Interview: Kelly Long interviews Beth Wiseman about 'The Promise'

Author Kelly Long chats with fellow author Beth Wiseman about her latest release, The Promise (out today!).

Kelly: How did writing The Promise enhance your skills as a writer?

Beth: The final manuscript for The Promise ended up being much different than what I had originally turned in. My editor pushed me harder than I'd ever been pushed, to tears several times. The revisions on this book were difficult, and my editor challenged me at every turn. I knew she was trying to take my writing to the next level, and she was determined to get me to a place where both the story and the writing shined. I believe we got there with the final version, and I love her for encouraging me to go deeper, insisting each scene pop, and not overlooking any detail that could improve the story and the quality of writing. My entire publishing team at HarperCollins Christian Fiction was amazing, and instead of having me carefully wade into the waters of a new genre, they encouraged me to jump in and swim full force. So I did.

Kelly: What is your favorite element of faith in this book?

Beth: There are good and bad people in every religion, and we all have choices about how we pursue a relationship with God. What works for one person isn't necessarily right or wrong, just different. Ultimately, we all want to find peace in our lives. Sometimes the journey is fraught with obstacles, and faith gets tested.

Kelly: Why is The Promise like a modern-day fairy tale?

Beth: Modern-day fairy tales aren't the sweet stories of the past. While The Promise is filled with magical moments, the journey is more laborious, complicated, and real. It's inclusive of several loves stories—love between a man and a woman, the love for a child, and the things we do for others that are motivated by this powerful emotion.

Kelly: What do you hope readers feel at the end of The Promise?

Beth: This is not a boy-meets-girl novel, and while things do end well for the protagonist, I wanted the reader to be able to get inside the heart and mind of every character. I think that each reader will be able to identify with at least one of the players. I wanted to write an edgier story than I've tackled in the past, something gripping, yet thought-provoking. I strived for a novel that would captivate readers and inspire them to think out of the box. How far would you go to fulfill your number one goal? How long is your stride when it comes to a leap of faith? Which religion has it right? With all the chaos going on all over the world, I want the reader to enjoy this story as the entertainment I intended it to be, but also to close the book and ponder the challenging questions that are posed within the pages. Early readers have said that The Promise is a book that will inspire you to really think about your place in the world— a book that you will want to discuss with your spouse, your sister, your best friend, and anyone who will listen. Somehow, we have all got to learn to get along, agree to disagree, and sometimes … take a leap of faith.

Kelly: How has The Promise changed your life personally?

Beth: It's often said that God works in mysterious ways, and indeed He does. The Promise was inspired by actual events. At the time the real-life story was unfolding, I couldn't see past my own fear and worry to know that God was working in ways I couldn't foresee. It never crossed my mind that I might write about what happened as a warning to other women. But God doesn't waste an experience. In the real-life story, I wasn't the one who went to Pakistan, but someone close to me did. And she was held against her will, mistreated, and fought for her life as I worked to get her safely home. I was the person working with the U.S. Consulate in Peshawar, U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, and the U.S. Department of State—much like Tate does in the story. But the woman being held captive is someone very close to me. And while I had large expectations about this book, the one thing I never saw coming was the change that took place between myself and the woman who actually traveled to Pakistan. Tough subjects were discussed. Secrets were revealed. I saw my friend in a new light and gained an understanding of why she did what she did. I don't have to agree with her choices, but I understand them. Our relationship was beautifully strengthened as a result of this book, something God knew all along. And a lovely surprise for me.

Find out more about Beth and her books at bethwiseman.com.

Kelly Long's upcoming releases include The Amish Bride of Ice Mountain (Nov. 4) and An Amish Christmas Quilt anthology (Oct. 28). You can connect with her on Facebook.