Can you share a little about your recent book?
I started out wanting to write another Christmas story and the plot of Stranded for the Holidays evolved from there. The standalone novel is part of an ongoing series set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The fictional town is Truelove—Where True Love Awaits. And three elderly matchmakers take the town motto a little too seriously. They’ve made it their personal mission to help everyone find their happily-ever-after. Whether the recipients of their efforts want them to or not!
Here’s a short blurb:
Running away led her right where she belonged.
AnnnaBeth is running away from her own wedding when her car breaks down in the middle of a snowstorm on an isolated mountain road. And of course, who happens along to rescue her? A handsome cowboy and his young, mini-me cowboy son, Hunter, who’s wishing for a mommy for Christmas. As the storm clears, city girl AnnaBeth will have to decide: does her heart now belong in the country?
AnnaBeth’s character type is one of my favorite to write. The banter and chemistry between the never-met-a-stranger, social butterfly and the pay-for-every-word, stoic cowboy was fun to create. When the town matchmakers get a hold of these two—by novel’s end, snowflakes aren’t the only thing falling between AnnaBeth and Jonas
I hope you’ll be on the look out for the fourth book in the Blue Ridge Matchmaker series—A Mother’s Homecoming—which releases June 1. I’m currently writing #5—also a Christmas story.
Why do you write? Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books?
My ultimate desire is to proclaim the truth of God’s Word, His redeeming love as seen in the life of Jesus Christ and to help readers know for themselves this great, awesome God of all comfort and wisdom. He is enough for every need.
I hope my books will make readers laugh. And perhaps make them cry. But most of all, I hope my stories will warm their hearts with the greatest of loves, God’s love for each of them.
How long have you been writing?
I come from a family of storytellers. My mom used to entertain my brother and I on long road trips by inventing adventures featuring us as the hero and heroine. I told myself stories as a child to fall asleep at night. I thought everyone did this until I discovered in elementary school this might not be perceived as normal for the rest of the school population. But during summers, I became the neighborhood child who entertained my friends and organized epic retellings of prairie schooners in space, aka whatever I had watched on television lately—Daniel Boone, The Wild West, Star Trek (the original), or Gilligan’s Island. Yeah, I know I’m dating myself.
It was only after my children were in middle school that I got serious about pursuing a career in writing. My first novel was published in 2013. Twenty-five novels and counting, it’s been a whirlwind of adventure ever since.
And how long did it take you to get your first major book contract? Or are you published non-traditionally? How did that come about?
In 2009, God laid a story upon my heart and a compulsion to write it down that wouldn’t go away. I’d written for myself, as a freelancer, and for church organizations most of my life. But during this season in my life, God literally compelled me that now was the time to get serious about my secret dream of writing down the stories swirling in my head and that these stories were to be used for His glory. I wrote the story that became my debut, Carolina Reckoning, and God led me to a person who suggested a writing conference.
I attended the conference and God led a multi-published romantic suspense author to take a mentoring interest in me. I attended several more conferences, and God was always faithful in leading me one step further along the road to publication. I wrote three other manuscripts; I listened; I studied; I learned more about the craft of writing and the publishing industry. In 2011, I received the call from Abingdon Press regarding my Aloha Rose proposal. But Carolina Reckoning actually became my first published novel, releasing in August 2013.
Which of your books is your favorite?
Usually the one I’m currently writing is my favorite. We’re not really supposed to have favorites among our “children”. But if you’re going to make me say it, I guess Under a Turquoise Sky. That entire project was such a joy. I may never write another book like it, but the story was a gift to me as an author. It also won the Carol Award for Inspirational Romantic Suspense that year.
Do you have a favorite character or scene in one of your books?
I’ve written three dual timeline romantic suspense novels, which is my favorite type of story to read and write. But my favorite character is probably Aaron Yazzie in Under a Turquoise Sky. There was such brokenness in him at the beginning but by the end, his character arc went through such an amazing transformation. Readers tell me that his journey touched them in a profound way.
How long does it take you to write a book?
I love to have eight months to write one of my suspense novels. I don’t always get that, however. I’m usually writing one book, editing another and often marketing yet a third novel. With the smaller Love Inspired novels three-four months is about average.
What’s your writing work schedule like?
