Unlikely Friends

Posted on February 24, 2011 by Lisa Unger

A long time ago I stopped thinking of characters as creations of my imagination, and started to understand that they are more like people who I’ve met along my colorful, complicated, ever-changing fictional journey.  They come to me as they are, with their own names, personalities and spirits.  Sometimes I love them, sometimes I endure them, and sometimes I pity them.  Always, I try to treat each of them with compassion and respect.

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It’s Not Me, It’s You

Posted on September 23, 2010 by Lisa Unger

Like most writers, I’ve had my share of bad reviews.  I’ve also had more than my share of glowing raves.  Early in my career, there was so little attention to my work that the good reviews could make my day.  And the bad ones could send me to bed.  Over the years, after having experienced the full range of dizzying highs and crushing lows the writing life can offer, I have found more balance.  Like a kayaker in big water, I stay centered and keep on paddling – rain or shine.

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In Memory of David Thompson

Posted on September 20, 2010 by Lisa Unger

There is a misconception that the writing life is a lonely one.  While it’s true that we write in solitude, the business of publishing is foremost a business of relationships.  Over the years, our colleagues become our friends.  Maybe this is true of all businesses, but none so much as publishing.  Most of us come to the work of writing and publishing and selling books only out of love, because of our consuming passion for the written word.  And in the doing of this work together, we become friends.

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Closing the Door

Posted on September 12, 2010 by Lisa Unger

There’s a village in my computer — friends, fans, readers, and colleagues.  It’s a populous, sometimes chaotic little burg always bustling with news, gossip, opinions and potential excitement.  It’s very attractive to the writer, the quiet, semi-recluse who is often alone in her own head.  When the words dry up and the blank page seems a mile long, this other world is a click away. In a heartbeat, I might be swept from solitude into the virtual current that is our modern world.

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Book Groups and Pajamas

Posted on September 7, 2010 by Lisa Unger

I love book groups.  What could be better than a gathering of smart, funny, engaged woman (well, it usually is all woman, and maybe a husband or two) talking about books? Generally, wine and snacks are involved.  And I’m usually in my pajamas.  It’s true — a couple of times a month, sometimes every week, I join in book group discussions of my novels around the country.   One evening it might be Seattle, another Minneapolis, the next night New Jersey or Pennsylvania.  Of course, they’re doing all the wine drinking and snack eating.  And I’m in my pajamas, usually in my office, chatting with them via speakerphone while my daughter sleeps.

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NPR “Three Books” Article

Posted on September 1, 2010 by Lisa Unger

I wrote a piece for NPR that is featured today in their “Three Books …” section!

It’s a bit of a departure for me, writing about books that helped me to clear my head and change my life. I hope you enjoy the post and that these books do as much for you as they did for me!

Click here to read the article, and please be sure to comment and recommend!

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The Heart of the Story

Posted on June 21, 2010 by Lisa Unger

Once upon a time, an editor I respected and from whom I had learned quite a bit suggested, as she turned down my novel, that I make some decisions about myself.  In fact, what she said precisely was, “Lisa, you have to decide what you are.  Are you a literary writer?  Or are you a mystery writer?”

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Writers Can Cook Too!

Posted on March 16, 2010 by Lisa Unger

Last year, I was asked to contribute a recipe to a cookbook that the Brandeis National Committee Phoenix Chapter was creating.  I thought it sounded like a fun project for a great cause, so I happily contributed a favorite recipe.

Today, I received a copy of the cookbook, and discovered that it’s full of yummy recipes and hilarious anecdotes from some of my favorite fellow authors and good friends. Included are Harlan Coben, Lee Child, Gregg Hurwitz, Karin Slaughter, Jodi Picoult and Jacquelyn Mitchard – just to name a few!

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Holiday Greeting

Posted on December 21, 2009 by Lisa Unger

As the year draws to a close, I hope that you are celebrating your joys and successes surrounded by friends and family. It’s a mad rush during the holidays, but I always try to take a little time to reflect on the year that has passed and the one that approaches. And I’d also like to take a few moments to thank you for your faith and support this year. It has been a joy to connect with you both in person and online. Your kind messages and efforts in spreading the word about my work have meant the world to me. Know that I read every email, guestbook and wall post (even if I don’t always have time to answer) and that I’m deeply grateful for you and all you do.

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Prix Polar International 2009

Posted on October 16, 2009 by Lisa Unger

Just discovered that Black Out (French version “Memoire Trouble”) has been shortlisted for the French award, Le Prix Polar International.  Previous winners include Elmore Leonard, Ian Rankin and Peter James.  

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