Be My Guest: Elizabeth Maddrey

by Andrea Renee Cox

Something that always fascinates me is where different writers find the inspiration for their books. Today, Elizabeth Maddrey shares her source with us. And stay tuned at the end for news about her latest book!

Spur Readers On

by Elizabeth Maddrey

When I was mulling the idea of inspiration, the following passage from the book of Hebrews jumped into my mind: “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:23-25). What more could inspiration possibly be than “spurring one another on toward love and good deeds” and “encouraging one another”? That, right there, is the best kind of inspiration in a nutshell. And it definitely feeds into my writing.

Consulting Mr. Webster’s fabulous publication (the dictionary – though, for nickel knowledge, Webster is indebted to Samuel Johnson for the idea), inspiration is defined as “the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions; the act of influencing or suggesting opinions.” Viewed in such broad terms, any book is going to be a source of inspiration – for good or ill. And so, as a Christian, I refer back to Hebrews as I write so that I keep the kind of inspiration I want to provide right there at the forefront of my mind.

Generally speaking, I’d classify my books as being written for folks who are actively trying to live out their Christian walk – those of us who are struggling with that delicate balance of being in the world but not of it. If you’re anything like me, you’ve made some bad choices, you’ve wrestled with God, you’ve stood on the sidewalk (maybe metaphorically) and shaken your fist at Him, you’ve identified with David and Job and Jacob (at their low points) much more than you care to admit. But you also have this sinking, sneaking suspicion that you’re not supposed to feel that way. That somehow or other, you’re doing something wrong because...wasn’t the Christian life supposed to be easier than this?

And so it’s my background, my struggles, which inspire my books to hit on topics in the Christian life that sometimes aren’t pretty. The things we run into as we navigate our way through this fallen, sinful world. All the while, it’s my prayer that I can, through my characters, do as the writer of Hebrews encouraged us to do, and spur readers on toward love and good deeds while encouraging them to know that it doesn’t matter if your life isn’t the picture perfect dream you expected it to be. God can and will use whatever broken pieces you have to offer Him.

Elizabeth Maddrey loves to write about Christians who struggle through their lives, dealing with sin and receiving God’s grace. She lives in the suburbs of Washington D.C. with her husband and their two incredibly active little boys. She invites you to interact with her at her website www.ElizabethMaddrey.com or on Facebook. 

Here's the scoop on Elizabeth's newest release:

A Splash of Substance

She doesn’t vote. He works for a Senator. Is it a recipe for love or disaster?

Paige Jackson has always stayed out of politics, leaving it to God to govern the world. She has enough on her plate as the owner of a catering company founded on convictions to buy local, sustainable fare. Jackson Trent works on Capitol Hill for Senator Carson, putting his beliefs in action to help shape national policy.

Hoping to find high-end clients to keep her business afloat, Paige bids on a contract to cater the Senator’s next fundraiser. Shake-ups in the Senator’s staff leave Jackson grudgingly in charge of the event. After Paige is chosen as caterer, she and Jackson must work together despite opposing beliefs on how God calls Christians to participate in government. As Paige introduces Jackson to sustainable fare, it’s not just the food that piques his interest.

When Senator Carson becomes front-page news in Washington, Paige is sucked into the whirlwind of scandal. Can Jackson convince Paige he wasn’t complicit and win her back or has politics burned his chance at love?

You can find A Splash of Substance at all of these locations:

Amazon

B&N

iTunes

Kobo 

Thanks for visiting Writing to Inspire today, Elizabeth! I love how you're using your inspiration and background to spur your readers into a brighter future. A Splash of Substance sounds very exciting. I'm adding it to my to-be-read pile right now!


Readers, what books have spurred you on lately? Is there anyone in your circle of friends that inspires you to make positive changes in your life?

Thanks for stopping by today! I look forward to hearing your thoughts in the comment section below. And don’t forget to drop by next Monday for my latest article.

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