Monday, April 20, 2020

Author Interview with Lisa Schmid


The DMS was lucky enough to interview Lisa Schmid . Lizzy reviewed her book Ollie Oxley and the Ghost, and it was great to share our thoughts about it and hear yours! We're excited to learn a little more about her story. So, without further ado... take it away, Lisa!

What inspired you to write Ollie Oxley and the Ghost: The Search for Lost Gold?

Growing up, I moved around a lot. As a result, I didn't have lasting friendships, so books became my constant companions. I wanted to write a story that might help someone else get through a difficult time. So many authors gave that gift to me. I wanted to pay it forward. 

How long did it take you to write Ollie Oxley and the Ghost: The Search for Lost Gold?

It took me six years. I'd never written anything before I began working on Ollie Oxley. One day, I decided to write a book, and I just sat down at my computer and started pounding away. I learned how to write as I went along. I joined the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, got critique partners, and started attending conferences and workshops. It was a long process, but I never gave up. I was committed to writing this book and getting it published.   

What is your writing process like? Do you listen to music? Write in a special place? Edit as you go or write and then edit? 

My process has not changed much over the years. I tend to work at home. No music, I like it quiet. When I started writing Ollie Oxley, I only knew how the story would begin and end. It took me a while to figure out everything in between. Moving forward, I plan to be more of a plotter than a  pantser. I have just started working on a new middle-grade book. It took a while to get Ollie Oxley out of my head, but I have finally found my new characters, and they are starting to come to life. And yes . . . I am one of those tedious writers who edit as I go. I hope to break that horrible habit while writing this next book. Wish me luck! 

What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any specific authors who inspired you?

I love, love, love The Chronicles of Narnia. To this day, I read the series at least once a year. I've also read all of the Oz books, starting with, of course, The Wizard of Oz. I am a massive fan of Roald Dahl. Danny, The Champion of The World, was my favorite. But I think the book that resonated with me the most was The Velvet Room by Zilpha Keatley Snyder. It was about the daughter of a migrant worker. I related to her hopes, fears, and dreams on so many levels. 

If you could live during any time period in history, when would it be? Why?

I am going to get really specific. I would love to live during the 1950s in a Cotswold village. I am obsessed with all things British. I love the show, Father Brown. If I am not reading or writing, I am probably watching something on BBC. 

If you could befriend a character from your book, who would you befriend? Why?

I love Teddy—the ghost. He's loyal, funny, kind, brave, and mischievous. All the qualities I look for in a friend. 

Is there anything you've learned along your path to publication that you would like to share with new writers?

I became a better writer when I involved others in my process. I joined SCBWI, met other writers, and found my critique group. I've learned so much about writing from the people who have critiqued my work. But I have also learned a great deal by critiquing theirs in return.  I am fortunate that some of my best friends are writers. They are my support system. Writing can be such a solitary experience, but it doesn't have to be. 
 


Where can we buy your book?

50 comments:

  1. Sounds like a great book, and Lisa has a great attitude. Thanks for sharing the interview. Stay safe. Hugs, Valerie

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    1. Valerie- It really is a great book. So glad you enjoyed the interview! :)

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  2. Great to meet you, Lisa. I love that you love Teddy, the ghost :)

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  3. Enjoyed the interview with Lisa! I like that she drew from her experience growing up not having many friends to create the book with Ollie and Teddy!

    Best of luck with it!

    betty

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    1. I think of Ollie as my younger self and Teddy as my grown up self. :-)

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  4. Thank you and Lisa for this interview. And a huge hooray for all writers, who have enriched my world more times than I can count. Education, amusement, comfort and escape - sometimes in the same book.

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  5. I am a HUGE fan of Fairday Morrow, so this interview was especially fun for me! Thank you for inviting me to your awesome blog!

    I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy!

    Virtual hugs!

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    1. So interesting that you mentioned Zilpha Keatley Snyder. I'd written on the previous DMS post that your story reminded me of Headless Cupid, one of my favorites. It was the moving around a lot that struck a chord with me.

