Author Lisa Y. Watson

10/6/2013

A native of Washington D.C., the city’s historic and political backdrop inspires Lisa Watson’s romantic imagination. Her hobbies are as eclectic as her music collection. Enamored with natural beauty, the picturesque locales she visits always seem to find a way into her latest novels.

Lisa has written several multi-cultural short stories and novels, and loves creating engaging storylines with strong characters that are drawn together by respect and love. She has been interviewed in various magazines, radio shows, book clubs and Blog sites, and has received award nominations in contemporary fiction.

Lisa works at a technology consulting firm and is co-publicist for RT Book Review Magazine’s annual RT Booklovers Conventions promoting National Bestselling authors that attend the conference via media outlets.

Lisa’s first novel for Harlequin’s KIMANI™ ROMANCE, Love Contract, has been released, and will be Book I of The Match Broker series. It is ranked on the Amazon Best Sellers lists for both Kimani Series Romance and Multicultural Romance. Lisa just finished the second book in the series and is currently working on Book III, and her next E-book.

Lisa lives outside Raleigh, NC and is married with two teenagers.

Advice for Aspiring Authors

"Surround yourself with like-minded people. If you want to be a published author, soak up valuable information, learn more about your craft, and meet other aspiring writers your best bet is to go to writer's conventions. There are several very good ones out there where you can meet editors, agents, publishers and lots of authors and fellow readers. Remember, put yourself where you want to be. Go online and start Googling those writers conferences. Don’t get discouraged or listen to anyone tell you that you can’t do it. Make next year the year you get published!

Also, publishers are looking for finished manuscripts, especially if you're an unpublished author. So make sure you get your manuscript professionally edited by an editor with experience editing manuscripts, and get a proofreader to look over your work after you've cleaned it up. Most will give you a free sample if you send them your first few chapters. Spending the money now will ensure your novel is the best it can be before you submit to publishing houses."

Connect with Lisa here:

Facebook (NCLisaWatson)
Twitter (@LisaYWatson)
www.lisawatson.com
Goodreads: Lisa Y. Watson

46 Comments

Stephanie Clopton link

10/6/2013 10:04:22 pm

What great advice for those looking to get published. So true to surround yourself with like minded people!

Lisa Watson link

10/10/2013 06:26:25 am

Thanks, Stephanie! Trust me, I've seen first hand how placing your self where you WANT to be is beneficial. You tap into all that positive energy, and it can't help but get your creative juices flowing!

Brad Lynch link

10/6/2013 10:21:21 pm

What a great story of how she made it in this industry where there seems to be a lot of competition. Enjoy reading her was to inspire others.

10/10/2013 06:27:49 am

Hi Brad,

Thank you! I'm trying in there trying to make it. It's never ending, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. You know they always tell you be careful what you ask for...but I'm a part of what I love most so it's all good!

10/10/2013 06:27:59 am

10/10/2013 06:28:42 am

Hi Brad!

Thank you! I'm trying to make it. It's never ending, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. You know they always tell you be careful what you ask for...but I'm a part of what I love most so it's all good! ;)

KUNGPHOO link

10/6/2013 10:34:20 pm

Surrounding yourself with like-minded people is really a perfect way to network your way around.

10/10/2013 06:31:14 am

It truly is! Now I know that any introverts out there will disagree, but you have to get out there and do it. Remember, you wanted to write, but there's also marketing and networking that goes along with it. A double-edged sword I know, but essential to getting your voice heard!

Jeff Brand link

10/6/2013 10:42:36 pm

This is a great part of this article...so positive "Don’t get discouraged or listen to anyone tell you that you can’t do it."

10/10/2013 06:34:51 am

Jeff,
One of the hardest things I've had to do is read the reviews where my work is getting ripped to shreds by people that didn't enjoy my work. I don't think there's every any preparing for that. It's your work...your baby, and you want others to see what YOU see. I have to keep reminding myself that writing is subjective. Maybe not everyone is meant to GET your work. But the ones that are will love it! It always seems to be those moments where I'm feeling down that I get a note, an email or someone sends me a message to say hey, I enjoyed your book and I'm glad you're here. Priceless!

Lisa Hodges link

10/6/2013 11:08:26 pm

I will have to check out her books. I like these kind and she's such an inspiration.

10/10/2013 06:37:45 am

Hey Lisa!
I don't think I've met a Lisa yet that I didn't like, or that didn't have a beautiful smile! Thanks so much. I believe that you have to pay it forward. There's so many veteran authors out there that have given me such sage advice. Some here now, some have passed on, but there words were such an inspiration to me...that's what I hope I can give others out there trying to get their voices heard. Hang in there and don't give up! If you're already published...hang in there and don't give up! ;)

Deanna Heiliger link

10/6/2013 11:18:49 pm

What a lovely and talented lady! I love her advice about surrounding yourself with like-minded people...that's very important!

10/10/2013 06:39:48 am

Thanks so much, Deanna! Surrounding yourself with positivity isn't just for authors. That's good advice for everyone. We all know a few people in our lives that do their best to douse us in negativity. See it for what it is, and allow it to roll off of your like water.

Casey Gardner link

10/6/2013 11:34:21 pm

Always surround yourself with like minded people. Makes life positive and drama free!

