Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello everyone! I’m Lisa Ann Verge, author of seventeen novels that have been translated into about fifteen languages. I started out writing historical, contemporary, and paranormal romances and then took up women’s fiction as Lisa Verge Higgins. Along the way I collected about a half-dozen RT Book Review Awards, a Bean Pot (from Boston, could you guess?), a Golden Leaf, and a RITA nomination. I’ve been doing this for over mumble-mumble years and loving every minute of it!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book (as Lisa Verge Higgins) came out in March 2015, SENSELESS ACTS OF BEAUTY. It was inspired by one of the main characters, a brilliant but smart-mouthed fourteen-year-old adoptee who just popped into my head one day. When her adoptive mother dies, Sadie loads up a backpack and goes on an odyssey to track down her biological mother . . . who will do *anything* to protect Sadie from the reasons she gave her away.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Alas, I’m boringly predictable in all my writing habits. I apply the seat of my pants to the seat of my chair, then eat chocolate and drink coffee.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I adore Kathryn Lynn Davis’s lush, historical romance novels–Too Deep For Tears, Child of Awe, etc. Her books inspired me to pick up my pen. It was such a thrill when I finally met her at a writer’s conference about a year ago. I confess, I went all fan-girl.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on several projects at the same time. First, I’m putting up my backlist historical romances as eBooks, which is such a thrill. I’m trying to put out 2-3 a year. I’m also working on the next book in The Celtic Legends Series, a story that I put aside years ago and now have an opportunity to revive. Finally, I have a super-secret side project that I can’t talk about because it’s different and exciting and challenging and a new direction for me.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t really ‘promote’ much, really. I’ll do an occasional price drop or freebie, but in general I just keep in touch with folks on Facebook and Twitter, building an ever-expanding community of really interesting people, and then when I’ve got something coming out I’ll let them know. If promotion isn’t organic, it doesn’t feel right.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Focus on your writing above all else. Traditional publishing is tough to break into, and there can be a lot of disappointments even if you do. Indie-publishing allows instant gratification, but discoverability is a challenge. If you focus on writing the best story you can, and constantly strive to improve your craft, then you’ll be prepared when opportunity strikes and at the same time protect yourself from the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Ernest Hemingway: “The first draft of anything is s**t.”
Don’t sweat it–just get the story on the page. Then rewrite!
What are you reading now?
I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes. It’s a fabulous thriller, I couldn’t put it down!
What’s next for you as a writer?
If I tell you, I may have to kill you. 😉
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
How To Build A Fire. How To Skin A Lizard. How To Build A Raft. The King James Bible
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