Q&A with Lisa Unger

My third and final author in the summer author Q&A series is New York Times bestselling author, Lisa Unger!

Since I started a trend with Michael Koryta and Alafair Burke, I have to share with you how I came to know Lisa Unger's work. Lisa introduced herself to me on MySpace! Boy, did I feel like I was "somethin'"! Since she took the time to say "hi" to me, I definitely needed to make time to at least check out her books. I borrowed Beautiful Lies on audiobook from the library and was hooked immediately! Lisa's books are fast-pasted, overflowing with plot twists and suspense. They really grab you right away. I'm so glad she took the time to introduce herself. Her books have added a tremendous amount to my reading experience this year.

I blogged earlier that I won Lisa's contest, winning signed first additions of all three of her books. Now I have two sets - the beautiful signed copy that sits in a place of honor, and the set I loan out to friends. I am constantly referring Lisa's work to people who like suspense and mystery, and I've not heard of anyone being disappointed yet. The audio versions are equally great. A Sliver of Truth was the follow-up to Beautiful Lies, and Black Out is Lisa's third book that was released in May of this year. She has a fourth book in the publication process to be released in 2009 and is hard at work....uhm, well maybe not RIGHT this minute (see interview below)...but she has book number five in the works for 2010. So very happy to hear that an early retirement isn't in the cards for her!

Let me quit my babbling and get on to the good stuff! Here is Lisa Unger:

Q. On your blog, you often mention what you're listening to; what/who have you been listening to recently that you would recommend others check out?

Lisa: Right now, I'm very into The Killers. A little bit retro but totally hip and modern. Both albums I have, Hot Fuzz and Sam's Town, are fabulous.

Q. What book have you read in the last six months that you would recommend to people who enjoy YOUR work?

Lisa: Right now I'm reading Kate Atkinson's Case Histories. Honestly, she's brilliant. It's really the best book I've read in so long.

Q. What/who influenced you to become a writer? Did you always want to be a writer or did you have other aspirations as a child?

Lisa: I can't ever remember a time when I didn't think of myself as a writer. I'm not sure what inspired me early on, other than I've always been a voracious reader. Along the way I've had some very supportive teachers who encouraged me. But I've never wanted to be or do anything else. So I feel very, very blessed to make my living this way.

Q. I know you aren't PHYSICALLY touring this year, but what has been a memorable moment for you on a past tour?

Lisa: My last two book tours I conducted with my daughter Ocean. On the first tour, she was four months old. On the second, she was just over a year. During both tours I was nursing her. Touring with your nursing baby is not for the feint-hearted, trust me. I always say that my daughter has been breast-fed in over 100 bookstore parking lots and back rooms across the country -- this is my most vivid memory of the last two outings. It was kind of crazy, but also really wonderful, too.

Q. Do you have time for any hobbies or outside interests with a toddler and a writing career? If so, what are they?

Lisa: I am an avid reader, of course. I also enjoy boating,kayaking, traveling, cooking, and watching films with my hubby. I manage to squeeze some of this in now and then. Actually, I'm writing this looking out on Rue Des Pyramides in Paris. Not too bad.

**Lisa, I have to say, I'm jealous of that view! Hope you have a great time!!

Q. Do you have any interest in selling movie rights for any of your books? If you do, and (o.k., think fantasy land here) you were told the movie had an open-ended budget and YOU could pick your leading star, who would you want to play Ridley and/or Annie/Ophelia? Why?

Lisa: I would love to see one of my books on the big screen. But I could never answer the question about who might play Annie or Ridley. I see each of them so clearly -- especially Ridley -- that I'm not sure I am the best person to make this choice. Anyway, there might be some good news about this soon, so keep checking back at my blog for more in the weeks to come!

Q. There is a book out called Not Quite What I Was Planning: Six-Word Memoirs by Writers Famous and Obscure. What would be YOUR six-word memoir?

Lisa: Better Than I Could Have Imagined.

Isn't she awesome? And I know what she means about seeing her characters so clearly. Anytime a movie was made out of a book I liked, the actors never seemed to live up to MY imagination of who they were. BUT, I will say that I'm very intrigued by her little teaser there...Lisa's blog is on my bloglines, and I look forward to updates from her. You can also find out more about Lisa and her books at her main website.

Thank you, Lisa, for your time and your wonderful responses. I'm so thrilled you were a part of my blog this summer.

Don't forget everyone! Check back on Monday for a special surprise to wrap up the summer series! Thanks for stopping by and Happy Reading!!