Lisette, you have two books published. Tell us a little about them.
Thank you for asking. My first-published novel, Crooked Moon, is the story of two women, Frankie and Callie, who grew up on opposite sides of a row house in a blue-collar neighborhood. Because of circumstances, they went on to lead dramatically different lives but are reunited after 23 years, when their lives suddenly come crashing back together. To complicate the fragile reunion, Callie’s marriage is suddenly at risk, further complicated by the affections of (and attraction to) Frankie’s brother, Paulie. Tensions and passions explode in the sweltering heat, and amid pain and tragedy, each woman only ends up not only with a life-altering secret regarding the other, but the burning question of what to do with it.
My first-written novel (second-to-be-published novel), Squalor, New Mexico, is currently available as a Kindle edition; the paperback edition will be released this June. It is a coming-of-age story shrouded in family mystery:
The book is written in the first person. The narrator, Darla McKendrick, looks back on her young life as she tells her story. She is nine when she first hears her mother and her aunt Didi secretly discussing their younger sister, Rebecca, speculating about her life in squalor. From the moment Darla asks to know more about her mysterious aunt, she is offered nothing but half-truths, distortions, and evasions. As Darla grows into her teen years, her life is oddly yet profoundly affected by this woman she has never known. She can’t help but notice that Rebecca seems to exist only in dark corners of conversations and that no one ever wants to talk about her–with Darla. Neither Darla nor her three cousins have a clue about their aunt, yet their respective parents appear to recoil in fear at the sound of her name.
As the plot takes twists and turns, secrets are revealed not only to Darla but to the “secret keepers” as well. Darla learns that families are only as strong as the truths they hold and as weak as the secrets they keep.
What is your favorite part of writing a novel?
The actual writing: the feeling I get when I am able to slip into “the zone” and find that all sorts of ideas, phrases, and words have just been lying dormant, ready to find a place in whatever I am writing. It rather amazes me when I find myself using words that I didn’t know that I knew (or never use), but that end up being perfect for what I am trying to say. Writing allows me to put words and thoughts together in a way that I might not do in everyday conversation and lets my imagination soar past conventional boundaries. It is in the rewriting or editing process that I must sometimes reel it back in, but I love the process. I also love being able to “eavesdrop” on the characters’ conversations, transcribe what they say to one another, then put my name on it and take the credit. Often, that is exactly what it feels like I am doing, and it’s rather indescribable.
You have a lot of experience in the entertainment industry, Lisette. Has that influenced your writing in any way?
Yes. For one, being around people who are getting things accomplished, and doing so successfully, is a huge motivator. I also learned that there are a lot of talented people (actors, writers, singers, etc.) who will never be successful because they are not willing to put themselves out there as the industry demands it. Self-promoting is not usually my favorite thing to do, either, but I learned from working in the entertainment industry that persistence and visibility are every bit as important, if not more important at times, as one’s talent. Working in the entertainment industry, especially during my years in Los Angeles, also influenced me as far as seeing what is commercial and what is not, and knowing how to mix what you love writing with what you think you can sell. And that’s the very short answer to this question.
Can you pinpoint an event that acted as a springboard for your career as a novelist?
Although I had started to write novels many times (from as early as 15 years of age), I had never truly been prepared to do so. I believe my time in Los Angeles helped me to become more serious and figure out what I needed to do to start and finish a project: to know not only where I wanted to begin a story but also where I wanted it to end and how I planned to make that happen. Still, that was only part of the answer for me. Next, I had to do a lot of introspection and figure out what was blocking me from writing. After resolving that issue, I finally sat down and wrote two novels, one after the other.
But it was in 2007 when I read an article in Publisher’s Weekly giving me a way to get my novels published that I immediately began the publishing process, and I haven’t stopped since. I am two-thirds of the way through my third novel and have notes for several more.
Have you ever read a book or series that was so brilliant you planned to read it a second time?
I would love to reread Look Homeward, Angel to reacquaint myself with Thomas Wolfe’s characters, and then read the other three books in that series: Of Time and the River, The Web and the Rock, and You Can’t Go Home Again. His writing is brilliant. I would also love to reread many classics books that I remember being absolute works of art, but I can no longer remember vividly. Some of these authors are F. Scott Fitzgerald, Wilkie Collins, Wallace Stegner, and Charles Dickens.
You can read more about Lisette Brodey at her website: http://lisettebrodey.com/
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20/05/2009 at 6:03 pm Permalink
I enjoyed Lisette’s interview. Thanks. Her response to the second question posed, “What’s your favorite part of writing a novel?” was just so ‘right on’ as far as I was concerned. I could really identify with her answer. If I’d been asked, that would be my answer if I could say it as well.
Count me a fan. I recently read CROOKED MOON and loved it; and I’m currently reading SQUALOR NEW MEXICO.
I recently wrote a review of CROOKED MOON that I’ve attached to that book listing in Amazon.
