Megan Higginson
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Megan Meets
  • Books
  • Resources
  • Art and Illustration
  • Services
  • News and media
    • Articles
  • Contact
  • FAQ's

The Low Down on Lisa G. Author of Rumla: The Circle

27/1/2017

15 Comments

 
Picture
I'd like to welcome the lovely Lisa G. to my blog today. 

Who is Lisa G.?


In a nutshell…
I was born in Melbourne, lived in Beaconsfield Victoria then moved to Tassie at 6 yrs old. 8 years on, my family returned to Melbourne, before relocating to Gippsland, Traralgon as I entered my last year of high school. I have been here since and have no plans to leave other than for lots of holidays. I quite like not moving.

Married for 27 years, there are three cheeky boys in our home – one is my husband, and we all dote over our adorable Cheweenie, Lilly.

I am always thinking, creating and, even if I have no idea how to do it, on to a new project – which sometimes drives my family crazy.
​
I guess, I’m a little gypsy like. Other than writing, I have trouble sticking to one career – there’s just so many choices and too little time.  I want to do it all and usually, in my own stubborn way! Retail, hospitality, banking, finance, managerial, legal, medical and education (Literacy and integration) have my name on them.

Though I enjoyed them all – and for different reasons, I can easily say, other than witnessing that light bulb moment when a child realises they can really do `it’, none have come remotely within coo-ee of the happiness, contentment  and reward writing brings me.
How long have you been writing for? What did you first write? What genre?

Forever!  It started with political poems based on my opinions of justice as a 12 year old. Inparticular, poverty and the lack of compassion in a world that has enough money that everyone can live well.  At 14, I was writing lyrics and rhyme about heartbreak and love. For some time and after my first real boyfriend was killed in a car accident, poems of loss prevailed.

But my first serious foray into writing was with the emergence of rhyming children’s stories which turned everyday situations into magical adventures. That was at 16. The very first story is now the first in a series of five I have written, which I hope to one day publish.

Not until my early twenties did I attempt a novel. ‘Changing Faces’ was unfortunately corrupted by a virus and subsequently lost and I gave up on writing for a while. But being that writing is part of who I am, the moratorium wasn’t to be for long.

Writing took on a whole new meaning with the arrival of my first son. Composing during midnight feedings I fell totally in love with the beauty of night and the escapism of writing. And there spurned the pivotal moment my mind began the constant whirred of ideas, busy with creative projects, submitting editorials to papers (some published) and reigniting my desire and dreams, to not only write a “world class great read” novel but to be respected for my work.  
Picture
 When did you first know that you wanted to be a writer? Describe your light bulb moment?

Sitting under canopy of the large snowball tree at our Booran Road Caulfield home, a skip, hop and jump from ‘The Heath’ (Caulfield Racecourse), I dreamed of writing a novel.  Emerging as I leaned back against the trunk admiring the blossoms, I was scribbling down prose for what was, unknown to me at the time, to be my first ever children’s book.  I was 16. Every chance I had, it occurred to me that I was writing something, anything.

So, it wasn’t so much of a light bulb moment but a realisation that writing and I were synonymous – it felt very natural and words just seemed to come together for me.  Writing was my home… where I felt totally at peace and free.  

The fact that I didn’t think I was worthy or good enough to really pursue writing seriously when I was younger, I regret somewhat. Life would have certainly taken a different path if I had. Though RUMLA may have never happened – so the regret is not deep… RUMLA has given me great joy.

What are your core beliefs around reading and writing?
​

In short, I believe literacy is to life as air is to breath!

I am deeply entrenched that it is non-negotiable that everyone should be supported in developing the skills and literary comprehension to read, and of course, write. In addition to the daily challenges of living, a life without literacy robs our minds of idea’s, imagination and personal growth. 

​Reading and writing are powerful tools. They take us places, actions will never achieve. They propel us forward, drive our ambition and open our eyes. They provide entertainment and fulfillment. At times, they even console us. Literacy elevates everyone’s ability to communicate, to articulate and enriches our well-being, gifting us amazing journeys to share and providing a life beyond what we see.
Órder Rumla: The CircleOrder Rumla: The Circle
Now to your book, Rumla. Where did the idea come from for this book?

Tricky question! Short answer – there was nothing specific. The words just came. RUMLA evolved.

RUMLA’s is however, a culmination of childhood experiences that birthed adult fascinations for the history and mystic of ancient old worlds and an admiration of strong, self assured characters; more specifically,  those who see beauty and freedom of embracing their ‘you-ness’.  These ingredients came together after spontaneous literacy task during a professional development session and much to my surprise, a strange little tale that had both my PD trainer and myself wondering.

