Inside The Indie Author: A Conversation with Lisa Jacovsky

Have you ever considered writing under a pseudonym, and why or why not?

Actually I did. I thought about using my first and middle name and dropping my last name. but the reason I didn’t is because it is trademarked by a fashion designer. Then I realized I really love my last name and im proud of it. That made me want to use it instead.

What is your “go-to” method for working through or around writer’s block?

A break. I don’t push myself to write. I write when I have inspiration, and if I begin to find myself pushing, I take a break from writing. I love going for walks or the gym to clear my head.

From your perspective, what are the most important elements of good writing?

Allowing the reader to visualize with ease the story. To me, when I read, I see the story as pictures or a movie in my head. If your reader can do that, then you have all the elements of good writing.

What comes first – the location, the plot, or the characters – and why?

For me it's usually the plot. I usually have an idea and summary of what I want the next book to be. Then I build around that. It could be the characters next and then location. Or it could be the location, and then I think about the characters. It depends on the book and the way the plot goes.

What are your least favorite and most favorite things about publishing a book?

Least favorite ;definitely marketing, 😁. It is so much work 😊and it can be hard to find the time to do it. Favorite; definitely holding the book in my hands. There is nothing like receiving your package knowing its your brand new book. I literally walk around with it for a week 😁.

What is a significant way your book changed from the first to the final draft?

Let's talk! 2 (going to the zoo) and Let's talk! 3( learning to bowl) are the two books that changed the most over time. I knew I wanted to do a book about bullying, but I was going to do that in book 3. When I began writing book 2, it was almost totally different, but something didn’t feel right. It just didn’t flow and I had a hard time writing it. Til I decided to do the theme of bullying in that one instead. The story flowed easily then. And then I changed book 3. That started similar to how book 5 will be when it is published ("Let's talk! Learning to Dance," coming 2025). I started with the coach being a bit more of a bully and stand offish until another coach talked to him. But that just didn’t feel right or flow right either. Once I decided to make it more simple and have Harper teach the coach about Emma, it just made more sense. It was easier to write and just felt better. Out of all 11 books, those two were the ones that changed the most from idea to actually writing then publishing them.

What was the inspiration for your most recent book?

My most recent book is "Bones and Friends: The Mystery of the Vanishing Fish." This the sequel to Bones and friends: the mystery of the missing mice toys. The idea for this series is to follow three special needs brothers as they use their special need to solve cute little mysteries. The inspiration was a few kitties I follow on some amazing special needs rescues. I wanted to showcase the beauty I see them and definitely their silliness. The cats I follow are so sweet and silly too, it is something that needs to be shown more about cats in general. But then everyone who sees my books, says to me I didn’t know that cats had special needs, that’s the reason I wrote the series. To bring awareness to these beautiful creatures.

What is a “darling” you’ve killed in a book that you’d like to resurrect in a future book?

Have not killed anyone off yet😉 so far I've only contributed to two anthologies, but a novel of my own? Ya just never know.

Where are your most productive writing spaces, and what elements are important about that space to keep you focused on writing?

I usually write on my computer on my couch. Before I started working from home it would be my dining room table with music on. For some reason music helps me to focus. I still use music sometimes and it helps the creativity to just flow.

If you were to give one of your side characters a novella of their own, who would it be, and why do you think they need their own story?

I think it would be really fun to do a middle grade book with one of the side characters in spooky. They're all animals with powers and how fun would it be to see the shenanigans they get into all year round😉 or maybe they meet even more animals that they get into shenanigans with that have powers, you just never know.

What risks have you taken with your writing that made the book better?

I think writing about autism or diversity is always a risk. I think the biggest one was my happy thoughts: going to the aquarium book. In that book, the main character is Emma who happens to have autism. Because of this she is not able to talk verbally, but if she can't use her mouth, then how can she narrate? 😉

What’s the best monetary investment you’ve ever made with regard to your writing practice?

The magazine articles I have had published about me. Most recently, in the magazine becoming an unstoppable woman by sherises studios. It was such an honor to be written about during women's history month. Also, for the article to say I have a legacy was surreal and a real blessing as well. I have a few other opportunities coming this year that I believe will also be huge for my future.

When you first began writing, what was a common procrastination trap you encountered, and how did you overcome it?

Figuring out how to make the story not so wordy. 😁 I kinda did with my first book though. I've been pleasantly surprised that children not only sit for it anyways, but they are completely engaged the whole time for that book. I have had it pointed out to me and because adults have (not kids😉), I am conscious of how long I make each page when I write now. When I go back and read things over, I try to make edits if I need to so the page won't be so wordy. I won’t sacrifice the story though. I have one or two other books that are a bit wordy for this reason. But you know what, no child has complained😉

What is your writing software of choice, and what is its best feature?

