March 08, 2013

Author Spotlight with Lisa Logue

Hey everyone today our Author Spotlight is shining on Lisa Logue! We have several quotes to share with you, an interview and some about her books!

Interview
Name: Lisa Logue
Current books released: 
Cursed Secrets: Legacy of Secrets #1
Fire & Ice: A Legacy of Secrets Novella
Binding Secrets: Legacy of Secrets #2
Soul Covenant: A Legacy of Secrets Novella (coming soon)

Where are you from?
I’m from New York, but I’ve lived in Tennessee since the late 90s. 

Tell us your latest news?
Currently, I am working on a new novella titled Soul Covenant that I plan to release in March. There will be another full length novel titled Fiery Secrets to be released later this year. I have plans on releasing another novella around Christmas time and the last novel in the Legacy of Secrets series will be released in the Spring of 2014 tentatively. 

When and why did you begin writing?
I’ve been writing since the first grade. I remember having a creative writing exercise turned into a fiction piece about an abusive husband and his wife. I had never in my life seen anything like that, but it was rather detailed for a seven year old kid. Needless to say, my mother got a phone call about that one! I’ve been writing ever since, but it was mostly poetry until about three years ago when I began working on this series

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I think I was about twelve when I had my first poem published. At that point, I knew it was something that was going to be a permanent fixture in my life. It was never just a hobby.

What inspired you to write your first book?
I had this weird dream that kept recurring over the years. It wasn’t always the exact same, usually new elements would be introduced each time I had it, but the ending was always the same. I decided to start writing about what I saw and, to be honest, I hadn’t had that dream since!

Do you have a specific writing style?
The best way to put it is realistic. I hate reading a dialogue between characters that is too proper; no one talks that way. I tend to use intense emotion in my writing and develop and sense of tension that lends to the reactions of my characters. My life has been full of love, sacrifice, heartbreak, happiness, sadness, anxiety, worry, passion and anger, so I just use those feelings and memories as the building blocks to different situations as they unfold. 

How did you come up with the title?
Well, I wanted something that was short but told enough about the books to give a little window into the main plot. It’s pretty simple, really: the secrets formed over time have paved the way to the characters’ legacies. 

What books have most influenced your life most?
Oh boy! I have read so many I don’t think I’d be doing this question justice to attempt at a good answer. Let’s just say that the many books I’ve read have each contributed to my knowledge and growth in different areas of my life. 

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
I absolutely love Mitch Albom. He writes what he knows, even in his fictional work. I have read all of his books, with the exception of the most recent, and I am floored by his ability to tap into the human side of things. It’s not simply a work of literature, but a piece attributing to both the good and bad that occurs in life and that it’s okay to fall apart sometimes. Simply amazing author.

What book are you reading now?
I have several that I’m working through, but the one I’ve been reading more exclusively has been Sterling by Dannika Dark. It’s the first book in the Mageri Series. I’m about 80% finished and the tension is insane! I’m hoping to finish it soon, but I’m also working on my novella, so that is trumping everything else right now.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Well, my good friend and fellow author Rachel A. Olson has a unique style to her writing that is pretty intriguing. She has a new book out that I’m waiting to crack open called Love During Death that she co-wrote with Jessica Humphreys. I’m slowly working my way through works of several other indies I’ve met, but time is not my friend lately!

What are your current projects?
My main focus right now is finishing Legacy of Secrets. Once that is completed I will be writing my first Sci-Fi novel developed through some intense conversations with my boyfriend about the ultimate kick-ass fanboy dream of a story. I’m really excited about that book. I also have a few other stories in development, but those will most likely come after the Sci-Fi project.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
No! I actually think Binding Secrets is exactly what it needs to be. I’m thrilled that even I can tell that my storytelling and writing skill has improved since book one. The only thing that would have made it better would be if there were no limitations to how long it could be!

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
Life inspired me. There are so many things going on at any given second. Even the brutal parts of life can be oddly beautiful taken into the perspective of the will to survive, adapt and endure. Poetic, right?

Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Sure! Here’s a short unedited excerpt from Soul Covenant: A Legacy of Secrets Novella

Luz stepped in front of him, placing her hands on his flushed cheeks. “It’s alright love, I’ll make sure it doesn’t hurt. I can hear everything and I know you’re afraid. There’s no need to be. I’d never let anything happen to you. We will do it together.”

They walked slowly to the altar hand-in-hand. Luz was careful to move slowly, methodically, knowing Oscar’s delicate position and that he was troubled. She could feel his uncertainty, but also his desire to do whatever she needed. Oh how she loved him. 

