Lisa Watson Answers Linda Fegins’ Questions About Her Book and Her Writing Journey
What would you like readers to take away from your book?
– I’d like readers to read Her Heart’s Desire and see that your life and relationships are yours to mold and shape in a way to makes you happy, and contributes to your life in a positive way. When you find someone that centers you, and compliments who you are…hang on to them. Don’t be afraid to do the work. Life isn’t cookie cutter, and neither are people.
What inspired you to write this book? –
I was fascinated by Norma Jean’s character. Here’s this matchmaking mother that would do anything to ensure that her only son finds the type of happiness she’s found with his father. The thing is she doesn’t stop there. That single-minded purpose extends to his friends, too and before long, “The Love Broker” has several of Adrian’s friends in her sights. They think she’s horrible at match making…but is she?
What is your favorite chapter from the book and why? –
My favorite chapter would have to be the black hole moment. When Tiffany and Ivan are presented with an obstacle that seems insurmountable. Tiffany’s past experiences with on love, life, and how she views the man in her life present challenges for Ivan. How he handles things within their relationship is also based on what he’s used to doing, and are ingrained in him. Sometimes the combination of the two makes for a bumpy road for the couple.
What did you hope to accomplish with this book? –
I wanted readers to be able to connect, and root for the relationships in The Match Broker series; Love Contract and Her Heart’s Desire. Like all of us, these are real-life people. Have you ever had a family member that considered themselves a match maker and wouldn’t take no for an answer? Fears about life, problems with work, or dating and relationship dilemmas? We all do, and I wanted my characters to be no different. I believe that love, open communication and respect for your significant other can get you on the road to happiness…that doesn’t always mean it’s a smooth trip, and without its share of bumps along the way.
What are three things you wish you’d known before you reached where you are now?
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1. How important it is that the person representing you as your agent, editor, or publisher is a great fit for you. Are they as passionate about your work as you are? Will they work hard, and represent you in the best possible way? Spend time, do the research and find that perfect fit. It may save you a lot of time, and effort later if they relationship isn’t all you expected.
2. The importance of great marketing for your book, and the time involved as a new author publicizing yourself, and your works. It’s very essential, and some publishers may not provide you with promotional materials. If not, it’s up to you as the author to do what it takes to get your name out there and promote yourself and your brand.
3. Don’t be afraid to follow your dream. If it’s to be a writer…or if it’s another career…move mountains to accomplish what’s in your heart. Don’t let others dissuade you from at least trying to do what makes your soul happy. You have an inner voice for a reason—listen to it.
Oprah always asks, What do you know for sure?
– I know that writing isn’t all glamour, it takes a great deal of hard work, dedication, passion and faith. You will get rejected, we don’t all start out getting phenomenal advances, and bestseller status. For most it’s a long road, and you’ll need a strong back bone for the times those reviews are less than favorable, and it’s scary sharing your innermost thoughts with the world…but for me, knowing that I am using my God given talents is an indescribable joy. Receiving those unexpected emails from readers offering support and excitement for my work…weaving a tale from my imagination, and then seeing it in print, and knowing that my words have touched even one person’s life and made them smile and feel better…inspires me to keep going and never look back.
If you could have dinner with three authors to talk with about their writing, living or deceased, who would you invite and why?
– Maya Angelou. She is such an inspirational woman. For me, her words are soul stirring and compel you to do better than your best. Ms. Angelou is doing exactly what she was born to do, and that’s phenomenal. Leslie Esdaile Banks. She was such a wonderful person. When I first met her at a writer’s convention, I was awe struck. Here was this bestselling, famous author, and she was chatting with me like we had been friends for decades. She was a beautiful soul, and would always offer me pearls of wisdom and sage advice on lessons learned, how to make it in such a competitive business, and how not to get caught up in the hype. I miss her terribly, but I’m so grateful that she and I crossed paths. I would love to have chatted with Jane Austen, too. I enjoy reading historical novels, and her heroines were strong, ahead of their time, and were not content to sit and let life pass them by. I’m sure she would have fascinating tales to tell in person.
How do you find time to connect with God?
– I truly have to stop and listen. I multi-task a lot, but that doesn’t always assure that I get things accomplished. There was one time when I was on deadline worrying over a part of my manuscript, stressing over my full-time job pressures, family life and wishing there were more hours in the day. I have the habit of worrying over everything all at once. This was one of those times, and meltdown was imminent. Suddenly, the words “Be Still,” popped into my head. Immediately I stopped, and did just that. I felt an overwhelming calm that came from sitting there, being quiet, and not thinking about anything but that. That was God’s wake up call for me, and I listened. Since then, I find the time to unplug and just Be Still. I pray more, read more, and focus on the things that matter, like trying to grow spiritually and do the things that I was put on Earth to do. I don’t major on the minutia nearly as much. I’m far from perfect at it, but I am a work in progress.
About the Book
Love’s his only mission
After a series of dating disasters, Tiffany Gentry isn’t ready to risk her heart again. Just when she decides it’s safer to stay single, the Chicago boutique owner meets Colonel Ivan Mangum. The gorgeous military hero is an expert in security. Yet Tiffany has no defense against Ivan’s sensual maneuvers….
Ivan knows that Tiffany should stop looking for Mr. Right—she has already found him! From romantic city nights to a passionate tryst at his mountain retreat, Ivan uses every seductive weapon in his arsenal to prove he’s her true soul mate. But when their future together is threatened, will this soldier find a way to turn his dream of love into a mission possible?
About the Author
A native of Washington D.C., the city’s historic and political backdrop fed Lisa Watson’s romantic imagination. Lisa has written several multi-cultural novellas and novels, and loves creating engaging storylines with strong characters that are drawn together by respect and love.
Lisa works at a technology consulting firm, and is the co-publicist for RT Book Review Magazine’s annual RT Booklovers Conventions.
Lisa’s Amazon Bestselling novel for Harlequin’s KIMANI™ ROMANCE, Love Contract, is book one of The Match Broker series. Book two, Her Heart’s Desire is coming May 2014, and book three, Love by Design in Fall 2014. Her new holiday novellas, A Heart for Christmas (2nd Edition), and Two Hearts for Christmas, in the Love at Christmastime series is available on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Kobo Books and Allromanceebooks.com.
Lisa lives outside Raleigh, NC and is married with two teenagers, and a Maltipoo, Brinkley. Connect with Lisa on Facebook (NCLisaWatson), Twitter (@LisaYWatson), and at www.lisawatson.com.
Purchase the Book Online at:
Amazon.com
BarnesandNoble.com
Visit the author online at:
www.lisawatson.com