10/10/2013 06:40:53 am

Hi Casey!
While life will always have some form of drama or other, the key is to realize when that drama is heading YOUR way and run like crazy in the opposite direction! :)

Loretta link

10/6/2013 11:48:44 pm

Great tips to remember! Thanks Yvonne!

10/10/2013 06:41:40 am

Hi Loretta,

Thank You for your comment!!

Vinma link

10/7/2013 01:11:05 am

Very glad to know about yet another inspiring author! All the best to Lisa :)

10/10/2013 06:42:55 am

Thank you, Vinma! I'll be here writing as long as people are out there reading! Okay, maybe even longer because I truly LOVE to write! LOL!!

Deborah link

10/7/2013 01:30:48 am

Lisa shows that you can live your dream to be an author while working your day job. Good advice about not giving up.

10/10/2013 09:08:55 am

You're welcome, Dawn! No dreams were ever achieved by throwing in the towel. Sometimes your goal is just around the corner.

Meli link

10/7/2013 02:22:55 am

I love that you include the advice from each of the authors. Although there are many similarities, they are personal and different people can relate to one more so than another!

10/10/2013 09:10:21 am

Hey Meli!

That's right. The same thing is true with books. Every author's voice is different. Venture out and read a new author. They may become one of your favorites!

Diana Marie link

10/7/2013 03:27:53 am

Very inspiring. Thanks for sharing your soul.

10/10/2013 09:11:57 am

Hi Diana,

You're welcome. Sharing one's inner dreams and hopes is never easy, but if anyone out there can hear what you're saying and it touches them in a profound way...all the uncomfortable aspects of it was worth it!

jo casey link

10/7/2013 03:44:44 am

It's so important to have a support network of people who 'get' what you do and can help, support and advice you in the right way.

10/10/2013 09:13:38 am

That's true, Jo Casey! It's essential to everyone to have a genuine support systems. Those friends and family members you go to that will tell you the good, the not-so-good and that flat out horrible! That's the only way you can perfect your craft and grow. I get by with a lot of help from my friends!

Vene link

10/7/2013 03:58:17 am

you have some great information on some very good authors!!

10/10/2013 09:14:33 am

On behalf of every author, I say THANKS VENE! :)

Kelly

10/7/2013 04:53:25 am

What a great way to network with like-minded people. And important tip to put yourself out there..

10/10/2013 09:15:52 am

True. It's takes some practice for me. I'd much rather be home writing, but you have to get out there and circulate. For an introvert with extrovert-like tendencies...it can be a challenge, but definitely worth it!

Irene Saadeh link

10/7/2013 05:47:47 am

Good advice for aspiring writers. By the way what is RT book lovers convention?

10/10/2013 09:18:10 am

Hello Irene!
I could go on all day long about the amazing, unique booklovers convention that RT has every year. Since we don't have that kind of time, go to www.rtconvention.com and see the pics from last year, and see info on the upcoming convention in 2014. Some of my most memorable friendships, and professional benchmarks have happened at RT!

JIm Striegel link

10/7/2013 09:41:58 am

I enjoy reading about the authors you find and their stories.

10/10/2013 09:19:35 am

Hi Jim,

Thanks for taking the time to read. Connecting with readers is a great part of being an author. It's great to hear what you all have to say.

dawn link

10/7/2013 12:30:03 pm

love these types of books

10/10/2013 09:20:31 am

Good to know, Dawn! Keep reading...we'll keep writing! ;)

dov shapira

10/7/2013 12:35:03 pm

You always post here about very interesting people
Thank you

10/10/2013 09:22:30 am

Hi Dov,
I'm very appreciative to Yvonne for giving me this opportunity! It's been a blast hearing what everyone has to say, and receiving so much support and good energy. THANKS YVONNE!

daniele holmberg link

10/7/2013 04:09:22 pm

And yet another inspiring author. You are a wealth of knowledge for some fabulous writers!

10/10/2013 09:24:40 am

I agree, Daniele! These types of venues are really important for the literary community. It keeps readers and authors informed, and it allows new authors to be showcased where readers may not have had the opportunity to get to know us. Kudos to Yvonne!

Don Purdum link

10/7/2013 09:30:14 pm

Being around like minded people is a breath of fresh air, so long as you are all positive. Negative people breed more negativity and then nothing gets done but complaining. Thanks for the great introduction!!!!

10/10/2013 09:26:59 am

I'm in total agreement, Don! It's hard not to let negativity creep into your psyche, but you have to resist the urge. It doesn't help anyone, and you're right, it only breeds more negative thoughts. I write about positive, memorable characters bound together by respect, and love of family and friends because that's what I like to surround myself with. There's plenty of negative forces in the world, but that doesn't mean I need them in my books! They get enough airtime! :)

Jennifer Clay link

10/8/2013 12:40:07 am

I like her backstory. That is some sound advice. If you want to do something it is always wise to surround yourself with people with the same type of goals.

10/10/2013 09:28:31 am

Thanks so much, Jennifer! You have to be around people that help, and not hinder your creativity, that feed your soul with nourishment and your heart with love. Who's got time for naysayers!?? Kick them to the curb, and let that sunshine in!