Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a contemporary women’s fiction author based in Western Australia and Co-Director of Footprints Publishing PTY LTD. I’m also on the Board of Management for the Katharine Susannah Prichard (KSP) Writers’ Centre in WA and previously ran their publishing service, Wild Weeds Press.
To date, I’ve had stories published in ‘Paw Prints of Love’, Gumnut Press May 2020, ‘Destination Romance’, Serenity Press Dec 2018 and ‘Passages’, Serenity Press Dec 2018.
I also have a novelette, ‘When Love Breaks Down’, Serenity Press Aug 2019 and more recently, a novella, ‘The Wash’, Footprints Publishing Sep 2020.
I love writing, reading, music and travel, and drinking more wine than is good for me!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is a contemporary women’s fiction novel, ‘The Sunrise Girl’, published by Footprints Publishing Sep 2020.
As a former crisis counsellor in the UK, I wanted to delve into the processes people go through to overcome grief, especially where guilt plays a role. The novel explores themes such as authenticity and escapism; how people use addictions such as drinking, smoking and sex to avoid confronting pain.
I used Ibiza as a focal point as it represents the hedonism people seek to escape their woes. The main character, Lucy, is in her thirties and has a party-girl past, enabling the story to move away from the stereo-typed twenty-something party goer and focus on a woman who really should know better.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
As long as I have coffee and my laptop I’m good to go, although sometimes a glass of SSB can help with creative thinking.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Gillian Flynn is a favourite. I love her style of writing and the authenticy she brings to each character. I also love Paulo Coehlo, especially ‘Veronika Decides to Die’. I enjoy the way he creates tangible characters and settings, often with an ethereal quality to the stories.
What are you working on now?
I’m writing a contemporary novel based in Russia called, ‘His Person’. It focuses on the friendship between an ordinary girl and the son of an Oligarch, and how their friendship is tested over time. There are elements of loss, betrayal and a smidgen of love.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This one is a recent discovery and looks promising, and I’ve recently started using BookFunnel to promote books by offering freebies and samples. It’s helped gain email subscribers, get my name out there and drive readers to my website and selling channels.
Having had several works traditionally published, I soon discovered that unless you’re published by the big 5, much of the promotional work comes down to you.
I’m also about to invest in some Amazon advertising and Facebook promos, so we’ll see how that goes.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing.
Getting books out there is hard work and doesn’t stop when you type ‘The End’. Be prepared to spend a lot of time building your author profile, presence and selling channels.
If you want to pitch to publishers make sure you do your homework and follow submission guidelines to the letter. Rejection is part of the process and can become a badge of honour (I should know)!
If you want to go down the self publishing road, invest in a good editor and cover designer. Don’t expect your first draft to be perfect. It’s not-trust me-so having someone who knows what they’re doing to make your words shine is a solid investment.
Knuckle down and get on with it!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Get off Facebook and join a writing group. You will instantly build a community and grow as a writer.
What are you reading now?
‘Wherever You Go’ by Monique Mulligan. I’m loving it so far and Monique is a friend and fellow author.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish writing ‘His Person’ then send it to my lovely editor who will cover it in tracks and make me cry!
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 Alchemist’ by Paulo Coehlo. I’ve read it many times but never get bored. It makes me feel hopeful.
‘The Magic Faraway Tree’ by Enid Blyton. A childhood favourite and fabulous escapist read.
‘Jonathan Livingston Seagull’ by Richard Bach. This book lifts me up(!) when I need a kick up the butt.
‘The Little Prince’ by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. This one reminds me to let my inner child speak, and for me to listen.
Author Websites and Profiles
Lisa Wolstenholme Website
Lisa Wolstenholme Amazon Profile
Lisa Wolstenholme’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
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