Loading ...Interview, Chat and Contest with Author Lisa Shearin
A big welcome to our readers today! Be sure to read to the end of the interview to find out how to WIN the fabulous prizes being offered up.
PLEASE NOTE: This is not a fixed time event, the post just goes live at 10:30 am CDT. You can stop by any time during the day or evening and leave your questions and chat.
PLEASE KEEP SPOILERS TO A MINIMUM. Not all of the readers today have read Lisa’s books.
Interview:
Hi Lisa!
Welcome to Bitten by Books, we are excited to have you here today!
I would like to thank you taking the time to join us for the question and answer session with our readers. It has been very interesting to get to know more about you and what makes you tick as a writer! Readers, if you haven’t done so already please stop by and get your copy of Lisa’s newest book The Trouble with Demons.
BBB: What are the most challenging and the most rewarding aspects of writing?
LS: The most challenging aspect (and the most rewarding when I do it right) is to write a scene exactly as I see it in my head. When I write, it’s like a movie running in my head. My job is to capture what’s on that movie screen and get it onto my computer screen. When it’s really flowing, I feel like I’m eavesdropping on my characters and taking dictation. But the problem is that the scenes in my head don’t run in an endless loop until I can write it down. It might run a time or two and that’s it. There’s a window of opportunity, and if I miss it, I’ll still be able to see and hear the scene, but it won’t be as vivid.
BBB: Do you consider your writing fantasy or urban fantasy and do you think it is important to distinguish between the two?
LS: The boundaries between the different flavors of fantasy (traditional, urban, paranormal, romantic, contemporary) have become blurred to me. My books actually contain pieces and parts of all of them. They’ve been categorized as urban, contemporary, romantic, and traditional. Heck, now that I think about it, they’ve even been called paranormal. I like and read all kinds of fantasy, so I don’t really pay that much attention to how a book is categorized when I’m picking one off the shelf in a bookstore.
BBB: What first attracted you to using goblins as characters?
LS: I wanted to do something different with both my elves and my goblins. My elves aren’t the “high elves” like you’d find in Tolkien. My elves work for a living. Though the law enforcement in most kingdoms would refer to it as stealing or piracy, the Benares family consider themselves to be “seafaring businessmen specializing in acquisitions.”
With my goblins, I wanted to do a complete turnaround from the usual perception of goblins. My goblins aren’t short, gnarled, and long-nosed with a bad case of post-nasal drip. I asked myself why couldn’t goblins be gorgeous? Why couldn’t they be tall, leanly muscled, silvery skinned and wicked sexy? And while I was at it—for added fun and frolic—I thought deep black eyes, long black hair, and fangs that weren’t for decorative use only would be a nice touch. (Heck, they don’t call it “fantasy” for nothing.) My goblins are just your basic dark-eyed, smooth-talking, dangerous bad boys who you probably wouldn’t take home to meet the parents.
BBB: How much research do you do for your books? How much of it actually gets used in the finished book?
LS: Actually I do very little research. I’ll occasionally have to look up the name for a particular part of a weapon (to make sure I get it right), or the symptoms of a particular poison, but other than that, it all comes out of my head. Scary, huh? ; )
BBB: How do you keep track of your world building?
LS: I have a map that I drew probably a decade ago that’s on the wall in my office. It’s featured in the front of The Trouble with Demons
BBB: Does your love of fencing help you with writing your characters fight scenes? Is that why you took it on as a hobby?
LS: I’ve always loved fencing and swashbuckling movies and books ever since I was a kid. I think my fencing experience has helped me make any sword fighting scenes more realistic, because I know what can and can’t be done with a blade. And I took private rapier & dagger lessons for almost a year (in addition to my five years of fencing experience) specifically to prepare me to choreograph fight scenes in my books and make them as realistic as possible.
BBB: What impact do electronic readers such as Kindle 2
LS: I think eBooks are wonderful, and fantasy sells very well in that format. So as an author, I love it. As a reader, I’m an old-fashioned, treeware kind of girl. I come from a printing background, so I like the feel of a paper book in my hands.
BBB: Who or what inspires you to write?
LS: For me, writing isn’t something I do because I’m inspired. Ever since I learned to put a pencil to paper and write words, I’ve written stories. Even if I hadn’t been blessed to get a publishing contract, I would still be writing books. The stories are in my head and they’ve got to come out. So I not only want to write; I’m compelled to write. It’s just icing on the cake that I also love it.
