Lisa Harris Interview

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

A: My family and I have lived in Africa as missionaries for about twelve years. Which means I have a lot of roles. Mom, missionary, author, teacher, cook. . .Life is full. J

Q: What started you on your writing journey?

A: I always wanted to write, but didn’t take the plunge and actually finish a book until my late twenties. The first story I wrote was about a couple facing infertility. It was never published, but was really healing for me and my own journey through infertility.

Q: What distracts you from writing the easiest?

A: Life. J Seriously, there is always so much going on I have to be really disciplined and make sure I stick to my writing schedule.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release Desperate Escape?

A: This book is set in Africa and deals with drug trafficking and land mines. I’ve always been very interested in the issues that effect people on a daily basis and using subjects like this as a backdrop for a story is also a way to make people aware of things that are happening throughout the world. It was also a fun book to write as I put my hero and heroine through a lot!

Q: Where did the idea for this story come from?

A: Thankfully not from personal experience! But seriously, I found a setting that intrigued me, along with an idea that would push the suspense line a long and the story came from that.

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

A: Maddie Gilbert is a doctor working for a non-profit in West Africa when she is kidnapped. The only thing that keeps her alive is that there is an epidemic that has swept through the camp and they need her. I wanted a heroine who was strong, but definitely had a vulnerable side and in the story is completely pushed to her limits.

Q: When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?

A:  When the words aren’t flowing I tend to go wash dishes instead of eating or I go do something else mundane and it always works. As for celebrating. . .especially if I’m finished with a book my favorite place is the beach and a plate full of prawn curry. Because is just so good!

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

A:  I’m working right now on two projects. One is another book for LIS that is set in the Sahara—I’m plotting out that one. And book three in a separate romantic suspense series, The Nikki Boyd Files. Book one of that series debuts in October.

Q: What kind of books do you enjoy reading?

A:  I love romantic suspense, of course, but I also love historicals, sci fi, and thrillers.

Q: Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how? Writing?

A:  It’s made me more picky, which I don’t really like. But it’s hard to turn off my inner editor!

Q: Are there things you put off doing because you dread them?

A:  Like dishes and laundry? Just kidding. . .I never put those off. Not for too long anyway. J

Q: What is your favorite food?

A:  Mexican and Indian.

Q: What makes you smile and/or laugh out loud?

A My kids. (Especially when they are getting along!)

Q: If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

A:  A leopard because they are so strong and elegant looking.

Q: Where can readers find you on the internet?

A:  I have a brand new website that should be up by now. You can find me at www.lisaharriswrites.com.

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

A:  Thank you so much for having me on your site!