Lisa Buffaloe is contributing author for The One Year Devotional of Joy and Laughter. Her articles have appeared in Angels on Earth magazine, as well as Guideposts, Rest Ministries, (in)courage.me, and others. She’s an active member of writing organizations and critique groups, leads Bible studies, and speaks to writer and women’s groups. Her manuscripts have placed as finalists in the 2011 Women of Faith and the 2010 ACFW Genesis writing contests, and won awards with other distinguished writing contests.
When did you first consider yourself a writer? Confirmation came with my first paid article sale, however I still feel like I’m wearing writer training wheels.
What inspired you to write? Chronic illness stopped me in my tracks and opened up the writing world.
Who do you consider a mentor? Oh my, so many blessings to name… Frank Ball, Cecil Murphey, Lena Nelson Dooley, DiAnn Mills, my awesome agent, Tamela Hancock Murray, and a host of precious, critique partners.
What does your writing schedule and environment look like? My office has a desk, bookshelves with some of my favorite books (before Kindle), two wing back chairs, and a window seat for our dog to watch the world. (Photo attached.)
Favorite fat-free product? Dark chocolate–if you hold chocolate high into the air, the calories and fat jumps off. (That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!)
What is the hardest part of writing for you? Turning off the distractions and staying focused on writing projects.
What books have best helped your writing? Stein on Writing by Sol Stein, Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maas, and many others.
What does your writing schedule look like (particular word count or total insanity)?I do have a goal to complete one manuscript this month along with blogging and writing articles. Basically my schedule is to get up early, have prayer and quiet time, then work hard until my family needs dinner.
What has life as a writer taught you? Writing is a blessing, but a blessing filled with constant growth and discipline.
Chocolate or vanilla? Dark chocolate (see above), vanilla is for coffee.
What’s been your toughest criticism as an author? My own desire to write in excellence. I have sooooo much to learn!
As a writer, what challenges you? Writing in excellence weaved together with God’s love and truth.
Any particular scriptures that inspire you in your writing? “Then the LORD replied: ‘Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it’” (Habakkuk 2:2 NIV).
What message do you most want to share with the world? God’s love through the saving grace of His Son, Jesus Christ.
How did you make yourself attractive to a publisher/agent? By the time I met Tamela, I had been writing and studying the craft for several years. I had already attended writing conferences, had articles published, a blog site established, one manuscript was complete and several others were started.
How do you deal with rejection? I pull up my boot-straps, work harder, and try again.
What are some of your favorite writing tools? Books on writing, reading other authors for enjoyment and also to learn. Several writing sites are very helpful, Susan May Warren, Rachel Hauck, and Sarah Anne Sumpolec’s, My Book Therapy, Cecil Murphey’s Writer to Writer site, Steve Laube’s blog, Hartline Literary’s blog, and a bevy of other wonderful sites through agents, authors, and publishers.
What are some signs of a promising writer? Someone with a drive and desire to learn whois open to honest feedback and critiques to be the best possible writer.
What top three things would you tell a novice writer? Pray continually. Read to learn. Write and keep writing.
How do you want your writing career to end? I hope and pray any words written will lead others straight to Christ—which is timeless.
Tell us all about you and your books. I’m a contributing author to The One Year book of Joy and Laughter which will release this fall with Tyndale House. Two novels and two novellas are currently being shopped to publishers. Two manuscripts that have won awards or placed as finalists in writing contests are Nadia’s Hope and Prodigal Nights.
