Interview & Giveaway: Lisa Harris

Good morning everyone! I know your probably wondering who has won the two giveaways I have on my sidebar. Well, I will, Lord willing, be posting winners this evening – so be looking!

Today I bring you author Lisa Harris. She’s been on Legacy of a Writer before, but she just released her second book in the Mission Hope series, Blood Covenant. 🙂

I haven’t been able to read it yet, but her first book – Blood Ransom – was really good. I hope to get the chance to read this new one sometime soon, but I’m sure this one is just as good!

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Lisa, welcome back to Legacy of a Writer! To start this off, can you tell us a little bit about the book you’ve just published, Blood Covenant?

Blood Covenant is book two in my Mission Hope series. While the first book dealt with the very real issue of today’s human trafficking problems, the second is another fast-paced suspense set in a refugee camp.

“Paige Ryan and Nick Gilbert are trapped in an overpopulated African refugee camp where an outbreak of measles erupts and renegade soldiers block their only way out. Desperate for vaccines, they must put their own lives in the hands of God as they fight for the safety of the refugees under their protection.

Ohh! That sounds really good! How do you get the inspiration for Blood Covenant?

When I started writing the series, I wanted each book to be an adventure set against the backdrop of current issues that are facing the continent of Africa. Blood Covenant follows this pattern and takes place primarily in a refugee camp where hundreds of people have recently fled due to political upheaval in the country.

Interesting. What’s your favorite part of the story?

I love the resolution. While the ending wasn’t perfectly tied up in a bow, I enjoyed seeing the characters’ grown through their experiences, something that challenged me in the process.

What was the hardest part to write?

Because most people who read the book haven’t been to Africa, it was essential for me to bring Africa to life in the story. Description has always been tough for me to write so I had to work extra hard to show them this beautiful continent through words.

What message(s) do you want to be clear to your readers?

In the story, the main character, Paige, in particular, comes to the realization that she has to admit her weaknesses and fears and rely only on God’s strength. There are numerous examples in the Bible of men and women who God called to serve Him in an extraordinary way through His power. Gideon was victorious with only three hundred men, a handful of trumpets, jars, and torches. Esther saved her people from the threat of death, David was a shepherd boy who became king of a nation, and I could go on and on.

God calls us in the middle of our ordinary, run-of-the-mill, take-out-the-trash- and drive-the-kids-to-school routine. So stop and ask yourself this one question. How do you see God calling you to make a difference in your world? He’s the one who will give you the strength to do extraordinary things for Him.

Very true and something very important to keep in mind! 🙂 If Blood Covenant was turned into a movie, what actor(s) would best resemble who you had in mind for your main characters?

This is always tough for me as I’m don’t watch a lot of TV or movies, but I’ll say Angelina Jolie with a softer, more innocent look, and Matthew Fox.

Do you have any other books in the making? Can you give us a lil’ sneak peak of what it’s going to be about?

I’m currently working on a series similar to my Mission Hope series as far as suspense, romance, and current issues, but this time the setting is Atlanta.

😀 Neat! Can’t wait to learn more about their release in the future. Here’s a fun question I wanted to throw in: If you could pick any historical figure from history to chat with, whom would it be and why?

I’ve been studying American History with my kids and have been fascinated by the men and women who sacrificed so much for our country. Because of that, I think I’d choose George Washington.

Good choice! He’s a favorite of mine as well. An amazing guy! What’s your favorite genre to write? To read?

I love writing suspense that deals with real-life issues. My favorite genre to read is definitely suspense novels with a thread of romance, though this past year I’ve also read some historically based non-fiction that I really enjoyed.

Yes! Suspense with a dash of romance is my favorite as well! Aside from writing, what takes up most of your time?

Definitely home-schooling. Writing fills in the cracks.

What are two things that people wouldn’t normally know about you as a writer and or person?

Hahaha! Wow! Yes, I’ve read Blood Ransom and can’t see you escaping into a plane and then crashing in the middle of nowhere! 🙂 Anything else about writing, yourself, or your books you’d like to add?

In our church-planting ministry, we are daily faced with the physical needs of those around us. This last year, my husband and I decided that we needed a way to address these needs. With the help of fellow author and friend, Lynne Gentry, we have put together The ECHO Project to help promote Education, Compassion, Health, and Opportunity in southern Africa. It gives us a way through micro-loans, medical aid, orphan care, and other ways to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves…the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” (Proverbs 31:8) You can find out more about what God is doing through this project at www.theECHOproject.org.

That’s a wonderful ministry! Where can readers find out more about your books?

I have a website at www.lisaharriswrites.com. My blog, straight from the Heart of Africa is at http://myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com. You can also learn more about our new non-profit at www.theECHOproject.org. I love to hear from my readers so feel free to stop by and drop me a note!

Thanks so much for inviting me to stop by!

Thank YOU, Lisa! 😀

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GIVEAWAY:

Well, it’s giveaway time! Lisa has sweetly offered to give one of my followers a copy of the second book in her Mission Hope series, Blood Ransom. You must be a follower to enter and you must leave your email address. USA only, please.

Manditory Entry: Answer this question – Have you ever been on a mission trip before?

Extra Entries:

– Subscribe to this blog(+1)
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~ Katy