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Thursday, January 29, 2015

Interview with Lisa Harris and HIDDEN AGENDA Giveaway!



Today Suspense Sisters welcomes Christy Award-winning author, Lisa Harris! 

We're so excited to have such an accomplished author with us. Lisa is giving away a copy of HIDDEN AGENDA. If you'd like to enter the drawing, please leave a comment with your contact information.  


LISA HARRIS is a Christy Award finalist for Blood Ransom, Christy Award winner for Dangerous Passage, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 from Romantic Times. She has over thirty novels and novella collections in print. She and her family have spent over ten years living as missionaries in Africa where she homeschools, leads a women's group, and runs a non-profit organization that works alongside their church-planting ministry. The ECHO Project works in southern Africa promoting Education, Compassion, Health, and Opportunity and is a way for her to "speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves...the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice." (Proverbs 31:8)

When she's not working she loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari.


SS: Tell us a little about yourself.

Thanks so much for having me! I’m a mother, wife, writer, missionary, taxi driver, chef, and all the other things motherhood involves. Just set in a tropical setting halfway around the world. J Yes, life is definitely never dull! My family and I have lived in southern Africa since 2004 and currently live in Mozambique where we work to plant churches and with humanitarian work. Beyond my work and writing, I love photography, cooking (when it’s not hot like it is right now) and being with my family.

SS: When did you realize you wanted to be an author?

It’s something I always wanted to do—from the time I was very young—but didn’t take that dream seriously until I was in my late twenties when I finally found time to write a book. I haven’t stopped writing since!

SS: What are some of the challenges you face as a writer? Are there aspects of your life that are hard for family and friends to understand? What are they?

My family has always been extremely supportive of my writing, something I am thankful for. I’ve always made an effort to put family first, but they know that deadlines must be met. Finding that balance can be a huge challenge—especially on my end—but with my family’s support, it’s doable!

SS: What genre do you write and why? Are there other genres you’ve written or would like to try?

I started off writing romance for Heartsong, both contemporary and historical, but always had to weave in some sort of mystery. I now write romantic suspense and love the balance between the two genres. It’s what I love to write and to read!

SS: How do you create characters? Are they based on people you know?

I don’t base my characters on people I know. Sometimes, like with Avery North from my Southern Crimes series, she was in my head for a couple years before I started writing her story. Others I get to know as I’m actually writing the story.

SS: Tell us about your current release.

Hidden Agenda is book three in my Southern Crimes series. While each book in thi

s series can stand alone, it is best to read the other two first, to get the whole story. Read on it’s own, you’ll still find it a fast-paced suspense novel with a strong romantic threat between Michael Hunt and the daughter of the man who wants him dead!

SS: Where did you get the idea for this book?

The series revolves around the Hunt family, a family of law enforcement officers in Atlanta. I wanted a series that dealt with crimes, but also one that explored family dynamics. I loved getting to know each of the siblings in this series and seeing how difficult situations changes each one of them eventually for the better.

SS: Tell us about your main character.

If you haven’t read the first two books in the series, stop reading now J

Presumed dead by friends and family, the undercover assignment Michael Hunt has been working for the past eight months has just been blown. With a hit out on his life and corruption inside the Atlanta police department, Michael finds himself hunted by both the cartel and the law. His only hope is Olivia Hamilton--the daughter of the man who wants him dead.

SS: Is there a spiritual message in your book? If so, what is it?

God wants us to rely completely on Him. And to be completely in Him. Psalm 55:22 tells us that we need to give our burdens to Him. To cast all of our anxieties on him because he really does care for us. Is this always easy? No way.  At the end of the book Michael says, “I’m struck with the profound truth that God is Good. He never promised us that life would be easy, but He has promised to walk with us.” My prayer for my readers is that you seek His face and let Him walk this journey of faith along side you!

SS: What are you working on now?

I just turned in a book to my editor that will kick off my next series with Revell, and I’ve just finished outlining book two. While I can’t say much yet, it’s another fast paced romantic suspense series that deals with a missing person task force and a heroine (and romance) that I can’t wait to reveal!  The first book will release in October!

SS: Tell us three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.

This is always so hard!

While I think every author—and person for that matter—I know drinks coffee, I don’t. (Though I have just discovered Chocolate Chai which I love!) 

I’ve studied three languages, Portuguese, French, and Eve, and currently speak Portuguese every day.

Hmm. . .My husband has got me hooked on Sci Fi, something I never liked before we got married. Lately we’ve been watching Dr. Who.

SS: Favorite TV shows?

 We don’t have TV here, but we do buy seasons to watch. My favorites are NCIS and Hawaii 5-0.

SS: Anything special you eat or drink while you’re writing? 

Popcorn with dry ranch salad dressing on it. (when I happen to have it) In fact, my daughter is making me some right now!


SS: How do you celebrate after completing a book? 

By starting a new one. Ha!

