I am human, I have a loving family, my name is Lisa, Jesus is my Savior, I wrote 2 books so far, the sky is blue even though clouds cover it, my cats name is Chuckie, stories are either good or needs work, I will pass away some day, and the oceans are vast.
List 10 things you know to be absolutely certain.
Are you seeking security or adventure?
Adventure…with every story I write.
What time do you go to bed and wake up currently?
I typically go to bed around 9 pm and wake up between 5 and 6 am. I like to read first though before turning out the light.
When I’m reading a book, I like to be able to identify with the main character(s), empathize, get to know them, and miss them when the book is finished. This means the author must create them in such a way that they become ‘real’ to the reader. I know, that might sound silly to some, but it isn’t.
To start, the main character(s) is introduced at the beginning of the book (typically in chapter one). Then, throughout the book this same character will or should convey their feelings. Now this should be done in such a way that not only tells the reader how they’re feeling without literally telling them but also show how they’re feeling. This humanizes them and makes them real to us (the reader). (See linked article at the end of this post)
Throwing situations at your main character that draws out these emotions is the key. BUT make sure the emotion(s) fit the situation. You don’t want your male who is madly in love with his girl friend to lack in devastation if she breaks it off with him. This will cause us readers to roll our eyes. You don’t want that.
You want to hook your readers not repel them. Do everything you can to draw them in to your story world with your characters by their side. Make them your readers’ best friend.
For more on character emotions, please refer to my blog post Emotions from April 28, 2021.
What strategies do you use to increase comfort in your daily life?
I start each day by doing a devotion of some sort. If negative happenings occur, I pray and at times talk to someone about it. The Lord’s peace is the best kind.
That moment when you start reading a book and the story lifts you up and carries you away.
What are you most excited about for the future?
Seeing Jesus face to face.
Whatever remains your focus in life, whether it’s writing or something else, there is always going to be some kind of rejection. It’s part of life. How we work with that rejection is what makes or breaks us. I won’t lie, it won’t feel good at first. It’s human to be disappointed and hurt. The truth is, everyone’s likes are different, so it stands to reason that what you write, or do, will not be for everyone.
How to approach rejection:
Back in 2019 another author read my first book that had just come out a month prior. He gave it 4 stars and a lengthy review. I was disappointed that I didn’t get 5 stars out of it, BUT in his review he stated what he liked about the book, then he went into what he didn’t like. He was very professional. As I read the ‘needs improvement’ part of his review, ideas began to formulate in my mind about what I needed to work on in my second book. Most of what he talked about had to do with one of my side characters. If I hadn’t had that authors negative feedback, I wouldn’t have known to make those fixes.
So turn your rejections into learning experiences. You will be glad you did.
What could you let go of, for the sake of harmony?
I could say past mistakes, but then I would not have had the chance to learn from them. I have moved on and have let go, so there is nothing left to let go of. I feel at peace in the Lord Jesus. Without Him I would never have been able to free myself from the past.
What is your favorite genre of music?
Most definitely Christian music.
WRITE TIME AND AGAIN 