For this particular book, I would like to target anyone who has suffered at the hand of an abuser and survived, or is trying to heal. I believe Zora can help with that.

Lisa W. Tetting – 2 August 2015

The Back Flap

I realized, watching my aunt and uncle that it’s not the love that hurts; it’s the denial of love…

Zora Langston is nine years old when her father dies, leaving her in the hands of a mother who is anything but loving and siblings who never considered her family. Without her father, she is truly alone. Before the dirt has even settled on his grave, there’s a new man of the house, and he has no interest in being Zora’s father.

Despite her hardships, Zora remains true and allows faith to help free her from this new, horrible life she’s found herself in. She finds solace in her aunt and uncle and, for the first time, starts to discover what it’s like to have a real family. However, just when she thinks she has escaped her tormentors, new abusers emerge, old ones return from hiding and she must find the strength to survive.

About the book

What is the book about?

My book, The Mistreatment of Zora Langston is about a nine year old girl names Zora whose father dies, leaving her with a mom and siblings who hate her. Zora is physically abused by her mom who makes it very evident she was not wanted. Her only solace is in books. Once her mom’s boyfriend is introduced, he begins abusing her sexually until she is saved by her aunt and uncle. The story is one of hope and faith, showing people they can survive their trials and find love and happiness in life.

When did you start writing the book?

I started the book in 2014 and wrapped it up in February 2015.

How long did it take you to write it? I

t took a little over a year to complete.

Where did you get the idea from?

As with most of my ideas, I pull from personal experiences and observations of things that have happened to people around me.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

I struggled with the sexual abuse scenes because I wanted them to be authentic. It was painful to write.

What came easily?

I put a little of myself in the character and that was the easiest portion to write. She is from my hometown; she loves to read and lost her father when she was nine. (My father is still living, but left when I was nine.)

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

Yes, like I said I put a little of me into Zora, my main character. I also included characteristics from people I know in other characters, for example Zora’s brother is obsessed with basketball, just like my brother James. I never based an entire character on a real person; I just borrowed bits and parts.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

I have a few favorite authors, such as Maya Angelou, Edgar Allen Poe and Zora Neale Hurston, but I try to have my own writing style. The main influence they had was showing me it is possible for me to write.

Do you have a target reader?

For this particular book, I would like to target anyone who has suffered at the hand of an abuser and survived, or is trying to heal. I believe Zora can help with that.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I usually write during the day when my mind is fresh. I sometimes have very vivid dreams and they serve as inspiration. I sit in my favorite chair with my laptop and just write.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I tried to use outlines, but I found they end up stifling my creativity. While it is good to organize, my thought process is better when it is not restricted. I do however do character studies before I begin so I know who my characters really are.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I edit as I go and then go back and edit again once I finish.

Did you hire a professional editor? (May skip if being published by a small press rather than self-publishing)

Yes, I hired a professional editor for this project and will do so going forward for all projects. There is always something a writer will miss. No matter how good they are. I believe the writer is too close to the project to be as objective as they need to be.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

No, absolutely not. I would never get a word written if I played music because I secretly want to be a Pop Star and I try to sing every song that plays. It would be a total distraction.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

No, I did not submit my work to agents.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I decided to self publish because I did not want to wait possibly years for my book to come to fruition. I felt the story was important and decided since most unknown writers have to market their books even if they have a contract, I might as well save myself the heart ache of waiting and rejection before finding the right publisher.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

I had my book cover professionally done by a graphic artist I worked with in the past. As much as I would like to have the gift of drawing, it is not something I can do.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

When I first released the book, I thought I had it all figured out, but as time went on, I realized there was so much I did not know. At the moment I am sticking to my original plan, but adding and subtracting as I find what works and what doesn’t

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Believe in your work and stay strong. At first, it may seem like nobody is buying your book, but keep at it. Eventually you will gain readers and it is important to interact with them and build loyalty.

About You

Where did you grow up?

Goldsboro, NC – the setting of my book.

Where do you live now?

Tampa, FL

What would you like readers to know about you?

I love to write and hope my stories will help someone. It makes me happy to know I can be beneficial to others.

What are you working on now?

I am currently working on a collection of “Southern Horror” short stories, a self-help book and a new novel. I also have a very active blog called Rebirth of Lisa.

End of Interview:

For more from Lisa, visit her website, Rebirth of Lisa (her blog), follow her on Twitter, or like her Facebook page.

Get your copy of The Mistreatment of Zora Langston from Amazon US (paper or ebook), Amazon UK (paper or ebook), or Barnes & Noble.