BBB: Can you tell us what your next release (s) will be? And do you have stand alone or anthology titles forthcoming?
LS: My next book will be out in May of next year. It’s Raine Benares’s fourth adventure called Bewitched & Betrayed. I don’t have any other standalone or anthology stories coming at this time. With a full-time day job in addition to my writing, I only have time for Raine & Company right now.
BBB: Do you have any stray plot bunnies running around in your head and do you think something may come of them?
LS: I have plenty of plot bunnies running amuck in my head. I have an urban fantasy on the back burner. The map of Raine’s world is huge, and at the moment I’m only using a tiny portion of it. A lot of characters in her world are clamoring for their own stories and books. I think I’m going to have to give in and listen to them. ; )
BBB: If you could pick one of your characters to have dinner with, who would it be and why?
LS: It’s odd that I didn’t have to think about this long at all, a split second, in fact. Phaelan. I’d want to have dinner with Raine’s pirate cousin Phaelan. One, in Magic Lost, Trouble Found all hell broke loose before Raine and Phaelan got to have the fancy restaurant dinner that they had reservations for. Two, as a scoundrel, rake, rogue, and all-around fun-loving “seafaring businessman”—I just know that Phaelan has some great stories to tell. And he’s quite the raconteur, so it’s a sure bet that they’ll be good.
BBB: What is your favorite book of all time?
LS: Hmmm, that’s a tough question because there are so many great books out there. Right now my favorite books are Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files series. I just can’t get enough of Harry Dresden and Jim’s characters.
BBB: Where is the most beautiful place you have visited in the world?
LS: Carlsbad Caverns. What can I say? I love caves.
BBB: What is your favorite quote?
LS: It was in an article I read about Danielle Steel. I can’t remember where I saw it, maybe USA Today or the NYT. I loved the quote so much that I typed it up and stuck it to my computer where I can see it every day. “I still never finish a book without being terrified I can’t write another one. I never start one without being terrified I can’t finish it. It’s sort of a torturous process.” Amen, sister. Danielle Steel has written a gazillion books and she still struggles with each one—just like the rest of us. If that’s not reassuring, I don’t know what is.
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Learn more about Lisa Shearin here:
Read reviews of the author’s work here.
To visit the author’s website go here.
To visit the author’s blog go here.
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CONTEST: Readers, here’s how to enter the contest. You can do just ONE or ALL of these things, and each one will give you additional entries at a chance to WIN. Lisa will be giving away FIVE copies of The Trouble with Demons
1. The easiest way to enter is by purchasing copies of Lisa’s books from Amazon here:
Books in the Raine Benares series in the order they should be read:
Magic Lost, Trouble Found
Armed & Magical
The Trouble with Demons
OR you can use the Barnes & Noble search banner on the right hand side of the site or this link HERE to make your purchase during the contest. Good for 100 entries to the contest for EACH copy you purchase.
It is NOT mandatory to purchase anything to enter the contests, there are plenty of other ways to enter and win. Just email us a copy of your purchase receipt to bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Sorry no faxes or snail mail copies.
2. In order to be entered into this contest the ONE thing you ALL have to do is ask Lisa a question. It can be ANY question you like. No questions = no entries! You can come by through 6/3/09 and comment for more entries. Good for 10 entries.
3. SUBSCRIBE to the Bitten by Books newsletter here on the top right hand side of the site. Be sure you VERIFY your subscription, an email is sent with the verification link. Unverified subscribers will not be entered and will be deleted from the mailing list. If you are already a subscriber, just let us know and you will get entries too. Good for 20 entries.
4. Spread the word, the more places you post the event, the more entries you get. Use this direct link to the event: http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=7923 at another blog, website, Myspace, Ning Group, Facebook, Yahoo Group, Goodreads, Shelfari (any group where it is appropriate). You MUST come back here to this interview and post those links in one response here in this thread so we can verify your entries. Good for 50 entries per place you post the event link.
NOTE: if you post multiple links here, your post will not show up right away. If you don’t see it, don’t keep posting it, we WILL approve your entry later on in the day.
5. Be friends with Lisa by joining her here:
Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RainesRangers/
Red Room: http://www.redroom.com/author/lisa-shearin
Twitter: http://twitter.com/lisashearin
Then send us all the confirmations you receive verifying subscription and friendship to: bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Good for 20 entries per place you friend her.
6. Twitter and ask your friends to re-tweet the URL for this event be SURE to include us in your tweet @BittenbyBooks http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=7923. Good for 10 entries each day you tweet it.
