Author Spotlight Interview with Lisa J. Hobman

Lisa is happily married to her soul-mate and they have a daughter and two crazy dogs. She especially enjoys being creative and now writes almost full time. 

In 2012 Lisa and her family relocated from England to their beloved Scotland; a place of happy holidays and memories for them. Her new location now features in all of her books.

Writing has always been something Lisa has enjoyed, although in the past it has centered on poetry and song lyrics. Some of which appear in her stories.

Since she started writing in 2012 she has loved every minute of becoming a published author.

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What is your favorite thing about being a writer?
I LOVE getting into the mind sets of my characters and getting creative with their lives and backstories.

What genre(s) do you write?
Mainly contemporary romance but also erotic romance and I have dabbled in paranormal too!

What was the hardest part of writing your book?
With my erotic romance I had to do plenty of research into various subjects. I wouldn't say it was difficult as such but it was time consuming.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?
A little of both! I start out with a plan but then the story I'm working on will invariably take me where IT wants to go.

Why do you think people should choose your books over another author? 
Oooh I would never actually try to do that. I think there are enough readers out there for all authors. But if you are a reader who likes emotional stories or you are fascinated by Scotland then they should give my books a go!

What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories?
Hopefully a nice warm fuzzy feeling with my contemporary romances. And with my erotic stories I hope they feel a lot of passion! ;-)

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Only that love is a very mysterious entity and it finds us when we least expect it. You can't help who you fall in love with but you can help how it makes you behave.

How long have you been a writer?  
Professionally not very long! I started writing in 2012 when I relocated to Scotland. I have always loved writing poetry and song lyrics but writing novels was a whole new ball game!

How much time did it take from writing your first book to having it published? 
I think it was just short of a year from beginning to the book coming out!

What other careers have you had?
I have worked for a charity, run a slimming club and been a professional singer too!

Do you write under more than one name? Why?
I do. My contemporary romances are under my own name but my erotic books are under the name Lissa Jay. Not because I am ashamed. Not at all. Simply to keep a separation between the genres so that readers have a clear idea of what they are getting into!

Are any of your characters based on real people or events?
No. I think there are elements or character traits in my characters that are similar to people I have known but I never base my stories on those I know or have known.

How would you describe yourself if you were “speed dating” your readers?
I'm fun, a little ditsy and I have a good imagination!

What’s something fans would find fascinating about you?
I appeared on TV in 1997 on a UK show called Stars in Their Eyes!

What else would you like readers to know about you or your work? 
I tend to be a worrier and a perfectionist. That along with being my own worst critic means I pour my heart and soul into whatever I write.

What books or authors have most influenced your life?
Gosh, so many! Lisa Jewell, The Bronte Sisters, JD Salinger, to name a very limited few.

How do your family and/or friends feel about your book or writing venture in general?
They are all incredibly supportive. I talk constantly about what I'm working on and I must get a little tiresome but they tolerate it and continue to be encouraging, thankfully.

Where are you from?
A small town in West Yorkshire, UK but I now live in the South of bonny Scotland.

How do you come up with the titles?
Sometimes they come to me before I really get into writing something and sometimes they don't come until very late on. It's no fun when it happens that way!

Has your life changed significantly since becoming a published writer?
Absolutely! I never imagined that I would end up sitting in a room full of authors whilst people brought my books for me to sign! It's very surreal but wonderful too.

Do you work on one project at a time? Or do you multi-task?
I am terrible at sticking to one thing. I usually have several projects on the go at once!

When not writing, how do you relax?
I used to read! But these days I just don't seem to get the time. I love spending time with my family walking around the stunning countryside that surrounds us. Also, at the moment I'm enjoying watching Outlander on TV. #LovemesomeJamieFraser!

What is your favorite vacation spot?
Believe it or not, even though I live here it would have to be Scotland!

What kind of kid were you in school? Which social path did you take?
I was quite hardworking! A bit of a “nerd” I suppose. I was very much into rock music and reading. 

Which food could you not live without?
Oh I would struggle to manage without Empire biscuits! They are a sweet treat I have discovered since relocating to Scotland!

Do you have any pets?
I have two dogs. Marley is a golden lab/German shepherd cross and Ruby is a Patterdale Terrier. Talk about extremes! One is huge (or muckle as the Scottish say) and Ruby is wee in comparison!

If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you travel?
Canada. I would love to visit my Canadian pen pal who I've known since I was nine years old.

Do you have siblings? What was it like growing up with them?
Nope I'm an only child.

What was your first car?
A Citroen ZX. In silver.

Do you have a favorite beverage that you drink when you write?
You can't beat a cup of nice strong tea! Unless it's a glass of Pinot Noir.

Have you ever felt as though you were born in the wrong era? If so what era did you belong in?
I actually don't think I would have coped in any other era! Lol!

 What genre of books do you enjoy reading? Do you have a favorite author?
When I get the time to read I love contemporary and paranormal romance. I love Melynda Price's books and usually one click without even thinking! But I have so many authors that I love!

Please tell us 5 miscellaneous facts about yourself.
I'm terrified of flying. 
I have a condition called Myasthenia Gravis.
I'm not a very good cook but I can bake.
I'm terrible at mathematics!
When I was a little kid I wanted to be a Journalist when I grew up.

Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.

I'm currently working on a Christmas novella and the second book in my erotic romance series with a third idea dancing around my noggin too!

Please share any links you would like listed in the Interview. Website, blog, Facebook, yahoo group etc.

www.facebook.com/LisaJHobmanAuthor

www.facebook.com/LissaJayeroticrom

www.lisajhobman.com

@LisaJHobmanAuth