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. Her second novel, Lakeside Family, will be released in August 2012 by Love Inspired. Happily married for over twenty 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 at www.lisajordanbooks.com to learn more about her writing.
Lisa, congratulations on your debut novel, Lakeside Reunion, published with Love Inspired. I just pre-ordered my large print copy from Amazon and am so excited to receive it!
Thank you!! I hope you enjoy it.
Back cover copy: 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. Read an excerpt of Lakeside Reunion
I made you a cup of tea and hot chocolate for myself, let’s sit in front of the fire and chat!
Can you tell us where you came up with the plot of Lakeside Reunion?
My husband always wanted to be a cop like his dad, but after we got married, I begged him to give up his dream because I was too afraid for his life. I’ve always regretted it since he’s such a huge supporter of mine. The plot evolved from those choices we made.
What do you think My Book Therapy had to do with your debut novel?
Learning how to craft a solid story through MBT is the reason my book sold. When I realized I couldn’t do anything else with my novel, I asked Susie Warren and Rachel Hauck for help. We brainstormed and they helped me straighten my story spine by digging deeper into my characters and constantly asking “why” until we hit upon their core motivations.
I see on your website that you eloped and I’ve never heard that story, tell us all about it!
Hubby and I dated long distance for 18 months. Most of that time was spent 6 hours apart, but then he received orders 16 hours from me. I went 5 months without seeing him and couldn’t take it anymore, so I moved south to be closer to him. We planned to have a church wedding, but trying to schedule it around his schedule was a nightmare. Three weeks after I moved south, we eloped. We’ll celebrate our 22nd anniversary on the 30th of this month.
Happy anniversary! What do you consider the greatest moment of your writing/publishing career?
If you had asked me this before ACFW, I would have said January 7, 2011 when my agent called with the news that I had sold. However, while I was at ACFW, I called Hubby and learned he was in the middle of reading my book. That was the greatest gift to me—his total support of my career.
That is awesome 🙂 Onto your revisions from Love Inspired. Only 8 small items to change in your first set of revisions. WOW. What advice can you give to aspiring novelists so they have a short list of revisions as well?
Well, that short list is not the norm! I’m making up for it now. 😉 My advice is to join My Book Therapy to learn how to write a solid story. Get inside your characters’ skin and feel what they’re feeling, see what they’re seeing and pour it onto the page. Writing is actually rewriting so revise until you feel it’s the absolute very best you can do at that point.
What advice can you give to aspiring novelists to produce a sound novel that’ll sell?
Join My Book Therapy, believe in yourself and the talents God has given you, have a teachable spirit, and work hard. Read craft books and solid novels from authors like Susan May Warren, Rachel Hauck, Ronie Kendig, Jenny B. Jones, Jim Rubart, Karen Ball, Sibella Giorello…they know their stuff. I learned a lot about craft by reading well-written novels.
Tell us about future books planned.
I just signed the contract for my second novel! Lakeside Family will be released in August 2012 by Love Inspired. It’s the story of Josie Peretti and Nick Brennan— He’s the last man she ever wanted to see, but the only one who could save her daughter’s life.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
I’m holding a scavenger hunt and lakeside photo contest to promote my Lakeside Reunion release. Visit my Lakeside Reunion Contest page for more information.
The token for this blog is a set of knitting needles.
What fun! Lisa, thank you for dropping by today 🙂
Heidi and Lisa, I loved this interview today–great job! Heidi, your questions tapped into some that I’ve had. Lisa, I especially appreciate the list of athors who’ve written craft books that helped you. Thank you, Ladies!