Interview with Lisa Kay Hauser, author of historical fiction

In today’s Storyteller Squad blog, let me introduce you to Lisa Kay Hauser, author of two historical novels (Turn Back Time and Sunshine and Shadow) and one historical YA novel (Secrets of Rebel Cave) set in Kentucky and Tennessee during the 1930s and 1940s. She has also published two children’s books. Lisa coauthored her novels with her father, another author and speaker, Philip Dale Smith. Lisa is a freelance editor working with publishers and marketing professionals she has developed relationships with throughout her writing career. Philip Dale Smith published four children’s books and Every Kid a Winner.

How did your writing career begin, Lisa?

I was a songwriter first. For seven years, I wrote bluegrass gospel music that told stories which I performed in my band. We toured for 30 years in eight states throughout the Midwest and parts of the South.

Through my music, I told some of the same stories my dad used in his national Every Kid a Winner presentations, so he challenged me to write books. I wanted my family to have memories of who their ancestors were. Because he believed I could do it, I did.

Why is research so important?

Details matter. Reviewers, who pick up details that are wrong, will eat you alive. You need to use the correct terminology. So do thorough research. For Secrets, I researched about trains, clothing, house styles, furniture. When you write, you want to put the reader into a dream state. Anything that makes them say huh is a mistake.

I verified facts with relatives who lived then and with the historical societies and visited the library to read old newspaper accounts.

Although I’ve lived around the United States, Kentucky is my home and the home of my relatives. I wrote in the vernacular of Muhlenberg, Kentucky, because I think in the vernacular of that location.

Daddy went to college in Nashville and started exploring caves with my mother. He is credited for discovering that Henshaw Cave and Higgenbotham Cave joined. Later it was renamed Cumberland Caverns, a huge commercial cave people can visit. I started exploring caves when I was three. Wild caving, spelunking in caves not open to the public, is a family affair. My children and grandchildren go wild caving in Tennessee. Blue Spring Cave in Sparta, Tennessee, is the last cave I explored a few years ago. Going beyond the commercialized part where you crawl, climb, repel makes for memorable experiences. Readers who have visited Cumberland Caverns will recognize similarities to Rebel Cave.

Was it tricky blending history with fiction?

While my stories are based on real people in real places, my books are fiction. People have different names. Characters are blends of people. When I based a murder scene on an actual local murder, I changed subtle details to protect people. Although I used my imagination, a woman at a book signing claimed to be one of the orphaned children. We laughed because that scene was not based on anyone.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

To be a better writer, be a voracious reader.

Be hungry and want to write, even when you don’t want to write. Write notes, letters, blogs, articles, short stories, chapters. Just write something every day. It doesn’t have to be brilliant. Words matter and have power. Seeing them in black and white motivates you to write more. Get your thoughts on paper. Stop thinking it’s not good enough! That’s what editing is for.

Flesh out your story and characters. Try to make the dialogue as natural as possible.

Watch your tenses.

Drop your ‘i-n-g’ words. They slow the action every time, and the story loses power.

Stay in one point of view per scene.

Research your setting so it feels real. Be natural.

Create little nuances to differentiate characters. For example, a character could twitch when angry or touch her hair. Sprinkle it in. It doesn’t have to be overdone. Each person has his own characteristics, making him unique and special.

Know your subject and don’t skate over details. Write about what you’re familiar with. If your protagonist is a quilter, you better know something about quilting. You don’t want to be called out by your readers.

Don’t be married to your words. I tended to be married to my words, so I understand, but now that I’m an editor, it drives me nuts. Editors only want to make your story better. Work with them.

You’re a pantser. Did you ever get discouraged in the writing process?

I love the writing process. When things flowed, it was hard to be interrupted. My characters would whisper in my ear as I drove my son to school. I found the stories fun and the writing exciting. I love my characters. I didn’t get discouraged, but I did get tired during the editing process and wanted to be done.

Where can you find Lisa’s books?

Thank you for sharing, Lisa.

I hope you enjoyed visiting with Lisa today. Look for her books on Amazon.

Are you interested in writing historical fiction?