Lisa Roe
Author Interview - Lisa Roe
Author of Welcome to the Neighborhood
A heartwarming and life-affirming story of family dynamics, mother/daughter relationships, and second chances―perfect for fans of Maria Semple and Abbi Waxman.
At the heart of this story about a new beginning thwarted by badly behaving neighbors and duplicitous friendships is a mother-daughter love story, a dive into what it means to want the best for your child, and a cautionary tale about holding on to what really matters.
After years of struggling to make ends meet, Ginny, a single mom from Queens, falls for sweet, divorced Jeff, and relishes the idea of moving with her quirky eleven-year-old daughter Harri to his home in an upscale New Jersey suburb. Though she's never been impressed by material things, she is thrilled that getting a second chance at love comes with the added bonus of finally giving Harri everything she never could before.
And then she meets the neighbors.
Author Interview - Lisa Roe
Author I draw inspiration from: Nora Ephron, Abbi Waxman, Maria Semple, Ann Garvin
Author Interview - Lisa Roe | Author I Draw Inspiration From
Favorite place to read a book: In a comfy chair in a quiet space! If I am reclining I fall asleep!
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with: Anne with an E! Anne of Green Gables ~ LM Montgomery
Author Interview - Lisa Roe | Book Character I’d Like to be Stuck in an Elevator With
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author: I've always wanted to be an author. I come from a family of writers and artists. I listened to the sounds of my father typing out his own novel on a Royal manual typewriter as a very young child. When I was eight, I watched a marshmallow that had fallen into the fire burn and burst into flames and it gave me the idea for my first book -- Foal Of The Flames. It was even more terrible than the average eight year old's effort since I would soon be diagnosed with mild dyslexia and learn why I struggled to write, spell and read. It was decades before I tried to pen a novel again. After spending 15 years as an advertising copywriter I gave it all up to take on the tougher job of stay at home mom. That's when I returned to fiction, at first to entertain my children, and finally to tell my own stories.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook: Paperback. Makes your handbag and luggage lighter.
The last book I read: The Cactus by Sarah Haywood. I love a prickly character.
Author Interview - Lisa Roe | The Last Book I Read
Pen & paper or computer: Laptop all the way. Although I take plenty of notes on my phone. And random scraps of paper. I'm always looking for the perfect tidy way to organize my work. And never finding it.
Book character I think I’d be best friends with: Jordan Baker (The Great Gatsby ~ F. Scott) She would make me look cool and like I knew how to party. And like I had social prowess--which I do not.
Author Interview - Lisa Roe | Book Character I’d be Best Friends With
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a: A prop maker! I'm very crafty. I was the prop mom for my daughter's high school plays and I had the time of my life. I made a realistic ear of corn out of felt for Into the Woods that was spectacular.
Favorite decade in fashion history: Awful to say, because everything was so dang uncomfortable, but the mid 1800's to 1900. So much amazing fabric and construction!
Place I’d most like to travel: I've been to New Zealand and I'd go back in a second. Amazing scenery and hiking, great people and of course, it's where Hobbiton is! (I come from a family of Lord of the Rings devotees)
My signature drink: J Lohr Chardonnay ~ we drank it on our honeymoon a million years ago and it's been my go to drink ever since.
Favorite artist: Degas - particularly the ballerina statue
Number one on my bucket list: I've done it! I've waited a lifetime to see my book on a shelf and it's here (or will be April 5th!)
Find more from the author:
Twitter: @lisaroewrites
Instagram: @lisaroewrites
Facebook Lisa Roe or Lisa Roe Author
Website: lisaroe.com.
Author Bio: Lisa Roe graduated from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and spent many years as an advertising creative director and copywriter in New York City until she accepted the tougher job of stay-at-home mom and turned to writing fiction — mostly to entertain her kids, but then to tell her own stories. A classic first born, reluctant empty nester, Dr. Doolittle wannabe, and the author of WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD, Lisa lives in New Jersey with her husband and three incorrigible dogs. She’d love you to come visit her at lisaroe.com and on Instagram at @lisaroewrites.