SS: Where can readers find you on the Internet? 


SS: Anything else you’d like to share with us?
 Thank you so much for having me!!


Thanks so much for joining us!
And remember, readers, if you'd like to enter the drawing for HIDDEN AGENDA, leave a comment with your contact information. 

32 comments:

  1. Just so you know, you're not the only writer who doesn't drink coffee regularly. I can do a fancy coffee drink once in a great while. Loved the interview. Thanks for sharing.
    lill dot kohler at gmail dot com

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    1. Yeah, I'm glad to hear there's at least one other non-coffee drinker out there, Lill! Thought I confess, I do love coffee in France. There's something about the atmosphere that makes me want to sit at a cafe and drink coffee with tons of milk and sugar. Thanks for stopping by!

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  2. Looks like another awesome book, Lisa!

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  3. Wow. Your own life is so amazing--and sounds like the basis for a wonderful novel! I really enjoyed reading your blog post, then went over to your website and enjoyed that, too. What fun to read about your other novels! I am in awe of the challenges you and your family must face so far from the States, and the languages you speak. I barely managed one year of German in high school....and the only thing I know about Mozambique is that I like Mozambique garnets. :) Blessings to you and your family for all you are doing....and best wishes with your novels!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Roxanne. I admit languages aren't my forte at all. But I try! :-)

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  4. I recently discovered your books so I really enjoyed this interview. I'd love to win new book

    Cindy99@mac.com

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    1. Glad you stopped by! (And thrilled you've discovered my books! :-)) Lisa

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  5. I love your books! I love the romantic suspense plots with Christian thinking!
    Janice
    pjrcmoore@windstream.net

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    1. So glad you've enjoyed my books! Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  6. Wow, three languages - that's great! Sometimes I can barely keep up with my native tongue. ;o) Thanks for the giveaway.
    momrain(AT)aol(DOT)com

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    1. Well, I'm definitely only fluent in English, but am working on the Portuguese! Thanks for stopping by!

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  7. Lisa, thank you for loving on His people in Mozambique! I love Christian suspense. HIDDEN AGENDA sounds like an amazing read. :)

    Blessings
    psalm103and138[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. My favorite genre as well, Caryl! Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  8. You aren't the only one who doesn't drink coffee Lisa...both my husband & best friend don't touch the stuff, lol! As for me, I have my two cups in the morning. If I want anything on a a cold night, I'll go for some kind of tea (usually Vanilla Chai or Earl Grey). I don't do any fancy coffee either at the coffee shops, just plain coffee with cream & sugar :-) And not very often either. As for your writing, you are a new-to-me author. But I love the sound of your books. I'm just getting into the romantic suspense genre (think Colleen Coble), but what I have read up to this point is really good! I am sure it can be hard on your family life. Writing, editing, marketing, etc...but I'm glad you try your best to put them first. And living in Africa, wow! What an adventure the Lord laid in your path. Curious question, how did His call come about to go there as missionaries? I always love a good story :-) You just keep doing what the Lord has called you to do & He will take care of the rest! Thank you for a chance to win a copy of "Hidden Agenda". I'll have to look for the other two in the series. I'm the type of person that had to read the series in order, lol!

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. It is very much a balancing act, Trixi, but that is something we all deal with, isn't it! I always had this desire to live in Africa, even from a young age. And to be honest, my only explanation is that this was God's call on my life as I'd never been there. I met my husband at University and he had the same desire, coming from a family of missionaries to Africa. God definitely placed us here at this time, something I hold on to when the road gets tough. Thanks so much for stopping to post!

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  9. I absolutely love the Southern Crimes series!!! I would love to win a copy of Hidden Agenda. I can't wait to read it!! lsubeth14@yahoo.com

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  10. It's always fun to meet new authors. I am anxious to read your series.

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    1. Thank you, Beth, so much for doing the interview!! Always a lot of fun.

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  12. Thanx for the giveaway!!! I adore Christian Romantic Suspense. I'm glad I discovered you. I will keep your family and your ministry in my prayers.

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    1. Thank you, Jennifer, for your prayers. That means a lot!

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  13. Christan suspense is my favorite genre! Looking forward to reading this series! Loved the interview! dar.sieb at gmail.com

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  14. Lisa, I am like you ,I do not drink coffee very much either! I drink a cappuccino or hot chocolate when it is cold. I love your books. Shelia Hall sheliarha64@yahoo.com

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    1. I'm a hot chocolate girl as well, Shelia, though it's never really cold enough to drink here. LOL

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  15. I love Christian suspense and I am thrilled to read about this latest book.
    Connie
    cps1950@gmail.com

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    1. Yeah! Another lover of Christian Suspense. Thanks for stopping by, Connie!

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  16. I love Christian romance suspense. I can't wait to read your series!! Heidi Cross bobheidicross@yahoo.com

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    1. Hope you enjoy it, Heidi! Thanks for stopping by!

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