Ask the Author: Lisa Steinke
Answered Questions (7)
Lisa Steinke
Hi Tara!
Thank you! GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT was inspired by a trip we took to Tulum in Mexico. We like to see our suspense novels in gorgeous locations. We find the juxtaposition of the serene setting against the dark mystery only adds to the mystery. What could go wrong in such a beautiful place? Hint: A lot!
We traveled there in the fall of 2016 and while we sipped margaritas (needed to research the taste so we could describe them well!) we plotted the book. We also visited Chichen itza, the Mayan ruins, and you’ll find that location in the novel as well.
We are lucky to take research trips together as we are longtime friends. (We travelers to Maui for THE GOOD WIDOW.) It is a lot of
fun to “research” the taste of the food, the color of the sand, the feel of the bath water warm ocean. But it is also necessary to get into the mindset of our characters. To imagine the things that could happen to them. To think up the situations that will cause them to be conflicted. To imagine what could go wrong...
We hope you enjoy GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT!
Thank you! GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT was inspired by a trip we took to Tulum in Mexico. We like to see our suspense novels in gorgeous locations. We find the juxtaposition of the serene setting against the dark mystery only adds to the mystery. What could go wrong in such a beautiful place? Hint: A lot!
We traveled there in the fall of 2016 and while we sipped margaritas (needed to research the taste so we could describe them well!) we plotted the book. We also visited Chichen itza, the Mayan ruins, and you’ll find that location in the novel as well.
We are lucky to take research trips together as we are longtime friends. (We travelers to Maui for THE GOOD WIDOW.) It is a lot of
fun to “research” the taste of the food, the color of the sand, the feel of the bath water warm ocean. But it is also necessary to get into the mindset of our characters. To imagine the things that could happen to them. To think up the situations that will cause them to be conflicted. To imagine what could go wrong...
We hope you enjoy GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT!
Lisa Steinke
There are so many books I want to read this summer! I had the pleasure of reading early copies of some much anticipated novels such as EVERY LAST LIE by Mary Kubica (amazing!) and THE BREAKDOWN by B.A. Paris (I didn't think she could top BEHIND CLOSED DOORS, but she did!) and THE LYING GAME by Ruth Ware (riveting!).
I'm very excited to read these buzzy books this summer: The Book of Summer by Michelle Gable, The Address by Fiona Davis and Saints for All Occasions by J. Courtney Sullivan.
What's on your list?
I'm very excited to read these buzzy books this summer: The Book of Summer by Michelle Gable, The Address by Fiona Davis and Saints for All Occasions by J. Courtney Sullivan.
What's on your list?
Lisa Steinke
I wish I led a mysterious life full of exciting plot ideas but sadly, I don't. :) I have to lean on my imagination to trigger the mysteries I write. But what Liz Fenton and I do to make our suspense novels more realistic is we travel to the locations in our books. Most of The Good Widow is set in Maui. We took the same trip our characters did (although thankfully, we did not have the same fate as some) to better get inside their heads. Hopefully when you read it, you will agree that our research trip was worth it. And that the mystery has you guessing until the very end!
Lisa Steinke
I read, read and read some more! And I don't just read books in my genre, I also step outside of that box. I find that well written books inspire me to want to be a better writer.
Lisa Steinke
Because I have a co-author, she helps me when I'm feeling stuck and vice versa. Fortunately, we are never both stuck at the same time. Also, I read. I find it to be very inspiring!
Lisa Steinke
This answer contains spoilers…
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Lisa Steinke
I don't have any one favorite fictional couple, but I do have a favorite author who is a genius at writing fictional couples. Taylor Jenkins Reid! From Forever Interrupted to One True Loves, she will have you laughing and crying as these couples connect, disconnect and reconnect. She is a master at writing about couples who are in love, falling in love, falling out of love--you name it. Add any--or all!--of her books to your TBR immediately!
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