Q: How long have you been writing and what other careers or jobs have you had?
A. My husband and I have been missionaries in Africa for about twelve years. My other job was running a home daycare in the States. It was during those years that I decided I wanted to get serious about writing, so while the kids napped, I wrote. My first book, a novella, was finally published the end of 2003.
Q: Do you write in only one genre and if so which one and why? If not, which ones and why?
A: Several of the first books I wrote were simply Christian romance novels. I found, though, that I really love the added mystery/suspense aspects, so now all of my books are romantic suspense
Q: How does your faith play into your writing?
A. While I always want the spiritual thread in my stories to be natural and not forced, it is very important to me to have my characters grow or be challenged in their faith. I also often it’s a thread I’m grasping with in my own life.
Q: How do you choose your settings for your books?
A. Usually I prefer to either write about a fictional town (you can’t make mistakes with these) or a place I’m familiar with. Stolen Identity is set in the fictional seaside town of Pacific Cove in Oregon. I chose it because I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and love the ocean and all the seaside towns. So in a way for me this setting was like going home.
Q: Do you base your characters on people you know or are they totally made up?
A: All of my characters are totally made up, though I suppose it’s possible that characteristics of people I’ve known could slip into a story now and then. 🙂
Q: Would you tell us about your current book release, Stolen Identity?
A: Stolen Identity is a story about a widowed mother who gets caught up in a dangerous game when her identity is stolen. Danielle Corbit doesn’t understand why someone would want to steal her identity. A single mother running a small business—nothing special, right? But after discovering a dead body on the Oregon coastline, she’s attacked by a dangerous hacker who will stop at nothing to frame her. Only her former fiancé, Jason Ryan, is willing to help. Years ago she broke his heart, but he can’t walk away from a woman in need. He’ll do anything to protect her from their unseen adversary. But is there enough time to work together and untangle this twisted web of fraud and deception
Q: Where did you get your inspiration for Stolen Identity?
A: I had received a number of scam letters in my inbox and started researching how this worked. This led me to write Final Deposit for LIS several years ago, but I knew I wanted to delve into this topic again. Identity theft is on the rise with millions of people affected each year and criminals are making billions.
Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?
A: One, when life spins out of control, remind yourself that your identity isn’t tied to the securities of this world. Hold instead to the hope found in our Heavenly Father.
Two, do what you can to avoid identity theft. Here are some practical ideas to avoid being a victim of identity theft from the US Department of Justice. (http://www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/websites/idtheft.html)
Q: Tell us what you like about the main characters of this book.
A: I love the fact that Danielle is simply an ordinary mom who has to dig deep inside her for courage to face an impossible situation. Jason is a man of integrity and honor who will do anything to save her life.
Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?
A. Right now I’m finishing up two books, both due on June 1st. It’s keeping me just a little busy. J The first one is my next LIS set in South Africa on a game reserve. (Ever wanted to go on a safari?) The second book is the first in a brand new romantic suspense series set in Atlanta, Georgia. This series revolves around the Hunt family who have served their country through the armed service or police department for generations. Despite conflicts that arise between them, they are close knit, stick together, and do whatever it takes to stop injustice.
Q: If money were no object what vacation would you like to take and why?
A. I love to travel, so that is a hard one. If money—and time—wasn’t an issue, I think I’d take an around the world cruise. I took my first cruise two years ago with my husband to celebrate out 20th anniversary and discovered that I love cruising. It was the first time I’d ever taken a vacation without cooking and cleaning and doing laundry, plus you are able to see lots of cool new places.
Q: What is the silliest thing you have ever done?
A. Apparently, I’m too serious, because I can’t think of anything—though my husband and kids are reminding me of a few embarrassing moments I’ve lived through.
Q: What is the hardest thing you have ever done?
A. Besides writing a book? J I’d say raising my children. Hard, but so rewarding!
Q: Where can readers find you on the internet?
A. Would love to have you stop by my website www.lisaharriswrites.com or my blog myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com.
Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?
Thank you so much for having me! If you want to keep up with my books, be sure and sign up for my Author Newsletter. For signing up, you’ll receive a free ebook copy of Recipe for Murder, a fun cozy mystery I think you’ll enjoy! http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?llr=qy8emjmab&p=oi&m=1112711261968
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