Hello and welcome to my blog, Author Interviews. My name is Fiona Mcvie.
Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us your name. What is your age?
Lisa Mayme Corbit. 47 years old.
Fiona: Where are you from?
Originally, Huntington Beach, CA. I went to High school and college in Idaho and then moved to Seattle.
Fiona: A little about your self (ie, your education, family life, etc.).
I have a BA in English and a Masters in Education. I’ve taught secondary English in the US, the UAE, and Paraguay for 14 years. I now live on the Olympic Peninsula with my fiance. We have a German Shepherd , Luque, we saved in Paraguay and brought back with us. And two goats, Harry and Lloyd.
Fiona: Tell us your latest news.
I recently published my debut novel: ‘The Truth About Melissa: A Soul Mate Experiment on October 28, 2017.
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I always loved writing. I wrote a book in 2nd grade – our teacher taught us to bind it – and it’s still in my hope chest. “My Little Pony”. My high school teacher solidified my love of writing.
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I am writer because I write every day. I first considered myself an author on October 28, 2017 when my first book published!
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
I lived the story over 25 years ago. I was lucky enough after returning to the United States in 2015 after teaching overseas to be able to take the time off to finish the story and get it published.
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
‘Melissa’ was the made-up soul mate name of the male character who spent 4 years manifesting her. The book was always entitled “The Truth About Melissa” — even 25 years ago.
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?
I map out the key decisions on a string hanging along the wall and then I write until I get to that major decision the protagonist has to make. I usually compose a whole scene in my head before sitting down to fast write it without thinking. The editing comes later. I love writing scenes with dialogue and action between two characters.
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
The Truth About Melissa is based on true events in my life. About 5-10% of the scenes are embellished for creative purposes but still serve at metaphorical examples of what happened.
Fiona: To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?
Not for this one. I am working on a few ideas that will require a visit to a setting in the future for research.
Fiona: Who designed the covers?
Outskirts Press
Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I want people to come away with two things: 1) Never regret experiences in your life as long as you emerge a stronger and more educated person. And 2) If you find yourself in a relationship where you are perfect for that person, stop and make sure that that person is perfect for you.
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Just recently I read Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale–I will be reading more of her. Who is your favorite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you? This answer changes frequently. There are so many great writers out there. Lionel Shriver is a writer that challenges me with her elevated diction and We Need to Talk About Kevin has stayed with me for years.
Fiona: Outside of family members, name one entity that supported your commitment to become a published author.
A local writers’ group that I started when I moved back to the US. There is a group of 6 of us that meet weekly and keep each other writing and improving our words.
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
I do see it as a career in one way or another.
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
IF. I. Had. To. 🙂 I would change it back to completely fiction.
Fiona: Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?
The writing is just the beginning. Editing is soul crunching. And promoting, marketing, social media, and selling is just plain painful.
Fiona: If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?
Kaley Cuoco (as a brunette) and Johnny Galecki
Fiona: Any advice for other writers?
Write. Write. Then Read. Then write some more. And learn social media!
Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?
The Truth About Melissa: A Soul Mate Experiment is a journey of a young girl meeting a man who had created her years before he met her. Their meeting is his manifestation meeting her reality and her reality meeting his manifestation. It is a fun idea and the culmination of what happens.
Fiona: What book are you reading now?
Legends of the Fall by Jim Harrison
Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
I don’t remember the first book I read, but I do remember my mom reading to me. And always taking me to the library and the joy I felt when I got my own library card. Oh, so grown up.
Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?
Laugh—watching my goat trying to play and jump around and falling on his butt! Cry—Seeing people succeed or win a trying challenge—it chokes me up every time-Good for them!
Fiona: Is there one person, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?
Ernst Hemingway. To go big-game fishing and talk shop.
Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?
Fishing, crabbing, beading, running/walking
Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
Survivor.
Fiona: Favorite foods, colors, music?
I don’t think there’s a food I don’t like 😉 Purples/turquoise blues. Michael Buble/Jason Mraz easy pop
Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?
Open a bookstore. Or run a Bed and Breakfast.
Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone?
‘Always Something in her Back Pocket’ That’s what my fiance says it will say. 🙂
Fiona: Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and special offers?
Goodreads Author: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17240482.Lisa_Mayme_Corbit
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/lisamaymecorbit/
Twitter: @lisamayme
authorsinterviews 
I like that you make a difference between considering yourself as a writer and an author. I hadn’t really stopped to think about it.
Also, like the lessons of using our past to make us better and that also value our own worth before giving it away.
“The Truth About Melissa: A Soul Mate Experiment” sounds like a pretty interesting read. Especially being based on true events with the author and being that the title was already decided 25 years ago.
I always find cool authors that get a passion for writing at such a young age. I’m glad you kept going at it and got your first book published two years ago.