Tell us about your current series?
First, Cynthia, thank you so much for having me! I can’t tell you how excited I am about this new series preparing to launch. Within A Captain’s Hold is the debut book in my Captain’s of the Scarlet Night Series. It is currently a trilogy, but I’m thinking the series will run five books before I’m through. My characters are insisting! It takes place during the Golden Age of Piracy, spans two generations of sea captains, and crosses gender lines with one of my pirate captains being a woman. It is loosely based on some very famous women pirates and some key historical events in and around Port Royal, Jamaica from the years 1683 through 1715.
What inspired your latest book?
I’ve always loved pirates and history. The Caribbean is so rich with tales of different pirates and their adventures. When I decided to add historicals to my writing repertoire, it was an easy decision as to which era most called to me.
What is your favorite part of writing?
Writing romance especially, I adore that I can fall in love along with my characters. I can relive the thrill of a first kiss, and slip my feet into my characters shoes (or bucket-topped boots) for a while and escape into another world. But the best part for me, and it has happened with each book I’ve written, is that inevitably, one of my characters will “go rogue” and do or say something that is a total surprise to me.
What is your least favorite part of writing?
I find it very bitter/sweet to hit send on that last round of edits of my books. After all, I’ve played with these characters for months, sometimes years. I go through an odd few days of wandering about. I almost always have some scene or other running through my head, but when I’m done my mind is too quiet. Not that I don’t always have another project lined up to begin, but it takes some time to move on.
Do you have critique partners?
Absolutely! And they are brilliant!!
Was your road to publication fraught with peril or a walk in the park?
This industry is such a rollercoaster ride at times. I wouldn’t say my journey was fraught with peril, but I definitely walked each and every mile, and tripped over my fair share of potholes. But I think it’s made me a better writer. I’ve earned my stripes, so to speak. Yes, the rejections sting (some draw blood!), but they only make the successes that much sweeter.
Having achieved your goal to be a published author, what is the most rewarding thing?
For me, the most rewarding thing is that I never gave up. It took me seven years before my first novel published, and there were times I wanted to add gasoline and a match to my manuscripts. But I had the amazing support of my family and my writer friends, and somehow I knew the only way I wasn’t going to be successful was if I quit. After working so hard for so long, there was no way I was going to quit.
Are you a member of any writing organizations and, if so, have they helped?
I am a member of RWA and NH-RWA. As I mentioned above, without their support and their wealth of knowledge I wouldn’t be here. Attending my first RWA chapter meeting was like stepping off a plane in a foreign land where somehow I already knew the language. The other writers were so welcoming and generous. I’ve learned so much, and I’ve made wonderful friends here I will cherish for the rest of my life.
What’s next for you?
It’s back to pirate land for me! I’m finishing edits on the second book in the Captain’s of the Scarlet Night Series due to release in May 2016, and I’m starting the third. This one takes place in 1692 and will encompass the historical event of the great earthquake that hit Port Royal in June of that year.
One again, thank you so much for hosting me today!
BLURB
Captain Jaxon Steele is a tall, sun-bronzed, fierce-fighting Pirate King. He and the notorious crew of the Scarlet Night are both feared and respected for their ruthless reputation. The Captain’s only love is the open sea and the ship he calls home. When it comes to women, he has three rules: never sleep with another’s wife, don’t take virgins into bed, and most importantly, never bring a woman aboard—that brings the worst luck of all.
Annalise Gatherone has to leave London—tonight! Usually her only concern is the color of her latest gown, but now she’s choosing between life and death. Desperate to escape the clutches of an evil Duke, she stows away aboard the Scarlet Night, hoping she’s bound for Port St. Maria. Winning Captain Jaxon’s affections, she just might sneak by unharmed. But when her plans are altered in ways she never imagined, she must batten down the hatches for a journey into unknown waters…
BUY LINKS
ISBN: 978-161650971-2
Kensington: http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/book.aspx/31916
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/within-a-captains-hold-lisa-a-olech/1121320025?ean=9781616509712
BIO
Lisa is an artist/writer living in her dream house nestled among the lakes in New England. She loves getting lost in a steamy book, finding the perfect pair of sexy shoes, and hearing the laughter of her men. Being an estrogen island in a sea of testosterone makes her queen. She believes in ghosts, silver linings, the power of a man in a tuxedo, and happy endings.
Author’s photo courtesy of Jenny Sinclair Photography.
AUTHOR LINKS
www.lisaolech.com
Kensington: http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/author.aspx/31711
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Lisa.A.Olech.Writer
Twitter: www.twitter.com/LisaOlech
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/7478599.Lisa_A_Olech
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