7. Add Lisa’s blog and website to your blog roll or links page:http://lisashearin.com/ and http://lisashearin.com/blog.cfm Good for 10 entries for each place you post the link.
IMPORTANT CONTEST RULES AND LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
GENERAL CONTEST INFORMATION:
The contest ends on 6/3/09 at 11:59 pm PDT and the winners will be contacted the following week. You will receive your prize directly from the author. PLEASE LEAVE YOUR FIRST AND THE INITIAL OF YOUR LAST NAME as well as a valid email where we can contact you. REMEMBER the more things you do, the more entries, the greater the chances of winning.
1. Please note, the prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be absolutely no substitutions or changes the prize is non-transferable. If you don’t want the prize being offered, please don’t enter the contest. If you ever win an electronic copy of a book, please note that it is ILLEGAL to forward, give away or copy it in anyway once you receive it. Doing so violates copyright. If we find out that it has been done, you will no longer be eligible to win any of our contests.
2. You have THREE days from the day the we contact you to claim your prize by sending your name/mailing address to me. Failure to contact me will forfeit your prize. BBB can at that time, choose either to re-award the prize to another entrant or not.
3. The prize stated IS the prize you will receive, there will be no substitutions, trades or changes. No exceptions. Please do not ask. If for some reason you do not wish to claim your prize, please let me know as soon as possible. Bitten by Books has the option to re-award it or not.
4. Contest is open to readers worldwide. The prizes are shipped directly from the publisher.
5. Bitten by Books is in NO way responsible for the prizes being offered in any of the contests. If for some reason a contributor does not honor their prize, there is nothing we can or will do about it. We are not worried that this will happen, but we want to be very clear that WE are not offering these prizes, the contributor is and it is their responsibility to fulfill their prize obligations.
6. These rules are subject to change or be modified without prior written notice.
7. Contest is void where prohibited.
8. By entering this contest you are agreeing to our terms of entry
(3 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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Woot! I’m the first commenter. ; ) I’m here and ready to answer your questions.
Lisa
[Reply]
Hello Lisa!
For a moment there I thought I was at the wrong place! HAHA! Welcome to Bitten By Books. I have a question for you : If you weren’t writing urban fantasy / paranormal, what would be the next logically genre you would gravitate towards? Thanks!
[Reply]
Hi lisa
What Fruit best describes your personality and Why?
[Reply]
Hi Lesley, I’d probably be writing thrillers or detective fiction.
Hi Sonya, Hmmmm, what fruit? You do realize that I’ve only had two cups of coffee? ; ) I’ll have to ponder that one. . .
[Reply]
Hi Lisa, this is Elie N at zenfoxflower@yahoo.com
I am glad I RSVP’s for this interview! One of your reviews said you are compared to the Janet Evanovich of fantasy. Does your heroine have any romance in her adventures?
Also, if you could pick an actress to play your heroine, who would it be?
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One more question- Is the Saghred stone good or evil or does it depend on who possesses it?
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Great Interview.Your books sound great.I look forward to reading them.
Don’t enter me in the contest,I’m not in the US.
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Hiya there Lisa (glad to see I’m not the only “woot” user!)!
Where do you think your ideas come from? Oh, and how much input do you get on what the covers look like? I’ve always wondered about that!
Thanks and nice to “meet” ya!
Melissa
[Reply]
Great interview, Lisa!
Can you ever see yourself writing a YA novel?
Don’t count me for the contest, I’m from the UK.
[Reply]
Elie, there is most definitely romance in Raine’s adventures. I think Felicia Day would make a fabulous Raine should Joss Whedon ever come calling. ; ) The Saghred wants to ensure its survival at all costs–which so far has put it firmly in the “evil” camp.
Thank you, Elaine!
Hi Melissa, my book ideas come from a LOT of places, all of the books in different genres that I’ve read over the years, movies that I’ve seen, etc. My writing brain goes off to play and just comes up with this stuff. I’ve made up adventure stories with a female protag ever since I was a kid. As to cover input, I have a little, but not much. Few authors do. It’s left up to the publisher’s art and marketing departments.
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Hi Jo! I could possibly write a YA book in the future — I have a couple of ideas floating around using Raine’s world as a setting.
[Reply]
Re: your response to my cover art question
Do you like/dislike anything about the covers of your books?
Thanks!