Where the idea came from initially, I have no idea other than that the gloomy sky overhead gave me a starting point. It was some 12 months later I actually decided I’d see where this unique little story would go. Continuing on from where I’d left off, the ideas started flowing, the plot developed and the reasons for my motivation, the messages to deliver, defined themselves. Research followed, building depth and RUMLA became a kaleidoscope of purpose.

'A life without literacy robs our minds of idea’s, imagination and personal growth.' Lisa G. 

​Why did you write Rumla?

Originally, RUMLA was just for me.

I believed for the first time, I could maybe write that novel. The desire to make my teenage dreams a reality was strong. I literally thought, it wouldn’t hurt to try. Letting my imagination take me on a journey, there was never originally a higher moral purpose nor a deeper message.

In saying that however, I do love the simplicity of ancient wisdoms and it just happened that while researching Ashanti Twi culture, I literally stumbled across Adinkra; proverbial symbols which set were the original moral compass of ancient life for the Twi people. The ethics of Adinkra perfectly encapsulated the tone I wanted to covey.  Incorporating the African symbolism as chapter headings (and an English translation of the Ashanti Twi name/proverb), Adinkra defines each chapter’s underlying message.

So there are many beautiful subtleties trailing throughout RUMLA and they are very much what makes RUMLA uniquely special and individual to each reader. Being that the messages are a part of the mystery, I will let you unravel them for yourself.  

 
You have a lot of African mythology woven it throughout the story. How long did Rumla take to research and write?

From initial pen on paper to published – 8 years.  Never did I have a self-imposed time line to realise my dream. A working wife and mum with quite a few commitments, writing fitted in very nicely around the goings on of family life. But really, RUMLA was my little escape and I enjoyed so much that part of me dreaded finishing.

With no direction and initially just writing to see where RUMLA would go, researching the historical, mythological and cultural kicked in about 18 months into writing. Investigations from then on never really stopped. This was predominantly because I was intrigued, but also because the ending wasn’t clear until it was almost upon me. So I was always searching, looking to add more depth and credibility to RUMLA– all be it on the pages of google!

What do you hope that people will take away from Rumla?

As they turn the last page of RUMLA, I hope readers have been intrigued, entertained and have felt a part of the adventure as if they were written into the story.

I hope that somewhere along the way, a little something is discovered that resonates, making it personal in a way that is unique to them.
​
In the end, my deepest wish is they get as lost in my imagination and in the world of RUMLA as I.
You love to encourage people and inspire people. What is your favourite life motto?

In my usual style, I am bucking the trend. I have two!
It always seems impossible until it’s done; a dreamer is a winner who never gives up!
In a world where you can be anything, choose to be kind.
 
3 fun facts about yourself:
1. I dance in the shower - every day, every time
2. I always, always, mix up aphorisms i.e. His room is like a pig’s breakfast. Dogs might fly!
3. I can NEVER be trusted with your chocolate - ever!

 Thanks heaps, Lisa, for coming on my blog today. It has been entertaining and enlightening.

For more information on Lisa and her book, visit her website: www.lisagbooks.com
Like her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/LisaGbooks and join the conversation. 
 
You can also find her on:
Instagram: lisagbooks12139862
Twitter: @lisaGbooks
#lisagbooks
Picture
What could she have to do with  African tales of myth and legend, serpents and curses, of royal lines, the armies of rulers past, and a trail of clues hiding secrets of a 
predestined prophecy?  Absolutely everything! 
Though she does not know, there are others that do.  A sequence of exceptional events, see her desire to escape the boring grind of Rumlalian life granted with the adventure of her dreams.  Though  fearing where it may lead, an insatiable appetite to know all propels her deeper into the mystery  in search of the secrets. 
Before long, she comes to realise there was never a choice for her and that Rumla, protected by a complicated series of connections, was far from ordinary. 

If you like this post, feel free to like and share...

15 Comments
Danielle King
2/2/2017 02:12:15 pm

Best, most intriguing book I have read in ages. A must buy!

Reply
Megan Higginson
2/2/2017 04:26:05 pm

Hi Danielle. Thanks for stopping by my blog and checking out my interview with Lisa. I'm so glad that you enjoyed her book. ?

Reply
Lisa.G. link
2/2/2017 04:32:59 pm

That is awesome Danielle, so very excited that you loved RUMLA. Thank you.

