ℚ♫ Order of Fear: The Order [1] - Lisa Caviness

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Lisa Caviness to talk about Order of Fear (30 April 2016, Dream Theory Publishing, 367 pages), a Military Romantic Suspense, book one of The Order series.

Marissa Nash, part-time ballet dancer and accountant by day, plans to call off her wedding to her philandering fiancé, instead she finds him dead. Dr. Justin Tanner is the best man who harbors buried feelings for Marissa. As they uncover past secrets, throwing them into a deadly battle with an evil organization, they must also come to grips with their growing feelings threatening to leave them both shattered.

Author Q&A | Synopsis | Teaser | About the Author | Giveaway & Tour Stops

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A very warm welcome to Lisa Caviness; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

To begin Lisa has shared with us her music playlist for Order of Fear - enjoy!

What was the inspiration for Order of Fear?

"The inspiration for my book, Order of Fear originated after watching a documentary on secret societies, such as the Illuminati, Freemasons, and the Knights of Templar.

I made the decision to join National Novel Writing Month challenge (a yearly marathon to write 50,000 words during the month of November).  Several months before the challenge started I was set to write another story, but this idea took hold and I knew I had to write a story placing the protagonists as targets of a covert organization."

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"I love reading about different nuances of history and how events are reflected in the motivations and experiences of the people involved.

Also, my background is in psychiatric nursing, clinical research, and medical policy and the basis of those positions are deeply involved in searching and answering what, when, and how questions to solve a problem.  I drew on all of this to create my characters and develop, what I hope, is an intriguing plot."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for Order of Fear - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"The climax of the story occurs at the villain’s estate near the forests of the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains.  The characters are at a standoff outside the stables. The scenes occurring here are pivotal to each of the characters’ development.

When I gave a synopsis of the book to my cover artist, A.J. Corza, she came back with the current design.  The cover immediately grabbed me and I felt captured the essence of the story."

Why should we read Order of Fear and what sets it apart from the rest?   What makes your book unique?

"Order of Fear is the first in a series of three planned books.  While some of the intricacies of the plot are unique, I think even more than that my book gives readers a distinctive take on a story about overcoming challenges and learning to be comfortable in your own skin.

My hero, Dr. Justin Tanner, was a trauma surgeon at a war hospital in Iraq.  When his unit was attacked he helped save many but lost several of his fellow soldiers in the horrific attack.  He has to battle back from not only his wounds (including PTSD) but also his own demons as he comes to terms with survivor’s guilt.

Marissa Nash, the heroine, grew up groomed by her prima ballerina grandmother to follow in her footsteps.  Marissa loved ballet but decided on a more practical route when she chose a career in accounting.  Even though she enjoys her career as an accountant she continues to be plagued by the “what ifs” and concern she disappointed her grandmother.  As an adult she hates to disappoint others and this plays out in her relationships, but over time she learns not to ignore her needs and standards."

Can you tell us something quirky about Order of Fear, its story and characters?

"Walker Mumfrey is one of the quirkiest characters in the book.  I had a lot of fun coming up with his name.  I wanted him first to be perceived as a nerdy librarian but by the end of the story he is so much more.  He has an insatiable sweet tooth and is always seen wearing graphic T-Shirts.  He has deep secrets and his background is the springboard for the second book in the series, Order of Malice."

Who would you recommend Order of Fear to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys intrigue, along with a little romance.  There is mild language, no detailed sex scenes but there are several murders."

If you could / wished to turn Order of Fear and the The Order series into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"If this book were turned into a movie I’d choose Ryan Reynolds and Eva Mendes to play the hero, Dr. Justin Tanner, and the heroine, Marissa Nash.  Glenn Close would be cast as the villain and leader of the organization, The Order."

Glenn Close - what an excellent actress.  Unfortunately we did not manage to see her in Sunset Boulevard here in London earlier this year :-(

What do you like to write and read about?  Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"I love writing romantic suspense and so far have stuck to that genre but I have a story idea set in the New Adult genre I’d like to explore at some point."

What is your writing process?

"As a newly published writer, I’m still refining my writing process but the following illustrates my current process.

Once I have a story idea, I have to “see” my characters first.  I need to create names, muses, and base personalities in order to move forward with plotting and more detailed character development.

As a suspense writer, I rely heavily on plotting but I do allow for deviations and being able to take the story where it wants to go.  I frequently get new ideas during the actual writing process but I try to plot the story generally using a three act method and by scenes and chapters.

I have research and photo files for almost everything including locations, professions, clothes for special occasions, and any technical or special points I want to include.  For each main character I have a detailed character sketch with general data, specifics about background, likes, dislikes, personality types, and their goals, motivations, and conflicts.

I’ll write a first draft, read the draft, and revise the story.  I also have a notes document to jot ideas and points of revision as I write.

I have a group of beta readers and critique partners who are essential to pointing out plot weaknesses, dialogue snafus, grammar issues, and scenes or points that just don’t work.

After several more revisions, it’s off to the editor.

After more revisions, a couple of read throughs, and a review by a proofreader, it’s done!

At this point I give myself a few more days to tinker then I give myself permission to let the story go forward."

What is in store next?

"This book is part of the Order Series.  I’m at work on the book two, Order of Malice. Marissa and Justin take a diminished role in this book and new (sort of – I don’t want to give that away!) characters emerge.  Reid and Holly find themselves drawn to each other as they are thrown into a deadly game hunting specified artifacts from The Order before time runs out. New secrets emerge and even more intrigue is in store."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?

"I have a toy horse I inherited from my grandmother.

As a child I was drawn to the horse sitting on the top shelf of her curio cabinet.  My grandmother, who received the horse from her aunt, never named the horse so I didn’t either.

Upon my grandmother’s death,  I received the toy.  Although the horse is an inexpensive plastic toy, it holds a very special place in my heart.  Here is a picture of the nameless but beloved toy horse and me."

That's beautiful; thank you for sharing it with us :-)  It reminds me of an old toy I have from my aunt's childhood - a small moveable lion :-)

Order of Fear
Available NOW!

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