Meet author Lisa E. Betz
Susan loves connecting with fellow authors, so let’s chat!
Lisa E. Betz is an engineer-turned-mystery-writer, entertaining speaker, and speaking coach. She inspires others to become their best selves, living with authenticity, and purpose, and she infuses her novels with quirky characters who thrive on solving tricky problems. Her latest Livia Aemilia Mystery, set in first-century Rome, was a silver medalist in the Illumination Book Awards for mystery. Lisa directs church dramas, hikes the beautiful Pennsylvania woods, eats too much chocolate, and spoils her grandchildren.
Tell us about your newest book.
What would compel a girl to set foot in the house of Rome’s most devious and vindictive senator?
How about murder? When the wife of Senator Gracchus is found dead under suspicious circumstances, Livia Aemilia agrees to help solve the crime. Yes, it’s a big risk, but it’ll be worth it if she can prove Gracchus poisoned his wife. Because if he’s a murderer, Livia and her husband Avitus would finally be rid of Gracchus and his nefarious schemes to ruin them. With justice on their side and God guiding their plans, what could go wrong? The more Livia digs, the more it looks like Gracchus is guilty of poisoning his wife. Until the next victim dies, and everything she thought she knew is turned upside down.
What inspired you to write your story?
The inspiration for this novel came from two things: a villain from my previous novel, Fountains and Secrets combined with Avitus’s faith journey. An Ode to Poison begins with Avitus’s long-time enemy, Gracchus, threatening to destroy Avitus, Livia and their entire household. As the book progresses, I created a situation where Avitus is forced to choose between retribution and granting mercy to his enemy. He is not yet a follower of Jesus and his command to love one’s enemies. Can Livia convince her husband to extend mercy, or will he refuse?
What genre do you focus on.
I have always enjoyed reading historical fiction. What better way to learn about life long ago than through the pages of a great story? I also enjoy mysteries with their clever clues and twisty plots. I prefer historical mysteries, which usually feature amateur sleuths who figure things out with common sense and a bit of clever sleuthing. So eventually I decided to write the kind of book I love to read. I set my novels in first-century Rome because it’s a period I’ve been fascinated with for a long time. This is the world of Jesus and the early church. It’s fascinating to imagine what life might have been like for a Roman living in this era and learning about Christ.
Why do you write?
I have always loved stories—reading them, making them up, or acting them out. Writing honors the creative gifts God put in my soul. And since Story is a powerful way to challenge people’s thinking, writing fiction is one way I spread the truth to those who need it.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
My main character is a spunky young woman named Livia Aemilia. She’s a confident person who makes things happen and isn’t afraid to try something she’s never done before, such as solving a murder. In my first novel, Livia feels compelled to find her father’s killer to protect her innocent brother from being blamed for the crime. She succeeds in doing so, and in the process discovers she and her trusty maid Roxana very much enjoy the challenge (much to certain other characters’ dismay). I try to use authentic names for my characters, but many Greek and Roman names are long and intimidating to modern readers. I try to avoid hard-to-read names such as Pherenike, Vopiscus, or Caecilia. Thus, I chose the name Livia because it’s short and readable, yet not a typical modern name.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I’m usually most productive in the mornings, from 7 am to 1 pm. I try to schedule writing early in the day and other activities after lunch. I also have to juggle writing time with my coaching client meetings.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
All the things authors need to do other than working on their novels. Working on (or fretting about) blog posts, newsletters, social media, marketing, pitching to podcasts, updating websites, etc. etc. etc. can take up far too much time if I’m not careful.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
The joy of creating. It’s a wonderful feeling to get absorbed in a writing project and then feel a sense of accomplishment and victory when the final product turns out well. Also, there’s nothing like getting feedback from readers on how your words and ideas impacted them.
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
I also blog and speak about living intentionally—standing firm in our identity in Christ instead of conforming to the world, living with purpose and faith, and rejoicing in our uniqueness.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I have been blessed over the years by many writers who have taken time to mentor and encourage me, whether it was a 15-minute meeting at a conference or years of interacting at a writer’s group. They helped me develop my writing skills and my confidence. Now I am happy to give back by mentoring and encouraging other writers. I love teaching writing workshops and working one-on-one with writers.
What is your favorite pastime?
I enjoy cooking and baking, and I love spending time with my grandchildren. I especially love combining the two, happily making cookies or pancakes together. What’s a little mess in the kitchen when you get to share your joy with those you love (and have something yummy to show for it)?
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
The first two books in the Livia Aemilia series are:
Death and a Crocodile—in which Livia’s father is murdered and she must find the culprit to prove her brother is innocent.
Fountains and Secrets—in which the newly married Livia investigates a crime behind her husband’s back only to discover it might ruin her marriage—or it could end her life.
What are you working on now?
The next Livia Aemilia Mystery. My working title is The Topaz Mystery
Website: https://lisaebetz.com/
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/Ode-Poison-Livia-Aemilia-Mystery/dp/B0DDBKSSDG
Social media links: https://www.facebook.com/LisaEBetzWriter
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