Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews: Interview with romantic suspense author Lisa Caviness

Welcome, Readers. I’m talking with author Lisa Caviness about her new romantic suspense novel, Order of Fear.

During her virtual book tour, Lisa will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky randomly drawn winner. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit her other tour stops and enter there, too.

Bio:

As a lifelong reader of an eclectic pool of books from mystery/thrillers, science fiction, contemporary romance, and the classics, Lisa Caviness has never been without a book on the nightstand and a long to be read list. Like many writers, she started crafting stories as a child. However as an adult, creativity took a back seat to her career in pharmaceutical and medical device research. In 2013, Lisa decided to get serious about writing and joined Romance Writers of America (Crossroads Romance Writers, Indiana RWA, and Kiss of Death Chapters) and later Sisters in Crime (Speed City Chapter). The education she has received, proved invaluable but more importantly the support from fellow writers has enriched her in thrilling and unexpected ways. Lisa writes romantic suspense.

Welcome, Lisa. Please share a little bit about your current release.

Marissa Nash is a part time ballet dancer and accountant by day. After deciding to place her future happiness over the expectations of others, Marissa chooses to call off her wedding to her philandering fiancé, David, but instead she finds him dead. Dr. Justin Tanner is a trauma surgeon dealing with posttraumatic stress disorder after his medical unit came under attack. He’s also David’s best man and guarding long buried feelings for Marissa.

As Marissa and Justin peel away David’s secrets they are thrown into a deadly battle with, The Order, an evil organization hell-bent on destroying the lives of many. Facing a life and death struggle, Marissa and Justin must also come to grips with their growing feelings, neither is sure they’re ready to handle.

What inspired you to write this book?
The inspiration for my book, Order of Fear originated after watching a documentary on secret societies, such as the Illuminati, Free Masons, and The Knights of Templar. I made the decision to join National Novel Writing Month challenge (a yearly marathon to write 50,000 words during the month of November). Several months before the challenge started I was set to write another story, but this idea took hold and I knew I had to write a story placing the protagonists as targets of a covert organization.

Excerpt from Order of Fear:

The sticky sensation of his blood coated her hands. This wasn’t supposed to happen. She’d been ready to tell David she couldn’t marry him. Maybe they could have worked through their problems, or maybe they could have parted as friends, but now they’d never get a chance. Anger and preoccupation would no longer alienate them. The easy humor and quick laugh that had been absent in recent weeks would never return.

Halo stood next to her, his warm fur plastered against her damp arm.

Surrounded by blood, she glanced at one wall of the kitchen. Her stomach roiled as she studied the brain matter splattered on the wall like abstract art. She stared at the wall, once tan in color, but now stained a ghastly shade of red.

Marissa blinked several times, hoping to erase the sick scene, but the reality remained. David was dead.

The last few weeks she’d been embroiled in romantic, tranquil colors. Soft peach hued roses. Elegant gray candles. Delicate swirls of ruffled silver icing on a too-pretty-to-eat wedding cake. A snowy white wedding dress.

Now her world was blood red.

What exciting story are you working on next?
I am working on Book Two of The Order Series, entitled, Order of Malice.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Referring to myself as a writer is an odd concept for me. After I published my short story (Pivot in the Hope Chest Anthology) and my full-length novel, Order of Fear, and seeing my name listed next to the titles I began to see inklings of myself as a writer. Publishing a book has been a life-long dream and to finally see the results of my hard work is surreal. Now that I have published and have participated in book signings and other author related events (like this blog tour!), I feel like I can finally call myself a writer.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

I try to write full-time but other areas often require my attention. My husband is an attorney in both private practice and with a law firm. We also have a couple of start up companies. I spend a portion of my time working with him on these businesses. We also have children, so in addition to being mom, I’m also the taxi driver, psychologist, homework helper, fashion consultant, and chef. Now that school is back in session, I usually get in a workout at the gym and then return to write until the kids get home. I will also try to get in another more abbreviated writing session in the evenings.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I write with a pad of paper next to me. I can’t seem to brainstorm using a computer so I write various scenarios and problems on paper to be able to work through an issue.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

As a child, I couldn’t quite pinpoint what I wanted to do. I went from archeologist (who wouldn’t want to be like Indiana Jones!) to astronomer to physician.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

I appreciate your time and your reader’s attention. I’m working very hard to make my books the best they can be and I hope to connect with as many readers as I can. Thank you for hosting me on your blog!

Links:

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