Alisa Mullen
Age 37
Where are you from I grew up on the Coast of Maine. I live in South Texas now.
Tell me a little about yourself i.e. your education, family life, etc. – I grew up on the Coast of Southern Maine. I have a BA from Texas A&M University and a MS from Our Lady of Lake University. When I am not writing, I enjoy reading, making necklaces and spending time with family. Baseball is a big component of my family life. I am a Rangers and Red Sox fan while cheering on her children’s little league games. My competitive side rears its ugly head every year when she plays Fantasy Football with her large extended family. I also own a macramé necklace business, Devika Knots, and you can find me at farmer’s markets throughout South Texas almost every weekend. I live in Universal City, Texas with my loving husband and our two children.

 

 
Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
My second installment of The Chosen Series comes out on May 12, 2014. I finished the third book this week and I am currently working on a special project with a few other authors. I have also started my next series, The Good Bye Series. Book One is titled “Jules”

 

 
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I came out of the womb writing. I continued to write poems and short stories during my school years. I feel my “best self” when I am writing.

 

 
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Um, I am still working on that. Some days, I think I can’t write at all. Other days, I am surprised when people give me rave reviews.

 

 

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
Unsettled is based on true events. It had been a story in my head for years but the rat race business world and children were my first priority. I left my job in March of 2013 and I started Unsettled in October. I wrote it in three weeks.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
I love first person with train of thought.

 

 
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
I don’t remember. I think it was part of a list I made.

 

 
Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Absolutely! I want them to feel Lizzie and somehow connect with the troubles she goes through.

 

 

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?
80%

 

 

Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Yes, they are. I consider the book a “purge” novel. It was therapeutic.

 

 
Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?
Anything by Wally Lamb and Jodi Picoult

 

 

Fiona: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Hmm… I really like Emily Giffin and would love to meet her.

 

 
Fiona: What book are you reading now?
Sparrows for Free by Lila Felix

 

 
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Sure, Addison Moore, Tina Reber, Christina Lauren, Sylvia Day and Maya Banks.

 

 
Fiona: What are your current projects?
I am currently working on a special project with a few other authors. I have also started my next series, The Good Bye Series. Book One is titled “Jules”

 

 
Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
My best friend, Vanessa Lofton and my cousin, Alex Lied.

 

 
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
Yes, I do it every day and it is my passion. I am constantly thinking about it.

 

 
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
I am not sure. I think of it as art so I would probably start editing it again if the word document was in front of me.

 

 
Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
It has been engrained in me for years.

 

 

Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
See above comments.

 

 

Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
I can’t write sex scenes so they are more sensual than sex.

 

 

Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Wally Lamb – He is raw.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
Not yet. I have signed up for signing in late 2014 and 2014.

 

 

Fiona: Who designed the covers?
Kim Black and I collaborate on it. I am a controlling person so I need to see everything.

 

 

Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
The first page. The blinking cursor.

 

 
Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I learned that I am my worst critic. I never knew that!

 

 
Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Keep writing even when you don’t want to. Put your laptop in front of you and get lost.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Oh, I love my readers. They are the reason I have started the next series. I thought I would just write a book or two but I am already thinking about the next.

 

 
Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
Charlotte’s Web

 

 
Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?
I don’t have a hobby but I make macramé necklaces as a second job. I sell at Farmers Markets and I have been doing that for five years. Devika Knots.

 

 
Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
I like Mad Men, American Horror Story, House of Cards, Weeds, The Killing. Movies include Almost Famous, Something Borrowed and Pride and Prejudice

 

 
Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music
I love avocados and sushi. My faborvotire color is light purple and I love Coldplay and 80’s music.

 

 
Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
Teacher.

 
Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?

FB Fan Page – http://tinyurl.com/l5jgo2b
Goodreads Page – http://tinyurl.com/m69qsof
Unsettled – TBR! http://tinyurl.com/n33d7rm
Unchosen – TBR! http://tinyurl.com/k98fzuu
Amazon BIO Page – http://tinyurl.com/l9plrxr
Twitter – @alimullenbooks