Welcome! Today I interview Sci-Fi/Fantasy Bestselling author, Lisa Logue! A poet, mother, and writer, Lisa dived headfirst into writing and self-published her debut novel,
Cursed Secrets (Legacy of Secrets), which quickly became a bestseller...and that was just the beginning!
Welcome, Lisa!
What is your favorite
thing about being a writer?
I’ve been writing for so
long and it’s become such a big part of my life that I can honestly say, I
simply love it. Yes, it’s hard work, but it’s my passion. How can I not love it
all?
What genre(s) do you
write?
Primarily, my books fall
into the Sci-Fi/Fantasy category. I plan to write other types in the future,
but I’m the most comfortable sticking to what I know.
What genres and authors
would we find you reading?
I like paranormal books
the best. Some of the YA are better than the adult, but I think that’s partly
because the lines have been blurred a bit. Some of my favorite authors are
Amanda Hocking, Autumn Dawn, Terry Spear, PC Cast, Janet Evanovich, Colleen
Houck and oh so many more. I don’t mind reading indie books and I’ve found that
some are better than the traditionally published books. Not to mention I love
supporting my fellow writers!
What was the hardest part
of writing your book?
With Cursed Secrets,
it was mainly just being able to get through it. The concept was so new to me
and when I started writing it, I hadn’t intended for it to be a full length
novel. It was surprising that I had that much floating around in my noggin to
complete it! Now, I’m almost finished with the sequel and lobbying for two more
full novels and several novella companions for Legacy of Secrets.
Are you a plotter or a
pantser?
Hmm, mostly a plotter,
but I don’t restrict myself. I thought I knew where the series was going when I
started and now it’s completely taken a life of its own. I can’t say I’d have
it any other way.
Why do you think people
should choose your books over another author?
If I’ve done nothing
else, I have stretched the boundaries of characterization. Conversations aren’t
monotone and typical; they’re reminiscent of real life with sarcasm and
emotion. Relationships aren’t instantaneous and destined, rather they’re tense
and dramatic and full of passion. The characters and situations come to life on
the pages.
What do you hope readers
take with them after reading one of your stories?
Love takes work. No
matter the relationship, no matter the person, love doesn’t come as easy as
movies and most books dictate. You can have love at first sight, but you have
to work to make it last. But once you find it, you’re crazy if you let it slip
away.
Is there a message in
your novel that you want readers to grasp?
While writing it, I
didn’t have a message. However, the ultimate message once it was finished, was
that sometimes you have to make the best of what life gives you, even if it
isn’t what you want at that moment.
How long have you been a
writer?
Since I knew how to
read. Writing is something that kind of runs in my family. I have an uncle and
a grandmother and also my father who have all written poetry or short stories.
As far as I know, I’m the only one that’s ever published. When I was in first
grade, I wrote a completely fictitious story about a man who beat his wife and
the drama around it. Needless to say, my mom got a call home from the teacher!
How much time did it take
from writing your first book to having it published?
Since I went the
self-publishing route, it was mere weeks. I’m not one of those individuals who
busted the pavement sending queries to the Big Six. I simply decided that I
wanted to get it out there and see where it took me. Within the first two
weeks, it became a bestseller!
MJ: Congratulations!!
What other careers have
you had?
Currently, I have a full
time job for an office supply company. I work in the customer service
department and I order custom products like stamps and business cards. I’ve
pretty much worked in customer service since I was 16. Aside from that I’m a
full time mommy.
Do you write under more
than one name? Why?
I write under Lisa Logue
only, for now at least. I’m not interested in writing children’s books or
anything like that where I’d want to separate the voice from the adult books.
Maybe some time in the future.
Are any of your
characters based on real people or events?
I would say they’re
loosely based. Really, I take traits from people I know, characters from books
I’ve read and maybe movie stars and meld them together. It’s easier creating a
character if you can compare them to a real person and then decide what fits
and what doesn’t. At least that’s my outlook.
MJ: I do the same thing! Actors can be great template to pull voices, mannerisms, and movements from!
How would you describe
yourself if you were “speed dating” your readers?
I’d like to say I’m
funny, but that only happens on occasion. So I try to be funny. I am
incredibly loyal to those I love and I do my best to lookout for everyone. I’m
5”5’, but I’ve learned to live with it. Being Italian, I have dark hair and
eyes and olive skin and a temper to boot. My children are from my previous
marriage and I’m dating a wonderful man named Brian. We’ve been together for
five years. Being a mom isn’t a handicap to me. It’s become as much of who I am
as my name. Rarely do I hold a grudge because I try to see the best in people
(one of my flaws, too). I’ve grown up a lot in the last few years and I see
life on a whole new level. But I am rather impatient and I can sometimes be
pushy. I try to be humble and I also don’t take compliments well. Simply put, I
am who I am!
