Interview with author Lisa Forest
One of the benefits of being an author is having the opportunity to network with other authors and read their material. The business of book publishing is both challenging and neverending, and it's always great when one gets the chance to come across great material from your peers. Recently, I got a chance to read a very clever and well-written story called 'Country Club Secrets' by author Lisa Forest. Just browsing through Amazon for something in a genre I wasn't familiar with, her story caught me off guard with a great read that others should definitely check out. Today I had the pleasure of doing an interview with this amazing author...
What inspired you to become an author? I had thought about writing a few times and a friend just said “Do it, what can it hurt to try?” That’s all it took really. I wrote for fun then decided to look at it seriously. I started a blog when they first became popular. I started a writing a blog just for fun. My followers were so excited about the weekly installments I wrote they encouraged me to pursue it. That storyline ended up at over 45K words.
Do you have a specific writing style? I am not sure if I have a specific style. I do however like to throw in something unexpected. I like adding a twist that nobody sees coming.
Do you write in different genres? My first is a fantasy sci-fi/fiction Oracle. The first in a trilogy and definitely a labor of love. Erotica is a new genre for me.
If yes which is your favorite genre to write? My favorite genre is erotica.
How did you come up with the title for your latest book? Once I hit a certain sentence in the book I knew that would be my title." They all looked at her then at each other, and stifled their giggles into their ridiculously expensive Country Club napkins.” I’ve never belonged to a Country Club, but that line I found really telling of what we as outsiders see.
Do you prefer Erotica over other genres? Yes, I think as a Scorpio is comes naturally for me. Scorpios are intense and passionate and this genre suits that.
What is it that you would want readers to enjoy most about your work? The escapism, the little twists and turns in the plot and the hint of sarcasm and wit.
For a long time, Erotica was considered in some circles to be a genre that only female authors would succeed in. In the past few years, more and more men are dabbling in the genre. What tips would you suggest for men looking to try their hand at the genre? Men have to remember to add some intimacy. Regardless of the genre, women crave that attention and intimacy that’s the key I think to have a successful erotica book.
Is the book, characters, or any scenes based on a true life experience, someone you know, or events in your own life? A fellow Twitter friend wrote about this. I personally had not even heard about cuckolding. I found it very interesting and after reading some of his blog stories I came up with the story line with the added twist.
Given the subject matter of COUNTRY CLUB SECRETS, it seems to reflect a growing trend amongst married couples to experience the lifestyle depicted in the story. Why do you think that is? I think couples are grasping at things to keep their sex life exciting. I don’t necessarily think this is the answer, but it may help some I suppose.
What books/authors have influenced your life? I can’t say that any one author influenced me. I love to read and love good television and movies. I think they all help influence my style.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor? Sylvia Day. I love her style and what appears to be such an ease at writing.
What book are you reading now? Bared to You Sylvia Day.
What books are in your to read pile? Too many to list!!! Everything from erotica to non-fiction!
What is your current “work in progress” or upcoming projects? I am working on book two of The Atlantean Line Trilogy and working on continuing Country Club Secrets with a different lady from the Club.
Can you share a little of your current work with us? I can share that I will continue with the current theme of Country Club Secrets, but again with an unexpected twist.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? I tend to ramble, and sometimes get repetitive. If I try to edit while writing I lose my rhythm and never really get anything accomplished.
Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work? I’ve always been a fan of Stephen King. I love the twists and unexpected turns of his books. Although lately, Sylvia Day has been more of a recent like in my life. I love her style.
Do you have to travel much to do research for your books? Haven’t had to yet. But having worked as a flight attendant I’ve had the advantage of seeing and being many places.
Who designed the cover of your latest book? Melody Simmons at Ebookindiecovers.
Do you have any advice for other writers? Find more time. Don’t be afraid to write and don’t let good ideas go to waste. I always carry pen and paper with me. A sentence on TV can inspire an entire storyline for me. That’s how my brain works (lol). Editors can always fix the grammar, but good ideas are what you truly need.
Do you have a song or playlist (book soundtrack) that you think represents this book? Not surprisingly, my preferential music style is R&B. Usher, Trey Songz, Tyrese, Brian McKnight, Gerald Levert, Bob Marley, Anthony Hamilton, Marvin Gaye, and so on… Love old and new soul R&B music. It inspires me at times with ideas.
Thanks so much for sharing Lisa! Be sure to connect with Lisa at the following links and check out her work!
BUY COUNTRY CLUB SECRETS AT AMAZON.COM
Twitter: @frenchkilt
Blog: www.lisaforest.blogspot.com
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/frenchkilt/
Lisa's Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Lisa-Forest/e/B00FKYCJYG/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