Software would be Microsoft Word. I also have Grammarly installed which helps with any mistakes I make. Its annoying to always have to delete and go back, I'm a total perfectionist when I type so Grammarly helps with that.😁

Do characters’ names come immediately to you? Do you add them in a final draft? Where do you find names, and how do you make a final decision about the names you’ll use?

The one thing I knew when I first started writing was I did not want any family members' names for main characters. But it was important to have those names in for secondary characters. I wanted to honor my family, especially those that have passed. Actually, for my first book I really did not want to put anyone's name in. But I'm very close with my aunt and she asked me to at some point put her name in. I decided to surprise her and make Emma’s mom her name. I just didn’t want anyone to be offended or upset if I put this person's name in as a main character and not this one's. That is why I decided to do it for secondary characters instead. I also decided to start with family members I was close with that have passed as a way to honor them. I have a small family but they are the most supportive, welcoming, open people. It was important to me to honor them through my work. Once I went through everyone that has passed I began with those that are alive. That is the Lets talk! And happy thoughts Series.

For the Cat brothers series both boys are named after two pets that I had growing up as well. To me it is about bringing honor to their memory. For the bones and friends series, those are pets that are also passed.

I have an upcoming series that will begin to be published later this year. That first book and especially that series, is going to be one of the most special to me. Because my two younger cousins were very helpful with it. They chose the names for each character in the Dragon Island: football season book. That is the first in the series and they will do the same for the rest of the books in it when I need help with new characters. I also recently wrote a winter wonderland book and they chose the animals for the characters and their names. I am very proud of the family I have and to involve my younger cousins has been so special to me. They are so talented themselves and the fact they take the time out of their busy day to help me with my books, just means everything to me. I cannot wait for them to see that first book come out. There is much more to how they helped too and they know how they contributed. It will be a very special, emotional moment when it is published. That book is truly for them.

Tell us one of your favorite novels, and why this book is a favorite.

"The Mayfair Witches" by Anne Rice. I have always loved and been fascinated by the supernatural. Anne rice is one of my favorite authors. The way she weaves her tales and paints a picture it just so amazing to me. That book has so much in it and to me it is such an easy read. I had to slow myself down reading it to enjoy it more lol I have read it more than once too.😉

Think of the title of a hugely popular novel. What is one major thing you would change about the book?

"Neverwhere" by Neil Gaiman. The ending. It leaves way too much to the imagination. At least if you're going to end a book that way, have a sequel.

What are you reading right now?

I am reading "Taltos" by Anne Rice. This is the third book in the Mayfair Witches series. It is very good, but I will say I don’t think anything can stand up to the first book in the series. Lasher and Taltos are amazing, but the first book will forever be iconic.

If you could take on the identity of a character in one of your favorite books for twenty-four hours and retain the memory of that experience, which character would you choose? Tell us the title, author, character name, and why you would want to be that character.

"Neverwhere" by Neil Gaiman. Richard Mayhew. I just love the idea of a parallel universe running at the same time as ours. I think its such a brilliant idea that individuals can live alongside us, sometimes enter our world and we never know it. Its filled with such intriguing characters and a world that is not explored enough. I would want to explore it more and come back with that knowledge.

If you could save five books from being destroyed in the apocalypse, what books would you choose, and why?

"Mayfair Witches" by Anne Rice – it is one of my favorites. The story is just so well done and captures your mind and attention so easily. I could read it more than the two times that I already have.
"Neverwhere" by Neil Gaiman – one of my absolute favorites as well. I love the idea behind it, not just a parallel universe. But one that allows the individuals to enter ours and we don’t know it. It inspires such creative thoughts and the story is so well done. I could not live without it.
"Odd Thomas" by dean Koontz – this is such a wonderful series. The idea of a young man that can see ghosts and how he is able to not just live with that, but do good is so interesting.
"Born A Crime" by Trevor Noah - a true story and the only book required by school I actually read. Being a true story it is so much more to it and it is definitely shocking. It can be a culture shock to read. But it is a necessity for others to see how our world used to be and and how it still is in some parts. We have come so far as a world but we still have so far to go. It is written so well and a much needed reminder that human beings, we need to continue to do better.
"Fairy Tale" by Stephen king – I loved the idea of this book. it surprised me so many times. It is more than just a story of a parallel universe, it is a story of how easily evil can take over. A story of strength and perseverance. And then what do you do with that universe once you return home? It is so well written, I read it in a few days. I will definitely read again

Tell us a little something about your current WIP. When do you expect it to be released?

My current work in progress is book 3 in the bones and friends series. It is called "Bones and friends: The Case of the Moving Couch Cushions." So far I have 5 pages done. Just need to figure out how the kitty detectives are going to use their special needs to figure out the mystery of why the couch cushions are always moving. I already know the ending, it is the middle I just need to write. One of my favorite series and I'm so excited for this cute story as well.

What are the titles and genres of each book you’ve written?

Oh gosh all 11? 😁 they are all picture, children's books: