t it?

A: A hobby, mostly. Tim and I launched a Web site with friends,
www.FamilyTripster.com, to encourage families to travel
together. We love hearing how other families manage it—and to
share tidbits on how to make it easier for all to navigate a city,
foreign or close to home.

Q: How much did you have to research for this series?

A: I read several books about the history of tuberculosis and many
first-person accounts. It’s a terrible way to die … a slow suffocation.
Then some general history books about the 1880s to
refresh my memory. And I always love the local books that have
pictures and accounts of our forefathers; it makes it come alive
for me.

Q: What did you learn about yourself in writing Breathe?

A: I love to learn along with my characters. It’s part of the ride as an
author. For me, the “aha” was the same as Odessa’s. I think that
I’m slowly coming to believe, understand, and embrace the idea
that God really does hold my life in His hand. And that’s okay.
I trust Him … so if He gives me another sixty years or sixty
seconds, I’m good.

Q: What are you working on next?

A: Sing, the next book in this series. And a couple of children’s
books.

Q: How can readers find out more about you and your work?

A: My Web sites: www.LisaTawnBergren.com; www.
BusyMomsDevo.com; www.GodGaveUsYou.com; www.
FamilyTripster.com are the best way. And if a reader signs up on
www.LisaTawnBergren.com to receive my monthly e-newsletter,
she’ll receive a new devotional each month inside it. My heart
goes into those, in between novels. You’ll get a glimpse of the
good, the bad, and the ugly in my life—and how Christ somehow
redeems it all.