Interview with Local Author Lisa Harris - Give-away!!

Lisa Harris is a new Utah mom and the author of The Unlikely Gift of Treasure Bloom a humorous, clean romance set in an elementary school. As part of her blog tour, she is being interviewed here today. 

How did you come up with the idea for the book your book?
Treasure Blume was born when I had a no good, very bad, horrible day, during which I felt like everyone I met hated me. I remember coming home and thinking, “Wow, I’m glad everyday isn’t like today.” And then I began to wonder, “But what if it was?” I spent hours digging in my garden that afternoon, and when I came in, Treasure came with me. That night, I wrote about 15 pages of background material (that never made it into the book) just so I could get to know her better.

When and why did you first start writing?
Honestly, I can’t not write. It’s always been part of who I am. When I was seven, I won a young author’s award for my elementary school. Looking back, I realize that my story, titled Locked in the Room of December, was a bit edgy for a second grader. But instead of sending me to the school psychologist, they sent me to a writer’s day camp where I met real live published authors. Thanks, Mrs. Brim, for giving me that opportunity.

When do you write?
I’m an owl. I write from about 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. usually during the summer months (in fall and winter, I’m teaching and that absorbs my focus). During the day, I keep a notebook within reach so I can jot down ideas or scenes or dialogue. Sometimes, when my husband gets home early, he’ll give me a gift: several hours of uninterrupted daylight writing time. When that happens, I grab my laptop and run away from home.

What is the hardest part of the writing for you?
The hardest part of writing for me is not checking my email and looking at Facebook. It takes some time to immerse myself in the world of book. But once I’m there, it’s hard to come back out of it. That’s why I try to write at night, when my children won’t need me. During the day, I’ll go somewhere that I know doesn’t have wifi so that I won’t be distracted.

Are you a big reader? If so, what are you reading now?
Yes, I love reading. My kindle is my lifeline. I have to have a book or I feel panicky. I’m usually reading several books at once. Right now, I’m reading Anne Perry’s Charlotte and Thomas Monk series and Jacqueline Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs series. And I just finished Cassandra Clare’s Clockwork Princess.

What is something people would be surprised to know about you?  
My first job was as a trail guide for Robert Redford’s Stables in Sundance, Utah. It meant I got to ride horses every day in the most beautiful surroundings in the world, but it also meant I had to muck out 30+ stalls twice a day.  It taught me a valuable lesson: most amazing experiences are accompanied by manure and a lot of hard work. 

Anything else you would like to add?
I am just so grateful to the people who have embraced Treasure, quirks and all. It's been such an adventure to bring her to life.  You can find more Treasure at www.treasureblume.com and on facebook athttp://www.facebook.com/TreasureBlume

The publishers of The Unlikely Gift of Treasure Bloom by Lisa Harris are generously offering a copy of the book to one reader as a give-away. To enter please leave a comment on this post. The contest will be open to entries until Sunday, April 21st at 11:59 pm MST. The winner will be chosen randomly and announced on Monday, April 22nd.