Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Lisàndri.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
After careers as a registered dietitian and fitness professional, I decided to try my hand at fiction writing in my late 60s. Like many of my friends, I had time to spare during COVID. Years before that, I had fallen in love with romance novels after picking up a short western romance on my way to jury duty. I love the uplifting feeling of a happily-ever-after ending, but was frustrated because most of the heroines in romance novels these days are the age of my daughters, approaching the age of my granddaughter. Frustrated by that lack of characters my age, I decided to write the book I wanted to read. With the help of several writing communities I’ve found over the years, my first romance novel, The Bluffs Between Us, will be released on Amazon on September 15, 2026.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The writing journey has been anything but smooth. I’d penned a nonfiction book almost eight years ago, putting together blogs I’d written for years in my fitness career. Easy-peasy. But writing a novel is a whole other ball game, especially romance novels. There are certain expectations these readers have–they’re called tropes–and you have to deliver on them. At first I didn’t, and I ended up rewriting an entire 100,000-word novel. As I said, my writer friends have helped immensely. Then I decided to self-publish. Being in my 70s now, I just don’t have the time to search for an agent or editor, and be put into some publishing cue and see a book in two to three years–and still have to do much of the marketing myself. Learning all the pieces for successful self-publishing has been a roller coaster ride, so many moving parts!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a 72-year old novelist self-publishing my first book. I write stories about second chances, hope, and resilience. My characters are all over 50–they’re experienced, flawed, and ready for romance again, even if they don’t realize it. I love to share my journey with book clubs and libraries, on podcast and radio/television interviews.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
One Stop for Writers is a web-based creative writing platform and digital library for fiction writers. I use it to plan and manage my characters and stories. https://onestopforwriters.com.
Another resource I love is Inkers Mastermind. This is a monthly support program and community designed for indie fiction authors that offers classes, live Q&As with bestselling authors, weekly writing sprints, and monthly goal-setting. https://inkerscon.com/courses/mastermind/
Several books have been helpful in my journey, including “Story Genius” by Lisa Cron, “Writing the Breakout Novel” by Donald Maass, “Romancing the Beat” by Gwen Hayes, and “Save the Cat Writes a Novel” by Jessica Brody.
One podcast I’ve found beneficial regarding the business of writing is “Books, Business, & Mindset: A Podcast for Authors” by Jen Graybeal.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://LisaLisandri.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574756435399#