A long silver dagger sat atop the marble slab. The hilt was carved in the same fashion as the thrones and encrusted with jewels. The torch light caused it to almost glow with the soft embers of the fires burning within them. Oscar swallowed harshly, “What do you need me to do?”

Luz smiled and kissed the fingers of the hand she held onto, “You only need to be still, love. It will only take a moment to draw blood. Once it pools in your palm, turn over your hand as flat as you can over the altar. Once there is enough, I will heal your hand and you will need to step back. Do you understand?”

Oscar nodded, ignoring the twisted mass forming in his middle. It was no wonder they no longer practiced old magic. Messy spells weren’t exactly ideal. He watched as Luz unsheathed the dagger and placed the blade to the palm of his hand. He shut his eyes, expecting the immense pain of the slice, but felt nothing. When he opened them again, he was bleeding furiously, but still felt nothing. A few seconds later, she placed her hand over his and the gash was gone. 

“I told you I wouldn’t let anything happen to you. Thank you, my love. Now please stand near that wall. I am unsure of how powerful this spell might be.” She kissed him briefly and stepped between him and the altar, forcing him away. He was powerless to this magic and he felt hollow.
Luz began to draw the soul symbol in Oscar’s blood. It would bind them all together, once again, as she had done while in the Soul Wells. At each point where the shapes met, the power grew to an audible hum in her ears. As the last oval was drawn, the blood began to pulse as it would with a beating heart. Luz slowly made her way to the empty throne, tracing over the mark on her palm with the blood that stained her finger. 

Upon seating, Suzette grasped Luz’s hand emblazoned with the symbol while Larissa took the other. Together they chanted the spell that would unseal the power within her- examine the past, examine the present, examine the future: respice, adspice, prospice. The thrumming of the altar interfused with the rhythm of the incantation like the beat of a drum, pumping heavy pulses of energy through them.

Luz gasped, her head was thrown back, as flashes of time danced through her mind. She knew and saw everything before, after and during her time. Some of the faces she knew well, others she’d never met, but one thing remained- she would never forget.
Light burst forth from her eyes and she wailed at the sudden rush of power. It lasted mere seconds, but an eternity of time was locked into her mind in that time. As soon as it began, it was over and her chest rose and fell in exhaustion. She looked upon her sisters and then to her love, whose shattered expression of helplessness made her long to comfort him.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
The only challenging part so far has been determining what happens next. I already know how the story ends, just as I knew how it began, but the journey has been hard to conjure up. It requires the perfect amount of trials with successes and failures to simulate the growth, both emotional and physical, of the characters in such a way that readers can relate. 

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I don’t have one favorite. I’ve read so many great books that picking one isn’t really an option. I would almost feel like I was betraying their work if I only picked one!

Who designed the covers?
Ah, my wonderful graphic designer! I simply love her and her work. Her name is Char Marie Adles. She is also an author, who is fantastic, and her artwork is just phenomenal!

What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Time! I’m a single mom of two small boys, I work full-time, go to school full-time and I have to maintain a relationship with my boyfriend of almost six years. For the lack of a more appropriate word, I’m busy! Sometimes I have to sacrifice sleep for writing. That’s just how it has to be!

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I learned a lot about myself and what I’m capable of. I have a knack to be dismissive about my abilities in anything I do, but I always feel “at home” when I’m writing. My world becomes so much more interesting for that amount of time and I really love it. Then I have to snap myself back to reality (boo) but I know that I don’t give myself enough credit.

Do you have any advice for other writers?
Don’t let anyone tell you to give it up. Nothing, and I repeat NOTHING, that you love to do is insignificant. If you want to grow as a writer, read a lot and research as well as connect with others who’ve taken the step to publish, no matter if it is traditional or indie. Doing what you love will make you a happier person, but it is also a lot of work so you must be prepared to take all that comes with it.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thank you! It doesn’t matter to me whether you like my books, what matters is that you took a chance on me and for that, I’m grateful! It humbles me when I receive messages from those who’ve fallen in love with my characters and story to a point where it almost doesn’t seem real. But, at the end of the day, you all inspire me!

How can we stay up to date with you and your books? (i.e website address, facebook page, blog link etc)
Here’s the list of my links for all of the places you can find me on the web
My website: http://lisaloguebooks.com
My blog: http://lloguebooks.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisaloguebooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/littlelisa22
Google+: https://plus.google.com/102076464586408075738/posts
Tumblr: http://lisalogue.tumblr.com/
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lisa-Logue/e/B007FG4XCI
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/lisa-logue
BookRix: http://www.bookrix.com/-lisalisa22
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5758466.Lisa_Logue
Indie Author Network: http://www.indieauthornetwork.com/lisa-logue
iBookstore will be coming soon! Check back at my website for those listings!