Melissa
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Hi Lisa,
I discovered you through Kristen Nelson’s blog, bought Magic Lost, Trouble Found, am nearly done with the book and am loving it. I plan to read the rest of the series. Love Phaelon and Piaras…and am hoping they get their own stories. My question was going to be - how do you keep all the details of your world, magic, characters organized….but in the interview you said, aside from the map, you keep them in your head. Really?
Su
[Reply]
[...] Lisa Shearin’s The Trouble with Demons at Bitten by Books Contest ends June [...]
2.) I just asked this somewhere else, but I’d like to know your answer, too: What music gets you in the right mood to write?
3.) I am an email subscriber.
4.) Blogged: http://www.morbid-romantic.net/2009/06/01/book-giveaways-0601-0607/
6.) Tweet: http://twitter.com/morbidromantic/status/2004843278
Valorie T.
USA
[Reply]
2. I love the way you describe the movie running in your head. How do you go about crafting a scene if you’ve let the movie run it’s course? Do you desperately try to remember what it was you saw, or do you forge ahead and write something that little bit different to your original vision?
6. http://twitter.com/glowstars/status/2004819371
7. both links up at http://glowstars.net/?page_id=380
[Reply]
Good Morning Lisa,
Which book so far, was your favorite to write?
3. I’m a subscriber
4. 7. http://beetsbooks.blogspot.com/
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Melissa, I really like my covers, especially the one for The Trouble with Demons. At conventions and book signings, the bright colors are really eye-catching and just draw people over to my table. ; )
Hi Su, I’m so glad you’re enjoying MLTF! I actually do keep all the details in my head, but I keep copies of all three books on my desk when I’m writing as reference. If I need a detail that I can’t recall, I’ll look it up.
[Reply]
Hi Beet! Hmmm, my favorite book to write? As most authors will admit, each book is both a joy and a pain in the &$*#&# to write. ; ) All of my books have been a “problem child” at one time or another. But my fav I have to say is The Trouble with Demons — I wrote it almost completely by the seat of my pants, which is to say, without a detailed plot outline.
[Reply]
Here’s a question: With word of a new “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” movie in the works, sans Joss Whedon, are you hopeful, pessimistic, or indifferent of the new film’s potential?
As for the contest, I’ve been subscribed to the newsletter for a little while, plus I added a link to this contest on my own blog in the sidebar. Plus, I’ll be adding Lisa’s blog to my own blogroll.
[Reply]
Following Lisa on twitter
twittered
BBB is on roll with WP, Blogger and google profile
http://nicholandria.wordpress.com
http://nicholandria.blogspot.com/
http://www.google.com/profiles/114811901631944620870
I have not read the books,so I don’t have any question, but they sound really good! Another set to be put in my TBR pile! YAY!
[Reply]
Valorie, I do a lot of my writing to various movie soundtracks — the Harry Potter soundtracks are my favs, though. Played very low in the background sets the mood perfectly.
[Reply]
Hi Lisa,
since you are a fan of fencing and “swashbuckling”, what is your favorite “swashbuckling” movie?
[Reply]
Hey Lisa, there are so many that I love, but off the top of my head: Captain Blood, The Sea Hawk, Princess Bride, and Pirates of the Carribean (Mmmm, Captain Jack).
[Reply]
Hi Lisa.
I’m the one who sometimes comments on your blog as Chicory. (It’s the name of a mouse detective I invented when I was sixteen.) My question kind of builds on Jo’s. Who are your favorite YA authors? And why?
[Reply]
How much does the support of family mean to your writing.? Do they come out and help with day to day stuff so you can continue to write and promote your work.?
I am already following Lisa
Member of the blood bank
FB link sent out
twittering link
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http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/home.php?filter=app_2309869772 Posted here
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Shell, My husband is absolutely the best author husband ever! He is nothing short of magnificent! I get all the support I could ever want or need, with my writing, with the housework, with everything. He’s my biggest fan, most ardent supporter — or as he likes to describe himself: husband, business manager, and arm candy. ; )
[Reply]
This is such a strange/great coincidence you’re here today- I picked up Magic Lost, Trouble found about 2 weeks ago (admittedly never having heard of you or your books before) because I thought the series just looked good for some reason. I was right, I loved it, and poof, here you are. So just wanted to start by telling you I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to keep reading about Raine.
I especially like that it’s very ‘fantasy,’ but without all the archaic dialogue and extreme dorkiness (if that makes sense.) My question is, did you read a lot of fantasy when you were younger, and did you make a conscious effort to make a fantasy world that was more urban/current/approachable? (Okay, I guess that’s more like 2 questions.)