Thanks, and best wishes,
Wright Gres, author of MACEDONIA PASSAGE: DANGEROUS CARGO
20/05/2009 at 7:20 pm Permalink
I really enjoyed Lisette’s interview. I have read Crooked Moon, it is a very memorable story. Crooked Moon is filled with secrets & surprises, a page turner & definate all night read. I look forward to reading Squalor New Mexico. Ms. Brodey writes well and pulls the reader into the storyline. I anticipate more great works from her.
20/05/2009 at 7:30 pm Permalink
We loved ‘Crooked Moon’ – and look forward to the print version of ‘Squalor New Mexico’ – and the upcoming 3rd novel.
20/05/2009 at 7:59 pm Permalink
What a great interview of Lisette!
She is a writer that has yet to reach the masses, but what a great surprise they are in for when she does. Her writing style is one of complete and total detail, her words paint the most incredible pictures and make you feel you are actually in the scene with the characters eavesdropping on the action.
I love reading everything she writes!
20/05/2009 at 8:36 pm Permalink
Everything Cynthia says about Lisette is so true. I really enjoyed every chapter of Lisette’s book, Crooked Moon. The first chapter was good, the second one better, the third better than the chapter before, and so forth; all the way to the end. I have since bought extra copies of Crooked Moon to give as gifts to friends. The world has been missing a great writer. Where oh where has she been? I can’t wait for Squalor New Mexico to be published.
20/05/2009 at 9:07 pm Permalink
As in every good read, it leads back to reading it again. And like Henry, I can’t wait for Lisette’s next novel, “Squalor, New Mexico” to come out. I just know that it is going to have twists and turns, and unexpected surprises, as did Crooked Moon. I rub my hands together in anticipation. So…Lisette, how long do I have to wait? How long do I have to keep checking your website (www.lisettebrodey.com) for updates?
20/05/2009 at 9:54 pm Permalink
Wonderful interview. I thoroughly enjoyed Crooked Moon and also bought extra copies as gifts. My own copy has been passed to a number of friends. They too offer high marks for not just an easy read but one so completely engaging. I am reminded of that rainy day as Callie drove into town and remember feeling as if I were on the front porch watching her pull up to the curb. I love the way Lisette writes and also wring my hands in antisipation of Squalor New Mexico. Keep up the good work.
20/05/2009 at 11:21 pm Permalink
Great interview. LOVED the answer to ““What’s your favorite part of writing a novel?” It’s good to find a writer who is so into the joy of the process. As a wanna-be novelist, I find I have NO favorite part of writing. Like Dorothy Parker, I only like having written. Lisette is a real inspiration.
21/05/2009 at 1:02 am Permalink
I loved this interview. It’s always fascinating to read the writer’s motivations, especially one as talented as Lisette. I devoured “Crooked Moon”. Lisette paints a picture in words. You feel like you are actually seeing and hearing whatever is going on. I can’t wait for “Squalor New Mexico” to be published!
22/05/2009 at 4:37 am Permalink
I am so sorry, but for a moment there, I thought it was Lisette doing the interviewing. She has a special way of bringing out the true essence from everyone. Crooked Moon has done that for me. I can relate to all of the characters in the book, it is as if I knew them already. The interview says a lot about Lisette, she knows what she is talking about, and how to answer the questions correctly, and directly. She has the knowledge to deliver a powerful message. I can’t wait to read “Squalor, New Mexico”. I know that it will be a great read. Lisette Brodey is born to write, and wonderful author.
Talatha Allen-
23/05/2009 at 12:26 pm Permalink
Lisette,
I really enjoyed reading your interview, but found myself wanting it to go on and on! Nevertheless, it is a revealing peak in to your wonderful mind. There are some undeniable truths about what it takes for an artist to get their work out in the public eye, which I’m glad you brought up. You have such an inspirational and awesome talent, and we should all be grateful that you share it with us. Thanks Lisette!
Jeff Shinn
25/05/2009 at 12:17 pm Permalink
After reading your interview, I feel compelled to read your novel.. indeed a great inspiration for all aspiring writers.
25/05/2009 at 11:30 pm Permalink
Lisette continues to blow me away; I find her fascinating not only as a writer but as an individual. Intellect has many ways of manifesting, as we all know; and Lisette’s brilliance shines the brightest through her charming and oh, so indepth observations into human nature. To such a degree, you’d expect to learn in this interview that she is also a psychoanalyst by trade. Well anyway, that’s what I recall taking away from reading her Crooked Moon. So, I find it no wonder that she shared with us here, how she feels as if to be eavesdropping in on her characters. That aspect of HER experience certainly transcends into what WE experience. She has a very keen sense with situations and dialogue!
As a matter of fact, I also enjoyed her response to the question about finding that rare or brilliant book, worthy of a second read. Because it makes me think about how I felt after reading her work. Lisette does have a very adept way of hooking you into a story of hers. I personally know that she leaves you rather feeling part psychoanalyst, yourself, upon “eavesdropping” on “everybody” in her Crooked Moon. Excitedly, I can exclaim that Squalor, New Mexico sounds like it will be no exception!
I am so glad I got to read your interview, with someone I feel is heading for a much higher and well deserved career plateau. Thank you very much!