My inspiration for Bridge Over the Atlantic was the Scottish Highlands. We visited
there for years prior to relocating to Scotland and I just fell in love with
the stone bridge at Clachan Seil which crosses the Atlantic Ocean. The views
there are just stunning and I was always sad to leave. The story began to
formulate in my mind from there but it took me a long while to pluck up the
courage to begin writing.
2. Are the experiences in your books based on someone you know or your own life’s
events?
All of my stories are fictional but I think as writers we all
draw from our own life experiences. For example the female lead in Bridge Over
the Atlantic relocated to Scotland just like me. But the story isn’t based on me
in any other way.
3. What actor/actress would you like to play your main
characters?
Gosh I have thought about this over and over! I always used to
picture Gerard Butler as Greg but since speaking to my readers my ideas have
changed. These days I actually don’t have a clue who I could envisage playing
them! It changes each time I think about it! The only one that remains firm in
my head is that Ryan Reynolds would be the best Sam
Buchanan!
4. What’s the hardest thing about writing?
I tend to be my own biggest critic and so getting a manuscript
to the point where I’m happy to let it go is pretty tricky! I seem to be editing
constantly and hitting send when it’s done is one thing I struggle
with.
5. What’s your favorite motivational phrase?
Follow your dreams, they know the way
- I think if there is something you want to achieve in life it’s better to try
than to just spend your life wondering what might have
been.
6. Any tips to get through the dreaded writers block?
If I’m suffering writers block I try to take breaks and re-read
some of my work that I’m happy with for motivation. Music also plays a big part
in my writing life. I usually have a playlist in my mind and so listening to
that usually takes me back along the right
road.
7. What famous person, living or dead, would you like to
meet?
Up to Monday 17th March I would’ve said Lisa Jewell –
the first romance author I read. But I met her at The RoNA awards when we were
shortlisted in the same category which was pretty amazing! I would really like
to meet Alanis Morisette – that would be very cool. She’s one of my favourite
singers.
8. Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?
In my very limited spare time I sing and dabble in the Harmonica
in a duo with my friend Scott who
plays guitar. We have recently started performing locally and I’ve been loving
that! I used to sing professionally a long while ago so it’s nice to be doing
this again!
9. Favorite line from a movie?
It’s from When Harry Met Sally! “When you realize you want to
spend the rest of your life with someone, you want the rest of your life to
start as soon as possible.” :-D Awww! I just LOVE
that!
10. Any writing rituals?
Not really. I just switch on my laptop and write. I do like to
have a cup of coffee or tea beside me though. And maybe a few cookies…or
chocolate…or both.
11. In the world of romance novels, sex or no sex and why?
To be completely honest I read books in each of those
categories. So I really don’t mind. I don’t like dark books and I don’t write
erotica but I think sex in books, where there is a love connection or deep
feelings, can add to the intensity of a relationship. Sex is, after all, an
expression of love if you’re with the right
person.
12. Favorite pizza topping?
Roast vegetables. I’m not vegetarian but I do love vegetarian
food. Oh great…now I want pizza.
13. Just as your books inspire authors, what authors inspired you to
write?
The first one would be Lisa Jewell. I have been reading her
books since 1999. The first I read was Ralph’s Party and it was so very easy to
read. The writing just flowed and her characterization was very believable. I
would say she was very inspirational to me. But there are so many authors that I
love. Jamie McGuire, Bernadette Marie, Susan Lohrer and the list goes
on!
14. When you walk into a room, what song should be playing?
You and Me Song by The Wannadies. It always makes me smile and
reminds me of my husband/best friend, Rich. Or alternatively Chasing Cars by
Snow Patrol. It’s the song that everyone associates with my debut novel and so
it’s very important to me.
15. What do you consider your best accomplishment?
Oh my, definitely being shortlisted for The RoNAs (Romantic
Novel of the Year Awards through the Romantic Novelists Association UK) for my
debut novel! This was something I just never expected! Attending the awards
ceremony was a little surreal but I loved every nerve racking
minute.
16. Tell us a little about your work in progress.
There are several! I tend to have a few things on the go at once
and I flit from one to the other depending on what mood I’m in. I’m working on a
Christmas Novella at the moment and also a book about a man who has always been
the good guy and followed all the rules until his life changes dramatically
after an event!
I'd like to thank Lisa for her time and for letting us get to know her a little better.
Check out Lisa's website and 5 Prince Books for buy links, author news, and to connect with Lisa.
Lisa J Hobman
Bestselling Romance Author
Shortlisted in The RoNAs 2014
www.5princebooks.com
www.lisajhobman.co.uk