Heart, home, and faith have always been important to Lisa Jordan, so writing stories with those elements comes naturally. Represented by Cynthia Ruchti of Books & Such Literary Management, Lisa is an award-winning author for Love Inspired, writing contemporary Christian romances that promise hope and happily ever after. Her latest book, Redeeming the Cowboy, released in September 2023. She is the content manager for Novel Academy, powered by My Book Therapy. Happily married to her own real-life hero for over thirty years, Lisa and her husband have two grown sons. When she isn’t writing, Lisa enjoys quality family time, reading good books, and being creative with words, photos, fibers, and papers.
Visit Lisa Jordan online
Redeeming the Cowboy
Five years ago, bull rider Bear Stone lost everything. His best friend. His fiancée. His career. And Piper Healy, his best friend’s wife, never forgave him for the rodeo accident that killed her husband. Now, they’re working together to save his family’s ranch. But can this cowboy choose between his last chance at the rodeo…and the woman he’s falling for?
- ISBN: 1335596933
- Publisher: Love Inspired
Interview with Lisa Jordan
Since her youth, Lisa Jordan has known she wants to tell stories with happily ever afters that strengthen and encourage readers. In her interview, Lisa shares how she jumped into the world of Westerns in her latest contemporary romance, Redeeming the Cowboy.
How and why did you choose this particular setting for this story?
To be honest, I had a conversation with my editor about growing my readership, and she suggested writing either Amish or Western. I chose to create a fictional ranch set in a fictional town in southwestern Colorado.
What’s your biggest challenge in balancing writing time with your other responsibilities?
I’ve learned it’s tough to find time for writing—you need to make it happen. So, I created a time block, which I learned from Susie May Warren. Now I write Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-noon. When I’m close to my deadline, I’ll write in the evenings and on weekends in order to submit on time.
How do your faith and your spiritual life play into the stories you tell?
As a Christian, my faith is woven into every area of my life, so I include it in the stories I tell. I believe in holding onto hope and showing God’s love at all times. You never know who is going to read your book and be touched by the truth woven into your story.
Where do your story and character ideas come from?
Everywhere—snippets of songs, something I read in the news, real-life events that have happened to me or someone close to me. I love writing flawed characters who find their own redemption stories.
What is your writing routine? Any quirky habits or must-have snacks?
I don’t really have quirks, but I need to have water to drink. When I’m fast drafting my story, I will dictate my scenes into my Notes app on my phone, then copy and paste that information into Scrivener. I’ll clean it up and format it, then move on to the next scene. On Mondays and Fridays, I do a two-hour writing sprint with Novel Academy members. I love the accountability, community, and encouragement that comes from writing with friends.
If you could only recommend three books to a friend, which three would you choose?
Sons of Thunder by Susan May Warren—amazing storyword, The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck—fantastic spiritual truth, and Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers—tender story of redemption and God’s amazing grace.
When did you know you wanted to be an author?
I was 16 and had just finished reading The Promise by Danielle Steel. I wanted to write stories and create a heart-sigh for my readers.
How did you come up with the idea for Redeeming the Cowboy?
I created the Stone family when I decided to try my hand at writing a “cowboy book.” Bear is the oldest sibling of five. Even though I began the series with Mallory, his fraternal twin, I hinted at Bear’s story in her book. I wanted to write a character who wondered if he was going to be defined by his past mistakes.
What message do you hope readers take away from your story?
I’d love for readers to remember the Lord is our strength and our shield. When we trust in Him, He will guide and direct us, no matter how difficult the seasons we’re experiencing.
What draws you to write Contemporary Romance?
I love a happily ever after. While I admire those who do a lot of research for historical romance, I’ve been drawn to the contemporary time period. I love reading about the characters’ journeys as they learn to trust their hearts again.
What authors have inspired you on your journey to publication?
Susan May Warren and Rachel Hauck have invested in me and helped me through so many stages in my writing career. I’m forever grateful for their friendship and mentorship.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Trust God—He gave you this dream to write for a reason, and He has a plan and a purpose for your life. Allow rejections and challenges to be teachable moments. Learn to write to a deadline, even if it’s self-imposed, so you can find a writing schedule that works for you and your lifestyle.
_____________________
Stephanie Rose Finsterbush is an aspiring author who writes historical romances with humor and heart. Wife and homeschool mom of two, Stephanie blogs about her family, their multiple cross-country moves, and her journey to publication at www.stephanierosefinsterbush.com.
How and why did you choose this particular setting for this story?
To be honest, I had a conversation with my editor about growing my readership, and she suggested writing either Amish or Western. I chose to create a fictional ranch set in a fictional town in southwestern Colorado.
What’s your biggest challenge in balancing writing time with your other responsibilities?
I’ve learned it’s tough to find time for writing—you need to make it happen. So, I created a time block, which I learned from Susie May Warren. Now I write Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-noon. When I’m close to my deadline, I’ll write in the evenings and on weekends in order to submit on time.
How do your faith and your spiritual life play into the stories you tell?
As a Christian, my faith is woven into every area of my life, so I include it in the stories I tell. I believe in holding onto hope and showing God’s love at all times. You never know who is going to read your book and be touched by the truth woven into your story.
Where do your story and character ideas come from?
Everywhere—snippets of songs, something I read in the news, real-life events that have happened to me or someone close to me. I love writing flawed characters who find their own redemption stories.
What is your writing routine? Any quirky habits or must-have snacks?
I don’t really have quirks, but I need to have water to drink. When I’m fast drafting my story, I will dictate my scenes into my Notes app on my phone, then copy and paste that information into Scrivener. I’ll clean it up and format it, then move on to the next scene. On Mondays and Fridays, I do a two-hour writing sprint with Novel Academy members. I love the accountability, community, and encouragement that comes from writing with friends.
If you could only recommend three books to a friend, which three would you choose?
Sons of Thunder by Susan May Warren—amazing storyword, The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck—fantastic spiritual truth, and Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers—tender story of redemption and God’s amazing grace.
When did you know you wanted to be an author?
I was 16 and had just finished reading The Promise by Danielle Steel. I wanted to write stories and create a heart-sigh for my readers.
How did you come up with the idea for Redeeming the Cowboy?
I created the Stone family when I decided to try my hand at writing a “cowboy book.” Bear is the oldest sibling of five. Even though I began the series with Mallory, his fraternal twin, I hinted at Bear’s story in her book. I wanted to write a character who wondered if he was going to be defined by his past mistakes.
What message do you hope readers take away from your story?
I’d love for readers to remember the Lord is our strength and our shield. When we trust in Him, He will guide and direct us, no matter how difficult the seasons we’re experiencing.
What draws you to write Contemporary Romance?
I love a happily ever after. While I admire those who do a lot of research for historical romance, I’ve been drawn to the contemporary time period. I love reading about the characters’ journeys as they learn to trust their hearts again.
What authors have inspired you on your journey to publication?
Susan May Warren and Rachel Hauck have invested in me and helped me through so many stages in my writing career. I’m forever grateful for their friendship and mentorship.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Trust God—He gave you this dream to write for a reason, and He has a plan and a purpose for your life. Allow rejections and challenges to be teachable moments. Learn to write to a deadline, even if it’s self-imposed, so you can find a writing schedule that works for you and your lifestyle.
_____________________
Stephanie Rose Finsterbush is an aspiring author who writes historical romances with humor and heart. Wife and homeschool mom of two, Stephanie blogs about her family, their multiple cross-country moves, and her journey to publication at www.stephanierosefinsterbush.com.
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