[Reply]
Hi Bethany,
I’m so glad you love MLTF! And yes, I’ve read TONS of fantasy. And I did make a conscious effort to write a tradition fantasy with a modern tone. Actually, that was Raine’s idea; when she started talking to me, that was her voice and tone, and I knew better than to mess with it. ; )
[Reply]
[...] glowstars: GIVEAWAY ALERT: Interview, Chat and Contest with Author Lisa Shearin @BittenbyBooks http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=7923 2009-06-02 15:47:31 · Reply · View curtishoneycutt: I Just Entered the Flickering [...]
Hi Lisa! I have a copy of Magic Lost, Trouble Found sitting on my TBR pile just teasing me for more time to spend reading! It looks so good! My question is—how do you fit in writing with your full time job, and do you have time for anything else? I’m also curious as to what made you decide to make Raine an elf and how did you decide to veer away from the Tolkien elves. Thanks!
Ooh, and I joined Lisas Yahoo group and am following her on Twitter.
[Reply]
Hi Lisa! If you lived within Raine’s world, what type of character would you be? I think I’d like to be a spell singer, although being a seeker seems to be an adventuresome choice!
Thank you for taking us along on Raine’s adventures. I’ve enjoyed them all so far and am looking forward to more in the future!
-Susan
[Reply]
Hi Kimberly,
I’ve always loved elves, but I wanted to make mine more approachable, more like regular folks. And between the full-time job and my writing, my free time is virtually non-existent. But I do take a night off at least every other week, and try to take one weekend off every month. It doesn’t always work out that way, especially when there’s a deadline looming, but I make the effort. And Derek always knows when he needs to take a stressed author to Dairy Queen for a chocolate Blizzard with M&Ms. ; )
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Hi Susan, I love to sing, so a spellsinger would be great; but you’re right, seekers have more fun.
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HI Lisa! How do you come up with the characters in your books and who is your favorite? Also, are you on Facebook yet? Have a gret day!
[Reply]
Hi Allie,
My characters pretty much come up with themselves. I’ll be writing and another one will pop into a scene. No, I’m not on Facebook. Sorry. With my blog, website, Red Room page (Facebook for writers), Twitter, CafePress, Goodreads, and a full-time job in addition to the writing, I had to draw the line somewhere. ; ) Oh, and starting with the August issue, I’ll have a column in The Writer magazine every other month on fiction writing.
[Reply]
Hi Lisa,
I’m so glad you came on here. I’m a big demon fan:)
Bridget
Shared here:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1084897775&ref=profile
http://www.myspace.com/bridgetlaprairie (blog section)
http://twitter.com/bridget3420/status/2005582252
http://bridget3420.blogspot.com/2009/06/interview-chat-and-contest-with-author.html
http://freebies4meandu.blogspot.com/2009/06/interview-chat-and-contest-with-author.html
Lisa’s website is on the Awesome Authors section of my blog http://bridget3420.blogspot.com
RSVP’d
[Reply]
Hi. Lisa. First, although I haven’t read your books yet, I have them on request at the library, just waiting for them to come in. Do you have any plans to tour and sign, and if so, could you come to St. Louis? almost nobody comes here and I would so love to meet more authors.
Am already a BBB subscriber, and will do the joining stuff this pm after work at home.
[Reply]
Hi Nancy, I hope you enjoy my books once you read them. : ) Unfortunately, I don’t have any tours scheduled yet, so all of my signings are pretty close to home (central NC).
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Lisa, I’ve been wondering since TTWD, have you ever thought about writing a spinoff series about Piaris and Talon and Katylin? Watching them work together, they seem like a team in themselves. (Also, they’re full of awesome.)
[Reply]
Hi Grace,
I’m contemplating quite a few spinoff ideas, and yes, that is one of them.
[Reply]
Hi, Lisa, thanks for being here. I have not read your books yet but they are on my list for sure. I have found so many new authors by way of this website.
I have twittered, facebooked, myspaced, subscribed, voted, entered, as requested.
dbarskey@hotmail.com
[Reply]
Great interview. Thanks for coming by. I have read the first 2 books in the series and cant wait to get my hands on the new one.
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Thank you, Dianne & Donna!
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Hi Lisa. As an artist and a writer, I find that I have to focus on one or the other at a given time. Guess it’s a right brain/left brain thing. I loved the fact that you drew a map of the world in your books. What inspired you to draw it? Have you created other works of art? Which came first, your map or your stories (in other words, did you sit down and draw your world first or had you already put some stories down on paper before you drew it)?
