Books & Tales: Author Interview: Prodigal Son by Lisa Beth Darling

About the Author:

Lisa Beth Darling is 49 years-old, lives in her hometown of New London, CT with her husband of 30 years, Roy and is mother to their two daughters. She is the author of more than fifteen novels along with several short stories and non-fiction books. When she’s not writing she likes to garden and is an avid movie buff.

Do you plan everything or just let the story flow?

I generally have an idea of where the story is going but not necessarily how I’m getting there.

Do your characters ever want to take over the story?

They take over all the time and when that happens I find it best to let them, they usually know more than I do about the story anyway.

What is your favourite food?

A good pizza

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

I like mid-morning to early evening best. I hate getting up in the morning and I’m too old to stay up until all hours of the night.

Where do you dream of travelling to and why?

Greece, Ireland, Scotland, and New Zealand are all on my Bucket List. I hear they have very good food and white beaches in Greece. Ireland and Scotland because that’s my ancestry. New Zealand because it looks absolutely beautiful.

Do distant places feature in your books?

Sometimes they do, in my OF WAR series, since it centers around Ancient Greek Gods, a lot of it takes place on Mount Olympus and in Greece itself.

Do you listen to music while writing?

My iTunes is always cranking away as I write. I love ‘Classic’ Rock the most.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?

“Prodigal Son”, the finale to the Sister Christian series will be my newest release when it hits the market on August 30th. The entire series centers around a long-lost brother and sister, Richard Mason and Hannah Rice. They’re very opposite creatures yet also very similar. Don’t let the title of the series fool you, this isn’t (necessarily) a ‘Christian’ or ‘religious’ series. It’s full of dark family secrets, intrigue, and drama.

What have you learned about writing and publishing since you first started?

Not to get discouraged, I think that’s the biggest thing. I do what I do because I love to do it and, for me, that’s the best approach.

Is there anything you would do differently?

I suppose I’d get out there and try to network more but I’m basically an introvert so making contacts if difficult for me.

Who, or what, if anything has influenced your writing?

Influences are all around anything can inspire me to write a story if it strikes me just the right way. As far as authors go, Stephen King has been the biggest influence along with VC Andrews, Harold Robins, and Jacqueline Susan.

Anything you would say to those just starting out in the craft?

Do it for you not for anyone else and not for a big paycheck. If you don’t love it you’ll get discouraged very quickly and give up thinking there’s something wrong with you. Write a little bit every day and then rewrite when the story is done instead of editing as you go along.

What are three words that describe you?

Crazy hippie chick.

What's your favourite book or who is your favourite writer?

My favorite book is still “The Stand” by Stephen King.

Blurb of your latest release or coming soon book

When the Hour is Darkest Love and Faith Can Conquer All.

In the final installment of the Sister Christian Series, the Court has demanded a hearing regarding Hannah's capacity. Hannah and Nick are falling deeper and deeper in love. Looking forward to a bright future together they begin planning their life together. A shadowy stranger from the past has set his sights on Hannah and her 3.5 million dollar trust fund. Is he really Rick MacNeill, the son Hannah thought died in the terrible fire at Saint Anne's? Is he someone sinister? The last of the family secrets come to light in this roller coaster ride of suspense, love, betrayal, and faith.

List of previous books if any

Fiction:

OF WAR Series

The Heart of War

Child of War-A God is Born

Christmas Eve on Olympus

Child of War-Rising Son

Women of War

Kingdoms of War

OF WAR Complete

Sister Christian Series

Genesis

Sins of the Father