Lisa Harris

Q: Let me start with asking you to tell us a little bit about yourself. 

A. I’m a mom to three wonderful kids, which as you probably know means my job description consists of everything from chef, to chauffer, to counselor. I also work with my husband in ministry where we live in Mozambique, run a non profit to assist the physical needs of those we work with (www.theEHCOproject.org) and, of course, I love to write.

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

A. My mom tells me that I started dictating stories to her from about the age of four. My first memories of writing are when I was about twelve when I started writing Nancy Drew type stories. So telling stories is definitely in my blood and something I’ve always wanted to do.

Q: Could you give us the highlights of your professional writing career including how you got your first writing break? 

A. I sold my first novella about ten years ago. That was a moment I will never forget. Each contract is a blessing, but a couple highlights have been when Blood Ransom was nominated for a Christy award, and Blood Covenant won best inspirational novel in the Inspirational Mystery/Suspense/Thriller category from Romantic Times.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release Dangerous Passage?

A. Dangerous passage is a novel exposing the darkness of human trafficking, not in some far away part of the world, but right here in the US. When two Jane Does are killed on the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia, detective Avery North discovers they share something in common—a magnolia tattoo on their shoulders. Suspecting a serial killer, Avery joins forces with medical examiner Jackson Bryant to solve the crimes and prevent another murder. But as they venture deep into a sinister criminal world, Avery and Jackson are quickly taken to the very edge of their abilities—and their hearts.

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for Dangerous Passage?

A: Several years ago, I wrote Blood Ransom, a novel that focused on human trafficking in Africa. At the time, I had no idea this was an issue in the US. With this new series, I decided that setting this story in the US, the backdrop of human trafficking would not only make an exciting story, but would also help people become aware of this very real issue.

Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

A: In the story, my main character, Avery North, struggles to balance life as a widow and a single mom with a full-time career. She has to come to the point where se realizes her weaknesses and fears and rely only on God’s strength.

In our own lives, we often feel inadequate to follow God’s call, but never forget that the God who created the universe loves us and wants to be our strength. He came to heal the empty and broken hearted, and those searching for freedom and hope. That’s what I hope readers take away from this story.

Q: What is your favorite scene/chapter from the book?

A: While I find action scenes a challenge to write, they can also be a lot of fun. One that stands out in this book is a very tense scene where Avery is searching her house because she thinks someone has broken in. My husband always laughs at me, but I can get the chills when writing a scene like this.

Q: What inspires you to write? 

A. Writing is such a part if me, that I can’t imagine not writing. It allows me to share my imagination and the characters roaming around in my head. (Sounds crazy, I know!) I also love the fact that I can share things from my heart through the spiritual backdrops for my stories.

Q: How has being a published novelist differed from your expectations of the profession? 

A: I don’t think I realized just how hard I was going to have to work. Before I was published, I saw authors with all of their best-selling titles as people who had ‘arrived.’ Now I realize that they are just normal people, with joys and problems who also happen to love to write books.

Q: What advice or tips do you have for writers who are just getting started?

A: It’s an exciting time to be a writer as there are so many options available today for writers. But while there are many changes in technology, learning your craft is still just as important. Read books about writing, go to conferences, learn all you can, and most importantly write!

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

A. Writing often becomes a bit of a juggling act, which is exactly what I’m doing right now. I’m writing book three of my Southern Crimes series for Revell, finishing up a synopsis and chapters together for a contracted book for Love Inspired Suspense, and working on line edits for another Love Inspired Suspense.

Q: When you’re not writing what do you like to do? 

A. I love hanging out with my family, spending some quiet moments at the beach (we live near the Indian Ocean) and heading out into the African bush on safari.

Q: Where can readers find you on the internet? 

A. I love to hear from readers! My website is www.lisaharriswrites.com. My blog is http://myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com.

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

A. Thanks so much for having me at the Suspense Zone! Happy reading!