Lisa Swinton Interview

            In January, several wonderful people helped me spread the word about The Gathering during my first ever blog tour. Now, I get the chance to be on the other side of the event for Lisa Swinton and her new book.

            Here is the cover description for Fallen Angel.

 

 

Antonio does not believe in love at first sight until he sees her fall into a street in Milan and get hit by a motorcycle. Compelled to know if she can return his affection, he becomes Renatta’s hospital volunteer only to learn that the accident erased her memory. Together they must discover her past, present and future. In the way of happily ever after stand her opera career, tyrannical mother, and fiancé. Antonio must win Renatta’s heart before she bends to the will of her mother and marries Marcello. Failure means a lifetime of loneliness, for love at first sight never happens twice

 

            As part of the Fallen Angel blog tour I had the chance to interview Lisa.

Q: Why did you decide to start writing?

My friends made me do it! I'd never planned to be a writer. I have a degree in Musical Theater. But that part of my creative life went on hold while I supported my husband through med school. Some friends challenged me to write, so I did. It fit perfectly into my life and provided the creative outlet I needed. Writing can be done anytime, anywhere and works well with raising kids. Now I have characters that bug me. Who knew writing would take me so many places to meet interesting people? I didn't! But I'm very grateful to my friends who challenged me and supported me threw. I am very blessed.

 
Q: What was most difficult part of writing Fallen Angel?

Learning how to write and what makes good writing. That and the endless editing. And then figuring out how to self publish. This is definitely my learning curve book.

 

Q: Why did you decide to write this particular story?

I spent 3 years as singer in Las Vegas portraying a character named Desdemona. This is the backstory of how her parents met and fell in love.

Q: Can you tell me about your favorite scene in the book and what makes it so special to you?

One of my favorite scenes in the book is when Renatta finally confronts her mother about why she chose to rip their family apart so many years before. It shows so much development of her character and there's lots of tension.

Q: Why Milan? What does that choice of location add to the story?

Funny enough, Milan isn't my favorite city in Italy, but it's got strong artistic ties both in opera and in fashion and I needed both elements for this story. I needed a northern Italy location and while the Olympic games brought more attention to Turin (where I lived for a summer) I don't think it registers as quickly with a reader as Milan does. It has a major airport and train station which I also needed. Plus the duomo there is incredible.

Q: Who is your favorite character in book?

Stefano lightens the mood so much and is the kind of BFF you'd like to have hanging around. He's fiercely loyal.

Q: What do you hope your readers will take away from the story?

Even though life has its ups and downs, there is joy to be found and love to be shared.

Q: Are there plans for a sequel?

No. If there were, it would be Desdemona's story and you'd meet Antonio and Renatta with their daughters almost all grown. They have 5: Carmela, Violetta, Desdemona and her twin sister Elisabetta, and Mimi. All opera names.

            You can find Fallen Angel on Amazon. Just follow the link.