Ask the Author: Lisa Unger
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Lisa Unger
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Lisa Unger
Some of my characters do have these abilities, but I see "psychic" phenomenon in a more Jungian sense, as a natural extension of the mind and brain. They may have more or less ability, from non-believer to sensitive to full-on medium. For example, the lights are flickering in your bedroom -- are you the person who calls an electrician? Or are you the person who calls a seance? Thanks so much for asking!
Lisa Unger
Hi Nancy, The Whispering Hollows: A Novella is available in ebook and audio formats. Thanks so much for your interest and hope you enjoy!
Lisa Unger
Hi Garam! Thanks for reading. Inspiration can come from anywhere. It could be a news article, a line of poetry, an experience, and even a piece of junk mail - which was the case for BEAUTIFUL LIES. What happens then is that I will start to hear a voice or voices.
Lisa Unger
Hi Garam, thanks so much! Hope you love Close Your Eyes and Count to 10. I would say it is more of a psychological thriller, but it definitely centers around relationship dynamics.
This question contains spoilers...
(view spoiler)[Really enjoyed The New Couple in 5B, but I could not figure out how old Lillian is. I think she's a baby during the 1963 chapters, which would make her 60/61 years old, but she seemed much younger (especially when she was flirting with Chad)? (hide spoiler)]
Lisa Unger
That’s an interesting question. I did see her as a youthful, chic, but older woman. But I never considered her exact age. I guess I’ll just say here that I think older women can be attractive and flirty, too! And not necessarily defined by the idea of how a “60-something” woman might look or act. Thanks so much for reading and for the thoughtful question. Cheers, L
Lisa Unger
Please see update to comment. Thanks for writing and reading.
Lisa Unger
So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing.
Lisa
Another reader mentioned that I did not answer the second part of your question. I am assuming you meant to ask what inspired me to write the book. He
Another reader mentioned that I did not answer the second part of your question. I am assuming you meant to ask what inspired me to write the book. Here are a few "behind the scenes" fun facts for you:
1) The vibe was loosely inspired by Ira Levin’s Rosemary’s Baby.
2) The Murray Hill apartment is based on an actual one, which belonged to my late Aunt Phyllis, and the descriptions are pulled completely from my childhood memory. To this day, her sunny two-bedroom remains the iconic New York City dream dwelling. The building, The Windermere, is fictional.
3) Bestselling author, New York Times Book Review critic, and friend Sarah Weinman gave me lots of insight into how true crime writers do their research. Sarah’s searing and important article in The Cut (June 3, 2019. Before, and After, the Jogger Survivors of the real ‘Central Park Five’ attacker speak for the first time) was the inspiration for my character Rosie’s fictional first true crime book.
4) There are a number of other little pieces from my life that found their way onto the page. ...more
May 15, 2024 05:19AM · flag
1) The vibe was loosely inspired by Ira Levin’s Rosemary’s Baby.
2) The Murray Hill apartment is based on an actual one, which belonged to my late Aunt Phyllis, and the descriptions are pulled completely from my childhood memory. To this day, her sunny two-bedroom remains the iconic New York City dream dwelling. The building, The Windermere, is fictional.
3) Bestselling author, New York Times Book Review critic, and friend Sarah Weinman gave me lots of insight into how true crime writers do their research. Sarah’s searing and important article in The Cut (June 3, 2019. Before, and After, the Jogger Survivors of the real ‘Central Park Five’ attacker speak for the first time) was the inspiration for my character Rosie’s fictional first true crime book.
4) There are a number of other little pieces from my life that found their way onto the page. ...more
May 15, 2024 05:19AM · flag
Lisa Unger
Thank you so much! I wish I could go everywhere. The best thing is to have your favorite local bookseller request from my publisher. All the best!
Lisa Unger
Siempre me ha fascinado el lado oscuro. Y no creo que haya elegido mi género, creo que fue él quien me eligió a mí.
Lisa Unger
Thrilled you enjoyed SECLUDED CABIN SLEEPS SIX, Noah! Thanks so much for writing and sharing! It would be impossible to pick a favorite book ... but as part of my research, I read a book called ENTANGLED LIFE by Merlin Sheldrake and it is absolutely fascinating.
Lisa Unger
So glad you loved THE NEW COUPLE IN 5B, Andrea. Thank you for sharing! I'm currently finishing up copy edits on the book that will release in 2025, so stay tuned. Not ready to talk about it yet.
Lisa Unger
My first book was called ANGEL FIRE, and it is still available as a re-issue today.
Lisa Unger
So glad you loved SECLUDED CABIN SLEEPS SIX! I am actually doing my dream job right now, thanks to readers like you.
Lisa Unger
I have always been drawn to the dark. And I consider myself a spelunker who likes to shimmy down into the human psyche to figure out why people do the things they do.
Lisa Unger
Thank you so much, Judy! I do have a new novel coming out March 5, 2024. It is called THE NEW COUPLE IN 5B.
Lisa Unger
Hi Susan! That really means a lot. Thank you so much for reading and writing to share with me, you rock! Hope you love the Murray Hill setting of NYC and enjoy THE NEW COUPLE IN 5B.
Lisa Unger
Hi, Birgitt,
Thanks so much for reading. I’m not sure it’s a common phrase exactly. And it’s interesting that I’ve used it in three different books. But for me it evokes that feeling when your stomach drops with fear or dread, when it’s so intense that dread feels physical rather than emotional.
Thanks so much for reading. I’m not sure it’s a common phrase exactly. And it’s interesting that I’ve used it in three different books. But for me it evokes that feeling when your stomach drops with fear or dread, when it’s so intense that dread feels physical rather than emotional.
Lisa Unger
Thanks so much, Andrea!
Lisa Unger
Hi, Bette! Thanks for writing. I love all my characters -- I could never choose! But yes, Jones, Finley, and Rainer are definitely up there! You'll see Jones in my upcoming book LAST GIRL GHOSTED. As for Finley and Rainer, they are very much on my mind. So ... stay tuned! I'm not sure when they'll have their next book but I'll keep everyone posted.
Lisa Unger
Hi, Andrea, I'm so sorry you are disappointed. You might be surprised to learn that this is not always up to the author. When asked to write something for a publisher, ultimately authors do not control how or where these items are available. All of my novels will always be available in print and in stores, as well as on e and audio. But the short stories may only be available in e-format. Unfortunately, there really isn't much of a print market for short stories, and I think this is why they are often only available in e. Amazon Original Stories is one of the few places that publishes shorts. Please don't be upset. Maybe the stories will find their way into print at some point. If you email me at lisa@lisaunger.com, I'll try to find a way to get you a copy that you can at least print from your computer. Thanks so much for reading! Cheers, L
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