Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised at Fort Knox, Kentucky and that is where my earliest writing endeavors began. I have written my entire life in some format; short stories, poems with one of my favorites being the Haiku. I write what strikes me in-the-moment and I do have another manuscript in process for a continuing tale in Echo Forest which I hope to have completed in the next few months. I am a life-long nature enthusiast and animal lover. I live on two wooded acres filled with all types of little woodland animals, birds, and hundreds of flowers that are my inspiration for my writing. My husband, Tim and my son, Logan, my two cats, Maximus and Sookie, my Jack Russell Terrier, Scout, and I live near Kansas City, Missouri.
1. When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?
I do not think my intent was to ever become an actual writer per say. I always enjoyed writing short stories and poems that were about animals but, all those years ago I wrote for the enjoyment of it not thinking to organize it all into a potential bigger plan in my future. It was a way for me to express my thoughts and my love of animals and all of the wonderful entities in nature. It was comfortable and relaxing for me to get lost in writing.
2. How long have you been writing? How many books have you written?
I began “writing” at age 6 and constructed what I thought were stories and poems. I continued to write through the years to come and, at age 58, I decided to finally make it official with writing and publishing my first book, The Little Green Armchair and Tales of Echo Forest. So, I suppose 52 years of writing would answer the question honestly. To date, I have published one book.
3. What made you want to self-publish?
I felt the self-publishing approach was a viable source for myself, a first time author, due to the fact that the financial obligations were within my grasp, and the thoughts of not participating in the parameters of a major publishing house, would not overwhelm me. Self-publishing was comfortable and came with no pressure. I enjoyed the fact that all the attributes of writing my book were taken in careful consideration and assistance was always available.
4. Would you recommend new authors self-publish, and would you recommend Gatekeeper Press?
Self-publishing is a great way to “test the waters” when ensuing your newfound love of writing. Gatekeeper Press was wonderful to the fact of no pressure for deadlines, no aspect of feeling rushed into finishing your project just to get published was ever displayed. It was comfortable, affordable and very professional. A year after publishing, I still am in contact with my Author Manager for social visits. Gatekeeper Press feels like home.
5. What do you do marketing-wise to help announce and sell your books?
I did have assistance for the marketing approach of my book from Jared Kuritz from Strategies Marketing in San Diego, CA.
6. What advice do you have for a new or fledgling author?
Your ideas are your pearl in the oyster. Everyone has a beginning in their writing, a middle, and a conclusion. No thoughts are too small for paper and the world of writing is yours at any given stage in your life. Pursue it.
7. What social media platforms are you on?
I have a Webpage; I may be found on Facebook and The Little Green Armchair and Tales of Echo Forest is available for purchase on Amazon.
8. What is the one piece of advice you wish you had known when you first started out?
I did not have any uncertainties in regard to my overall writing ability and I mentally took faltering out of the equation in my endeavors but, my only regret was not starting to pursue organized thoughts on paper into potential book form at a much earlier age. Start writing when your creativity first starts to flow! Pursue it to its fullest.
9. What do you feel is the biggest challenge authors are facing going into 2021 (and beyond)?
Always keep manuscripts fresh. That definition being, be a little different in your thinking and subject matter. Make things bright and positive in your writing for 2021. Make people have a smile on their face when they turn that last page.
10. Have you won any awards or contests that you would like to mention?
The Little Green Armchair and Tales of Echo Forest received the Gold Award for the Kops Fetherling Book Awards for 2020.
Please share your website/social media links below:
My Webpage is: www.lingofromlisa.com The webpage has the link to Amazon as well.
My FB page is: Lisa Luttrell
You may purchase my book on Amazon and read its reviews through its title.