Author Wednesday – Lucie Ulrich

Welcome to Author Wednesday on Writing Whims. Today, Lucie Ulrich stops by to talk about her inspirational novel Broken Vessels.

Welcome to Writing Whims today, Lucie. I’m always curious about that moment when writers/authors can actually use those words to describe themselves. When were you first able to call yourself a “writer” or “author?”

About fifteen years ago, I started writing skits and then plays for my church, then for the school where I worked as a drama teacher. I considered myself a writer at that time because I was able to translate the written word into something visual. I never considered myself an author until Broken Vessels was actually published in 2012.

What messages or themes do you try to convey to your readers?

Faith and forgiveness are threads that wind through everything I write. Though my genre is classified as romance, family is my main focus. I’m from a large family, so I understand drama and misunderstandings, though I have never used a family member as the basis for any of my characters.

That’s probably very wise. How does setting play a role in your books?

My husband and I have traveled quite a bit over the years, and I always look for settings for my stories. I tend to choose smaller towns over large metropolitan areas, and so far mountains are always part of the backdrop. This Florida gal loves the mountains. Broken Vessels is set outside Colorado Springs, one of my favorite places, while The Rose Ring,(my next book) is set in the fictitious town of Elk Flats, Montana. I love the small-town feel and made up names.

Are you planning to continue writing in the same genre?

At this time, yes. Though it has always been my desire to write a mystery/suspense novel. In all likelihood, there would still be a measure of romance to the story – if I ever write it.

What’s the best thing said about one of your books by a reviewer?

I love the comments I’ve received that state how real my characters are, but one of the sweetest things I read was this: “This is one of the most beautiful love stories I have had the pleasure of reading in a while.”

How did you choose the title? Has it been the title from the very beginning?

Broken Vessels was one of the first titles I came up with, and I never veered from it. My characters are broken physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I knew Emma would be a potter, so the idea of being clay in God’s hands brought me to the title. I was quite pleased that my publisher didn’t suggest anything else.

Who is the antagonist in your book? Did you enjoy creating this character?

There are actually two antagonists in Broken Vessels – one is evident from the start, while the other comes later in the story. In both cases, unforgiveness is the catalyst that drives them. Emma’s mother, Louise, is the evident antagonist, and writing her character was not only enjoyable, it was therapeutic. I love my “good” characters, but writing the “bad” ones is a great release. Without going into detail, a person I once looked up to disappointed me many years ago. Louise is a reflection, not of that person, but of that person’s actions. I’ll leave the other antagonist for my readers to find.

I agree that it’s therapeutic to write the “bad” characters. What book are you reading right now?

LOL! I’m actually reading yours – Trails in the Sand. I promise I’m not making that up. I recently finished Safe Harbor, by Nicholas Sparks, and just finished Hidden Under Her Heart, by Rachelle Ayala.

I had no idea you were reading my book when I asked that question. Thank you. It’s also funny and ironic in more than one way. The working title of my next novel is Safe Harbor, but I know I have to change it because I found during a Google search that there are many fiction and nonfiction books with that title. You just confirmed it for me.

Lucie, it’s been delightful getting to know you a little bit better. Thanks for dropping by my blog today.

About Lucie Ulrich – Lucie Ulrich hasn’t stopped writing since her first skit was performed on a church stage more than a dozen years ago. An avid reader, she enjoyed sharing her passion for writing and storytelling with her middle and high school drama students. Recently retired from teaching, Lucie looks forward to leisurely hours of writing and research. Born in Montreal, Canada, Lucie now lives in Florida with her husband, Rick and their Jack Russell Terrier, Gracie. She has two grown children. Genre: Inspirational Romance.