[Reply]
Lisa:
Mychael or Tam? I’m a Tam girl myself. My daughter is a Mychael fan. We love, love, love Raine! I am looking forward to more books in the series! There are so many unresolved issues that we are dying to see how you handle them!!
Kathy
[Reply]
Medievalgrrl, I wrote two books that eventually became Magic Lost, Trouble Found. While I was writing those books, I drew the map. And I wish I was an artist; the map is the only thing I’ve done.
Hi Kathy! I’m equally Team Mychael and Team Tam. ; )
[Reply]
* Just joined her yahoo group
* Just joined her on twitter (RaonaidLuckwell)
* Twittered it (Raonaid)
* Joined the Red Room
* Shared this on myspace’s blog and bullentin (visionarydruid)
* Shared this on my blogger
* Shared it on my livejournal (Morriga)
* Linked both her links on my blogger
Elves? Dang you just mentioned one of my ultimate weaknesses. That, dragons, and druids. Hehe. Though I really like authors breaking out of the box with creatures like vamps, were wolves, elves, and the like.
[Reply]
Wow, thank you Raonaid! I definitely tried to break the mold with my elves and especially with my goblins.
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Awesome! One of the really cool thing about your series is how much I get the feeling that people (well, and elves and goblins
have lives beyond the story, and the country has this whole future that we’re getting a glimpse of. Oh, another question; do we ever find out what happened to Quentin? (I admit, I’d forgotten about him until I re-read MLTF to get ready for TTWD release.)
[Reply]
Hi Grace,
Yes, Quentin is one of the characters that will put in an appearance in a future book.
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Lisa: What caused the ‘mold breaking’ for your depiction of elves and goblins? I do like that you changed out their personas or stereotypes. Have added your books to my Wanton Wantin’ Book List.
[Reply]
Hi Vickie, I felt that goblins had so much more potential than what I’d always seen in other books and stories. So I took the perceptions of goblins as short, gnarled & ugly, and turned it into tall, graceful, and gorgeous. And a lot of fantasy portrayed elves as regal paragons of goodness. That most definitely does not describe the Benares family. ; )
[Reply]
Hi Lisa,
Your magic seems separated into different categories e.g Mirror magic, spell singing etc. What other categories are there and how do you stop Raine from using magic to solve all her issues? I love your books and can’t wait for Bewitched and betrayed.
Don’t enter me for the competition from the UK.
[Reply]
Hi Alexandra,
I create other categories of magic as needed. Having Raine not use her magic to solve all of her problems was a big “must do” for me. I wanted her to outsmart powerful mages, not out-magic them. The solutions have to be clever, but at the same time brilliant in their simplicity to prove that the mind can be mightier than the mage.
[Reply]
Hi Lisa
I’m wondering how you keep track of what’s allowed or not allowed in the fantasy world you have created?
Thanks!
[Reply]
Hi Patricia,
If you’re referring to my world’s magic system, I try to make it as logical as possible, that way it’s more difficult for me to screw something up. So if I try to write something that doesn’t fit, I get a little red flag waving at me, going “no, no, no.” If you weren’t referring to my magic system, let me know and I’ll take another run at your question. ; )
[Reply]
Hi L Isa and BBB……I just finished the first two books and ordered the 3rd. I LOVED THEM! I really enjoy the dynamics Raine has with her fellow friends/lpossible love interests and baddies. *grins* It helps she has my Author name as well. LOL
Lisa,
How many books do y ou see in this series and forgive me if you answered this already. I am trying to play catch up befoer I go to work tonight.
Raine Delight
[Reply]
Wow..from the description of the goblins alone, I have GOT TO READ these books!! I’ve always felt that goblins and gargoyles were the underdogs, and I always root for the underdog. These goblins, however, sound like no one’s underdog..and I like it!
[Reply]
Thank you, Storm! I hope you enjoy them!
Hi Raine, I hope to write many books set in Raine’s world, with a couple of potential spinoff series.
[Reply]
I thought of another question!
It may be because I’m one myself that I notice it, but I’ve found that there tend to be a fair few redheads, male and female, in fantasy novels, Raine (and Mychael if you consider auburn a shade of red - some do, some don’t) included. Is Raine (and possibly Mychael) a redhead for a reason, or is it just genetic?
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I’ve always seen Raine has having the same color hair as me — strawberry blonde. As to Mychael. . . well, when his character came to me that was the color hair that he had. So, there’s no particular reason. ; )
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My question: What types of books do you read the most(Romance, horror, sci-fi…..?)
