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So one common thought or point made by nearly every author I've ever met is that one must read a lot to write a lot. I have to say that for the most part, this is true. Sometimes, ideas just come to you, whether you've been reading or not. Other times, you get stuck in a reading rut - much the same as with writer's block. How do you rectify this? For me, I go back to one of the novels that I read when I was at one of the lowest points of my life that helped me to cope. The story in and of itself did little to aid me, but rather the act of reading and finding an outlet so my mind didn't linger on all of the worst parts was what saved me.
That novel, was Twilight. Now I know, you're thinking I'm crazy, but it's true. You see, back in 2007, my marriage had fallen apart, I was five months pregnant, and also had a two-year-old. I had just turned 20 years old. I was at a loss as to how to pull myself back together and I couldn't quite figure out how I had messed my life up so badly, which now would affect my children. I was in a pretty dark and scary place. At the time, I didn't recognize the years of emotional and mental abuse I'd endured because it was all too fresh and I even held out hope that we could work things out so my boys didn't grow up in a broken home, but as time went on, I realized that we were better off, for the most part. So where does Twilight come in? Honestly, it wasn't until after the first movie came out that I decided to read the books, and I'm so glad I did. You see, the movies by comparison were total shit - apart from the very last Breaking Dawn (I don't care - you can fight me on this). Anyway, when I read the first book, I realized how much more substance there were to the characters than what was portrayed in the movie and I loved it! I ended up reading all of the books in about ten days. The hardest for me to read was New Moon, but only because it brought me face-to-face with my abandonment issues. I was trying to hard to ignore the deeper issues I harbored after my divorce, but it was after reading that book I realized just how much of a hollow shell I had become. It wasn't that any part of the story really spoke to me, but rather the emotions (yes, Bella has emotions in the books) that were portrayed during that time. I had felt everything that Bella felt and then some. I knew what it was like to be numb. I knew what it was like to feel like the abyss was swallowing me a little more each day. It was Hell. It was my life. But I wasn't alone in my fight. I had two babies to care for who depended on me for everything. I had been lost in the magnitude of what that meant and I couldn't figure out what I needed to do or how I could push forward. I was lucky most days to get out of bed. While it was true that I had met the man that is now my husband during that time, I still had a lot of healing to do and we both suffered for it. He was eager to step in and help me with my children, but I was apprehensive and frankly afraid of what would happen to my heart if I gave it license again to feel. It was one of the hardest decisions I'd ever made because I was terrified of what could happen. We've been together 11 years now, but the first few years were definitely rough, to say the least. But I digress. After reading New Moon and dealing with those repressed feelings, I was able to really and truly feel deeply again. As I read through the other novels, I was laughing and smiling and crying right along with the characters and it felt good. For so long, I was locked in a sinking ship and I had finally found something to cut me loose. Now that I've moved past that time in my life, if I find myself in a rut or if I need to jump start my reading again, I usually turn to Twilight. Honestly, it's not about the book, but rather the journey it takes with you. I have found myself reading Harry Potter again, as well, but mostly that's when my kids leave theirs lying around and I don't have anything else to do. For me, Twilight helped to kick start my heart and it serves the same purpose for my mind. Is there a special relationship you have with a novel? Do you have any tricks you use to get your mojo back? Drop a line and give me some pointers! xoxoxo Lisa
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2018 has been one hell of a year - and not necessarily in a good way. Personally, I've had much better years, and honestly I'd hoped that this year would have been one of them, but alas, that isn't the case. Most of the year has been pretty disappointing, but I must give credit to the parts of it that has been a silver lining to a very dark gray cloud.
First, I'm back to writing and publishing again. That is a MAJOR big deal since it was literally YEARS since I'd done anything with either. I'd start writing, decide I hated it, then I'd put everything on the back burner and completely shut down. It's been a major bummer because it's something I've loved for so long, and I just wasn't in the head space to accomplish it at all. It was depressing. So, I made it a point to force myself to put forth the effort to publish the work I had that was nearly completed and I'm thankful that I did because I have begun to feel that spark again and it's amazing! Secondly, I've gotten some good news on a personal level that has been long time coming. My normal day-to-day job has offered me a new position, which I gladly accepted, and I am pretty excited about it! I'll be moving into my new office and starting on the new position this week and it's definitely cause for celebration!! (I do accept flowers, wine, and chocolate so let me know if you wanna send me any goodies ;) ) Third, the year is almost over! But seriously, I consider this a good thing because we've made it through another year that has been rough for many. I take that as a win, don't you? Things could definitely be worse, but they could also be much better. So...there's that. Ultimately, I'm looking forward to a new year with new goals. I'm looking forward to a better me, inside and out, as well as better things to come. I have to put my energy and faith into the positive thoughts otherwise, I'll repeat much of the same and that's just not an option for me. I need all the good vibes I can get, so if it strikes you, send some my way! Til next time Lisa xoxoxo Hello out there to all my friends! I hope your Thanksgiving left you fat and happy and perhaps even a little tipsy! If you were not able to have a traditional Thanksgiving for any reason, just know there are those of us who were thinking of you and hoping next year will be filled with all you need and want. Everyone's holidays should be filled with good fortune and fun, so let's try to do something to help out those who may be less fortunate than we are every chance we get!
