Photo Content from L.V. Pires
Lisa Veronica Pires is the author of several stories for young readers, including EXTENSION, THE PORTRAIT, and SUMMER OF WINGED CREATURES. She is the recipient of the Eileen Spinelli Award and a graduate of Spalding University’s MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults.
What advice would you give to someone who wanted to have a life in writing?
A life in writing means something different from everyone based on your goals, time, and interests, but probably the most important advice I can give someone who wants to be a writer is to set aside a certain amount of time each day for writing. I work for at least two hours a day and that works for me. What’s most important is showing up and putting ideas to paper or fingers to keys and MOST importantly don’t judge your work until you’ve got a decent rough draft to work with.
What were your inspirations for the character development?
The characters in PAIN LESS ORDINARY were inspired by people in my life. Like most writers, I take certain characteristics of people around me and add them to my work, the more interesting the better!
Was there a particular event or time that you recognized that writing was not just a hobby.
Probably after I completed my MFA in writing. I knew I had the tools to make writing more than a hobby. Plus, being around other professional writers can me the confidence that I can do this, too.
What was your unforgettable moment while writing A PAIN LESS ORDINARY?
My most unforgettable moment while writing this novel was when I knew I had to read through and revise it for a tenth time! Every rewrite brought a new layer of information to me and the story. When I realized it needed one more read through, I sat at my kitchen table and stayed focused on the whole story until I knew it was exactly how I wanted it to be.
Are there authors that you’re excited to engage/work with?
Of course! My writing group is made up the fabulous Kathy MacMillan, Deborah Schaumberg, Kate Bradley-Ferrall, and Meg Eden. Every time I’m around them, I feel more inspired and excited about writing.
What part of Becca did you enjoy writing the most?
I knew Becca was going to go through some tough times and she did, but the most exciting part of writing about her was when she finally realized she was strong enough to weather her situation. I love to see my characters finally get it!
What book would you recommend for others to read?
If you’re into YA realistic fiction, I would highly recommend anything by Ellen Hopkins. So much of my work was inspired by the hardships her characters face. Some super tough situations but Hopkins handles them perfectly.
What was the most surprising thing you learned in creating Chloe?
I really did not think I could do the things to Chloe that happened to her in the novel. I was surprised by her resilience. I think she reminds me of the most fragile of us and the crap we can go through, or be put through, and still survive. Humanity is strong and it’s represented even in the youngest of us.
What are some of your current and future projects that you can share with us?
Currently, I’m working on a mystery/horror novel, which of course involves characters being put into horrific situations and finding their inner strength to overcome. Hopefully this new novel will be out in mid-August.
If you could introduce one of your characters to any character from another book, who would it be and why?
That’s a great question! I think introducing Zephyr from A PAIN LESS ORDINARY to Oliver Conroy from EXTENSION might be fun. I think they’d end up being good friends and maybe even team up to kick a little a$$.
Last Halloween Costume you wore and when?
I’m ashamed to admit that I dressed up as a pirate for Halloween, actually a wench of some sort, and my dog agreed to be dressed as a pirate, too. So, we did some swashbuckling up and down the street of my neighborhood, tormenting neighbors, small children, and the occasional cat. I’ll be working on something MUCH more creative for next year.
Can you define love in your own way?
Ah, love – amore, what can I say?
It’s the foundation of all the world’s greatest creations.
What did you do for your last birthday?
My last birthday – when was that? Oh, yeah – I think there was champagne and hair dye involved.
If you could live in any period in history, what would it be and why?
Uh, now of course! Sure, I would’ve loved to see a few ancient civilizations, maybe observed Stonehenge, or the French Revolution, but living without indoor plumbing and WiFi? – no thanks!
If you had to go back in time and change one thing, if you HAD to, even if you had “no regrets” what would it be?
Can I change a presidential election? If so, I think you know which one.
Where can readers find you?
Lisavpires.com
See you there!
TEN REASONS TO READ A PAIN LESS ORDINARY
- 1. It’s realistic fiction, so you know you’re going to cry.
- 2. Relatable characters that will remind you of someone you know.
- 3. Families in crisis will never feel so disturbing.
- 4. Drugs, alcohol, fights – oh, and there’s love, too.
- 5. Fast-paced, page-turner, edge-of-your seat kind of stuff.
- 6. What’s up with the youth of today? – You’ll know after reading this book.
- 7. It’s really well written.
- 8. Emotions are raw, real, and relatable.
- 9. It’ll break your heart but leave you with some hope.
- 10. The author is still alive, so you can tell her what you think.
At fifteen, she's already experienced her share of pain. With a mom who drinks too much, a revolving door of father figures, and struggles at school, Becca wonders if she'll ever have a chance at a normal life. The only thing that keeps her sane is her little sister, Chloe; that is, until her mother's breakdown leads to her sister's disappearance.
A PAIN LESS ORDINARY follows Becca as she figures out life on her own while searching for her family and her new role in the world.
In this powerfully moving novel, L.V. Pires explores Becca's struggle with abandonment, drug abuse, homelessness, relationships, and how pain connects her to others.
You can purchase A Pain Less Ordinary at the following Retailers:
And now, The Giveaways.
Thank you L.V. PIRES for making this giveaway possible.
2 Winners will receive an Audio Code of A Pain Less Ordinary by L.V. Pires.
I would have loved to be a teen in the 60's. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds so much like my teen years, I really want to read it!
ReplyDeleteI would have loved to be a teen in the 1900! With all the inventions left to create and horses still a main way to travel!
ReplyDelete