Last week on my own blog, Writing in the Buff, I asked my readers to let me know what they’d like me to dish about, and I’ve incorporated their requests here:
Fun Fact #1: How long have you wanted to be a writer?
I’ve always been a voracious reader, and after devouring a string of Nancy Drew mysteries, I decided, at the age of nine, that it was time to pen my first tome. Oh, the joy! The excitement! I took care of the most important things first: a handful of wicked cool pens (naturally), clean sheets of paper (who doesn’t shiver with delight over an empty page?), a bag of potato chips (don’t judge me), and my imagination. I still remember the name of my novel: Mystery of the Old Chandelier. Oh, how I loved the way that title rolled off my tongue! Say it out loud. Go ahead: Mystery of the Old Chandelier. *sigh!* See what I mean? I could’ve said that all day. In fact, I did say it all day—and never wrote any further than the title page. Turns out writing a book requires something more than pens, paper, potato chips, and good intentions.
Fun Fact #2: So, how old were you when you wrote your first novel?
At the ripe old age of twenty-one I wrote my first complete novel. I still have it hidden in my closet. It’s a historical romance which, in a fine twist of irony, I never titled. I was smart enough to know that as much as I loved the story and the characters, it wasn’t ready for prime time. One of the items on my bucket list is to rewrite that novel, give it a title this time around, and have it published. Those characters have been waiting decades to have their story shared, so perhaps they deserve for it to be retold now that I know a thing or two about what I’m doing.
Fun Fact #3: Did you go to college, and if so, what was your major?
Yes, no, and it was a toss-up between English, Journalism, and Psychology. I attended UNLV but didn’t complete my degree. I met my husband three weeks into my first semester, and we married the following year (we’re at 35 & counting). I went to night school until I got pregnant—not on our five year plan, but it was the best surprise ever. After my son was born, I quit school because I was working a full time job and made the choice to spend every free moment with my little guy. I regret not completing the degree, but I’ve never regretted the tradeoff. My hat is off to those women who have the fortitude to handle both. I have three great kids, and “Mama” is still my favorite job description.
Fun Fact #4: Do you play any musical instruments?
Yes, but I’m not an accomplished musician by any stretch. In middle school and high school all I wanted to do was sing, which I did, as a soprano at the All-State level. I played the piano—not well, but enough to get by—and enjoyed it, but you can’t take a piano with you, so I taught myself how to play the guitar, which led to songwriting. I still love putting words to music and have written quite a few songs, including lullabies for each of my kids!
Fun Fact #5: How many novels have you written?
Eight! That number includes five with training wheels on them. Those novels won’t see the light of day unless/until I take the time to overhaul them. Of the three remaining, two--Love to Believe and Love to Win—are in the editorial process with my publisher and are slated for release in early 2016. The third, my debut novel, Love Built to Last, was released in June. To read excerpts from all three novels, visit my website, www.LisaRicardClaro.com.
Thanks to everyone reading this, and thanks again to Gemma for providing the time and space for me to meet new friends!
#1 in the Fireflies Series
She can’t let go of her dead husband . . .
Maddie Kinkaid believes her late husband, Jack, gives her advice on everything from ordering a pizza to hiring a carpenter, so when she finds Caleb Walker’s business card on Jack’s desk, she’s convinced that he’s the guy to remodel her kitchen.
He can’t decide if she’s worth the risk . . .
Caleb is a single father, and protecting his young son means avoiding romantic entanglements. But there’s heat in every kitchen, and sparks ignite between Caleb and Maddie—until disaster strikes.
As Jack goes silent and Maddie’s guilt consumes her, it looks like Caleb and Maddie will never find their happily-ever-after—at least, not without a little help from Jack . . .
LOVE BUILT TO LAST began as the award-winning short story, Fireflies, and is now the first novel in the Fireflies series, now available for purchase. Watch for book #2 Love to Believe and #3 Love to Win, both coming soon from Black Opal Books.
Love Built to Last is available in both print and eBook versions.
Romance is good for your heart!
To purchase your copy of Love Built to Last in eBook or print, go to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Black Opal Books, Kobo, or AllRomance.
Lisa Ricard Claro is an award-winning author and Pushcart Prize nominee with published articles and stories spanning multiple media. She resides in Georgia with her husband of more than three decades and counting, is mother to three (a ruggedly handsome son and two stunningly beautiful daughters---Lisa might be a little biased), and dreams of one day living at the beach. Seriously dreams of it. As in, she's already decorating her dream beach house. In addition to an array of sand dollars and seashells, she keeps a framed sign hanging in her office: Sandy Toes and Salty Kisses Welcome Here. While Lisa is a fan of storytelling in all genres, Romance is her favorite because she believes everyone deserves love, acceptance, and a happily-ever-after.
Connect with Lisa
Website: www.LisaRicardClaro.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LisaRicardClaroAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lisaricardclaro
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lisa-Ricard-Claro/e/B00MUYB8IW
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4560037.Lisa_Ricard_Claro