On to the news! Falling Undercover debuted today and I couldn't be happier with the reception! Thank you so much to all those who've purchased it so far and I hope you enjoy it!! It was definitely a labor of love and I'm already getting requests for the next book in the series, which I've not even started writing yet! I will be putting together my release calendar for the next year soon so everyone can see when to expect their faves! I'm humbled by all of you for helping me live out my dream. I'm hoping to release Blood Promise by Christmas (two months late, I know). Initially, my October release got pushed back due to my being sick, but then I realized I had some preorders setup and I needed to get those out of the way first. I'll confirm the release date as soon as I am able to get the manuscript finished. I was about halfway done before I had to step away, so it shouldn't be much longer. Cross your fingers for me! All in all, I couldn't be more pleased with how things have turned out this fall and I hope you all have been hanging with me through this craziness! Thanks again for your support and I'll keep 'em coming! Lisa xoxoxo ...to set this world ablaze!
The fire under my ass must be massive to propel it anywhere and I'm reaching out to share it with those who care to partake. I mean, what good is motivation if you don't use it to help someone else every now and again? Of course, I'm not motivating you in the same way a personal trainer might, but I'm going to motivate you in the sense that I'm going to share all the dirt we writers don't often talk about while also reaching my goals because #goals is a thing and we should all be striving for success. Here's what's on the menu: Thea's Reawakening releases October 31st! Originally, I had planned on releasing Blood Promise, but it was just not in the cards this month. I don't want to rush the story, so instead I'm bringing you a BRAND NEW story! You can preorder it now for $.99 and it will also be available for FREE on Kindle Unlimited! NaNoWriMo kicks off November 1st. I might go live on IG here and there to discuss my "process" (which is code for procrastinating because I'm regretting actually sitting down to write). I have no idea if I'm going to write something new or just finish the next book. One way or another, I'll jump in and try to win it this year. Falling Undercover releases November 23rd! That's right, another release!! This book is (currently) a stand-alone romantic suspense novel. The first contemporary romance type of genre I've written, but it's been fun! I'll be putting on the finishing touches and getting it out for those cozy nights when you need a good book to hold you tight. ;) Blood Promise looks like it might drop for a Christmas release, so be on the look out for that update. Legacy of Secrets is so near and dear to me, I just can't rush the release. The last night I'd ever want is to skimp on the story for the sake of a deadline. Stay tuned -- it's coming! Print copies of all my books are in the works. I'm working on formatting and cover art for all the books and plan to start releasing some after the first of the year. This will put these books in the hands of customers who still enjoy the scent and feel of prints (and who could really deny that?) and I'm pretty excited about it! I might end up shipping out some signed copies so stay tuned for that, too! Legacy of Stories has been a work in progress, but I'm working on it! I've been sick off and on the last few weeks which has made it increasingly hard to record unless you want to listen to my coughing the entire way through. I don't even want to listen to that if I'm being honest. I do have some guest friends planned to come on the show in the coming months so that's pretty exciting, too. Please be patient while I try to get well enough to record and I look forward to bringing you more chapters and friends! I think that's all I've got tonight. Until next time!! Lisa xoxoxo
So, one would think it's the perfect time to also get some writing done - and by the goddess, I'm trying. I've been chronicling my #wordcountgoals on IG and all was going well for a while until I started getting sick. Now, I'm trying to stay awake long enough to get my kids in bed and have some mind-numbing free time to try to recharge. I'm just a hot mess.
Since Falling Undercover is available for preorder, I'll likely switch my focus to it for the next few weeks so I can make sure it's all squared up before release. I'm pretty excited as I've never written anything in this genre before. I mean, it's either going to be great or complete crap, but at least I could say I did it! :D PREORDER FALLING UNDERCOVER NOW!!! I plan to participate in NaNoWriMo this year, although I haven't outlined anything, yet. I'm thinking about starting the last Legacy of Secrets novel, but I feel that's dumb if I haven't even finished and released Blood Promise. I've been working on it, truly, it's just hard to focus when your brain feels like it's in a fog. So, where am I? I'm at a bit of a crossroads, I suppose. I think, right now, it makes the most sense to switch gears and focus on Falling Undercover to prep for its release. Once it's done, I can determine whether finishing Blood Promise is the most important, or to move on to something else. I have so many story ideas and so little time to write! Truly, every month should be like NaNo if I want to be successful and, one day, I will get there. Someday. Until then, I'll be here on my couch tapping away at the keys. Or sitting at my desk, with my dual monitor displays, writing on one screen and watching social media (a.k.a. procrastinating) on the other. Or, I'll be recording chapter reads for my podcast, which is off to a rocky start since I've been sick the last few weeks. Ugh...FML. Night folks! Lisa xoxoxo |
AuthorI'm a writer, a mother, a wife, a friend, a sister, and a daughter. My journey as a published author is in full swing and I'm inviting all my friends along for the ride! Archives
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