It’s A Book Thing Presents: An Interview with Elizabeth (Libby) Smith, author of The Coin Flip

Author’s Bio: Elizabeth Smith, who goes by Libby, lives in Parkville, Maryland with her husband Dennis. Her previous book, Twin Strokes, is about a young girl who suffered with a rare illness called Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

 

Smith, who enjoys writing children’s stories, senior jokes, articles and essays, has three children and two grandchildren. Her hobbies include, reading, writing, baking, walking, swimming, and listening to a variety of music. Among her favorite authors are Jan Karon, Adriana Trigiani, Matthew Kelly, Francine Rivers, and the late, Erma Bomback.

 

While growing up in the country, a treasured time during the summer was hiking to the nearby bookmobile. “I have fond memories of walking inside and smelling the fragrance of the books and slowly feeling the crinkly plastic covers like they were gold,” said Smith. “It was intoxicating.”

 

Smith also enjoyed teaching Faith Formation to school children, working for a pediatrician and helping kids as a paraeducator. A few years later, after reading an article about her great-grandfather, it became her mission to write this book, The Coin Flip. “I feel the Holy Spirit was my co-author in both works,” added Smith.

 

She belongs to the Maryland Writer’s Association, the Capital Christian Writer’s Fellowship, and Writing 4 Kids.

 

Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to write your book?

Elizabeth Smith: I was inspired to write my book, The Coin Flip, after reading an amazing newspaper article from my cousin.  It was so impressive that I felt moved to turn it into a book so others could appreciate the benefit of the story.

 

DL: What elements do you think make a compelling story?

ES:  To me, a compelling story is one that I can relate to, a story that is filled with emotions, and also has humor, and is sprinkled with some spiritual input.  It is one you just don’t want to put down.

 

DL: What obstacles did you encounter while writing this book?

ES: I don’t care for researching.  It takes lots of time and I am a little impatient. 

 

DL:  What was the most valuable writing advice you’ve ever been given?

ES: The most valuable advice I have been given is to never give up.

 

DL: What are three books you’ll never part with?

ES: Three books I won’t part with are the Bible, a book called, He and I, and a book my son wrote twenty years ago that is now out of print.

 

DL: What’s your favorite line from a book?

ES: A favorite line would be “You can’t live a joyful life if you’re paralyzed by fear.”

 

DL:  What are three fun facts about yourself?

ES:  Three facts about myself are:  I can laugh at myself, I am always losing my glasses and keys, and I enjoy playing a variety of games.

 

DL: Would you like to share an excerpt from The Coin Flip?

ES: Sure, here you go:

    I told McDermott how I would always dream about becoming a priest. 

    “Well, well…you would never guess Quigley, that I too have the same desire.  Let’s talk about what jobs might pay the most money so it doesn’t take us so long to enter the seminary.”

    “I don’t think we will know until we arrive in America and investigate it.”

    “True, but I don’t feel like waiting ten years to enter.”

    “Neither do I.”

    There was a long pause.  Suddenly, McDermott squealed and jumped into the air, snapping his fingers.  “I got it Quigley!  How about if we flip a coin?  The loser will get a job and pay the winner to go to seminary.  That way, at least one of us can afford to become a priest right away.”

    “I don’t know McDermott.”  I answered with trepidation, rubbing the back of my neck.  “That’s going to be hard for the loser.”  My chest tightened and I felt tense all over.

    “It’s the only way we can help each other with the same goal.  One priest is better than none.  Ok, who calls first?”

    “I don’t care,” I answered, my heart pounding rapidly in my chest.

    He handed me his shilling. “Call.”

    I called heads.

    Tails appeared.

    “Oh dear God, I don’t believe what just happened.  How can it be?  Why God did I lose?  I thought it was my vocation to be a priest.  What do you want me to do now? 

 

DL:  What new projects are you currently working on?

ES:  I would like to perfect some children’s stories I have written, so they can be published. 

 

DL:  Where can readers learn more about you and your book? 

ES: Readers can view my website: www.thecoinflipbook.com, and they can check out Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other retailers.

DL: Thanks so much for being here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.

ES: Many thanks!