What’s something fans
would find fascinating about you?
Being a full time
student, mommy and employee becomes daunting, but I manage to write and keep up
with all of my social obligations online. That includes: Facebook, Twitter,
Blog, Website, Indie Author Network Website and Group and many more. I tend to
stay connected no matter where I am!
What else would you like
readers to know about you or your work?
I’m not one of those
authors who feel like the world owes me something. I know I need to grow and I
welcome it. I don’t like bad reviews, but if they happen I look at it as
something to learn from and use it to my advantage. I’ll never be able to
please everyone, but I can definitely learn how to better myself
in the process.
What books or authors
have most influenced your life?
This really is a great
question I just wish I had a better answer! I have never read anything that
altered my way of thinking or impacted me in a life-changing way. However,
reading all of the books I’ve read I definitely knew that I wanted to write and
publish. I always knew in my heart that it was what I was supposed to do.
How do your family and/or
friends feel about your book or writing venture in general?
I am lucky to have very
supportive friends and family. Some of them haven’t read my books, but those
who have are happy I finally published. I’ve come a long way since keeping a
poetry journal. Honestly, I’ve met some really amazing folks since I published
that have also become great friends. I wouldn’t be the same without them.
Where are you from?
I was born in Selden,
Long Island, NY. My family moved to Tennessee when I was nine and I’ve lived
here since. I hope to move out west one day. I have my eyes on Colorado,
somewhere up in the mountains.
How do you come up with
the titles?
That depends on the
story. I’ve made pretty good friends with the dictionary and thesaurus as well.
Your vocabulary is really never extensive enough!
Has your life changed
significantly since becoming a published writer?
I’m a lot busier now,
but it hasn’t changed too terribly much. Recently, things have been picking up,
but that’s because I have some pretty awesome writer friends who are also my
fans and love promoting my books. I don’t write for fame, I write because I
love it!
Do you work on one
project at a time? Or do you multi-task?
I wish I could
multi-task with writing! I tend to have a lot of ideas all at once, but I can
really only work on one project at a time. It becomes irritating when you have
stories begging to come out that you have to keep under wraps!
When not writing, how do
you relax?
My boyfriend and I love
movies so we usually see the noteworthy new releases. I also tend to read when
I want to relax. Other than that I watch some senseless TV every now and again.
Check out Lisa's books!
Cursed Secrets (Legacy of
Secrets #1)
Ten
years ago, Lia’s life had been normal, until she witnessed a murder. Since then
she’s been plagued by reliving that horrible night in a dream. But that wasn't
the worst of her problems. A force had awakened inside her, unleashing
something so frightening, she couldn't bear being close to anyone. Until she
met Christian. Intrigued by her power and the strange connection between them,
Christian is determined to find out what makes her tick. Struggling to keep his
urges under control, he vows to stand by her. But as her past is revealed, he
uncovers secrets that shake him to the core, forcing a decision that could lead
to her death.
*Includes some language*
*Includes minor sexual situations*
**Bonus material!!!**
Fire & Ice: A Legacy of
Secrets Novella
With a past fueled by blood,
sex and death, Christian vowed to be different. The things he witnessed left
him hardened, turning his body and heart to ice.
A tiny sliver of humanity remained, leading him to Lia like a moth to a flame.
Mortal desires awakened inside him, chipping away the cold. He tells Lia his
story, realizing she's the one who revived him. She's the fire to his ice.
*Includes some language*
*Includes some sexual situations*
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa Logue has written
everything from poetry and short stories to her debut novel Cursed Secrets.
Originally from Long Island, NY, she now resides in Tennessee with her family
including her two sons.
At the age of seven, Lisa began writing short stories depicting dramatic scenes
of abusive relationships and murder/mysteries. After several calls home from the
teacher, Lisa made it clear that while the stories seemed real her imagination
created the drama. But it didn't stop there. After the short stories came
poetry with which she received many awards including winning several contests.
Her earlier poems were published in coffee table books and various online
websites, proving she's no stranger to the written word.
After a long two years, her first novel Cursed Secrets has finally been
published. Lisa is constantly working to improve and adapt her writing to intrigue
and entice readers. As an avid reader herself, creating "real"
characters has been an important part of the project. While Cursed Secrets
encompasses a variety of supernatural characters, the human element is
prominent and relatable.
When Lisa isn't writing, she's spending time with her family, working, or
attending classes for her degree. She also loves to read and often finds
herself curled up in a snuggie with a glass of wine. Spending time with her
boyfriend of almost five years and their friends is another enjoyment and break
from crazy daily life.
Connect with Lisa on the following sites:
