Dear Readers, Lisa Harris is a dear friend of mine,
who attended the critique group in my home for a number of years before her
family moved to Africa to be missionaries. I
love the Internet, because it allows us to stay in contact. Her writing is
wonderful, and I love following their ministry and sometimes share in something
they are doing. Her suspense novels really keep me turning pages.
Welcome
back, Lisa. Where do you write?
There’s a
spot in my dining room where I can sit at the table and feel the “air-conditioner.”
Which is really just the breeze blowing through the house, but it’s also the
coolest place in the house, and where I like to work in the summer.
When
deciding on how to publish, what directed you to the route you took?
When I
first started writing there was only one option. Mailing your manuscript to a publisher.
There was no quick Google search back then, so to do this, you first you found
out what publishers wanted by reading through Sally Stuart’s Market Guide or a resource from the library. Then
you sent off your manuscript to the publisher—a hard copy. After that was done,
you waited for weeks or months for a response in your SASE (Self Addressed
Stamped Envelope so the publisher could mail back your manuscript if they
rejected it). Things have definitely changed!
What kinds
of things do you like to do outside of writing?
I like
cooking, reading, and photography, but mostly spending time with my family
whenever I can because we’re currently spread out across three countries. I’ll
be spending time with my oldest for spring break and I can’t wait!
What kinds
of advice would you give to someone who wants to start writing?
Remember that it takes time to learn the craft.
Don’t skip over that part. Read, write, go to conferences, and write some more.
Find a mentor and a group of writers who encourage you to stretch and grow as a
writer. Because no matter what route you decide to take, you want your work to
be the best possible.
What is
your favorite book? Favorite author? Do you have an author that
inspired/inspires you to write?
I have so
many, I wouldn’t know where to start. J As for inspiration ... when
I find that book that pulls me in, makes me forget my inner editor, and makes
me wish I’d written it ... now that’s inspiration to keep writing better and
better!
Where did you get the idea for Desert Secrets?
In looking
for settings for my international stories, I knew that the Sahara
would be perfect for a fast-paced romantic suspense. And it was. With my
heroine and hero isolated, there’s no phone service or resources, which makes
for a very intense race across the desert.
From idea to final revision, how long did it
take to write?
From start
to finish about four months.
Are you
working on anything now?
Yes! Two
projects, actually, with a couple more in the wings. I’m currently finishing up
another Love Inspired Suspense that is set in Amsterdam
and will be out next year, along with final edits for a brand new Indie novel
set in Africa that will be coming out this
summer. This one is co-written with Lynne Gentry. I’m grateful to be busy
writing!
Please tell us about Desert Secrets.
When aid
worker Lexi Shannon is abducted at gunpoint in Mali , she quickly learns her
kidnappers are really after her brotherand the money he's stolen. Landing at
the secluded desert compound, ex-military pilot Colton Landry has a clear
mission: rescue his brother, who's being held for ransom. But after discovering
the kidnappers also have Lexi, there's no way he's leaving her behind. Their
daring escape soon turns into a deadly chase when their plane is shot down,
stranding them in the desert. Making a desperate run for the Moroccan border,
Lexi and Colton
must trust each other and rely on their strength and ingenuity to survive. But
it may not be enough to outrun and outsmart their relentless pursuers
Please give us a peek at the first page of the
book.
Lexi
Shannon winced at the sharp sting of her captor’s hand across the side of her
face. She blinked back the tears, then reached up to wipe away the metallic
taste of blood that had pooled in the corner of her mouth.
“I’m going
to ask you one last time,” the man repeated. “Where is your brother?”
She looked
up at his weathered face and forced herself to catch his gaze. “I don’t know.”
He stood
over her in his khaki fatigues, anger flashing in his eyes at her response.
“Then we have a problem, because my boss isn’t going to like your answer. We
know he was in Timbuktu
with you.”
She
pressed her nails into the palms of her hands, determined not to cry. “He was
with me, but like I’ve already told you, he left yesterday morning, and I have
no idea where he is now.”
He
squatted down in front of her, his dark eyes boring through her. “Then tell me
again. Everything you know about your brother’s visit.”
Lexi
glanced across the makeshift compound where they’d kept her the last few hours.
Past the rustic tents made of animal skins toward the endless ripples of the
orange Sahara shimmering in the late afternoon
sunlight. There was nothing but the sand in every direction and the raging sun
above them.
Where can my readers find you on the Internet?
I love to
hear from my readers! I have a website, www.lisaharriswrites.com, and a
blog, http://myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com
.
Thanks so
much for letting me stop by, Lena !!
It’s always a pleasure to visit with you here on
the blog.
Readers, here are links
to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Desert Secrets - Christianbook.comDesert Secrets (Love Inspired Suspense) - Amazon
Desert Secrets (Love Inspired Suspense) - Kindle
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15 comments:
I enjoyed learning more about Lisa and am eager to read Desert Secrets!
Britney Adams, TX
It's great to see you here, Britney, and Lena, thank you so much for having me again on your blog!!! Love the chance to stop by and share about my books!
Thanks for the opportunity to share your interview and leave a comment. Like Britney it was a pleasure and appreciate the chance to receive a copy of Desert Secrets.
Sounds like a page turner for sure! I greatly appreciate the advice for new writers too.
I'm Sara and I currently live in Fort Worth.
This looks good!
Abigail in VA
Love reading lisa books. north platte nebraska.
I'm enjoying your comments! Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by!
Fun interview! The waiting for word of your manuscript from publishers must have been so hard!
Thank you for this giveaway - sounds like a great read!
Raechel in MN
Love LIS! Great interview, thanks for the giveaway chance.
Trixi in OR
Waiting is hard but oh, so worth it! Thanks for sharing.
Connie from KY
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Of course now as writers we just have to wait for the email from the publishers. :-) Thanks for taking the time to stop by, ladies!!
Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
Conway SC.
Your books are so intriguing. Would love to win. paulams49ATsbcglobalDOTnet
I do enjoy her books!!
Deanna S of NE
This looks like a fun suspenseful book and I'm looking forward to reading it.
Beth from IA
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