I met author Lisa Harris several years ago at an American Christian Fiction Writers conference, but we had connected before that and become friends online through that group’s email loop. I’ve found Lisa to be a warm, loving person with a heart for people, dedicated to her family, and devoted to the Lord. Lisa is a missionary whose calling has taken her from the heart of Africa to Brazil and beyond. Join me as I talk with Lisa about her writing journey…

“My husband and I have lived in Africa for over six years, and are now currently living in Mozambique, with our three children. I love trying out new foods from other countries, cooking exotic recipes, and reading. My favorite holiday, hands down, is a week in the African bush, going on game drives or floating down the river beside a herd of elephants.

For a peek into my life in the heart of Africa visit my blog.”

Lisa – you are definitely more adventerous than I am. I would travel with you, but only vicariously. :)

Lisa’s latest book, Final Deposit is a romantic suspense that released September 2008 from Love Inspired Suspense.

When Lindsey Taylor tries to save her father from losing his life savings to the Internet scam, she discovers that losing everything you have isn’t the worst thing that can happen.

You can find Final Deposit at these online bookstores:
Amazon and CBD.

I asked Lisa to tell us about herself and her writing ~

Jill: When and how did you know that you wanted to be a writer?

Lisa: My mom tells me that I used to dictate stories to her when I was about four. I remember writing a story about a girl in WWII when I was about twelve. One of my dreams back then was to write a gothic novel. I couldn’t get enough of books like Victoria Holt’s English novels.

Jill: Can you share with me some of the highlights of your writing journey – something particularly memorable or humorous?

Lisa: I’ve always looked at writing as a journey, which is full of twists and turns. There are the rejections that make you question what you are doing, along with successes that keep you going. My first book was a novella collection, To Catch a Thief, and being my first it was definitely a highlight. Another highlight to me is the blessing of all the friends I’ve met along the way, and who continue traveling down this road with me.

Jill: Tell me a bit about what you write now and what you hope/plan to write in the future. Do you have a favorite genre?

Lisa: Currently, I have several projects in the works. My third cozy mystery from Barbour Publishing, Chef’s Deadly Dish, will be released in the spring. This will conclude the adventures of Pricilla Crumb, my “over-the-hill” heroine who gets involved in several real life mysteries. This time, one of Pricilla’s former students from the Willow Hill Private Academy for Girls is in trouble. Arrested for murder at the prestigious Rocky Mountain Amateur Chef Competition, where Pricilla is one of the honorary emcee, things are looking grim for the young chef, until Pricilla follows up on a batch of clues.

I also have a book coming out in June with Summerside Press called Love Finds You in Revenge, Ohio. This has been a fun historical to write. It’s set back in the late nineteenth century has a strong romance and mystery thread.

Which brings me to your last question. What is my favorite genre? Definitely mystery and suspense, something I hope to continue writing. For a long time, I’ve dreamed of combining my love for this genre with an African setting. I recently sold my international suspense series to Zondervan. Blood Ransom, the first book in the series, comes out in March 2010 and mixes suspense and romance with a fast-paced adventure.

Jill: Wow, Lisa! How exciting! Congratulations on all of your upcoming projects!

Do you consider your writing the work God has given you to do for a lifetime or for a season of your life? If you could pursue anything else, what would it be?

Lisa: That’s actually a very tough question for me to answer. This year has been difficult as far as balancing everything I have to do. We spent six months in Brazil learning Portuguese, then moved to Mozambique. This work, along with raising my children (and home schooling them), are priorities for me right now. I’ve prayed a lot about my writing and if God wants me to continue. For now, he continues to open doors for me and I continue to write. If I ever felt that He wanted me to stop and move into another season, I would do that, but I feel blessed at the moment to be able to do all the things I enjoy.

Jill: Are there people in your life who encouraged you, who are responsible for you becoming a published author?

Lisa: Definitely. I won’t begin to name names, because there are so many, and I don’t want to forget anyone. Not only is my family very supportive, I’ve had wonderful mentors and critique partners along the way who have made a tremendous impact in my life.

Jill: Can you share one struggle that entered your life as a result of writing and how God helped you to overcome it, to make you more like Christ?

Lisa: I’d like to put a bit of a twist on your question, because while trying to get published is always a struggle, I’ve also seen how writing has changed my life. I wrote an interactive Bible study while going through some very painful times. In the process, my life was completely changed, and I’m hoping it will be something that will impact others in the future. And even though I still have a long way to go, God has used my writing to teach me disciple and patience.

Jill: Likewise, is there a particular joy in this writing business/ministry that God has used to remind you that He is, in fact, using your words to His glory?

Lisa: I’ve received a few letters from readers who have been impacted by the spiritual line of my stories and that always helps to keep me going. I don’t just want to write a great book. I want to write a great book that always brings Him glory and in someway leads people closer to Him.

Jill: Has writing opened opportunities for you to give your testimony and witness for Christ or minister to fellow believers? If so, can you give one example?

Lisa: Growing up, I wasn’t encouraged to use my talents as an artist for Him. Today, I love encouraging others in the fact that there are so many ways to serve Him. Whenever I’m asked to speak, I try to make this personal in the lives of those listening, reminding them that we have all been created different and there are so many ways of serving Him. Some people just need a nudge to find out and then use those talents.

Jill: I agree! Thanks, Lisa!

Other recent books by Lisa are:

Recipe for Murder releases January 18, 2009 from Barbour Publishing as part of their new cozy mystery line. Here’s the blurb:

Pricilla Crumb, a superb cook and articulate hostess, plans an informal buffet for her son, but the dinner party turns to chaos when a guest is found dead after sampling one of her salmon-filled tartlets. Pricilla’s determination to save her reputation and find out the truth begins her unofficial career as a novice detective.

Baker’s Fatal Dozen – Book two in my cozy mystery series released August 2008 from Heartsong Presents: Mysteries.

Get ready to cook up a second helping of Pricilla Crumb and her hilarious schemes to serve up justice. Reggie Pierce, who runs Pricilla Crumb’s favorite bakery, is missing, and Pricilla’s hot on the trail of a sticky scandal that begins with murder.

Heartsong Mysteries are also available by joining their bookclub here.

If you want to learn more about Lisa or her books, check out her website.

Thanks Lisa, for joining us this month on Spotlight!