Ask the Author: Liz Lipperman
Answered Questions (8)
Liz Lipperman
Not sure which book in the series you're talking about. But I can tell you how the series came about. My agent had submitted another mystery to my publisher at Berkley. She loved the story and my voice but said she'd have to ruin the story to make it a cozy (that one is now book one of A Dead Sister Talking/Garcia Girls Mysteries.) Anyway, she asked if I could write a cozy series for her, specifically a "foodie." I had no idea what a cozy was at the time and when I researched, I discovered that all of them were about gourmet food and fine wine--both of which I dislike intensely. Initially, I said no, thinking there was no way I could write about something I knew nothing about. I am one of 9 children and grew up eating casseroles. But somehow, I came up with a story idea about a sports journalism major (I am an avid sports fan) who just happened to get a job writing a culinary column. If you read the book you know how that ended!! Again, thanks for the questions.
Liz Lipperman
Hi. Thanks for the interest. I actually write longhand and then dictate to a Word file using Dragon Naturally Speaking. (I am a nurse by profession and never mastered fast typing skills.)I have to transfer to the computer soon after I write the scenes since I am writing so fast I can barely read my own handwriting. Transferring to a blank page and editing (Dragon isn't perfect) is my first real edit, and because of it, I usually don't have many changes to make when I am actually finished with the manuscript.
Liz Lipperman
First of all, I panic. I am a slow writer and deadlines kill me. So when I find myself unable to write, I ask for plotting help from my agent, writer friends, or a group I belong to called the Plotting Princesses. It's a group of eclectic writers, so the ideas come flying at me.
Liz Lipperman
Working in pajamas!
Liz Lipperman
You're only a writer as long as you're writing. Trust me when I say it is so easy to get distracted. I am the queen of procrastination. The other thing I would say is to find a critique partner you trust who will remind you when you go astray. My CP's favorite thing to write on the page is WTF????? And always strive to improve your writing by taking classes, talking with other writers, and most importantly, keep reading.
Liz Lipperman
The third Dead Sister Talking/Garcia Girls Mystery which will release September 14th. Then I want to finish the first book of a new romantic suspense/special ops series titled SWEEPERS. Still looking for a home for that one. Then early next year I want to release PEACHES AND CREAMED, another Jordan McAllister novella so that I can put it with SMOTHERED, COVERED & DEAD in a print book. THEN...I have the first book of a new cozy series plotted and ready to write. Aren't you sorry you asked?
Liz Lipperman
I think I can speak for a lot of authors on deadline. I have to force myself into the chair sometimes, and other times, I can't wait to the the words on paper. Usually, I wait till the last minute and then go into crisis mode. I've decided I do better under pressure.
Liz Lipperman
I'm weird. For my Clueless Cook/Jordan McAllister Mysteries, I usually come up with a catchy title and then write the story around it.
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