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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Award-winning author, LISA HARRIS has been writing both fiction and nonfiction since 2000 and has more than fifteen novels and novellas in print. She currently lives with her family in Mozambique, Africa, where they work as missionaries.
From Lisa:
Have you ever noticed how God often uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things? In writing Blood Ransom, I wanted my heroes and heroines to be ordinary people, faced with extraordinary circumstances. Chad and Natalie’s lives were changed not only through the challenges they faced, but also through their reliance on God. And when they set off on their journey to the capital to save Joseph’s family, they never imagined that God would call them to a task that was beyond the scope of their own power.
But while this story is fictional, the issue of a modern day slave trade is very real. It is estimated that there are currently more than 27 million slaves on the world today from Africa, to Eastern Europe … to the United States of America. The fact is, we don’t have to travel around the world to see people hurting and exploited. They’re real people we pass every day, living in our neighborhoods, and attending our churches and schools. They’re empty and broken, searching for freedom and hope in an often hopeless world.
What types of books did Lisa write when she first began her career? Continue reading below.
BLOOD RANSOMby Lisa Harris
Published by Zondervan
ABOUT THE BOOKNatalie Sinclair is working to eradicate the diseases decimating whole villages in the Republic of Dhambizao when she meets Dr. Chad Talcott, a surgeon on sabbatical from a lucrative medical practice now volunteering at a small clinic.
Meanwhile, things are unraveling in Dhambizao. Joseph Komboli returns to his village to discover rebel soldiers abducting his family and friends. Those that were too old or weak to work lay motionless in the African soil. When Chad and Natalie decide to help Joseph expose this modern-day slave trade---and a high-ranking political figure involved in it---disaster nips at their heels.
Where is God in the chaos? Will Chad, Natalie, and Joseph win their race against time?
Romance and adventure drive Blood Ransom, by Lisa Harris, a powerful thriller about the modern-day slave trade and those who dare to challenge it.
If you would like to read the prologue and first chapter of
Blood Ransom, go
HERE.
Readers, buy your copy of Blood Ransom today!AUTHOR INTERVIEW - coming this afternoon!
1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?For a long time, I had a vague idea of an adventure/suspense novel set in Africa that I dreamed of writing, but none of the editors I spoke to, over a period of several years, were interested in stories set in an exotic locale.
Things changed when I met Sue Brower for the first time at a writing conference. She loved the concept behind the book and told me that the timing was finally right. It took another two years before I received that long awaited contract and the process continued with rewrites, edits, and the input of experts who helped me with medical and pilot questions. So, as you can see, the birthing process of this particular book was literally years in the making, which makes it all the more special to me.
2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?After living in Africa for about ten years I have a lot of experiences that I am able to draw from, so in that sense, my life definitely influences my characters. Both Natalie and Chad work in the medical field, so these professional traits that were needed because of their work and position are all theirs. This is where help from my experts was essential.
3. If your hero/heroine were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?Natalie and Chad are both very adventurous and are willing to take risks, so they are definitely not the vanilla type. Maybe a triple chocolate with fudge ribbons and nuts.
4. Are there any themes in Blood Ransom
that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?My main goal was for my readers to simply enjoy Natalie and Chad’s story. I want them to laugh and cry with the characters, and experience their journey. But I also want them to see that God can use ordinary people, like you and me, to do extraordinary things!
I am also passionate, because these are people who need hope, BUT they don’t have a voice. I find that incredible compared to all the freedoms we enjoy. I think this theme grew as the story progressed and really impacted me as the writer. It made me realize that while we can’t save every orphaned child, or rescue every woman locked in the bond of slavery, but we can make a difference by touching the lives around us.
We can support an orphan in Africa, get involved with the modern-day abolitionist movement where people are working the front lines, become a foster parent, or a big brother, or take a meal to a shut in and sit and talk with them. No matter who we are, there are people around us in our own neighborhoods and communities who need the help and hope of Jesus Christ! All it takes is lives touching lives.
5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?Blood Ransom is very different from the historical romances I wrote when I started writing. This is not a romance novel, though it does contain a romance thread. Balancing the pacing is completely different as you don’t want the intensity to overshadow the characters so they come out flat. My favorite part is definitely the fast pace action even though it can be challenging to write.
6. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?Right now, I’m working on a slightly different paced project, a historical romantic suspense for Summerside Press’s new line. This book,
Dark Continent is set both in Northern Rhodesia and New York in the early 1920’s. It’s turning out to be research intense, but also a lot of fun. It will be released in February.
I also just turned in book two in my Mission Hope series that began with
Blood Ransom.
Blood Covenant, that is due to be released next May. I found it an incredible challenge to write (though I loved it!) as it is set primarily in a refugee camp and yet is also a fast-paced suspense.
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Thank you, Lisa, for being in the spotlight with us.
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