Author Spotlight: Lisa B. Kamps

December 6, 2016 • News

1) How did you get started as an author and what made you want to pursue that field?

I don’t think there was ever one single incident. I’ve always told stories, for as long as I could remember. I mean, I even wrote my own Peanuts/Snoopy stories because I was so impatient and couldn’t wait for the Sunday comic strip. And my mom is always telling me how I would make up my own bedtime stories. It’s just something I’ve always done.

Now, if you want to know when I decided to take my writing serious and actually pursue it–that’s been happening over the last several years and came to fruition in 2015. You know how some people need to be hit over the head with a two by four? Yeah…not me. I pretty much need to be whacked with a steel I-beam. I got that whack in early 2015 and here I am!

2) What hurdles have your overcome while striving towards your goals?

The biggest one? Self-doubt. Convincing myself I really could do this. Convincing myself that there are people out there who really do enjoy reading my stories. And convincing myself that sometimes it is okay to have a little doubt–but not to let that doubt overtake you.

3) Which novel has been your favorite to write and why?

This one is tough because I love writing all of them and have fallen in love with all my heroes. If I have to be forced to pick just one (and I’m doing this under pressure :)!), I’d have to say BREAK AWAY, The Baltimore Banners Book 5. It’s a second chance romance and there is just something so endearing about JP and Emily, about the way they conquer their fears and doubts together, despite the tragic history between them. I still get teary-eyed about it :).

4) For those looking to become an author, what advice would you give them?

The best piece of advice I can give (and have given) any aspiring writer is one that’s been around for ages: Just do it. Don’t think about doing it, don’t talk about doing, don’t dream about doing it. Just sit your butt down and get those words on the page. Talking is easy, but if you’re serious, stop talking and just write. You can fix it later, worry about it later, angst over it later. But you need to get those words on paper first. In this case, actions really do speak louder than words.

Also, don’t get so caught up in the rules that you end up hampering your creative flow. Yes, learn the rules, be aware of them, but don’t let them rule your writing (or your creative process). There are so many rules out there that “they” say can’t be broken. But guess what? They get broken all the time, and it works. Do what works for you, your story, your characters. Don’t let the rules silence your unique voice. (Note: I’m not talking about grammar and punctuation–those are important. It’s those other pesky rules, like don’t write in first person, don’t write about a sports hero, etc.)

5) Favorite motto?

It is better to ask forgiveness than permission and be denied (yeah, I’m a bit of a rebel, what can I say :)?)

6) In one word, how would you describe your writing style?

Um…um…Real life with a happy-ever-after? Oh, wait–that’s more than one word. How about “authentic”…?

7) Which author inspires you the most and why?

Wow. I’m not sure how to answer this one because I have several that inspire me in different ways (writing style, characterization, stories, etc.). I think I’m going to have to say my bestie, Michelle Monkou. She’s been my inspiration (and virtual steel I-beam!!) from day one. We bounce ideas off each other, whine and commiserate and eat chocolate and celebrate together, and keep each other going during this insane ride of writing.

8) What is your writing process like?

Insane. Literally.

I think in “snapshots” and that’s how the basic storyline develops: in one or two snapshots. Then I just start writing and let the characters lead me. Yes, I’m a pantser. And no, I don’t always know where the story is going to go. Sometimes I *think* I do, and sometimes I’m even right. Other times…not so much. And I learned a long time ago to just let my characters do their own thing. Trust me, no good ever comes from doing that! And so far, it works.

9) Goals for the remainder of the year?

This kinda ties in to new projects but definitely work on/finish-up creating some freebies for my newsletter subscribers, finalize details for new projects, finalize plans for 2017, and then–hopefully–take a break the last week of December :)!

10) What new projects are you currently working on?

LOTS of exciting new projects!!

I have several more titles planned for The Baltimore Banners hockey series. I’m also launching a brand-new spinoff hockey series, The York Bombers–look for the first title, Playing The Game, to release on February 13. Book 5 in my Firehouse Fourteen series (titled Second Alarm) is also scheduled for release next year, as well as a second Dangerous title: Dangerous Heat. To wrap up 2017, I’ll be introducing the first title (a novelette) in another brand new series, The Chesapeake Blades. Yes, this will be another hockey series but with a bit of a twist–this series focuses on a women’s hockey team!

11) Any final thoughts you would like to share with the CJC Photography readers?

Just enjoy life. Get to know one other. Have fun. And don’t sweat the small stuff. We only have one life to live so make the most of it!

Make sure to stay up to date with all of Lisa’s upcoming projects by visiting her Facebook fan page.

Add a comment