Bestselling author Lia Fairchild writes romance and women's fiction. Fans of her books praise her endearing, real characters who become their own heroes.
Fairchild is addicted to the warmth of Southern California and holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and a multiple-subject teaching credential. She is a wife and mother of two.
When and how did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I’ve enjoyed writing from a young age but honestly it was sort of a mid-life crisis that had me trying my hand at writing books. I’d just switched careers and it wasn’t working for me and I needed something to focus on that I felt good about.
Did you have any influencing writers growing up?
Not really. I’ve tried to read a variety of genres and authors, though I mostly write romance and women’s fiction. But the one author, I was really inspired by in terms of they way she writes is Jodi Picoult.
Are any of your characters based on people in real life?
I don’t typically base my characters on people but rather I sometimes give the traits of people I know.
Often the FMC has some of my traits and experiences. I do, however, have one character that is sort of based on someone.
The cover model for Building Bridges is a former soldier (and was injured in the line of duty) and that’s a big aspect in the book.
Where do you draw your book inspirations from?
Everywhere. It could be song lyrics, a TV show, the news. I get ideas all the time. Way more ideas than I have time or energy to write.
Do you use a basic outline when starting a new story or do you let the characters lead the way?
I am sort of a cross between a planner and a pantser. I have a general idea first. Then I live with the characters in my head for awhile before I do any writing.
Typically, I’ll write a chapter or two and then do a rough outline of how I want the rest of the book to go.
When you are picturing the characters in your book, do you have a cheater photo for inspiration?
Sometimes, but not always.
Many people read as a form of escape and relaxation. What is your favorite way to sit back and relax?
I love the sun and feeling the heat of the sun on my skin. So anytime I can do that is relaxing.
Who are your favorite current authors to read?
For romance, I find Madeline Sheehan has such a perfect combination of romance, angst, and story. Again I love Jodi Picoult and I find Gillian Flynn so inspiring and someday would like to write a book similar to her style.
What are your favorite books by others?
For the ones I listed above: Undeniable, My Sister’s Keeper, and Gone Girl.
Do the locations in the stories have any meaning to you?
The only significance is that I try to have settings I either know about or find interesting enough to research.
Do you write in single or multiple POV?
I’ve done it all in writing books for 12 years.
I started in third person for the first book I wrote.
I remember reading Hunger Games and being blown away how much I loved first person present so I started doing that for the most part moving forward.
What do you find to be your best research tool?
Life and Google
Do you write under a pen name? Also, do you write under more than one name?
I have one book I wrote under a pen name, Jayne Matthews.
For fun I wrote a Pride and Prejudice fanfiction called “A Rival for Mr. Darcy.” Sort of like a Bridgett Jones type variation.
What genre do you write and why is this your preference?
I write mostly romance and some women’s fiction. I just love writing about relationships of any kind. Plus there’s tons of great stories that are not considered romances that are made that much better because there is a relationship in the story.
Tell me something about yourself outside of writing. Jobs, accomplishments, family, quirky trait...what led to you being you?
I have been a huge movie fan most of my life. My favorite is comedy. I love to laugh. I feel like I’d be good at writing a comedy (I actually co-wrote a sitcom pilot) but typically when I set out to write a comedy it ends up dark or angsty…with some funny parts in it.
What advice would you give to an aspiring writer?
Not sarcastically, but I always say try not to take author advice too seriously. Too many authors don’t really know why they are successful and/or they think they can give out this formula for success but it mostly doesn’t work that way. There’s too many variables to think otherwise.
How do you deal and process negative book reviews?
I don’t read them anymore. I’m fine with people not connecting with my stories but I don’t want to take a chance and read something where someone just wants to be controversial or mean with their comments so I just steer clear.
What is the most difficult part of your writing process?
I’d say it’s a tie between getting started and staying motivated when you’ve read your words so many times you can’t tell if it’s going to make a good enough story.
What do you need in your writer’s space to keep you focused?
I don’t even have a space. I work all over the place. Sitting, standing, lying on the bed. I also do writing in my head while I walk the dog or take a shower, then I race to my phone and dictate what I thought up.
What is your naughty indulgence as you are writing?
Honestly, don’t think I have one. I guess I’m boring.
If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose? And why?
Probably someone experienced who’s had success so I can talk to them about their journey. As you can tell I don’t get out much anymore.
What is your schedule like when you are writing? Do you have a favorite writing snack or drink?
I don’t need much but sometimes I drink tea or a little wine or bourbon if I need to relax.
Do you listen to music when you write – what kind of music is your favorite?
Sometimes I’ll pull up on Spotify either Adele, for emotional scenes or Maroon 5 for others.
Have pets ever gotten in the way of your writing?
Yes, my dog likes to cuddle and he will smash against my leg so I can’t move. He’s jumped on my laptop a time or too as well.
What is your kryptonite as a writer? What totally puts you off your game?
Thinking about trying to create a better book than I’ve done before. It’s paralyzing to think you always have to up your game.
Have you ever killed off a character that your readers loved?
I don’t like killing characters. In all the stories I’ve written there’s only been 2 or 3. I won’t say which ones.
How do you celebrate after typing THE END?
I think lots of writers will say it’s hard to “celebrate,” because there’s still so much work to do but definitely breathe a sigh of relief.
I hope you enjoyed this interview!
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