Dear Lisa,
What has been your biggest influence on becoming a writer?
As a child, I remember my mother excitedly opening response letters from publishers, always hoping that one day she’d get a contract for one of her stories. Sadly, she never did, but her enthusiasm, faith and hope were contagious!
How did you feel when you got your first publishing contract?
I was stunned. I couldn’t move for at least five minutes. I kept re-reading it, to make sure it really said I had a contract.
What makes a book great in your eyes?
When you finish the book, and actually miss the characters, THAT was a good book!
What is the biggest piece of your advice you can give a beginning writer?
Never give up. Even Best Sellers were rejected a few times before they were published.
What are you working on now?
The first of a series, LeeAnn Vaughn: A Way With Murder. She is a Nursing Supervisor at a small NJ hospital. After a patient is brought into the Emergency Room one night, suffering from a supposed asthma attack and dies, LeeAnn begins to wonder… was it murder?
Are love scenes easy/difficult to write?
Yes *blush*. I always imagine what my grown children will think when they read it, and that thought often inhibits me. LOL.
How do you deal with the dreaded writer’s block?
When I read others’ writers work, it inspires and excites me. That gets me thinking, and before I know it, I’m writing again.
Do you have another career besides writing? What is it?
I am an RN, working as a Nursing Supervisor at a small NJ hospital. LOL. It’s where I got my inspiration for my upcoming series.
What’s your biggest reward in being a writer?
I was awestruck as I watched the face of my daughter’s friend, as she read one of my tear-jerking chapters in Passing Whispers. When I actually SAW that it moved her to tears, I was thrilled that my writing could affect someone like that.
How do you go about developing your characters and setting?
I like to use regular people in ordinary settings who face extraordinary circumstances. As we say in the hospital, there’s a story behind every door.
http://theoccupant.blogspot.com/
Hi Lisa! Re: "LeeAnn Vaughn: A Way With Murder". I like the concept of a nurse solving a murder, instead of being suspected of causing one! I hope it's the first installment of a series featuring LeeAnn. There's so much real-life drama that nursing superviors are witness to. Their unique perspective on things would make for interesting reading, that's for sure. You seem to have "A Way with Writing", so good luck with it!
ReplyDeleteLOL, Eleanor. I can't say that the thought has never crossed my mind, but I can assure you I've never murdered anyone. Yet. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of you! I always thought your creativity and imagination should be shared with the world. Besides, no one can tell a story quite like you! After reading your novels, I find myself hanging onto every word. I'm on the edge of my seat with excitement, wondering what is going to happen next. I cannot wait for 'A Way With Murder' to come out. It sounds fascinating, and I'm excited to see how it will end. =)
ReplyDeleteAwww! Thanks, Tina! I only hope the critics have the same opinion! ;-)
ReplyDeleteA "Devine" interview, Lisa! I see where you state that your mother was a big influence upon you becoming a writer. While this is certainly admirable, what I'd like to know is: who was your favorite childhood author? I'd guess someone like Louise Fitzhugh or J. M. Barrie. They were certainly among mine. Anyway, keep the good writing coming!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bernadette. As a child I was more interested in the works Alfred Hitchcock brought to both screen and magazine. I loved his stories. After my separation and divorce, my thoughts once again turned to murder. LOL. 'Passing Whispers' is a love story though. Guess it was a leftover from my young and romantic days. ;-)
ReplyDelete