Lisa Orchard Author Interview

Book Nerd Interview

Lisa Orchard grew up loving books. Her debut novel “The Super Spies and the Cat Lady Killer,” is a suspenseful thriller about young girls thrust into a situation and the choices they make. The setting is Harrisburg, a small town in Michigan, much like the town where Lisa grew up. Many of her characters’ adventures stem from her exploits as a young teen. After graduating from Central Michigan University with a Marketing Degree she spent many years in the insurance industry, pining to express her creative side. The decision to stay home with her children gave her the opportunity to follow her dream and become a writer. She currently resides in Rockford Michigan with her husband, Steve, and two wonderful boys. Currently, she’s working on the second novel that stars the same quirky teens, and she hopes to turn the Super Spies into a series. When she’s not writing she enjoys spending time with her family, running, hiking, and reading.

Social Media

Website

  

---

How would you describe yourself in three words?

I would say I’m enthusiastic, tenacious, and compassionate

Where were you born and where do you call home?

I was born in Hastings, Michigan and I currently live in Rockford, Michigan.

What fiction most influenced your childhood, and what effect did those stories have on your writing?

I would have to say the “Nancy Drew” series and the “Bobbsey Twins” series most influenced my childhood. After reading those books, I wanted to be a detective. 

What is the hardest part of writing?

Editing. I’m a “seat of my pants” writer and with that kind of writing style, there’s a lot of editing involved.

When/how did you realize you had a creative dream or calling to fulfill?

I started writing stories in 5th grade.

For those who are unfamiliar with your novel; The Super Spies and the Cat Lady Killer, how would you introduce it?

“The Super Spies and the Cat Lady Killer,” is a thriller that grabs you from the first page and keeps you reading until the last.

Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?

Yes, my second book in the series has just been sent to the publisher, and my beta readers have told me that it’s better than the first. 

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.

It’s more than a mystery, it explores friendships and lessons, in fact, there’s a life lesson embedded within the story that the reader can learn right along with the characters.

What chapter was the most memorable to write and why?

I would have to say the last chapter, because it’s a very emotional one.

What’s one thing that readers would be surprised to find out about Sarah Cole?

Sarah doesn’t realize how strong she is.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

Yes, it stars the same quirky teens and it’s titled “The Super Spies and the High School Bomber.” Here’s a little blurb. 

This book opens in a small town in Michigan where Sarah Cole and her sister Lacey are now living with their Aunt and Uncle. Still reeling from the fact her parents have disappeared, Sarah starts the school year with her new friend Jackie Jenkins. When Sarah learns the school has been bombed, she’s filled with dread. Uncle Walt is a teacher, and he was in the school when the bomb exploded. Taking matters into her own hands, Sarah decides to search for him. The rest of the Super Spies are right behind her. When a fireman chases them away from the school, Sarah becomes suspicious. His fire retardant coat doesn’t fit and his hat’s too big. She decides to investigate. Suddenly, the FBI arrives on the scene and Sarah realizes this bombing could have even bigger implications. She is introduced to the world of terrorism and fears that the bombing and her parents’ disappearance are connected. Trying to keep her family together, Sarah and the Super Spies take it upon themselves to find the motive behind the bombing and the bombers themselves. Working with the FBI, the Super Spies once again are victorious. They find the masterminds behind this atrocious act and bring them to justice.

What new author has grasped your interest?

I would have to say Suzanne Collins. I’ve read the first book of the Hunger Games series and really enjoyed it. 

When asked, what’s the one question you always answer with a lie?

I don’t always answer this question with a lie, but when someone asks, How’s it going? Or, how are you doing? If I’m feeling under the weather, I’ll still say “good”, because I figure the other person doesn’t want to hear me complain. 

If you could have written one book in history, what book would that be?

I would have to say, “To Kill a Mockingbird.” I loved that book and I identified with Scout. I was a tomboy at that age. 

What's the loveliest thing you have ever seen?

The smiles on my boys faces

Favorite food?

I have more than one! I love pizza and seafood!

Where can readers stalk you?

www.lisaorchard.com
https://twitter.com/#!/lisaorchard1
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lisa-Orchard/328536613877060

---

This book opens in a small town in Michigan where Sarah and her sister Lacey are now living with their Aunt and Uncle. Teetering from the fact her parents have disappeared, Sarah starts the school year with her new friend Jackie Jenkins. When Sarah learns the school has been bombed, she’s filled with dread. Uncle Walt is a teacher, and he was in the school when the bomb exploded. Taking matters into her own hands, Sarah decides to search for him. The rest of the Super Spies are right behind her. When a fireman chases them away from the school, Sarah becomes suspicious. His fire retardant coat doesn’t fit and his hat’s too big. She decides to investigate. Suddenly, the FBI arrives on the scene. Now Sarah realizes this bombing could have even bigger implications. Searching for the bombers, Sarah is introduced to the world of terrorism. She fears that the bombing and her parents’ disappearance are connected and terrorists are involved. Trying to keep her family together, Sarah and the Super Spies take it upon themselves to find the motive behind the bombing and the bombers themselves. Working with the FBI, the Super Spies race to catch the bombers before they set off another bomb. Will they succeed? Find out by reading the next book in the Super Spies series. “The Super Spies and the High School Bomber.”

The Super Spies and the Cat Lady Killer by Lisa Orchards follows the story of Sarah’s summer vacation in the small town of Harrisburg. Along with her sister, Lacey, they are staying at their Aunt and Uncle’s home which they expect their summer days will be full of dull days. All that changes when Sarah meets Jackie. For fun, the two sisters and Jackie play a game of “Truth or Dare” with Sarah being dared to knock at the door of Mrs. Fedewa, the weird “Cat Lady”. Their harmless game turns to danger when Sarah discovers the Cat Lady’s lifeless body.

The girls get caught in the crossfire of suspects and Officer Klonsky firmly believes that they are responsible. In order to omit their names from the list of suspects, the girls set forth on a mission and perform their own investigation to solve the murder and get justice for Mr. Fedewa. Collectively they call themselves The Super Spies. Throughout their investigation, they reveal some dreadful and tragic secrets.

The tale presented a high-quality of suspense which was the highlight of the book. The suspense meter was turned up all the way as readers will find themselves having difficulties putting the book down. Lisa’s writing created three very likable characters. The bond and friendship of Sarah and Jackie was sincere and natural. Although they’ve known one another for a short period of time, it felt like they were best friends for a long time. The story tells of a crime and thriller story but it also focuses on friendship and the lessons we learn in life. It takes the reader to an adventure filled with suspense with a plot that will have them on the edge of their seats, frantically wanting to see how the story concludes.

You can purchase  The Super Spies Cat and the Lady Killer  at the following Retailers:

    

---

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you Lisa for making this giveaway possible.

3 Winners will receive one e-copy of The Super Spies Cat and the Lady Killer by Lisa Orchard.

a Rafflecopter giveaway