There are times in life when a girl just has to squeal. One of those times was just recently, when I found out my friend and author fave Lisa Jordan is a finalist in this year’s ACFW Carol Awards! Lisa’s debut novel, Lakeside Reunion, is up for the award. Let’s all “whoop, whoop” together now!
I’m pumped to have Lisa back at Tag(g)lines today. She’s guest-posted in the past, but today we’re hanging out interview-style in celebration of Lisa’s latest release, Lakeside Family. It’s available now…and you should read it!
Make sure to read to the bottom of this post, too, to learn about not one, but multiple giveaways.
1) I’m so excited to return to Shelby Lake with you and your characters! How did you decide to tell Josie and Nick’s story next?
When I introduced Josie in Lakeside Reunion, I didn’t expect her to end up with her own book, but our friend Ginger mentioned she’d love to learn Josie’s story, so I started pondering. Then as Max told Lindsey about Josie, I realized she had a history. I wondered why she was a single mom. Where was Hannah’s dad? And what would be a strong reason to bring them together again as a family?
2) Do you have a favorite scene in the story?
My all-time favorite scene in the book is almost the midpoint when Hannah and Nick have a heart-to-heart. I don’t want to ruin it for readers, but The Velveteen Rabbit and true beauty come into play. I cry every time I read the scene.
3) At this time last year, I was all giddy about your debut novel. I’ll never forget when you handed me a copy at ACFW! Is it at all different this time around with your second book’s release?
No, the joy is just as sweet. I never want to take any book for granted. I’m celebrating what God has given me with another local book release party, blog tour and giveaways. I’m humbled and honored to be living my dream as a published author.
4) You are one busy chica–with writing, your home business, MBT responsibilities, husband and kids. How do you find balance in your life?
I have juggling skills. There are tough days, and sometimes weeks, especially when childcare paperwork, revisions and tax paperwork is all due at the same time. My family pitches in to help around the house and with dinner. I have an awesome God who always helps me to find the strength and time I need to get things done.
5) If you could point out one thing you’ve learned about yourself in the past year of writing, what would it be?
I’m learning that I’m a sensitive writer who writes from the heart. Emotion and storyworld are my strengths. I’m challenging myself to become a better plotter. I’m learning I’m tougher than I think I am, especially when a recent review would have sent me to tears a year ago. This time I was like, “well, that’s her opinion and she has a right to express it.” My confidence was shaken a little, but I rallied my writing support team and listened to their truth instead of giving in to the inner critic mocking me in my head.
6) I LOVE the character of Agnes in this story. Is there any chance you’ll write about her next? What’s on the horizon for you?
Oh Agnes…my transplanted Texan with a heart the size of Dallas. I’m currently plotting her story with Ian James. They’re childhood friends who are working on a community project together. Agnes’s heart has been broken by her ex-husband, and Ian is eager to get out of the friend zone to show Agnes not all guys are like her ex. It’s a story of restoration and best friends falling in love.
Okay folks, here’s the info on the giveaway!! Lisa is celebrating LakesideFamily with a month-long party of giveaways, including Coffee Lovers and Tea Lovers baskets. For more details and to enter the gift basket giveaways, leave a comment here.
AND, Lisa’s also giving away a copy of Lakeside Family to one lucky commenter on today’s guest post. So leave a comment below to enter answering this question: If you’re a writer, what’s your favorite scene you’ve ever written? Or, readers, what’s your favorite scene you’ve ever read? The giveaway closes next week on Tuesday at 5 p.m., at which point I will use a random number generator to determine the winner.
Married 23 years to her real life hero, Lisa Jordan knows a thing or two about romance. She and her husband have two college-aged sons and will be facing an empty nest soon. By day, Lisa is an early childhood educator, and by night, she is a contemporary romance novelist with Love Inspired. Lakeside Reunion, her debut novel, is a 2012 Carol Award Finalist. Lakeside Family, her second novel, releases in August 2012. She is represented by Rachelle Gardner of Books & Such Agency. In her free time (ha!), Lisa enjoys good books, chick flicks, crafting with friends and feeding her NCIS addiction. To learn more about Lisa, visit her website at www.lisajordanbooks.com.
Don’t miss out on Lakeside Family! In the space of a minute, Nick Brennan learns he has a nine-year-old daughter— and that she desperately needs his help. All this time, his high school sweetheart, single mother Josie Peretti, thought he knew about their child. And that he just didn’t care. About the ill little girl—or Josie, the woman he’s never forgotten. But Nick made a long-ago promise never to forsake his family the way his father did. A promise he vows to make good on now… if only Josie will bless him with a second chance.
When I introduced Josie in Lakeside Reunion, I didn’t expect her to end up with her own book, but our friend Ginger mentioned she’d love to learn Josie’s story, so I started pondering. Then as Max told Lindsey about Josie, I realized she had a history. I wondered why she was a single mom. Where was Hannah’s dad? And what would be a strong reason to bring them together again as a family?
