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?

My name is Lisa Diaz Meyer and while I’m not prone to admitting my age, I’ll just say it rhymes with NIFTY.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I was born and raised in East New York, Brooklyn. I now live and have spent most of my adult life on Long Island, NY.

Fiona: A little about your self (ie,  your education, family life, etc.).

My husband and I are married thirty-three years and we have three wonderful sons. A year and a half ago we adopted a rescue kitten and we could not be more thrilled with our little addition, Chloe.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

My latest news is receiving fantastic 5 Star Reviews for all of my books from Literary Titan and Readers Favorite. I also received an Official Selection for Poetry from New Apple for my second book, All Roads Destined.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

My mother taught me to read and write before school age, so I was writing stories as a small child.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

As a child, I knew that was what I wanted. I was fascinated with books, words, writers and because I was always writing, I always called myself a writer. It was calling myself an author that took time.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Throughout my life I’d written short stories and poems. It was a small collection, not really enough for an entire book, so I decided to write more, introduce stage script versions of five of the stories and then a post apocalyptic saga. It was time to become an author.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

At first it was difficult since my books are a collection of multiple genres and writing styles. But then I decided to name each of the books after one of my poems found in the Fragment section of each book.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?

Short story writing has a different pace and right now that’s the pace I’m comfortable with. I use a lot of description in small passages to get my point across quicker, packing a huge punch in a short period of time. As for the genre, dark fiction, I’m always up for the unexpected or unhappy ending.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

It’s mostly fiction with only a few based on life events.

Fiona: To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?

I don’t do any travelling. In fact, I desperately hate to travel. I may sit at a nearby park, walk a nature trail or go to the beach for inspiration but otherwise, I just use imagination.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I sent photographs of what I wanted and the publisher came up with pictures to choose from.

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

There are plenty of awareness issues. In those stories and poems my message is, is that we are all the same despite differences.

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?  Who is your favorite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you?

Yes, there are quite a few new authors I like and I post my reviews of their books on my blog, Goodreads and Amazon. I’m always looking for someone new. Throughout my life my favorite authors are Charles Dickens, Washington Irving, Stephen King, Anne Rice, Raymond E. Feist, Edgar Allan Poe, Robert Ludlum… you can see the pattern.

Fiona: Outside of family members, name one entity that supported your commitment to become a published author.

My life coach!

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I’d like to see it become a career. I’ll keep on writing, regardless.

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

My latest book, no. But I’d like to comb through my first one again.

Fiona: Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?

Sure. I think everyone learns while writing; things about themselves, things about the world, etc.

Fiona: If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?

My sci-fi saga, The Outposts run through all three of my books, so it’s the largest story line. I did and do have an actor in mind for lead character, Zaxton Mitchell but it would have to be a younger version because I believe that particular actor is now too old.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

My advice is to always hire an editor or two and learn how to market to your audience.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

If you like quick, to the point, dark short stories that are odd or “out there” , The All Roads Collection is it. I am all about making weird seem normal and taking normality and twisting it. Everyone will find characters to love, hate and identify with.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I’m in between books at the moment. The next on my list is A Reason To Die by Debbie De Louise.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

One thing about being NIFTY years old is you can’t remember that far back. One of my favorite children’s books was and still is A Wrinkle In Time.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Laughing wise, I have a dry sense of humor but silly will also do. Crying wise, I can’t handle cruelty to animals and children. Also, when you see those videos of a soldier coming home to surprise their child or family, I’ll lose it every time.

Fiona: Is there one person, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?

Charles Dickens, Edgar Allan Poe & Jane Austen. I know that’s three but I’m bad at choosing just one.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

Anything creative! Photography, painting abstract art, gardening, crocheting, re-purposing or painting anything to look like something else. I absolutely love the theater(On and Off Broadway), art and historical museums, nature walks and going to the beach.

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?

I like documentaries mostly. I feel if the TV has to be on, I should be learning something. But there are a few shows I loved, like Penny Dreadful which ended. At the moment, Mr. Robot, You’re The Worst and Jessica Jones are my favorites. I am also a big Star Trek buff. Movie wise, there’s Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Lord of the Rings, Deadpool and I will try out any science fiction movie.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Favorite foods are Cuban and Italian. You were right, 23 & Me, you were right.

I like neutral colors.

And I love all music, it just depends on my mood.

Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?

Am I dead in this scenario?? I imagine I’d nag my family and then go see some Broadway shows.

Fiona: You only have 24 hours to live how would you spend that time?

Eating! And just being around my family.

Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone?

Beloved Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister, Friend and Author

Fiona: Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and special offers?

Site: https://lisadiazmeyer.com/

Blog: https://ldmeyer.blogspot.com/

Twitter: @LisaDMeyer

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Lisa-Diaz-Meyer/e/B00X1QXKYI/

There is also an eBook collection. The link is found on my site.