Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Lisa Jordan's Time to Shine

When I was a new writer dabbling in fiction, the most common bit of advice I heard was “Write what you know.” So what did I know?



Small towns…check.

Romance…check.

Marine Corps…check.

Police…check.

Fear…check check.


When I married my husband, he was a military policeman in the U.S.M.C. Upon his discharge, he wanted to be a civilian cop like his dad. At first I thought it was really cool. But closer to his discharge date, anxiety gripped my windpipe. The thought of something happening to him made my blood run cold. I did something I’ve regretted ever since—I begged him to give up his dream.


All of those elements planted a seed for my first novel idea.


As a beginning writer, my novel grew out of control with head hopping, telling instead of showing, passive sentences—it needed to be weeded and pruned.

One major change I had to make was to give my hero a flaw. Stephen was too perfect. So I gave him a past. Something was still missing. I asked My Book Therapy dynamic duo Susan May Warren and Rachel Hauck to help me brainstorm. After our two-hour phone call, my characters had roots and branched out into a story with depth.


~*~


I’m holding a scavenger hunt and lakeside photo contest to promote my Lakeside Reunion release. Plus, blog commenters on my blog hop will be put in a drawing for fun prizes—breakfast basket, Love Inspired Authors basket, autographed copies of Lakeside Reunion. Visit my Lakeside Reunion Contest page for more information.


The token for this blog is a lakefront.


Bio: Heart, home and faith have always been important to Lisa Jordan, so writing stories that feature both comes naturally to her. She has been writing contemporary Christian romance for more than a decade. Her debut novel, Lakeside Reunion, will be released in November by Love Inspired, followed by her second novel, Lakeside Family, in August 2012 by Love Inspired. Happily married for twenty-two years, Lisa and her husband have two young adult sons. When she isn’t writing or caring for children in her in-home childcare business, Lisa enjoys family time, romantic comedies, good books, crafting with friends and feeding her NCIS addiction. Visit her here to learn more about her writing.




Lakeside Reunion: Bed-and-breakfast owner Lindsey Porter prays she won’t run into Stephen Chase when she returns to Shelby Lake. Five years ago, the cop jilted her to marry another woman, and Lindsey fled town. But no sooner does she hit city limits than Stephen pulls her over for a broken taillight. Despite the past, he’s still able to stir up Lindsey’s old feelings for him. Now a widower and single dad, Stephen recognizes a second chance when he sees one. And he’ll do anything to make Lindsey trust in God and take a risk for love—again.




I’m honored to host Lisa Jordan here today. She’s a kindhearted woman and it’s thrilling to celebrate her in her time to shine. Originally this post should have been published weeks ago, but with the power outage and the craziness that followed, Lisa was generous to adjust to the publish date. I hope you check out Lisa’s site and her book!

14 comments:

  1. I've just started Lakeside Reunion and Lisa knows how to write!

    Love the picture at the end!

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  2. It's interesting how there's so often something of our own lives in our stories, a character, experience, even the settings. Best wishes with Lakeside Reunion, Lisa!

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  3. Congrats to Lisa, and her book sounds like a winner! And I LOVE her smile!!!

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  4. Congrats, Lisa, on your book release. I just love that picture of you two!

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  5. LOVED Lakeside Reunion! But you know this, Lisa. Yep, it's your time to shine and you definitely do! Shine on, friend!

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  6. After such glowing reviews as I've read, I'll have to pick up a copy soon! Congrats, Lisa.

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  7. I've already got my copy of Lakeside Reunion and look forward to savoring it.

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  8. Love hearing the story behind the story! I'm guilty of making my heroes too perfect too. :)

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  9. This book sound great. I'm with Stacy, I love hearing the story behind the story.

    Thanks Wendy and Lisa.

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  10. Hi, Wendy & Lisa! I love hearing how a story idea starts...so cool. I'm hearing lots of good things about your book, Lisa. :)

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  11. Glad to see you here today, Wendy! I have been looking forward to your posting. I, too, like to hear about background stories! Look forward to reading Lakeside Reunion!

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  12. I read this as I was riding home from work.. Thinking of my writing project .. And pondering ideas.. And needing inspiration and .. Well you know, a bit of cheer leading. I am glad you wrote this . Today . That's what I know. And I know small towns too. I was a little girl in a small town once. That wee girl remains tucked inside my head at all times. Cheers friend.

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  13. Lisa, I saw your book at our local Meijers--sooo excited for you! It looks wonderful!

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  14. I love Lisa's story--even more, I love the reason for Lisa's story. And if you know Lisa, you know she has a mentor's heart! She's all about "How can I help you?"

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