Lisa T. Bergren is the author of over seventy books spanning a variety of genres, from children’s picture books to women’s historical fiction to supernatural suspense and time travel. She lives with her husband and three gradually-graduating-from-the-nest young adult children in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
In this interview, Lisa shares some thoughts on her latest book, Rip Tide, number 2 in her Oceans of Time Series.
FF: What inspired the story in your book?
Well, that question invites some backstory! My original series, River of Time, had such a strong fan base that I knew readers would welcome more on their beloved Betarrini time travelers, as well as their medieval world. The first book in Oceans of Time, Estuary, introduced two new Betarrinis who discover the wonders—and horrors—of medieval life. Thankfully the good outweighed the bad, so they’re sticking around for book 2, Rip Tide.
FF: What can you tell us about the main characters in your book?
Tiliani Forelli is the daughter of Luca and Lia Forelli, and while she’s fully medieval (not a time traveler), her time-traveling relatives have helped shape her into an altogether different sort of woman for the time. She’s strong and forthright and a warrior, just like her mama and aunt, the She-Wolves of Siena. That introduces a nice paradox for her characterization…as well as her love interests (or lack thereof). She and her friends are helping Luciana and Domenico Betarrini find their way as the newest family members to enter medieval life. Luciana, a history major, and Domenico, a finance major, are college seniors—poised to launch their careers—until this detour into a different time potentially changes everything.
FF: Which character surprised you the most?
Tiliani’s almost-fianceé. But I can’t tell you why…it’d ruin it for the readers!
FF: Why do you think storytelling is such a powerful way to share truth?
I learn the best from other people’s personal stories, as well as fiction. I always say, “I’d rather learn it via story than having to learn it the hard way in my own life.” Fiction gives us the opportunity to “try on” another’s experience and learn from it.
FF: What can readers expect from the rest of this series?
Epic action, swoony romance, and a satisfying ending filled with hope.
FF: How do you get into the right frame of mind to write for your genre/audience?
The very hardest thing I do is get my rear-end in a chair, my laptop on my lap, and headphones over my ears. I play soundtracks to get in the “cinematic mood”—writing always feels like watching a movie to me—and then I just go. I tend to sprint and write a ton at a time. I wish I was more like my methodical 500-words-a-day writing friends, but I’m not. Once I’m ready to write, I just bust it out!
FF: What do you want readers to take away after reading your book?
Hope, encouragement, and joy. I’d love it if every reader turned the last page with a wistful smile, sorry it was over, but glad to have joined me for the journey.
FF: What are the biggest challenges for you as an author writing in your specific genre?
I’ve been to Italy six times, but I’ve never been to medieval Italy! And medieval resources sometimes conflict, so you have to choose a source and go with it. AND I don’t read/speak Italian, so my resources all really center around medieval England. There’s a fair amount of supposition to be done.
FF: What authors or books have inspired you as an author?
Francine Rivers (Mark of the Lion), Frank Peretti (This Present Darkness), and the Thoenes (I think I read all their early works!) inspired me to try my hand at writing. Over the last 30 years, many more have inspired me along the way! I tend to read widely and across genres, in both the Christian and general market.
FF: How has your faith or world view impacted the way you tell stories?
For me, faith in Jesus is the cornerstone of my life. Therefore, I find it difficult not to include some aspect of faith in all my novels, but I try to make it feel natural for the characters. We’re all on the journey…some farther along than others. In this series, my characters are young in their faith, just figuring it out, so they have all the questions and some of the confusion most baby-believers struggle with. In other series I’ve written, they’re far more mature in their faith. I think that’s a fun aspect to incorporate that encourages readers on the journey as well.
Rip Tide
Oceans of Time Series #2
Lisa T. Bergren
Enclave
Genres: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Romance, Historical
Release Date: March 19, 2024
ASIN: B0CDZR114F
ISBN-13: 979-8886050981
Book Summary:
The trap is set, and time is slipping away.
After narrowly escaping arrest, Luciana Betarrini hurtles back to medieval Italy. Once there, she and her brother, Domenico, must decide how far they’ll go to be part of the family, and if they’re willing to risk their lives to hunt down an assassin.
Meanwhile, Lady Tiliani Forelli’s family has disappeared in enemy territory. Fearing for their lives—and secretly hoping to cross paths with the Fiorentini she loves—Tiliani goes to Firenze intent on either rescue or seeing justice done. Yet a trap is closing around them all.
Together, the Grecos and Betarrinis must find the Forellis’ nemesis and force him to confess to his role in the murders. They assume he has slipped into the serpentine streets of Firenze to evade them. But will they find him in time to save the Forellis?
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