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Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Spotlight on Lisa Harris and A Matter of Trust

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa Harris and her husband, along with their three children, have been working the past four years in Southern Africa as church planters. She speaks French and is currently learning Portuguese for their move into Mozambique next spring. Life is busy between ministry and home-schooling, but she loves her time to escape into another world and write, and sees this work as an extension of her ministry. She's currently working on an international suspense series set in Africa that mixes suspense and romance into a fast-paced adventure across Africa.

Besides writing, Lisa loves to travel. She and her husband have visited over twenty countries throughout Europe and Africa. She's also spent time in Japan and Brazil. One of her favorite pastimes is learning to cook different exotic dishes from around the world.

http://myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com

A MATTER OF TRUST
By Lisa Harris
Published by Heartsong Presents

SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW

1. Your hero has lost his love and now has to win her back. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

I wanted to have a story where the hero and heroine had a past that they had to work through, and Ty and Kayla definitely have some serious matters to work through. Once engaged to be married, Kayla found out that Ty wasn't the person she thought he was. Then a year later, he returns to her home town claiming to be a changed man wanting to win her back. But when the law steps in and fraud charges are brought up, Kayla has to decide who's telling the truth.

This was actually one of the first stories I ever wrote, and DiAnn Mills graciously helped me. As a new writer, though, I still had so many things to learn. A few years later, Lena Dooley, Beth Goddard, and I decided to turn in a proposal to Barbour's Heartsong Presents line. I still loved this story line and decided to rework the story for the proposal. I added a stronger suspense line and strengthened the story over all.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced the characters of Kayla and Ty?

I think it's impossible not to put some of who I am into a story, but I work hard to make each character unique. I've never gone through what Ty and Kayla experience, but I have had to come to the point where, like Ty, I had to make a conscious decision of whether or not I truly believed that God was in control of every part of my life. Even when things went very wrong.

3. What themes exist in A Matter of Trust that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

Like the title suggests, for both Ty and Kayla, it becomes a matter of trust for them. Spiritually, the stakes are high as well. When Ty's life begins to unravel, he's forced to question his faith like I mentioned above. We all have had to wonder at some point why bad things happen to good people. And why God allows these things to happen.

I want the reader to walk away from the book with a deeper assurance that God is in control no matter what is happening to them around them. It's a matter of faith. Of trusting God no matter what happens. A tough lesson sometimes to learn, but one I know is crucial.

4. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

Writing is a lot of work, there's no way around it. But as I work to put down on paper the story and characters that are running through my mind, the difficult process becomes worth it. I love the happy ever after endings, the spiritual victories, and simply trying to write an unforgettable story that impacts the reader long after the book is put away.

5. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

My next book is titled Recipe for Murder, a cozy mystery coming out with Barbour's new line. In this new series, Pricilla Crumb's guest list has just turned into a suspect list...for murder. Pricilla never expected to be involved in a real life mystery, but that's exactly where she finds herself when she joins her son at his hunting lodge in the beautiful Colorado mountains. Laced with a spiritual message and a sprinkle of romance, Pricilla follows one lead after another, dishing up laughter and suspense along the way.

This is book one in a three books series. I also have a Love Inspired Suspense coming out later in the year about internet scams.

* * * * *

Thank you, Lisa, for being in the spotlight. Readers, leave a comment for your chance to be entered in the drawing for a FREE copy of A Matter of Trust. If you don't wish to be entered, but still wish to comment, say so when you post. This week, the contest is open to anyone worldwide.

17 comments:

Kim said...

Another new author! Yipee!! And and upcoming cozy mystery? You can bet I'll keep my eye on her!! Thanks for the great interview!

Kim
berlysue.blogspot.com

Lisa Harris said...

Thanks for stopping by, Kim! If you love cozy mysteries, you'll love Barbour Publishing's new book club that's starting the first of the year. I'll be letting readers know how to sign up soon on my blog.

Blessings!

Lisa

Amy said...

A powerful word-faith in the unknown. I am excited to read your new series.

Ronie Kendig said...

Wow! A book Lisa wrote that i don't have yet...and didn't crit. SIGH. Please enter me in the drawing, Tiff! And thank you both for this interview. Lisa is just the kewlest!

Cherie J said...

Sounds like a great story! Enjoyed the author spotlight.

Lisa Harris said...

Thanks for stopping by, ladies! I definitely enjoyed doing the interview.

Ronie, you're too sweet. What would I do without you?!

Blessings all!

Lisa

Angela said...

Defently sign me up!

I blogged ya too:
http://contestaddict.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Hi Lisa,

It's hard to imagine you the other side of the world! We're missing you on CWG S.Africa.

A Matter of Trust sounds awesome. Please enter me in your drawing for the book.

Hot sticky African hugs!

Shirl

Lisa Harris said...

Oh, I can relate. It's hot and sticky here in Brazil as well, Shirl!

Thanks for signing up ladies!

Lisa

http://myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

The life of Lisa is full of inspiration to me - I am her 2nd cousin through her mother. I admire her, her attitude of love for ALL people ~ her life being spent as a Child of God, a mother, a wife, and the list goes on!

Cheers! Love abides in all. God go with you!

tetewa said...

Count me in! tWarner419@aol.com

Lisa Harris said...

Thanks for the sweet words.

Blessings,

Lisa

ChristyJan said...

Oh! I love cozy mysteries. This sounds like a fun series.

windycindy said...

Hi, I have been reading your blog about your experiences. Very interesting! Please sign me up for you wonderful contests. Congratulations on your newest release book and continued success
in South Africa! Thanks,Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Lisa Harris said...

Thanks so much for stopping by, and for checking out my blog! And thanks to Tiff for interviewing me this past week!

Blessings,

Lisa

Tiffany Amber Stockton said...

This week, the winner is:

Ronie!

I've emailed you to send me your mailing information for your free copy of Lisa's book.

Everyone else, check the other spotlights to see if you've won. You never know. It just might be your week!

Tiffany Amber Stockton said...

Okie-dokie, Ronie has informed that she already has a book coming to her, so the next winner picked is:

Cindi!

Congratulations. I've emailed you to send me your mailing information, so Lisa can send out your book.

Everyone else, check the other spotlights to see if you've won. And two more new ones this week!