Lisa Harris Interview

Q: How did you get your start writing fiction and what genre do you predominantly write in?

A. I started writing for Barbour Publishing’s Heartsong Presents line, back in the mid-2000’s. They were a great publisher to start with, and I learned so much from the editorial process. While those books were romance, I always tried to slip in some kind of mystery/suspense thread because that was what I really enjoyed. Today, I write romantic suspense for Revell and Love Inspired Suspense

Q: What does your writing space look like?

A: We have a small house, so I don’t have an official writing space. If I need to be with my daughter while she is doing school, I sit in the room with her, or hide away in my own room where it is usually quiet when I’m on a tight deadline.

Q: In this busy world, how do you find time to connect with God and how does this impact your writing? 

A. A lot of times, the spiritual thread of a story mirrors something I am going through in my own life. It’s a way for me to process and work through my own spiritual questions. I also read a lot of non-fiction books that are Bible based and challenge me spiritually.

Q: What part of a writing career do you find most difficult?

A. I think I struggle most with balancing everything. Family has always been a priority to me, but deadlines have to be met. I try to be organized and not waste time, but it is a constant struggle.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release Deadly Safari?

A: I’m really excited about this book because not only is it set in South Africa, but it is on game reserve, a setting I love. And the hero is good-looking bodyguard working undercover which was fun to write.

Texas Ranger Alex Markham lands an unusual assignment—protecting an ambassador’s daughter on the African savanna. No one—not even wildlife filmmaker Meghan Jordan herself—can know his true identity. The stubborn but beautiful Meghan is nothing like the bookish woman he expected. . .and neither is his unguarded reaction to her. For the cowboy—turned—cop, the routine babysitting assignment turns into a lifesaving mission when poachers target the unsuspecting beauty. But when Meghan learns the truth of Alex’s identity, can she forgive him before their chances for a future are destroyed forever?

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

A: It started with the setting where I combined the African bush filled with stunning wild life, a film crew, and some rhino poachers. I wanted people to see one of the places that is special to me and my family. I have so many wonderful memories of family trips to the game park. Bringing that into a book brought with it lodes of inspiration.

Q: Tell us a little about your main character and how you developed him/her.

A: I actually had Meghan’s character playing around in my mind for a long time. She was a bookish and beautiful, and originally had a different story line set in North Dakota. But her character wouldn’t leave me alone, so I started see what she would do in Africa. She was filming a wildlife documentary and the story started coming together. Having her father involved in politics and thus putting her life in danger, added the suspense plot I was looking for.

Q: What did you enjoy most about writing this book? Least?

A: Writing some books can be a bit like pulling teeth, but honestly this was such a fun book to write, and I love stories like that. I took a setting and story line that I thought readers would enjoy and just went with it. 

Q: What is the main theme or spiritual message of this book?

A: There is a very strong message in this book about forgiveness. In the story, Meghan struggles with her relationship with her father who has let her down and hurt her. Sometimes letting go and forgiving, though, isn’t easy because it makes us feel vulnerable.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now? 

A. When you read Deadly Safari, you also meet Meghan’s friend Kate. Right now, I’m working on Kate’s story. The setting this time in Paris, one of my favorite places in the world to visit, so once again, I’m really having fun with this story.

Q: If you could have dinner with 2 people, who would they be?

A. Because my family and I live in Africa, I miss my family a lot. I’d love to sit down to dinner tonight with my mom and sister.

Q: Do you have a favorite hobby?

A. I love photography, which is what Meghan does in Deadly Safari, though I’m no professional. I love being out in the bush, especially and photographing lions and cheetahs, for example. It’s one of the most relaxing places in the world for me.

Q: What is the most rewarding thing you have ever done? 

A. I’m not finished yet, but raising my children and seeing them grow emotionally and spiritually. It’s my most important role in my mind.

Q: Where can readers find you on the internet? 

A. You can visit my website at www.lisaharriswrites.com, or my blog at http://myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com. If you sign up for my newsletter at either place, you can keep up with new releases, but also get a free copy of my cozy mystery, Recipe for Murder! Would love to hear from you!

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us? 

A. Thank you so much for having me!!