Cursed Secrets (Legacy of Secrets #1)

Ten years ago, Lia’s life had been normal, until she witnessed a murder. Since then she’s been plagued by reliving that horrible night in a dream. But that wasn't the worst of her problems. A force had awakened inside her, unleashing something so frightening, she couldn't bear being close to anyone.Until she met Christian.Intrigued by her power and the strange connection between them, Christian is determined to find out what makes her tick. Struggling to keep his urges under control, he vows to stand by her. But as her past is revealed, he uncovers secrets that shake him to the core, forcing a decision that could lead to her death.


With a past fueled by blood, sex and death, Christian vowed to be different. The things he witnessed left him hardened, turning his body and heart to ice.

A tiny sliver of humanity remained, leading him to Lia like a moth to a flame. Mortal desires awakened inside him, chipping away the cold. He tells Lia his story, realizing she's the one who revived him. She's the fire to his ice.

Binding Secrets (Legacy of Secrets #2)
By Lisa Logue 

The fight for her life has begun.

While Austin teaches Lia to trust her instincts, uncertainty troubles her. With the help of some unlikely allies, she stumbles upon more of her family's mysterious past. Her roots span through time, enveloping many races as well as the spirit world. To stop The Council, she must use what she knows about the past, but she can't help but feel something's missing.

Always watching from a distance, Christian quietly yearns for her. Not a moment passes that he doesn't regret his decision, but the stronger her powers become the harder it is to stay away. Their connection is growing and changing into something perplexing and seductive. Is her grandfather's blessing enough to change his mind or will the fear of bloodshed consume him?

Quotes
“Oh silly girl. We’ve had the same arrangement for years. We f**k, you go home, and we both keep our mouths shut. You have to admit you enjoy it,” his tone gave me goose bumps. – Dallas, Cursed Secrets

“I’m not uncomfortable really. Like I said, I’m not very good at talking to people. You sure are touching on every subject at once. You must be committed,” I teased. 
“I’m a very committed type of person. When I set my mind on something I want I usually get it,” he paused, “I’m sorry that sounded incredibly bad,” he laughed nervously. – Lia & Christian, Cursed Secrets

“I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were so good with your hands,” I whispered. He laughed again and looked at me so intensely my breath caught. His eyes were like the depths of the ocean; dark and dazzling. I held his gaze until my vision became fuzzy and I swayed on the stool. – Lia & Christian, Cursed Secrets

She approached me slowly, testing the atmosphere. As she placed her hand on my cheek, our eyes met, "Whatever happened, you aren't the same person. It wouldn't matter to me, just as it doesn't matter to me now that you're a vampire. You know about my past, it's only fair that I know about yours." – Lia & Christian, Fire & Ice

"You are the sexiest, most intelligent man I've ever met. There's something about you women can't figure out. They know you're trouble, but it's the good kind. The kind that makes them go weak in the knees just thinking of all the dangerous things a man like you could do. There's a passion in your eyes that is raw and deep, emanating from somewhere deep inside. Being a vampire enhances your emotions, right? You feel it much stronger than any other man could. It's not a curse, Christian," she exhaled roughly, trying to mask her excitement. – Lia, Fire & Ice

“It’s very hard not to kiss you right now,” I ran my thumb softly across her bottom lip. “I dream
about these lips.” – Christian, Binding Secrets

He kissed behind my ear and down my neck, raising goose bumps on my arms. I didn't remove
my legs from around his waist, despite the fast pace, and relished in him trying to squirm himself free. We were on my time, and I was going to get something out of it. – Lia & Christian, Binding Secrets

Even the smallest moments of stolen glances or touches seem tragically passionate. Never had a person made me feel like I could move mountains. A white hot flame burned for him deep
inside. The same flame that erupted inside me earlier that day. Our closeness fueled the flame
and each time, I got stronger. – Lia, Binding Secrets

"Look at me," he ordered and, reluctantly, I did. "From this moment on, I will not leave you.
That doesn't mean I'm not scared, to be honest I'm petrified, but not as much as when I'm without you. You've been right this entire time. I've been lying to myself and to you. Nothing should have changed after finding out about Josiah, but I thought it was the best way to do my part in keeping you safe. I was wrong." – Lia & Christian, Binding Secrets

“Yes, I know. I’m a jackass. Can we move on now?” she shook her head and we headed outside. – Christian, Binding Secrets

“Well there you go, it’s settled,” I explained as he shook his head. “Look, I know I screwed up.
I’m sorry. He and I have agreed to keep things private from now on. My duty is more important
than the booty.” – Lia, Binding Secrets


We would like to thank Lisa for being our Spotlight Author today!

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