Featured Post

Friday, July 14, 2017

Interview with Lisa Harris



Patricia Bradley here and today on Suspense Sisters I'm pleased to introduce Christy Award winner, Lisa Harris who comes to us all the way from Mozambique! And she's giving away a digital copy of her newest book, Ghost Heart to a lucky commenter.



If you had to describe yourself in one sentence, what would you say? 

I don’t always make it, but I’m just someone just trying to serve God where I am.

Lisa, I think you make it much better than I do! What do you do when you’re not writing? Any interesting hobbies?

I enjoy both photography and cooking, but have also started learning photoshop and discovered I really enjoy graphic design.

Oh, Wow! I’ve tried to learn photoshop and it’s quite the steep learning curve! 

What was your favorite book as a teen or child?

I loved all of Victoria Holt’s novels, and in fact as a teen decided I was going to be a gothic novelist when I grew up.
 I read Victoria Holt! 

Tell us three things about yourself that might surprise your readers.

I’ve swam with pink dolphins in the Amazon, eaten piranha, and don’t drink soda or (rarely) coffee.
*Sigh* I would love to swim with the dolphins! I can’t even imagine living where you live. I’m sure there must be some downside to it, but to live there would be so exciting.

What took you to South Africa?

We moved there almost fourteen years ago to begin working with African Outreach Ministries, and have been working in church planting and humanitarian work ever since. We currently live in Mozambique, which is the country next door.

What brings you back to the States?

We are getting ready to spend the next six months in the states to help our daughter settle into University. It’s hard to believe I will have two college age kids. . .young adults!
You look like a college kid yourself! I know this is a bittersweet time…letting your kids stretch their wings and fly.

What genre did you start out writing? Have you changed course? Why or why not?

I started out writing romance novels but always had to sneak in some kind of mystery. And that thread was what I enjoyed writing most. So it was a natural progression to move into romantic suspense.
I totally get the mystery thing. 

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

When I first began writing, I gathered up all the courage I could muster and went to a critique group. While everyone was incredibly nice, I was told to go home and rework my chapter, because my characters were cardboard. Not what I wanted to hear. But they were right! Fast forward about twenty odd years, and I’ve had several reviewers say my novels read like movies and I’ve always loved that compliment.
I can attest that they read like movies! Love your books.

Any other genres you’d like to try? If yes, what and why?

Maybe gothic historical as mentioned above, but other than that I really love the suspense/thriller genre.

If you could go back in time and do something differently at the start of your career, what would it be?

Honestly, besides being more patient, I can’t really think of anything. It takes time to learn a craft and I’m still learning and trying to write each book better than the last one.

What is the most important thing you’d like readers to take away from your books?

That God’s light can shine through in even the darkest of situations. And that He can and does use ordinary people to make a difference in this world.
And your books show that so well!

What is the most valuable piece of advice you’d like to give to unpublished authors?

Don’t give up. Keep writing and learning and growing in your craft. It’s a journey, not just a destination.

AMEN. It took me a long time to realize it was a journey, but once I did, it became so much more enjoyable.

Lisa's fascinating new book Ghost Heart releases in August and was co-written with Lynne Gentry. Be sure to leave a comment to be entered in an e-copy of her book! The winner will be announced next Thursday in the comment section. 
Comment question: What would surprise our readers about you? 

A brutal murder convinces surgeon Mia Kendall there’s more than she imagined to the mysterious spike in heart transplant rejections. Determined to find answers before she loses another patient, Mia gets sucked into a dangerous international medical web. With time running out for her youngest transplant recipient, Mia is forced to partner with a disillusioned ex-military pilot who flies brokered organs across East Africa. But searching for the truth will prove costly for the unlikely duo racing to stop a madman before he annihilates a rare and cursed bloodline.

Here's a link to pre-order: Amazon


47 comments:

  1. Lisa, I'm a big fan and very much enjoyed this interview. Praying for continued success for your writing journey.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Tina! I'm a big fan of Lisa' books, too. Thanks for dropping in and commenting!

      Delete
  2. I really enjoy your books - especially the Nikki Boyd and Southern Crimes series. I also feel it is awesome that besides reaching people through your writing, you also are actively ministering to others. Thank you for all you do for Him that loves us most. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nicolmom, I love the way Lisa points others to Christ in her stories. Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  3. Thanks so much for stopping by ladies, and for inviting me to your blog, Patricia!! Thanks so much for the sweet comments!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am very intrigued by this story. Sounds like a winner to me!!! You know, everyone has a story if people will just listen. I am a grandmother of three and boy, do the grands And I love to .......fish!!!

