Interview With Author Lisa Winkler
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in Killingworth, CT. My father was a poultry farmer, so I worked with my
parents on the farm. I attended public schools and wrote my first short story in
third grade. I attended Vassar College and worked as a journalist and a middle
school teacher. I’ve written several books ranging from children’s books to poetry
to personal memoirs.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Gershwin’s Bess: A Novel. It’s historical fiction and was inspired by a
short play I wrote. I became fascinated with the story of Anne Brown, the young soprano
who was the first to sing the role of Bess in George Gershwin’s iconic American opera,
Porgy and Bess. The book follows her determination to fulfil her dream and how she
met and worked with Gershwin in the creation of the opera.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I get up early, and if I have ideas, I have to get them down right away. I keep a notebook
on my night table and often will scribble an idea in the middle of the night, writing in
the dark! Not sure how unusual this is, but it’s my habit!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I did my Master’s in Education focusing on Young Adult Literature. I read so many
books for that age group, especially when I was teaching. I witnessed firsthand how a
book could turn on the lights in a young reader’s eyes and turn him/her into lifelong
readers. While my book isn’t necessarily YA, it can be read by teens. I love the many
books by Jane Yolen. I loved the Bronte books as a child, and as an adult, I’m a
voracious reader. I read a lot of historical fiction.
What are you working on now?
A family memoir and a few picture books.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website is the best place to see everything: www.lisakwinkler.com
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. Read a lot.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t give up. Be true to yourself.
What are you reading now?
I read several books at once. I read fiction and non-fiction. At the moment, I’m reading
The Man in the White Sharkskin Suit by Lucette Lagnado. It’s her memoir. I’m also
reading on my Kindle, The Finest Hotel in Kabul: A People’s History of Afghanistan by
Lyse Doucet, and I’m listening to Kristen Harmel’s The Forest of Vanishing Stars in my
car.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m promoting Gershwin’s Bess. I really believe it’s a great story- even if you think you don’t like opera, it’s a story about a young woman with a passion and a dream who faces several challenges to achieve it. How the opera came into being is a fascinating story in a time period when there were plenty of upheavals in the country. Give it a try!
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?
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare
The Old & New Testament & The Quran
The Oxford English Dictionary
Those would keep me quite busy!
Author Websites and Profiles
Lisa Winkler’s Social Media Links
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