Is Duncan Ralston Really Dead? Let’s Ask Lisa Breanne

I first met Lisa last year at Tomes of Terror when she attended with Matt Lutton. This year, she’ll be there as an author herself, and I couldn’t be more excited for her to get to experience the convention this year in that capacity! As my last hurrah before going to Tomes myself, let’s get to know Lisa a little bit more.

Q: Who has been your biggest supporter(s) throughout your career?

A: My grandma before she passed; she had a plan to celebrate when I finally followed through and went for it. Matt Lutton gave me the final push to start. And my family who sacrificed not having me around much when I was writing my debut.

Q: What inspires you to write?

A: Everything lol. Could be as simple as an article of clothing (such as a hat I saw recently) to a song, or something as mundane as running errands. There’s truly inspiration everywhere if you know how to look for it.

Q: What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned, whether about yourself or the industry as a whole, since you started your writing journey?

A: I’ve definitely learned I don’t give myself as much grace and patience as I give others. I realized you have to really love what you’re doing to expose those nerves it takes to put your heart and soul down on paper.

Q: If you could meet with your past self at the beginning of your career, what one thing would you tell yourself?

A: This is much harder than it looks from the outside, show the understanding and patience you hope to receive.

Q: What has been the hardest part of your career so far?

A: Imposter syndrome. I struggle to feel like I belong among my heroes.

Q: If you could go back and change anything about your career, would you? If so, what would it be?

A: I would have started sooner, but I also believe there is a time for everything. I can’t confidently say I’d change anything.

Q: What do you consider to be your biggest strength as an author? Your kryptonite?

A: My sense of humor, I think, gets me through my self-doubt, negative reviews, and overall feelings of inadequacy. And time is definitely my kryptonite. As a mother of three, I cherish those few precious moments of quiet where I can sit in front of my computer and let the words flow.

Q: Who is on your radar as someone that you’d love to work with?

A: I have several. I’d love to work with Matt Shaw, Ben Young, Duncan Ralston… so many lol

Q: Dealing with negativity can be challenging, whether that’s from bad reviews, critics, social media, or other sources. What is your strategy for dealing with that side of the industry?

A: I rarely read my reviews, but I grew up being taught that what people think of me is none of my business, so more often than not, I let those things go pretty quick.

Q: What has been the most impactful piece of advice that you’ve been given, and how have you used that advice in your writing journey?

A: Jim Ody advised me to write what I know, and that has stuck with me and I implement it whenever I’m writing. Also Andrew Najberg said, before you stop writing for the day, write the beginning of your next chapter, so you always know the path you’re on. It’s helped to keep me focused.

Q: If you were to write a spin-off about a side character in any of your stories (published or not), who would you pick and why?

A: I actually have some side characters from my story that will be getting their own. But I’m keeping mum about all that for now.

Q: What is your worst reading habit? Are you a dog-earer, a margin-writer, or do you practice some other egregious offense?

A: Hmmm… not that I’m aware of. I think probably buying or obtaining way more than I’ll ever be able to read in my lifetime. Is that an offense?

Q: Who is the most stressful character you’ve ever written and why?

A: All my characters were very difficult in their own way, being as a large chunk were based on real people. I wanted to make sure they were well written and that their human inspirations approved of the portrayal.

Q: If you were to be remembered only by the words you’ve published, what would future historians think of you?

A: This chick was a mess…

Q: What is your quirkiest writing habit?

A: I have to have an energy drink within reach, even if I don’t open it.

Q: If you had to create a slogan for your life, what would it be?

A: No day is complete until you do something for someone who can never repay you.

Q: You have to wear a T-shirt with only one word on it for the rest of your life. What word is on your shirt?

A: Uffda

Q: If your name was suddenly used as a verb, what would your name be doing?

A: Panicking

Q: In the story of your life, who (or what) would be your nemesis?

A: Time

Lisa is working on putting together an anthology with some of her favourite people in the business, so definitely keep your eyes open for some fun announcements and teasers from her in the future! While you wait, check out Lisa’s favourite book this year, Matt Lutton’s The Morningstar Confession.

“Happiness is only real when shared.” ~ Jon Krakauer, Into the Wild.