Ask the Author: Lisa Carter
Answered Questions (12)
Lisa Carter
I wrote and dedicated this book to the members of the United States military and to my Uncle Bill—who never quite managed to make it all the way home from Vietnam. Everything comes with a price, freedom most especially. The soaring suicide rate among veterans guts me. The addictions. The brokenness experienced by many. I am humbled by the incalculable cost they willingly paid so that the rest of us wouldn’t have to. There is something of the sacred in their sacrifice. A love of country. A love for home.
Lisa Carter
Dinner guests arrived. No enough food.
Lisa Carter
I love the Victorian book world mystery series by Deanna Raybourn featuring amateur London detectives Veronica Speedwell and Stoker.
Lisa Carter
I've been reading the 3 books in Liz Johnson's Red Door Inn series and catching up on Robin Hatcher's contemporary romances.
Lisa Carter
Writers write because they can't help but write. The same way dancers dance and singers sing. Writing is not for everyone. Writers spend a lot of time alone with their thoughts in front of a computer. It is draining and hard work. Writers have to say no to many other interests to focus on this one thing they are compelled to do—tell stories. If you are really called to write—write something every day. Doesn't matter if it's a journal or a blog. Whether it's good or bad. Writing is like a muscle that must be exercised to increase in strength. Forget the naysayers. Ignore the haters. There are more avenues than ever before to have a book published—indie and/or traditional. I think perseverance and discipline matter more than talent initially. That said—there are a ton of more fun ways to spend your life. If you don't absolutely, positively want to write—don't. Do what is fun and nurturing to you. If you are truly passionate about something, nothing will stop you.
Lisa Carter
I'm so glad you enjoyed the book. Since my in-laws retired to western Colorado, I've made a lot of trips to the 4 Corners area. I also spent a lot of time researching the Dine, reading everything I could get my hands on. Your novel sounds so interesting. Theirs is a unique culture, too. See if the tribe has a public information person. If your budget allows, travel there and get to know setting and the people who cross your path. Thanks for reaching out. Happy reading and writing, Honeybee. :)
Lisa Carter
Do something rote that occupies my hands and yet frees my subconscious mind to perambulate around the sticking point in my story. I'll take a walk, do laundry, take a shower (my husband says you can chart my books by the water bill), and if all else fails, clean the house.
Lisa Carter
So many good things—writing on the couch till noon still in my pj's; hearing from readers; book events and meeting readers; meeting other writers who are in general a fun group.
Lisa Carter
Study the craft. Practice the craft. Write every chance you get—blogs, articles, freelance, church newsletters. Read a lot in your genre. Invest in your career by attending writing conferences to meet/pitch to agents & editors. They are the gatekeepers to the publishing industry.
Lisa Carter
I am working on another Native American romantic suspense novel for Abingdon Press set once again in the American Southwest. Also, a new romance only book for Love Inspired set on the Eastern Shore of Virginia about a single mom and Coast Guards man.
Lisa Carter
Inspiration comes to me from a lot of different places. The evening news, overheard conversations, other people's lives. Often visiting a setting will prompt story inspiration. During the writing of a book, if my creative well runs drive I take a walk or do something rote like as a last resort clean my house. :)
Lisa Carter
Watching an old episode of In Plain Sight which deals with WITSEC (Witness Protection Program) it occurred to me that one of the best places to hide would be the vast untamed wilderness of the Navajo Rez.
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