Reply
Jack Scott
2/2/2017 07:19:22 pm

This is an awesome book and I've only just scratched the surface can't wait to get deeper into it and find out what happens! Definitely a good buy

Reply
Lisa .G. link
3/2/2017 10:31:56 pm

Love hearing your enjoying RUMLA Jack! 😊

Reply
Megan Higginson link
3/2/2017 07:21:05 pm

Thanks so much for checking out my interview with Lisa, Jack. Rumla is an intriguing read.

Reply
Jodi Shields
3/2/2017 09:07:17 pm

Rumla is a wonderful, enchanting story that will keep you enthralled, definitely a must read !! I loved it, looking forward to the next installment Lisa G (hint hint)

Reply
Lisa.G. link
3/2/2017 10:36:00 pm

Thanks heaps Jodi! I actually...shhhhhh.... just quietly ...have been working on a sequel. But keep that a secret. 😉

Reply
Megan Higginson link
3/2/2017 10:09:06 pm

Hi Jodi. That fantastic that you enjoyed Rumla so much. I hear that Lisa has started on the sequel.

Reply
Tania S.
4/2/2017 09:52:45 am

Lisa G brings Rumla to life with an intimate small town feel set amongst the exotic and fascinating culture of Africa. Beautifully descriptive words make it easy to get lost in a place of secrets, mysteries and magical forces. With real and relatable characters, I can see people of all ages enjoying this book.

Reply
Megan Higginson link
4/2/2017 09:56:29 am

Hi Tania. It is marvelous that you enjoyed Rumla so much.

Reply
Lisa.G. link
4/2/2017 02:48:51 pm

So totally over the moon that you fell in love with RUMLA as much as I. Thank you Tania. You've made me one happy camper! 😊

Reply
Kylie Larkin
8/2/2017 12:03:29 pm

Loved it..!! You know a good book is one you can't stop thinking about... you can't wait to get back to it, find out what happens next. This is it..!! Great read.

Reply
Megan Higginson link
8/2/2017 12:17:52 pm

Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a review of Rumla, Kylie. That's fabulous that you have enjoyed it so much.

Reply
Lisa.G. link
8/2/2017 04:12:09 pm

Yay and thank you! Means so much to see that you dropped by and, to hear you share my addiction! Totally elated you loved RUMLA.😊 💖📚 Thank you.

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Subscribe to our mailing list

    * indicates required
    Email Format
    Picture

    Author

    On my blog you will find:

    I'm passionate about helping people overcome their fears and live courageously. 

    I love to share as I learn.

    I have dyslexia.

    I share what it is like living with a chronic illness, Fibromyalgia, and learning to live in the moment and enjoy my life.

    There are writing tips from my Writers' Group, Dribbles and Scribbles,  as well as short stories that my friends and I have written.

    I am a qualified Youth Worker and Education Support Worker. I am a  Member of the Australian Society of Authors.

    The content  on this blog is information  only and the author is not liable for what you, the reader, do (or not do) with that information. 

    Categories

    All
    Aspergers
    Author Interviews
    Authors
    Author Vist
    Books
    Book Store
    Bullying
    Childhood Fears
    Competition
    Dyslexia
    Fibromyalgia
    Fun Facts
    Goal Setting
    Guest Blogger
    Illustration
    Illustrator Interviews
    Illustrator Visit
    Inspiration
    Interview
    KidLitVic2017
    Mood
    Overcoming Fear
    Raymund And The Fear Monster
    Reading
    Reviews
    School Visit
    Stories
    Successes
    The Beginning
    Writer's Conference
    Writing

    RSS Feed

    Click to set custom HTML
Copyright by Megan Higginson © 2015-2019
By using this site, you agree that you will not modify, copy, reproduce, sell, or distribute any content in any manner or medium without permission from the author. 

The content  on this website and blog is information  only and the author is not liable for what you, the reader, do (or not do) with that information. ​
Photos used under Creative Commons from symphony of love, www.tOrange.biz, sedenny, twm1340, Niclas Rhein, johnthoward1961, mtch3l, symphony of love, Dr.Deer, Steven Pisano, Benson Kua, Mr Moss, Cast a Line, Steve Rhodes, Skley, jodastephen, C. VanHook (vanhookc), stasialbean, Oz Nature Shots, anyjdoe13, szeke, symphony of love, gareththomasphotography, Tommie Hansen, Bibliothèque - Les Champs Libres - Rennes, Maria Eklind, Diana Boucino, Mr.Sai, juliejordanscott, University of the Fraser Valley, mtneer_man, xhairaqharen18, symphony of love, orca_bc, amseaman, Neil Rickards, oatsy40, JD Hancock, mtneer_man
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Megan Meets
  • Books
  • Resources
  • Art and Illustration
  • Services
  • News and media
    • Articles
  • Contact
  • FAQ's