Happy Friday everyone! I would like to welcome Indie Author, Lia Fairchild to my blog today! She is the author of “In Search of Lucy”, “Special Delivery” and the murder mystery series, “A Hint Of Murder”. She has quite a bit of experience in the world of self-publishing, and it is an honor to have her on the blog today discussing her books and her journey as an Indie Author!

INTERVIEW WITH LIA FAIRCHILD, AUTHOR OF IN SEARCH OF LUCY AND A HINT OF MURDER SERIES

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I was born and raised in Southern California so I love the sun and prefer the heat. I have a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a multiple subject teaching credential. I married my high school sweetheart and we have two kids, ages 13 and 15.

What do you do when you are not writing?

When I’m not writing, I’m learning about writing, meeting people, getting the word out about my books, managing three blogs/websites and reading. When I pull myself away from the literary world, I love to hang out with my family, playing games, watching movies and traveling.

Is there anyone who has influenced/encouraged you to write? Who and how/why?

Before I wrote my first novel, In Search of Lucy, I didn’t have someone that I looked up to or was motivated by. It was a whole new world to me. But now, I’ve made so many author friends who’ve inspired me and have really been helpful in my journey. My biggest supporter from the beginning has been my husband. He cheers me on when things are going smoothly and picks me up in my setbacks.

Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

Once I started publishing my works, reading changed for me. Every book I read is no longer just for enjoyment. I’m learning, absorbing, picking apart storyline, word choice, character. Sometimes it’s frustrating, but mostly I’m thankful for it. The biggest impact an author has had on me recently was Jodi Picoult. I’d never read anything like her writing before. She’s just so amazing, insightful, poetic even. I was also very impressed with the Hunger Games.

Can you give a brief synopsis of your journey to publication with your first novel?

I’ve always loved creativity and always wanted to create something big and lasting. That feeling intensified when I started having children. I guess that’s what happens when you see your replacement. I had been trying to find my place in a career and made two major career changes, but I still wasn’t content in what I was doing. It dawned on me that I needed to put all of the ideas running through my head to good use. When I finally made the commitment and the idea of In Search of Lucy came to me, I felt such a drive to write the story. The most important thing to me was that I didn’t give up and I saw the project through to completion.

Do you work with an outline, or just write?

I do an outline, but only after I’ve started writing. I don’t like to think and plot while sitting at the computer so I walk or do something else while I plan scenes in my head. Once I have a basic idea of where the story is going, then I do a brief outline of events.

If you had to go back and do it all over, is there any aspect of your novel “In Search of Lucy” or getting it published that you would change?

Yes. I’d take my time. Sit with the story for a while. I was in a rush to get it out there and then I looked back on it wanting to change or
add certain things.

How did you come up with the title for your novel?

Really I had a basic idea of what I wanted. Then I came up with about four choices and had my husband, mother and friends vote on them.

What is different about this book compared to others you’ve written?

My first novel, In Search of Lucy, was Contemporary fiction. Since then I spent some time writing short stories. I wrote a very short story, romance, called Special Delivery. Then I wrote a murder mystery series (also short stories) called A Hint of Murder. I’ve received a lot of positive feedback on the mysteries as fun whodunits.

Have you ever considered writing a book in first person with a male lead character?

I’m working on a romantic comedy that is first person but a female. I think it would be fun to do a male lead and might consider it down the line.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

For sure the toughest criticism has been negativity in reviews. I’m supposed to know that it comes with the territory, that everyone has different tastes, but sometimes people can be very cruel in their critiques. Maybe they forget that an actual person is on the other side reading those words. The best compliment is just hearing directly from the fans. When they take the time to message me how much they loved my characters, or liked the story, it really means a lot.

Can you tell us about your upcoming project/book?

I have two books in progress. I recently finished a thriller about an ex-cop vigilante that I’m currently editing. I’m also in the middle of a romantic comedy I hope to finish by the end of the summer.

Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

I have two pieces of advice for anyone wanting to publish a book. First, learn as much as you can about the business of selling your book, marketing, and social media before you get your book out there. If not, you’ll feel like you are playing catch up. It can be very stressful to have your book completed but not know what to do with it or worry that people are not seeing it. Second one is simple: READ.

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MEET AUTHOR LIA FAIRCHILD

I am a native Californian who loves reading, writing, movies and anything else related to the arts. Writing is something I’ve thought about all my life, so the completion of my first novel, “In Search of Lucy” is truely satisfying. I hold a B.A. degree in Journalism and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. My most enjoyable moments are spent with my family, traveling, spending time outdoors or simply laughing and being together.

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ABOUT LIA’S BOOKS

IN SEARCH OF LUCY

Lucy Lang’s life is spiraling out of control. For years she sacrificed her own needs to care for her half sister and alcoholic mother, only to be abandoned by both. Now, at age 30, Lucy finds herself held back by memories and regret as she struggles to find her own purpose in life. But when her sister needs a kidney transplant, Lucy is the only one who can save her life.

With the help of new friends and a man who won’t give up on her, Lucy sets out on a journey to reunite with her sister and find the answers she so desperately needs. Can she get past her emotions and have a chance at happiness? With its colorful and endearing cast of characters, In Search of Lucy takes readers on a rollercoaster of emotions from sadness and heartache to happiness and hope.

SPECIAL DELIVERY

Free flowers every month for a year! Recently widowed Amy was delighted to find that she had won. Flowers have always been a big part of her life. But delivery driver Dave brings more than just bouquets. Can he help Amy find happiness again? Will Amy get even more than she bargained for? Find out in this short story about love, loss, friendship and flowers.

A HINT OF MURDER SERIES

“A Hint of Murder”  is a short story murder mystery series and includes, “The Writer”, “The Doctor”, “The Bouncer” and an “Anthology” that compiles all three “A Hint of Murder” stories in one book. Also included is one bonus mystery entitled “Homeless” and excerpts from the novels of these mystery and thriller writers: Libby Fischer Hellmann, Valerie Maarten, Mel Comley, Sibel Hodge, Faith Mortimer, and Seb Kirby.

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YOU CAN FIND LIA FAIRCHILD HERE

Website:  http://www.liafairchild.com/

Facebook page:  http://www.facebook.com/lia.fairchild.author

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/LiaFairchild

Books available on:

Amazon Author page:  http://ow.ly/bf7c4

B&N:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/lia-fairchild