Curiosity Quills Author: Lisa Kent

About LisaLisa Monique Kent is a librarian and first-time author of the novel Peace Cottage, a story about hope and new beginnings. She lives with her family and pets in rural Vermont, and is currently working on her second book, Vinehart Farm, and the sequel to Peace Cottage, Raising Evangeline. Follow Lisa at https://lisamoniquekent.wordpress.comand on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lisamoniquekent




1.      Tell us how you came to be an Author with Curiosity Quills Press.My good friend Amy read the first draft of a book I wrote, and suggested I try to get it published. She happened to be a good friend of Lisa Gus, at CQ. I wrote to Lisa to ask some questions about publishing and how it all worked, one thing led to another, and Lisa asked to read my manuscript. After a few rounds of edits, she offered me a contract for Peace Cottage. I thought she was just showing me what a contract looked like, and it took a while and a few more emails before I realized the contract was for me! I signed it very quickly.
2.      What do you enjoy most about being a CQ Author?I love the direct, personal feedback regarding my writing from Lisa and my editor, Cait. Peace Cottage was a much better novel thanks to their insights. I also love the camaraderie in the CQ family—and the goat videos are fun.
3.      What have your experiences been like working toward being published?I’ve been very lucky, with my first attempt at a book being picked up right away by CQ. I write contemporary fiction, so I believe I was a bit of a stretch and a risk. Both Lisa and Cait were kind and patient with me as we went through the editing process, my book received a beautiful cover, and when it was finally published, well, I’m sure you heard me hooting and hollering! The journey has been great so far.
4.      What would you have done differently?One thing I know now that I didn’t know before is that getting a book published takes time and patience. There are reasons for each step. I’m working on having more patience with the process this time around.
5.      How has your book been marketed?Peace Cottage is available at bookstores through Ingram, is on Amazon, and is being sold locally. I’ve attended several book signings and author talks, and they have been successful. I also blog and am on Facebook. I continue to learn new ways to push my book out into the world, and am always looking for new ideas.
6.      Any advice on how to better market a book?I think I’m doing it the hard way, book by book, so I need advice rather than giving it!
7.      Last question; If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go, when would it be, and what would you be wearing?
I’d like to go to Europe on a walking tour in the spring, and it would be soon, before I get too old to walk long distances. I’d be wearing hiking clothes and shoes, and I’d have a very pretty walking stick and a sweet dog named Henry by my side as my faithful companion.

About Peace Cottage
Amazon

Overcoming Tragedy and Finding PeaceNo one is prepared for the death of a loved one–least of all Lucy Cook, whose life shatters with the news of her husband’s death. Alienated and alone, Lucy cannot stay in Vermont. Packing up her two daughters and their life, she escapes the demons of her past to find peace and renewal on the coast of Maine. Her new home doesn’t offer her the peace of mind she craves as she learns there are mysteries here she shouldn’t be a part of–and the man who owns her cottage certainly doesn’t shed any light. Learning to live with uncertainty, Lucy’s strength overpowers her fears of being alone as she navigates the strange waters of her new life. A novel of loss, love, and hope, Peace Cottage re-defines what it means to build a life, and to build a home.