I subscribe to Bitten by Books.
I joined her Yahoo Group.
I follower her on twitter.
lovinfitch(at)aol(dot)com
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Screams excitedly~ Hi Lisa! Oh man I’ve been waiting for today since I heard about it last week!
I just love your books. I’ve been dying to get my hands on the third on but it isn’t out here in the UK yet. But when I get back home it is at the top of my TBR pile. I tore through the books in a matter of hours. They were just awesome!
So my question is, what comes first when you start writing? Is it maybe a scene, a part of a converstaion, a chacter?
As for the contest (And Goddess I hope I win) I’ve already been a member of the newsletter.
I’m a member of the yahoo group and I’m now following on twitter.
I’ve tweeted and facebooked the contest too!
And, this is on my blogsroll too - cafebook.yolasite.com
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Hi Alexa, the genre I read the most of is fantasy, closely followed by mysteries, thrillers, and detective.
Hi Seri! Thank you, I’m so glad you love my books! : ) When I start writing a chapter, it can be either the beginning of a scene or a snippet of dialogue from a specific character — or sometimes both.
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Hee. I just can’t wait to read the next one and find out what trouble Raine and the others get themselves into.
Don’t stop writing!
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Hi Lisa, welcome to BBB!
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
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I am subscribed to the newsletter, and I put both Lisa’s blog and website links here: http://nightdweller20.wordpress.com and here: http://nightdweller20.livejournal.com
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Grins~ You know, soon we’re gonna start asking about baby pictures
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Seri, LOL! There’s no way I could ever stop writing; it’d be like asking me to stop breathing. Can’t be done. ; )
Hi Ashley, I just asked my husband what was the craziest thing I’ve ever done. He doesn’t know either. Apparently I’m quite the logical and practical girl. ; )
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I read MLTF and loved it! Can’t wait to get the next two.
I added you on Twitter, but don’t know the mechanics to prove it
[Hey, just figured out how to use Twitter a month ago.]
Here’s a question: if you could, would you give up the day job and write fantasy full time?
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Hi Lisa!
Welcome to Bitten By Books! What a great interview!
Thanks for stopping by!
-VA
(Rach, Twittered, FB, Mark, Dakota and JAPM)
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I liked your comment about about research. It is your world and who is going to tell you something isn’t right. What was it that drew you to this genre? The subject matter? The freedom?
Have already subscribed to BBB.
If I could figure out Twitter and Facebook, I’d post.
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Hi! Your books have always looked interesting to me, and now I’m more intrigued. Fencing! Have you tried any other martial arts? I did Tae Kwon Do for several years, but sometimes found the other students (and teachers) a little too macho for me (”I am a martial artist, therefor I must run marathons and do a gazillion pushups! Hurh!”. Is that a problem in fencing as well?
Anyway, thanks for being with us today!
Tania L
(newsletter subscriber)
ecogryff[at]gmail[dot]com
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Hi lisa welcome to BBB
My question to u is if u werent a writer what is the most obscure thing youd love to be or do ?
i RSVPed
will add you to all the posted
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Hi, Lisa!
Like many others…you’ve got me with that goblin description! I’m going to have to read your series now!
My question: With you being so busy, do you have a TBR pile? If yes, what’s in it? Thanks!
2. asked a q
3. subscribe already
5. Joined Raines Rangers & am following Lisa on twitter
6. already tweeted about this post @ twitter.com/dd03
Also, I rsvp’d the other day!
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Hi Lisa, I’m finally getting ready to start in on your books, have to meet those sexy goblins. Since you’re very into fencing, are you ever tempted to use those swords to toy around with someone who’s ticked you off…get some revenge by scaring them a bit? Or even, done it? LOL
BBB subscriber and already on Lisa’s yahoo group.
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I rsvp i would be here and i am i have not read your books .2.are they science fiction?
3.did a long time ago
4. myspace.com/sasluvbooks on my blog
7did
like reading about authors that i do not no for i can get to no about difrent tipes of books.
sasluvbooks@yahoo.com
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Thats how you can tell a good writer there. ~smiles~ Write because you couldn’t do anything else.
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Oh yeah! Plus I RSVP’d and came. I don’t think I put that in my first post.
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Other than your early love of fencing and movies what got you interested in fencing as a sport and actually led to you learning to fence?
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Deborah, As to writing full-time, I’d certainly be able to write more books. : )
Thank you, Virginia!
