Interview with Lisa Harris

Today I have an interview with Lisa Harris

where she talks about writing reading and  gives a few hints about her new book Dangerous Passage. Welcome Lisa.

 

1. What comes first for you character or plot?

It’s not always the same, but in this story, Avery North played around in my mind for months before I started writing her story. I know she was a cop. I knew she was a single mom with a daughter, who’d lost her husband. The details of her life became more distinct as I began writing the story and working through the plot, but she definitely came first.

2. Was there a particular incident, place or monument that first sparked your thinking for this novel?

Several years ago, I wrote Blood Ransom, a novel that focused on human trafficking in Africa. At the time, I had no idea this was an issue in the US. With this new series, I decided that setting this story in the US, the backdrop of human trafficking would not only make an exciting story, but would also help people become aware of this very real issue.

3. Did you know how this novel would end before you wrote it? Or did you consider any alternate ending?

I usually have my stories pretty well outlined before I start writing, but I still don’t always know exactly how it will end, or sometimes even who is the bad guy. I love it when I get surprised by a turn of events that ups the stories emotional impact. With this story, I was surprised by a couple events, (I won’t give any spoilers here!) even though I stayed pretty close to my outline and didn’t consider an alternate ending.

4. Were Avery or Jackson based even loosely on someone you know or have met?

No, both characters are purely the product of my imagination.

5. What would you hope readers would take away after reading Dangerous Passage?

In the story, my main character, Avery North, struggles to balance life as a widow and a single mom with a full-time career. She has to come to the point where se realizes her weaknesses and fears and rely only on God’s strength.

In our own lives, we often feel inadequate to follow God’s call, but never forget that the God who created the universe loves us and wants to be our strength. He came to heal the empty and broken hearted, and those searching for freedom and hope. That’s what I hope readers take away from this story.

6. Where is your favourite place to write?

I’ve learned to write pretty much anywhere. In the midst of homeschooling, travelling, or just day-to-day life. Which means that anywhere that’s fairly quiet works for me, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t prefer the beach or a quiet spot outside!

7. Do you read fiction while working on a novel? Or do you tend towards reading non-fiction or poetry?

Since I always seem to be working on a novel, I read a variety of genres. No poetry, but lots of non-fiction. I also do read fiction, but not always in the genre I write. For instance, I love medieval, Tudor, and other historical settings.

8. What are you currently reading?

For fiction, I just started Rachel Hauck’s Once Upon a Prince. For non-fiction, I’m reading The Heavenly Man about Chinese Christian brother Yun which is such a fabulous, life-changing book!

9.  What is the most helpful advice about writing you have ever received?

If you want to be a writer, you need to write. Network, go to conferences, read books on writing, but write!

10. Who are some of your favourite authors?

It’s hard to narrow it down. I grew up loving Victoria Holt, enjoy Dee Henderson’s early books, and more recently, Sandra Byrd’s Tudor series, and Jill Smith’s biblical fiction.
 
Thanks Lisa for sharing some of your writing insights with us. Lisa has kindly offered a giveaway of

to one lucky person who leaves a comment. This is international. So do leave a comment and your email if you want a chance to win. Wish I could leave one myself.

You can find out more about Lisa and her work here
Website: www.lisaharriswrites.com

Blog: http://myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com

If you're not lucky enough to win the giveaway or don't want to wait you can buy Dangerous Passage here

Buy Dangerous Passage on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Passage-Southern-Crimes-ebook/dp/B00CIUJWLI/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=

Buy Dangerous Passage on Christian book.com http://www.christianbook.com/dangerous-passage-southern-crimes/lisa-harris/9780800721909/pd/721904?product_redirect=1&Ntt=721904&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

 

 

Originally published by Ark House Press, Streets on a Map has recently been released as an E book. It is available from Amazon. Dale also writes poetry and children’s fiction, and has written bible studies and Sunday school lessons. She is currently at work on another novel. More information about Dale can be found at www.daleharcombe.com or on her Write and Read with Dale blog http://www.livejournal.com/users/orangedale/