DESERT SECRETS - Lisa Harris - One Free Book

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.com
Desert Secrets (Love Inspired Suspense) - Amazon
Desert Secrets (Love Inspired Suspense) - Kindle

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