Patricia, I’ve always loved fantasy. I have to say it would be both the subject matter and the freedom to create whatever my immagination could come up with that drew me to writing fantasy.
Hi Tania, No I haven’t tried any other martial arts. No time, I guess.
Hi Beverly, As a kid, I wanted to be an oceanographer. Then I decided that probably wasn’t the best career choice for me since I can’t swim all that great. ; )
Hi dd03, Oh yes, do I EVER have a TBR stack. When you become an author, you get to know other authors and become friends. Of course, you buy and read all of their books. Then you get recommendations from blogs that you frequent, and posts from readers . . . yep, my TBR stack is completely out of control.
Hi Pam, so glad you’re going to be reading my books! Nope, I’ve never had the urge to toy around with someone who’s ticked me off — I’m a safefy-minded girl. : )
Hi Stacey, my books are fantasy adventure. Pop over to my website http://www.lisashearin.com for some sample chapters.
Thank you, Seri!!
Hi Emma, I’ve just always wanted to learn how to fence. When I was in college, it was offered as a PE class (along with archery), so I took both.
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joined her yahoo group
joined the red room
i’m following her at twitter
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Wonderful post. My question for you: Are there any other writers/authors in your family or are you the first?
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if one of your books was made into a movie which one would you like it to be? dorothy l con5459(at)gmail(dot)com
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I am a subscriber to bittenbybooks dorothy l con5459(at)gmail(dot)com
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Thanks for the wonderful interview - I’m just starting your Raine Barnes series and am really enjoying it. For my question: What was one of the very first fantasy books you read and loved?
Thanks! mmillet at gmail dot com
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Thank you, Sonya!
Hi LadyVampire, I’m the first and only author in my family.
Hi Dorothy, hmmmm, that’s a tough one. I’ll say MLTF because it sets up the rest of the series. And should Peter Jackson want to make sequels, that’ll be just fine with me. ; )
Hi Michelle, I loved Mary Stewart’s King Arthur series. I think that was the first series that I read and said: “I want to do that!”
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Oh! By the way, I twittered the contest again this morning.
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Hi Lisa! *waves* I love your books, but you know that already.
Just wanted to pop in and say hi.
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Hi Lisa-thanks for visiting.
I love BBB and am so grateful for all of the neat authors and new books they’ve introduced me to over the last couple of months.
I got a kick out of you saying you see it like a movie in your head- I’ve tried to explain that to people seeing a movie scene in my mind and they just kind of look at me funny.
Question: What do you think is the most important thing, quality, whatever- that a proper antagonist should have?
Thanks.
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I just want to say that I have ordered your 1st book from amazon.co.uk and have yet to read it as I just got it two days ago. This site and amazon are letting me discover new authors/new authors to myself that I have never had the chance of knowing and I want to take a moment to say thanks, I have read the back of the book and cant wait until I get some me time from my 2yr old daughter to read the book. Xx
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Hi, Lisa. Thanks for a fun interview, and of course for your fine books.
My question for you is, have you thought about writing a story from the p.o.v. of any other character in Raines’ world, and if so, which one?
Also, I’ve reviewed Armed and Magickal for the Examiner, here:
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-6332-Tampa-Books-Examiner~y2009m6d3-One-tough-elfa-review-of-Lisa-Shearins-Armed-and-Magical
and posted a bunch of Lisa related links on my own personal website here:
http://grailmaiden.crazedfanboy.com/otherrealms.html
and made a mention of this interview and contest is also here on my Livejournal:
http://musegardienne.livejournal.com/39334.html
Have a great day and best wishes!
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I love, love, love your take on goblins. Big, bad, sexy, and dangerous have always been a good combination in my book. If your goblins could have a theme song, what would it be?
Already a recipient of the glorious BBB newsletter and member of the Blood Bank and spread the love on Facebook.
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I agree with Jackie! I loved how you did the goblins in the book. It’s boring to see them all painted the same way all the time, and you really mixed it up!
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Hi Lisa,
Just stopping by to say Hi and Congrats on the new book, thanks for the interview.
My favorite question to ask– If you could talk to one person past/present who would it be and what would you ask them?
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Hi Lisa,
I just bought the first two books, Magic Lost, Trouble Found and Armed & Magical. This series fascinates me!
Do you think your writing has helped you grow personally or effected how you look at life?
Congratulations on the release of The Trouble with Demons.
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Congratulations on your release and I like the take on goblins as well.
Thanks for stopping by here.
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