Lisa Orchard on multi-tasking

Hello Everyone! I’m Lisa Orchard and I’m the Young Adult Author of The Super Spies series. Lindsay has graciously invited me here today to chat with you about choosing the Writing Life. Thanks Lindsay for allowing me to be here today!

First of all, there are many women who work in corporate America and wear many hats.  Not only are they building their career but they’re also wives and mothers. Just like me. I salute the women who work in the corporate world while being parents at the same time. It definitely is a struggle at times. We all want to put our best efforts in our careers and we all want to be the best parents we can be. J

I chose to pursue my writing while staying at home with my kids. It was important to me to build a good relationship with them. Could I have done that while working in the corporate world? Probably, but I don’t think our relationship would have been as strong and I’m happy I made that choice. But it certainly wasn’t without making some big sacrifices.

The loss of that second income was kind of scary especially in these economic times. However, I knew my job wouldn’t be just nine to five. I was in sales at the time and there were days when I’d work until eight or nine at night. I’d miss out on a lot with my kids. So, my husband and I bit the bullet and bought an economy car instead of the luxury sedan we had our eye on. We didn’t go out to dinner as often and stayed home instead of going to the movies.

Do I regret those choices? No. I’ve got a great relationship with my kids and believe it or not I’m more satisfied with less. J Who would’ve thought?

However, I did miss the hustle and bustle of a job and working toward a goal. So, that’s when I took up my writing again. Now, writing does take a lot of time. Not only did I have to create the product but I also had to promote it and get it out in front of the world.

That’s where writing and the corporate world are different. In an office position you have one role to play and you have to be careful not to step into another person’s territory. In the “Writing Life” you’re like a sole proprietorship. Everything depends on you. J

Another difference is there’s a lot of office politics involved in a career and anyone who’s worked in a large corporation knows what I’m talking about.  For me politics are not fun. J They cause a lot of stress. Stress that I don’t want to bring home to my family.

So, to all those working mothers who have to deal with politics and issues in the office I take my hat off to you. If I had to I’m sure I’d find a way to deal with it too, but right now I want to volunteer in my kids classrooms and go on their field trips. I feel very strongly that being an involved parent is the key to raising happy and healthy kids.  That’s why I’m hoping my books take off and I can continue to be the kind of parent I want to be. J

I’ve got two books out in my Super Spies series and I’m working on the third one. My stories are geared toward the Young Adult Market. However, I’m sure the Upper Middle Grade market would enjoy them too.  Too find out more about my books click here.  http://www.lisaorchard.com/

What I’m trying to achieve with my books is to get teens interested in reading again.  Researchers have found that reading improves not only self-esteem but social skills as well. Check out what the New York Times has to say in their article “Your Brain on Fiction” http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/18/opinion/sunday/the-neuroscience-of-your-brain-on-fiction.html?pagewanted=all

So, if you have a minute check out my books, I’m sure they’d interest a young teen in your life! They’d make great Christmas presents.

This book opens in a small town in Michigan where Sarah and her sister Lacey are now living with their Aunt and Uncle. Still reeling from the fact her parents have disappeared, Sarah starts the school year with her new friend Jackie Jenkins. When Sarah learns the school has been bombed, she’s filled with dread. Uncle Walt is a teacher, and he was in the school when the bomb exploded. Taking matters into her own hands, Sarah decides to search for him. The rest of the Super Spies are right behind her. When a fireman chases them away from the school, Sarah becomes suspicious. She decides to investigate. The FBI arrives on the scene. Sarah realizes this bombing could have even bigger implications. Searching for the bombers, Sarah is introduced to the world of terrorism. She fears that the bombing and her parents’ disappearance are connected and terrorists are involved. To make matters worse, the bombers are determined to finish the job. Can the Super Spies find the bombers before it’s too late?

And if you’ve got some great ideas on how to promote my work I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment and share your wisdom.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post.

You can find me at these Social Media Sites:

Website/Blog:  http://www.lisaorchard.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lisa-Orchard/328536613877060?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lisaorchard1

You can find my books here:

“The Super Spies and the Cat Lady Killer”

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Super-Spies-Lady-Killer-ebook/dp/B007JZH61K

Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-super-spies-and-the-cat-lady-killer-lisa-orchard/1109518725?ean=2940014338202

“The Super Spies and the High School Bomber”

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Super-Spies-School-Bomber-ebook/dp/B008P8O7OY

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-super-spies-and-the-high-school-bomber-lisa-orchard/1112263058?ean=2940014992244

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