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    2. I am going to track that book down to read. Did you move around a lot as a kid?

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    3. No, the characters did!

      You'll love it. One of the greats. I always meant to read more of her books but never got far.

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    4. Lisa- We love Ollie Oxley too! So happy to have you here to share your writing with our readers. :) ~Stephanie and Jess

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  6. Congrats, Lisa! I was more of a panster for my first book but am now more of a plotter to stay on track.

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    1. Thanks! How's the plotting going? :-) I know it will make it easier. Trying to embrace my new role as a plotter.

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  7. interesting interviews. I enjoy to read it.

    Stay safe, healthy and virus free

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    1. Tanza- Glad you enjoyed the interview! Stay safe! :)

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  8. Excellent interview!! Congrats Lisa!!

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  9. Loved the interview. I take years on a book, too, and I like to edit as I go. I love the cover and it sounds like a fun book for kids. Congratulations.

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    1. Editing are speed bumps in the writing process. They slow everything down. Grrrrr! :-)

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  10. Fantastic interview and I love her reading list!

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    1. Kimberly- I love her reading list too! Lots of my favorites too! :)

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  11. Many congrats on this wonderful release. I hear ya on writing the beginning and end first:)

    'Lo ladies.

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    1. It's the middle part that muddies the waters. :-)

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  12. Congratulations, Lisa! I'm so impressed that this is the first book you wrote, even if it did take six years. I wrote five novels over the space of about 12 years, and my fifth novel was the one accepted by a publisher. I've always written the way you do: the beginning, then the end, then finally the dreaded middle! I also plan to be more of a plotter than a pantser with my next book!

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    1. Thank you so much! I think getting published is part determination and part luck. The right editor found me at the right moment. I feel very lucky! Congrats on your book! What's the title and is it out yet?

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  13. I like what she said...... I wanted to write a story that might help someone else get through a difficult time.

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    1. Thank you! Books saved me as a kid. They were an anchor in a storm.

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  14. I think that's a great reason to write a book. I've had many books that helped me through tough times too.

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    1. Mary- I have had books help me through rough times too!

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  15. Thank you for the introduction to Lisa and what looks (love the cover) and sounds like a great read.

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    1. Felicity- Happy to introduce you. Isn't the cover great! I am glad it sounds like a great read to you. :)

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  16. Many thanks for sharing the interview.
    Stay safe and well.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Thanks, Jan! Please stay safe and well too!

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  17. I was around in the 1950s. Shh, don't tell. But I remember the good times. That wasn't so long ago. Was it?

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    1. Beverly- It wasn't so long ago! :) Your secret is safe with us.

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    2. Thanks. I forgot to add it's a great interview. Start writing, and the story will come. Congratulations, Lisa. The book sounds like a winner.

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    3. Beverly- So glad you enjoyed the interview. It really is a great book. Tons of fun! :) ~L

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  18. I enjoyed this interview. Congratulations to Lisa---looks like a fun book!

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    1. Marcia- Glad you enjoyed the interview. Ollie Oxley is a great book for any library! :)

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  19. Congratulations to Lisa! Sounds like a good book. Loved the interview!

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    1. Nas- So glad you enjoyed the interview. Thanks for stopping by! :)

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  20. Sounds like such a fun book! I love hearing about an author's process to getting published. I find that I DO like listening to music when I write. I think it helps me block out other things that might butt into my writing time.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. Lauren- I always enjoy finding out about an author's process too. I love that everyone does things their own way. :)

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  21. This sounds like such a fun book! I liked reading about the author's writing processes!

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    1. Romance Reader- I loved reading about Lisa's process too! :)

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  22. Great interview! I wonder if there is a correlation between plotters and the need for silence while writing and pantsers who like to write to music. That would be an interesting study!

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    1. That would be an interesting study Sherry. I think it would be a good poll for sure!

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