Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Interview with Author Lisa Gail Green


Lisa Gail Green's debut novel, The Binding Stone, released last week. I'm especially excited about this book, because Lisa is my good friend and writing buddy. I read an early draft of this book, and it was amazing then. But last week I downloaded the published version and wow, it's like reading it for the first time. Right now it's only $.99 so clicky clicky and get your copy!

Don't believe me? This is what Lisa Desrochers, author of Personal Demons, said about The Binding Stone: "Genies like you've never seen them, THE BINDING STONE is a wild ride of treachery and deception. For my first wish, I'd like a sequel, please."

Here's a quick blurb:

Tricked into slavery by the man she loved, the Djinni Leela has an eternity to regret her choices.

Awakened in the prison of her adolescent body, she finds a new master in possession of the opal that binds her. But seventeen-year-old Jered is unlike any she's seen. His kindness makes Leela yearn to trust again, to allow herself a glimmer of hope.

Could Jered be strong enough to free her from the curse of the Binding Stone?

Lisa Green was my first connection through SCBWI, and I'm so thankful we're on this journey together. Today, she opens up about her path to publication.

1. From idea to final product, how did The Binding Stone come to be?

That's about a three-year process! LOL. The idea was born because I had a demon (character!) that wanted to be written, but it had been done. So I started researching monsters on monstropedia that might be similar and that's where I came up with the DJINN. The idea fascinated me and my imagination went wild. 

2. Can you give us a brief summary of your writing process? Plotter? Pantser? Somewhere in between?

I've always been a pantser. I love the excitement of not knowing what happens next until the character does it! But practicality has forced me to do a bit of plotting as I've grown as a writer. I tend to fill out a Blake Snyder Beat Sheet as a short outline. I also like to pre-write a summary (like a query letter) and a pitch. Even if that changes, it helps to have as a reference. 

3. The Binding Stone is published by Fuzzbom Publishing. Can you tell us a bit about your experience with a small publisher?

It's been AMAZING! They are so invested in my book. I get all the privileges of having a publisher like editing, copy editing, and assistance with marketing and layout. But I also got final say on so much and certainly input on everything.

4. Can you offer us any advice about book promotion? What's working for you and what isn't?

I'm just learning myself! But I'm happy to share. I do know from our experience with the Journeys of Wonder anthologies that the key is word of mouth. What you want is to reach your intended audience, but that's hard to do with all the books out there (which is wonderful really). So you work hard to get that first tier of people to read it and hope it's good enough to get them to recommend it to others! The more reviews you can get on Goodreads and Amazon the better. The more people you reach at once, the higher your ranking and visibility. So if you read it, please put up reviews and recommend it if you like it!

5. Is there any writing or publishing advice you'd like to share with us?

Ha! I always feel weird giving advice to others, because we're all in the same boat really. The thing I always say is PERSEVERANCE IS KEY. If you don't try it can't happen. So keep learning, keep reading, and keep writing. Never stop if it's what you love. At least you're blessed enough to be doing something you love.

Perfect writing advice. I couldn't agree more!

If you're published, how did you connect with your publisher? How did you market your book?

If you're pre-published, do you sometimes struggle with perseverance? Please share!

"I dream of Lisa Gail Green! The Binding Stone is magical in so many ways. My Djinn asks for my third wish? The sequel, of course!" -- NYT Bestselling Author Nancy Holder

33 comments:

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    1. R. Mac, I totally agree! Thanks for the visit.

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  2. What a great quote from Nancy Holder! It ties in perfectly with the book.

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    1. Sandra, it's definitely an impressive quote! So kind of her to give that to Lisa.

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  3. Great interview~ I've followed Lisa's blog for a long time and am so happy for her! Loved hearing more about your publisher and book promotion :)

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    1. Jess, it's so great that you've been following Lisa's blog! It's fun to watch our writing buddies reach publication.

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  4. I love the way you describe your experience with this publisher. Sounds like a great pairing, Lisa. You already know I love this book, and I just noticed you have a quote from Nancy Holder. SWEET!!!

    Thanks Julie. :)

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    1. Sheri, thanks so much for always supporting Lisa!

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  5. Thanks, everyone!! And thank you, Julie - I wouldn't have gotten this far without you! :D

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    1. Hellooooo, guest of honor! I'm so proud of you and super excited!

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  6. Sounds like an interesting book! And I do struggle with perseverance, especially now; I haven't written any fiction in a few weeks because I'm struggling with writer's block. Sometimes I think of the long, arduous path to publication and I just feel overwhelmed. But I know that I can't give up writing altogether, because I do love it that much.

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    1. I'm so glad you're not giving up! Maybe journalizing your thoughts would help you break out of writer's block. No matter what, I know you're persevere!

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  7. Wonderful interview, Julie! Very proud of Lisa!

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    1. Morgan, thanks so much for stopping by and adding your support :)

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  8. Great interview. I loved Lisa's book and she's a very talented writer. So excited for her. Loved hearing her little outlining strategy. It's similar to what I do.

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    1. Natalie, I also love hearing about the way other writers create their works of art. I'm so glad you enjoyed her book!

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  9. Lovely interview, wonderful answers, and now I need to go update my TBR list. =D

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    1. Crystal, I sure hope you enjoy Lisa's book! Thanks so much for stopping by.

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  10. Word of mouth is the best.
    Snyder's Beat Sheet is awesome.

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    1. You know what? I've never used the Beat Sheet! I think I will on my next book.

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  11. When I had problems staying motivated I interviewed very experienced writers who had been writing for a minimum of five years and were unpublished. I tried to use their advice on staying motivated.

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  12. I love stories about mythical creatures like djinns - especially with contemporary twists - and I read The Binding Stone as soon as I could get my hands on it!

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    1. Margo, you are SO sweet! I'm glad you grabbed your copy of Lisa's book :)

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  13. Yay for Lisa!! Looking so forward to reading this one! :)

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    1. Jemi, you're an awesome writing friend. Thanks for supporting Lisa!

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  14. Sometimes you read a story and you just feel that spark of magic - that's the way I felt when I read an early draft of The Binding Stone. I'm thrilled it has seen the light. Hugs to Lisa.

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    1. Yes, now others get to experience the thrill ride we're on when we read Lisa's work :)

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  15. Great Interview - we're so proud to be a part of this book!

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    1. Here's the publisher, folks. Take a bow, Ian!

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  16. Lisa is swinging by my blog tomorrow--looking forward to it! I just grabbed my copy!

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  17. Congratulations to Lisa! The Binding Stone sounds intriguing!

    I'm off to grab a copy...

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  18. Aloha Julie,

    Thanks for having Lisa share her story, because I love hearing the success stories of my fellow writers :)

    As for perseverance, I've just finished writing a memoir (about four years in the making - we were making our three little boys, too:)

    I'm excited to begin Phase Two and the Query Process, but I believe so much in this story that I *know* it will be the little book that could :)

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