Meet Lisa Orchard!
Author of YA Series: The Super Spies
Hi! Can you introduce yourself & your book?
Hello! I’m Lisa Orchard and I’m the Young Adult Author of the Super Spies series. The second book in the series is titled “The Super Spies and the High School Bomber” and it starts with a bang and doesn’t let up. Currently, I’m working on the third book in the series and another coming of age Young Adult novel.
What is your favorite place to write?
I have a spot in our family room where I love to write. I’m able to hang with the kids when they’re watching TV and I’m able to work at the same time. I usually start working when they turn on one of the Transformer Movies. LOL!
What is the first story you remember writing?
I don’t remember the title, but the first story that I can remember writing was when my friends and I wanted to be detectives one summer. Yes, we even formed our own detective squad! Anyway, one of my neighbors had been vandalized and we were on the case! We never solved the crime, but I did write a story about it. That summer was one of my best memories!
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Hmmm…when my first manuscript, “The Super Spies and the Cat Lady Killer”, was accepted by Astraea Press, that’s when I considered myself a writer. It was an exciting moment.
What is the best piece of constructive criticism you ever received?
The best constructive criticism that I’ve received was from an agent who rejected my manuscript. I asked her what she didn’t like and she told me that she thought the story would be better if it were written in third person. I had originally written it in first person. So, you guessed it, I rewrote the story and the first publisher that I sent it to accepted it. She was right and I’ll always be grateful for that rejection, because it pointed me in the right direction.
How do you overcome “writer’s block” ?
Well, the first thing I do is reach for the chocolate! LOL! And if that doesn’t work, I go for a walk or a run. The exercise seems to get my creative juices flowing again and I usually work out the issue in my story by the time I’m done.
Are you a full time writer…why/why not?
Yes, right now I’m a full time writer. I’m hoping to generate enough income so that I can stay home with my kids. I love being able to volunteer in their classrooms and go on field trips with them.
What is some advice you would impart to writers who wish to be published (indie or traditionally)?
The advice that I would offer, is don’t get bogged down by rejection letters and don’t be afraid to ask an agent/publisher what they didn’t like about your story. You just might get that golden nugget you need to turn that “no” into a “yes”.
If you could have breakfast with anyone dead or alive, who would it be and what would you eat?
I would love to eat breakfast with Harper Lee so that I could find out why she only published one book. Then I would invite Stephen King because I would love to find out where he gets his ideas.
If you had/have an animal spirit which animal(s) would it be…why?
Hmmm….good question. I would have to pick a Dolphin; because they’re so smart…they can learn to communicate with humans. And they’re very social, so I think of them as being fun. And they’re very strong. I love it that such a “nice” animal can take on a shark and win. They’re very versatile!
What is your favorite childhood book and/or author?
My favorite childhood book is “To Kill a Mockingbird”. I loved that story, probably because I could see a little of myself in Scout. I was a tomboy just like her.
What is the next book you want to write?
I’m working on the third Super Spies book and a young adult coming of age novel. I really want to get both of these finished. I’m excited about both of them.
Imagine you are writing your memoir…what is its title?
LOL! This is a good one! My title would be, “All the things I’ve learned but still don’t’ know.”
Last words???
I guess my last words would be…to tell people to check out my stories. They’re a great way to get a tween/teen interested in reading. And as we all know reading improves analytical and social skills, along with building self-esteem. My stories have life lessons embedded in them that the reader can learn right along with the characters. So give them a try and let me know what you think! I’d love to hear from you!
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Social media links:
Website: http://www.lisaorchard.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lisa-Orchard/328536613877060?ref=hl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lisaorchard1
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Whimsically Yours,
PnC
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For more information on my interview policy, click here.
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Whimsically Yours 