Ask the Author: Lisa McCubbin Hill
Answered Questions (7)
Lisa McCubbin Hill
Inspiration comes in many ways to me. When I'm deeply involved in a project, I find that I wake up in the morning filled with new ideas, after a good night's sleep. When I work out with music, often I will get new ideas inspired by certain lyrics or a melody that stirs emotions inside me. Typically, when I'm writing, however, I prefer to write in silence. Clint Hill loves to have music on all the time -- preferably jazz or anything in the Sinatra era.
Lisa McCubbin Hill
I'm currently working on my third book with Clint Hill. It covers his entire Secret Service career during a tumultuous time in our nation's history. Fascinating perspective and enlightening anecdotes about five presidents--three Republican and two Democrat.
Lisa McCubbin Hill
Join a writer's group to get feedback on your writing. Heed the constructive criticism and learn from it. Even now, I always have several people read my work before I submit it to my editor and I tell them to be brutally honest with me.
Lisa McCubbin Hill
I usually go for a good long workout at the gym with music blaring, working up a sweat and not thinking about whatever I'm writing. Typically, if I get a good night's sleep, I'll wake up the next morning, my head spinning with new ideas.
Lisa McCubbin Hill
That's a great question! Very difficult to answer with one favorite person because I've met so many interesting people--Caroline Kennedy, Lynda Johnson Robb, former and present White House correspondents, as well as many former and current Secret Service agents, including the past three Directors. I'd have to say, however, that one of my favorite experiences was spending an afternoon with Providencia "Provi" Paredes. Provi was Mrs. Kennedy's personal assistant and boy is she a firecracker. She has some wonderful stories, but she is just as discreet as Clint Hill, and there are many memories she will take to her grave. I admire her loyalty and dedication to the Kennedy family.
Lisa McCubbin Hill
There are so many "best" things about being a writer, I can't name just one! I love the fact that I can work all day in my pajamas if I want; I love the people I meet through my research travels and during publicity tours; I love the creativity of starting with a blank page and turning it into a compelling story by finding the perfect words to describe a scene or evoke the emotions I want the reader to feel; I love being able to share a story that has never been told before. I see three phases to writing and I truly enjoy all three - the research; the writing; and the promotion. I'm lucky to be able to earn a living doing what I love.
Lisa McCubbin Hill
Over the past five years, I've had the privilege to spend a great deal of time with Clint Hill. His career in the Secret Service spanned five presidents during one of the most tumultuous times in America's history and I never tire of hearing his insider accounts of what it was like to be a witness to history. We presented the idea for our next book to our editor at Simon & Schuster and he loved it. Not only is it a story of anecdotes and insights that will bring recent history alive, it is yet another personal memoir from this remarkable man who exemplifies courage, dignity and honor.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more