Comments 39
I loved Lakeside Family and tears came during the heart to heart with Hannah and Nick as well. I agree, Lisa, you create an amazing storyworld!
Thanks, Jesse! I used to really struggle with storyworld. Now I see something in my head and think about how I can describe it to evoke the strongest emotion in the scene.
I’m in the middle of this book and am loving it already!! Lisa, you really are an amazing, amazing writer. Even if you spell MCs’ names wrong…ahem.
Ah, I don’t know what my favorite scene has been to write. Recently, it was the scene where one of my MCs (Grace) talks about her faith questions with her friend Brett. I just like exploring WHY people think the way they do. 🙂
Thank you, LindsAy! I’m so glad you’re loving Lakeside Family. I like exploring why people think the way they do too. It’s tough, though, for me to explore it with my own characters so I’m thankful for a strong brainstorming team.
Hey, I think I might know the scene you’re talking about, Lindsay. 🙂
Lisa has always been great with storyworld, but I really love her characters. Lakeside Family is a wonderful book! I look forward to more stories set in Shelby Lake.
My favorite scene is the ending to my first manuscript. Everything comes together in a satisfying Happily Ever After.
Roxanne, thank you for your sweet words. I love reading your writing. I look forward to holding *your* book in my hand and reading that ending over and over.
I just looove writing endings, too, Roxanne! 🙂
i haven’t picked up Lakeside Family yet, but when i do, i’ll write a review and SHOUT it out. Thanks for the great interview
Marianne, when you do read it, I hope you enjoy the story. Thanks in advance for reviewing it and shouting it out.
I loved Lakeside Reunion, so I can’t wait to read Lakeside Family. Thanks for this great interview, Melissa! And Lisa, CONGRATS on your award nomination!! Squeeaallll!!!
Donna, thank you so much!! I’m excited Lakeside Reunion received a Carol nomination. i’m glad you enjoyed Lakeside Reunion, and I hope you enjoy Lakeside Family too.
You’re welcome, Donna. And congrats to YOU on your bible study release!!
Congratulations my friend! Another awesome book. Can’t wait for the next one!
Thank you, my friend! I’m writing the next one right now, but it will be a little while.
Oh my goodness. The first one that comes to mind is the end of Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes. If you haven’t read it, I won’t spoil it – but it is beautifully written. Nice to “meet” you Lisa!
Melissa, it’s nice to meet you too. I have Crossing Oceans on my Kindle, so I look forward to reading it soon. Gina has a way with words!
Lisa, be sure to have kleenex nearby. It’s such a beautiful story, but it’s a tear-jerker!
Love this interview, you two! Thanks for sharing your experience, Lisa, with book #2.
Stacy, thank you for stopping by!
Oh wow! I must read this book! Thank you for sharing, both of you.
Blessings,
Becky
Becky, it’s nice to meet you. I hope you get time to read Lakeside Family and enjoy it!
Melissa, thank you for hosting me today and helping me celebrate my book!
You’re welcome, LJ. I love having you as a guest…and I’m already impatient for your next book. Also, yay for getting to see you in a month! Woohoo!!
I teared up when I read the scene Lisa is talking about and I rarely do that. Lisa’s books do that to me–really touch my heart.
I know!! Lisa can write a tear-jerker scene like none other!
Pat, even when I read it now or even talk about it, I get teary-eyed. Every daughter wants to be loved unconditionally by her father.
Okay – I’m gonna have to get the book AND a box of Kleenex apparently, based on everyone’s comments:) Congrats on being a finalist AND the release of your second book, Lisa!
Yep, the kleenex are a must, Susan!
Thank you, Susan! I hope you have a chance to read Lakeside Family!
Oh, I love this book. Lisa writes with such heart!
Favorite scene I’ve ever written?
Well … I there was the “Trash the Dress” scene in Wish You Were Here. I really had fun with that one.
And then there’s a scene in my next novel — it’s romantic and humorous all rolled into one. I laughed and smiled the whole time I wrote it.
Sweet, romantic and hilarious rolled into one is my very favorite kind of scene to read…and write… 🙂
Hello Lisa & Melissa! What a fun post. 🙂 My favorite scene in my WIP is when my heroine discovers the secret to her fiance’s disappearance! It was the first scene I wrote in my book (but it’s the Black Moment towards the end), so I had fun discovering how they ended up there…
Congrats on the Carol Award nomination, Lisa! I’ll be cheering for you at ACFW!
Ooh, are you a “write out of sequence” girl, Gabrielle? Mostly I write chronologically, but every once in awhile I just have to skip ahead and write a future scene… 🙂
Thanks so much, Gabrielle! I look forward to meeting you at ACFW.
Congratulations on being up for the ACFW Carol award, Lisa. That’s way cool!!
Thanks, Patti! I was shocked and excited to get the phone call!
Great seeing Lisa here! Congrats on the new release!
Thanks, Julie! Hanging out with Melissa is one of my favorite places to be!