Blood Ransom - Lisa Harris

Hey, everyone! I am absolutely delighted to share with you the release of a very dear friend, Lisa Harris. She and her husband serve as missionaries in Mozambique, and Lisa is multi-published and extremely talented. I am so happy for her with this release--a dream and passion of her heart!

Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Blood Ransom. (US & Canada only, please)

1. Why did you start writing?

I started writing because there was always a story in my head. It’s funny, because for the longest time, I assumed everyone’s mind was full of scenes and characters and stories. Then one day my mother-in-law asked me how I came up with my stories, and that no, she did not have characters and story lines running through her mind. I honestly was shocked. Because that why I started writing, to put to paper all the stories begging to be written down.

2. You are a multi-published author, with novellas and novels published through Barbour, Tyndale, and Steeple Hill. You also have titles with Summerside and now with Zondervan. Can you tell us how you juggle the writing life with all of your missionary responsibilities?

It’s not easy. When my kids were in the school system in South Africa, I had regular time to write and was more involved in ministry. Now that we are living in Mozambique and I home school, I’ve had to change how I do things. I don’t have a set time to write. During this phase of our lives, school has become a priority, which means I also support my husband in ministry, by going out to the villages, hosting guests, etc. but I don’t have regular, daily commitments. Writing is done in spurts during school when the kids don’t need me, an hour or two between school and fixing dinner, and after the kids are in bed.

3. Blood Ransom is very special to you. Would you please share that with the readers?

We’ve lived in Africa a total of almost ten years now, and it was always my desire to draw from these experiences and show the beauty of this continent. To me, Africa is the perfect setting for adventure with its diversity of terrain and people. To be able to write one of the stories of my heart, set in such a fascinating setting truly is a dream come true.

4. Why do you write?

For the most part for the same reasons of why I started writing. Every now and then I’m convinced I need to quit due to the business of life, but then I realize that writing is and always will be a part of me. So for now, I feel strongly that God is still calling me to write and will continue until He says stop. I’m also finding that a story can convey deep truths that I want to share with my readers. Words that will challenge, change lives, and bring hope

5. What would you be doing with your free time if you weren’t writing?

I’d probably be lost. I would read more, spend more time at the beach (we live near the Indian Ocean) and definitely sleep more. LOL

6. What are you working on right now?

I’ve just started a book set in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia, Africa) and New York in the early 1920’s. This is for Summerside Press’s new romantic suspense line. It’s a change in pace from my Mission Hope series, but the strong suspense—and the romance—is still there which I love.

7. Tell us about the book you have out right now.

Blood Ransom:

Deep in the heart of Africa, two American lives are about to change forever.

Natalie Sinclair is working to eradicate the diseases decimating whole villages in the Republic of Dhambizao, when she meets Dr. Chad Talcott, a surgeon on sabbatical from a lucrative medical practice now volunteering at a small clinic.

Meanwhile, things are unraveling in Dhambizao. Joseph Komboli returns to his village to discover rebel soldiers abducting his family and friends. Those that were too old or weak to work lay motionless in the African soil. When Chad and Natalie decide to help Joseph expose this modern-day slave trade—and a high-ranking political figure involved in it—disaster nips at their heels.

Where is God in the chaos? Will Chad, Natalie and Joseph win their race against time?

Romance and adventure drive this powerful thriller about the modern-day slave trade and those who dare challenge it.

8. How important is faith in your books?

Very. I really believe that everything I do should be for His glory, so while I try to never “preach” in my stories, the spiritual themes run deep.


9. What is your favorite book you’ve written and why?

That’s simply not a fair question!  As of this moment? I just finished book two in my Mission Hope Series (with Blood Ransom being the first). Blood Covenant comes out next spring and as with every book, you want your next one to be even better. I worked hard to up the stakes and the characterization to where parts of it were extremely emotional to write. No spoilers here, but it was a tough story I loved writing.

Thanks so much for having me on your blog, Ronie!! I love to hear from my readers so please visit my blog and website for more information on my books and life in the heart of Africa.

www.lisaharriswrites.com
http://myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com/


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3 Responses
  1. Thanks so much for inviting me to stop by, Ronie!!!

  2. gravatar Rel

    It's a great story! Thanks for the interview, girls :) Don't include me, though