SPOTLIGHT ON… Fantasy: Lisa Swallow

 

Lisa Swallow

Describe yourself in one word:
Eclectic

What is your background with regard to writing?
I’ve written on and off since I had a poem published aged 9! I wrote stories for friends to read when I was a teenager but stopped for a few years. Last year, I finally decided I’d have do what I’d always wanted – write, finish and publish a book.

When did you first begin writing with a view of embarking on a career as a published author?
Last year I took part in NaNoWriMo to “make” myself finish a book. Then I set about looking at the opportunities in the digital publishing world and threw myself into author platforms, submissions – and rejections!

Tell us about the first book you wrote
When I was fourteen I wrote a story chapter by chapter for some friends at school. It was a bout a vampire who fell in love with a high school girl. Seriously. I also drew a cover but that wasn’t so good!

What is your writing routine?
On my writing days, I need to switch off the wifi in the house and shut myself away! I have to write in the quiet – writing when the house is noisy doesn’t work for me.

Favourite snack whilst writing?
Almonds. Sometimes chocolate…

If you weren’t writing, what would you be doing?
I run a home based craft supplies business so this is my “other job”.

What piqued your interest in the sci-fi/paranormal genre?
I like the idea of being able to create my own worlds and rules! I’m a huge fan of urban fantasy tv shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Supernatural and love mixing the real world with a paranormal world rather than completely creating my own.

One thing you’d like readers to know about the sci-fi/paranormal genre:
It’s not all vampires, shifters and angels!

Biggest accomplishment to date:
I’ve published two books this year – one paranormal romance and the other new adult contemporary. Walking into the local bookshop and seeing my books on the shelf was a weird experience and brought home what I’d achieved.

What’s next for you?
The second book in the Soul Ties series, Torn Souls, is due for publication in November 2013.

 

Confessions of an Author:

Is there something we’d be shocked to know about you?
I’m English, I live in Australia and I lived most of my life in Germany. Strangely enough, I don’t feel very English!

What do you find easiest to write? And, the hardest?
I find it easy to write snarky conversations between my characters because I enjoy it so much! The hardest is interview questions 🙂

Favourite travel experience?
Standing inside a glacier in Switzerland. A bit odd, I know!

Number one thing to do on your bucket list:
I would love to go on a round the world cruise.

Milk or dark chocolate?
Milk

Red, white, bubbly?
Bubbly

Salty or sweet?
Sweet

Beach or mountains?
Beach

Give or receive?
Pay it forward 🙂

 

Find Lisa online:
Blog
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GoodReads