Lisa T. Bergren
Author of The Begotten
by Kelvin Oliver

CS: Where did the idea for the book come from? Where do you generally draw your ideas for writing from?

LB: I read and enjoyed The DaVinci Code, although I was upset by the heretical “truths” the author set forward. I wanted to write a competitor for Da Vinci—something with a similar pace and intrigue, but stay Scripturally sound!L

CS: How much editing was involved? Did you do it all alone or did you send it to people to edit? How many times did you have to re-edit your works?

LB:Lots of editing! I sent it to some trusted theologian friends who could make sure I stayed on track, and my editors at Berkley helped me make the story itself stronger. This one went through five drafts. The number of drafts really depends on the book—I’ve had some that only needed a couple, others that needed even more.

CS: How many publishers did you send your book to before it was picked up? Was it rejected by any publishers? What kind of feedback did you receive from them?

LB: I was blessed to have it picked up from a proposal—my editor immediately saw the potential in it. So I wrote it after I received the contract. Other publishers expressed interest in acquiring it, but Berkley clearly had the biggest vision for it.

CS: Who have been your biggest influences in life? Who have been your biggest influences in your life as a writer?

LB: My husband and other family members—some of my dearest friends, who support, love and guide me through good questions and taking me to task when I’m off track. Those same people impact my writing.

CS: How has this book been received by the general public? Has there been positive feedback? Any negative feedback?

LB: Hasn’t been out yet—so I only have preliminary readers so far. All have been positive!

CS: What are your next plans for writing? Do you plan to do any more books along the same lines as this book? Will you move on to new writing?

LB: I have two more books in this series—The Betrayed, and The Beloved. They release in 2007 and 2008. So I’m already into book #2!

CS: What is generally your target audience? Do you write specifically to ministry workers or have you written other books targeted at other audiences? How do you decide on what audience to focus your writing on?

LB: Anyone who liked The DaVinci Code or Lord of the Rings might have interest in my book. Those who like intrigue, mystery and suspense, or those interested in spiritual gifts, may find a good match here. My goal was to reach out to a larger audience than I’ve typically captured before—those who do not frequent Christian bookstores. I don’t decide on audience—I decide on the novel’s theme/premise and let the audience follow.

CS: How do you find time to write? Life is busy and time management is hard to do sometimes. When do you do your best writing and where?

LB: Wow, this has become a big issue for me. With three kids and a full-time job, this is my constant battle. I’ve taken to going away for a day (or three) at a time to get concentrated writing done. I head to Venice tomorrow, with my eldest daughter, and hope to come home with 1/3 of my next book written. I’m fast—if I can just find the time and concentration space!

CS: What training do you have in writing? Did you take any writing courses in college to obtain the skills you have currently?

LB: I received a BA in English Literature and wrote throughout high school and college. I went to UC Irvine, which had a renowned creative writing program for graduates—just being around them as an undergraduate inspired me. I took some creative writing courses. But it was mostly self-taught.

CS: What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career in writing?

LB: Read like crazy. I still love Writer’s Digest. Go to writers’ conferences where publishers or authors you admire will be presenting. Read books from your targeted publishers—it will give you a sense for what they like to buy. And then write like crazy! Don’t give up if #1 doesn’t sell—move on to your next idea.