I am a morning person so I do my best writing early. My day usually begins at the computer by eight a.m. I don’t have daily word count goals. My goal each day is to write the next scene or chapter. When I finish the scene or chapter, I stop for the day. Usually, I’m done—creatively, mentally and physically—by three p.m. I may tackle other tasks like marketing or business-related obligations for a short period. Or, I have tea and watch the next installment of one of my favorite British mystery series.
Do you have an interesting writing quirk? If so, what is it?
I like to read over the last scene I wrote the day before to plunge myself back into the novel moment. Then, I’ll go for a walk or bike ride, allowing the stream of my unconscious to flow and work it’s magic on the chapter or scene I know I need to write that day. I get into the shower and literally and figuratively allow the stream to continue. By the time I’m ready to sit down at the computer, I’ve actually visualized entire scenes and segments of dialogue in my mind and the words “flow” onto the screen.
What has been your greatest joy(s) in your writing career?
Getting to know other Christian authors has been one of the greatest blessings during my writing journey. I also love when readers contact me and tell me how God has used my stories to impact their lives for His glory. Winning the Carol Award in 2015 and the Daphne du Maurier in 2017 was such an affirmation to me to persevere in writing. In 2019, His Secret Daughter and Stranded for the Holidays, part of the Blue Ridge Matchmaker series, both made the Top 25 best-selling lists. I got to see my name on the same list as Nicholas Sparks and Debbie Macomber. How fun was that!!!!
What has been your darkest moment(s)?
As my father’s primary caretaker, the last three years of his life as he battled Alzheimer’s were extremely difficult for me. My own family responsibilities didn’t stop. Deadlines didn’t stop.
Just before his death in 2016, I hit a “wall.” I was physically, emotionally, creatively and spiritually drained. And yet through it all, I can testify of God’s faithfulness to me as I walked to the other side of the “valley of the shadow of death”.
My editor and agent would tell you that I did some of my best and most powerful writing during that period. It was during this season of pain and suffering that I won the Carol and Daphne for two of my romantic suspense novels. And I encourage other writers to not be afraid of the pain, but instead to embrace it.
How many times in your career have you experienced rejection? How did they shape you?
Rejection began early and continues to be a regular part of my writing journey. But nothing ventured; nothing gained. Writers must develop Teflon-coated skin. One of the most encouraging pieces of advice I ever read came from best-selling novelist, Elizabeth George. She said, ”You will be published if you possess three qualities—talent, passion, and discipline.”
And the most important of these? Not talent, or passion. But discipline—perseverance. The ability to keep on keeping on. Writing one word after the other. Never quitting. Never giving up.
Where do you get your ideas?
My story ideas come from everywhere—my past, my friends and their past/current experiences, and the news.
Who is your favorite author to read?
It depends on the genre. I read widely. And as soon as I name favorites, I realize I’ve left someone out. But initially in my career, I was inspired by Catherine Palmer’s romantic suspense adventure series, Treasures of the Heart, set in Africa. I still love those books. I continue to re-read them over and over.
What advice can you give aspiring writers that you wished you had gotten, or that you wished you would have heeded?
Read. A lot.
Write every day.
Every year attend the best conference you can afford.
What are common mistakes you see aspiring writer’s make?
Don’t listen to the lies of the Enemy. Don’t listen to the nay-sayers. Don’t give up.
Where/How do you recommend writers try to break into the market?
The key to my publication journey has been about building relationships—
1. With God foremost—a conscious choice to pursue His leading.
2. With others in the publishing industry.
3. And, to pursue relationships over pursuing contracts.
Multi-published author Lisa Carter likes to describe her romantic suspense novels as “Sweet Tea with a Slice of Murder.” A Vast and Gracious Tide released in June 2018. The Stronghold won a 2017 Daphne du Maurier. Under a Turquoise Sky won the 2015 Carol Award. Beyond the Cherokee Trail was a 4½ star Romantic Times Top Pick. She also has two contemporary romance series with Love Inspired. Lisa enjoys traveling and researching her next fictional adventure. When not writing, she loves spending time with family and teaching writing workshops. A native North Carolinian, she has strong opinions on barbecue and ACC basketball.
Join the adventure at http://www.lisacarterauthor.com.
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