Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Lisa and Gina Nardini are sisters who were born on an island called Okinawa, but spent most of their childhood in the Ozarks. They have four older brothers and one younger sister. Big Family! Lisa was always an avid reader. She chose a reading class as an elective over art in middle school. (Don’t tell Gina!) Lisa lives in a small coastal town in Florida and enjoys kayaking in the Everglades. When Lisa is not writing, she is a flight attendant traveling all over the globe. So be sure to look for her on your next flight! Gina likes to read, write and draw. In fact, she created the cover and all the illustrations for “The Underwear Dare”, using her married name, Gina Christoffel. She loves dogs, especially beagles. When Gina is not writing, she is teaching visual arts at an elementary school. She lives in a small town in the heart of North Carolina. Although the two sisters live in different states, they still make time to write together. While growing up in the Ozarks, they shared a bedroom. According to Gina, Lisa got all the good wall space and shelves! “The Underwear Dare” is their first novel. “Zoo’d” is the second in the series, featuring Josh and Eddie as they embark on a new adventure at the local zoo. “Camp-Off!” is the third book in the series. It follows Josh, Eddie, and the gang to summer camp. Besides The Underwear Dare series, The Nardini Sisters have teamed up with their younger sister, Sucia and her daughter, Marina for a short story collection of scary stories. Please check out “HALLO-TWEEN” by The Nardini Sisters and Family. A collection of 13 scary stories for the tween crowd. Visit their website: www.nardinisisters.com
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Lastest book–The Underwear Dare #3! Inspired by childhood memories of going to camp in the Ozarks.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
We are a writing team. Sometimes we write back and forth through e-mail. Other times, we get together and write. Of course, it’s much more fun writing together in person!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
As a child, Gina’s favorite books were: “Where The Red Fern Grows” and “The Summer of The Monkeys” by Wilson Rawls and all the books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Lisa’s favorite books growing up were: “The Wolves of Willoughby Chase” by Joan Aiken, “Where The Red Fern Grows” by Wilson Rawls and all the books by Norma Klein and Judy Blume.
What are you working on now?
The Underwear Dare Book #4.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
amazon free giveaway days and twitter
Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you are writing for children join SCBWI (Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators). They have great conferences that really help improve your story. Also, listen to children. They are hilarious!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Follow your passion–our Mom.
What are you reading now?
Gina: 1Q84, Murakami
Lisa: Deep Blue, Randy Wayne White
What’s next for you as a writer?
We are developing our novels into screenplays.
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?
Gina: Midnight’s Children-Salmon Rushdie, The Complete Sherlock Holmes-Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Prodigal Summer-Barabra Kingsolver
Lisa: (A Survival Book), Tourist Season-Carl Hiaason, Killing Mr. Watson-Peter Matthiessen, Also, anything by Carrie Fisher
Author Websites and Profiles
Lisa & Gina Nardini Website
Lisa & Gina Nardini Amazon Profile
Lisa & Gina Nardini’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account