    Thank you for a great interview and Congratulations Lisa and Lynne!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fish, Melanie? A little known fact about me is that I can skin and clean a three-pound catfish in under a minute. :-)
      Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  5. Can't wait to read it! Also curious, how does it work to co-write a book? (For you) I know some authors will co-write and each write a point of view of a main character. Do you do that?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great question, Breeze! That's exactly what we did. We divided the characters--I think there are five main points of view in this story--and we each wrote the chapters for our characters. It was a new experience for me as an author, but one that in my opinion really added depth to the story as we then worked together to edit and make the story stronger.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Replies
    1. Me, too, Beverly! thanks for joining in the discussion.

      Delete
  8. I am glad to be introduced to a new author and have already started reserving books at our local library to read. Thank you for a chance to win. Lela paralegal7@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Love hearing about new authors! Can't wait to read her books.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Vicky. You won't be disappointed in Lisa's books!

      Delete
  10. Hi Lisa, love your writing, need to read more of your books! I would love to have the opportunity to read this new book!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, once you've read one of Lisa's books, you'll go back for more!

      Delete
  11. Hi Lisa & Patricia. Just this morning I was searching the scriptures and read Psalm 139 and it reassured me that
    God’s light can shine through in even the darkest of situations. Lisa, I enjoyed learning that you've swam with dolphins and I have nothing that exciting or surprising but I am now grandmother to a 3 year old granddaughter and I didn't become a grandmother until I was over 63!
    Thanks for a great post!
    Connie
    cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, Connie! You have a precious 3-year-old granddaughter! I can remember when mine was that age. So independent. And now she's expecting her first. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing.

      Delete
  12. Love her books and connected on fb. jrs0350 @ yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by and joining the conversation!

      Delete
  13. This book sounds like a great one! I haven't read any of Lisa's books but it sounds like I need to. Thanks for the giveaway and interview. d[dot]brookmyer[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, Donna, you definitely need to check out Lisa's books! Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  14. Love medical mysteries. Thanks for the chance

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me, too, Deana! And this one sounds awesome. Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
    2. Love fish and hips and your books♥️

      Delete
  15. I Love Lisa's books and can't wait to check this one out!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Mary. Me, too! I've already preordered this one.

      Delete
  16. Love to read her books.... this sounds great!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Susanne, thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. And this books sounds so good!

      Delete
  17. Hi, I just finished reading Pursued and it had just enough romance with the total suspense!!! I'd love to get your new novel on my Kindle!!! God bless!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joan, you're absolutely right about Lisa's books! Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  18. I have been hearing about this book. I look forward to reading this.
    Thereadmaster@me.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Virginia, I can't wait to read it, either. Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  19. I love Lisa's writing and Pat's! Blessings to you both! paulams49ATsbcglobalDOTnet

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Paula! It's always good to hear someone likes our books!

      Delete
  20. I really have enjoyed her books in the past and would like to win a copy!��
    Martha T.
    CRPrairie1(@)imonmail(dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  21. I've not heard of this new one by Lisa until now, sounds good!

    I'm not sure there's anything surprising about me. Can't really come up with anything. Thanks for the fun interview and giveaway chance!

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  22. Since retiring in December one of my pleasures is having more time to read. I'm slowly adding Christian authors to my want to read list. Even if I'm not blessed with winning this time I'm adding the book and author to my list.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Great interview, enjoy knowing the author behind the books they are writing. Yours are great.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thanks for sharing the interview! I pray that Lisa continues to be successful as a writer and on the mission field. Lisa is a new author to me, so I'd love a chance to read her book! Blessings

    ReplyDelete
  25. We're traveling back to the US from Africa, so my internet is spotty, but love reading through your comments. Thanks to you all for taking the time to stop by and comment!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Trixi, Martha, Rhonda, Ellen, and Holly, thanks so much for stopping by! Will name the winner shortly!

    ReplyDelete
  27. And the winner is Virginia Winfield! Virginia, I'll let Lisa know and she'll be contacting you!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I'm already a fan of both authors (just finished my first book by Lynne). This book sounds great!!! Thank you for a chance to win.
    lhanberry1@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete