Why did you choose to write in your particular field or genre?

Night Shadow is considered a dark fantasy novel. I chose this genre because I grew up reading novels that are classified as horror, mystery, or fantasy. Night Shadow has all three genres weaved into the story. I love the spooky and mysterious nature of Night Shadow. I also enjoyed having a magical and whimsical storyline. 

How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?

Through the years, I have written novels in various genres to explore uncharted territory and to test how far my imagination can go. By nature, I have an adventurous spirit, and I have a love for learning. Through writing novels, I can satisfy that thirst for adventure and learning. 

What have you written so far?

My first novel was a suspense romance called Waves Crashing. My second novel was a science fiction book called The Death Firm. I followed that one up with the sequel, The Re-Creation of the Death Firm.

Do you work with an outline or plot sketch, or do you prefer to let a general idea guide your writing?

I start off writing an outline, then I take notes and write down questions if needed to give myself some guidance. Once I get started, I kind of see where the journey takes me. I don’t always follow my outline. I like to add plot twists in unexpected places. 

How do you market or promote your books and what strategies (e.g. social media, email, blog tours, etc.) have demonstrated the most success for you? 

I promote my books on my website, through social media, and by sending out a press release to newspapers and websites. I also work with bookstores and colleges with setting up book talks, book signings, and participating in author fairs. I donate books to local libraries to expand readership as well. 

Can you share with readers a little bit about your latest book? 

Night Shadow takes place in Salem, Massachusetts, during present time. It is about a journalist at The Salem News named Jesse Taylor who finds himself in quite the predicament as he is covering the mysterious disappearances and deaths of many locals in the woods of Salem. He is soon experiencing nightmares involving a beautiful woman who later reveals herself as a devilish looking figure. Suddenly, odd occurrences take place at his home. He discovers that an evil witch coven called The Night Shadow Circle is behind it all.  

What made you decide to sit down and actually start writing this book?

Soon after finishing a writing project, I am ready to get on with the next one. I usually get an idea for a new novel while I am in the process of finishing the previous one. That idea usually sticks in my brain, so I am just dying to get it out in written form before I forget the whole story. I also make sure that I have something nearby to always jot down notes, whether it is on my phone or in a notebook.  

Do you listen to or talk to your characters? 

When it comes to adding dialogue, I can hear my character’s voices and imagine what they might sound like. I often imagine what I would say as one of my characters, and how I might respond to what was said. So, in a sense, I am listening to and talking to my characters in my mind.

What is your next project? 

I am currently working on a murder mystery called Deadly Beats, which should be out during the summer.

Tell us something unique about you.

Aside from writing, I enjoy singing. I was a vocal music major for about two years in college before changing my major to journalism. I currently take voice lessons and am interested in taking guitar lessons sometime next year, too.  

Want to learn more about Lisa M. Lucero?

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