Picture drawn by Maggie Stiefvater, 2009. Header made by S.F. Robertson, 2010.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Fresh New Voice of YA- Interview with Lisa Desrochers


1) How did you get the idea for Personal Demons and the trilogy? Was it always envisioned as a trilogy? Also, is there a reason you only wrote from Frannie and Luc's perspective and excluded Gabe's point of view?

Everyone already knows I’m crazy, so I may as well come clean. I hear voices in my head. The name Lucifer Cain popped into my head one day and I thought to myself: What a fun name for a demon. He started talking and I took dictation. Then Frannie spoke up and demanded I tell her side of the story. When Gabe showed up, he had a strong presence, but I always heard him through Luc or Frannie. Not only didn’t he demand a POV, he didn’t want one.

I never write with an outline. My story flows directly from my characters. There have been times when I thought I knew where we were going, only to end up somewhere completely different. I had no idea Personal Demons was going to be a whole book when I started, forget a trilogy. But then it sold in a three-book deal, so, voila, a trilogy it is! Interestingly, Gabe is demanding a POV in book three (Hellbent), and who am I to refuse an angel.


2) What was The Call like? Tell us all about it!

I’m not sure which The Call you mean. The first call from an agent offering representation was pretty amazing. I was lucky enough to get a few of those calls, so it really helped my confidence. When my agent called telling me we had our first offer on Personal Demons, that was a huge relief. A lot of agented books never sell, so I felt extremely lucky. When the second offer came, my jaw nearly fell off and I may or may not have squeed a little.


3) What book(s) are you working on now? Can you tell us anything about it?

At the moment, I’m neck deep in Hellbent (Personal Demons #3). I’ve already mentioned that Gabe is finally ready to speak up in this book, but other than that, I can’t tell you much without spoiling Personal Demons and Original Sin. Sorry…


4) You run a PT (Physical Therapy) practice as your day job. What made you go into that field and start your own practice?

I was a totally nerdy science geek in high school. Give me something dead and I would dissect it. When I trashed my knee during a gymnastics meet, I asked the doctor if I could watch the surgery. They used a spinal anesthesia and I got to watch the whole thing on the TV screen. Way cool. Hammers, chisels, blood. That was all just before I applied to college, so PT seemed like a good fit. I started my own practice cuz I don’t do other people’s rules very well.


5) What is your favorite Jelly Belly jelly bean flavor?

Watermelon. I even like the way they look. I live near the Jelly Belly factory, so I go over every once in a while and get the seconds really cheep. Omnomnom. =)


6) In your bio, you mention that your weekend job involves "lecturing internationally on a variety of health care topics". How did this come about and, while your trips probably don't involve much sight-seeing, what's been your favorite place to visit so far?

Yes, I have a day job, and night job and a weekend job. Sleep is overrated. I teach seminars for the Upledger Institute. I recently got back from Singapore, which was interesting. I was lucky enough to stay with a local sponsor there who took pity on me and showed me around. I spent a few weeks in Christchurch, New Zealand, which was beautiful, and also in Sydney, Australia. I loved both. If they’ll let me back into the country, which is always a little dicey, I’d like to see more of both.


7) What book(s) are you reading now, or are about to start?

Just finished Mockingjay this week along with the rest of the civilized world. Looking at my TBR pile, let’s see…there’s Beautiful Darkness by Kami and Margie, The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff, Firelight by Sophie Jordan, Shadowed Summer by Saundra Mitchell, Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins, Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder and Burned by PC and Kristin Cast. Which would you suggest?

3 comments:

  1. I freakin' LOVE Lisa! If I ever need physical therapy-- or an ammazing read-- I'm going to her!

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  2. Great interview. Might as well come clean, I hear voices too!

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  3. Thanks for having me! And, if I ever need a review, I'm going to you and Brent =)

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