Author Express presents Lisa Montanaro, an Italian American writer with a compelling journey. This episode uncovers the layers of Lisa’s debut novel, "Everything We Thought Was True," involving family secrets and multidimensional characters. Lisa articulates how her personal history, including her role as an employment discrimination lawyer, intertwines with her storytelling. Additionally, she offers a sneak peek into the process behind her authentic character creation, layered with her firsthand experience in diverse communities. Don’t miss out on Lisa’s invaluable advice on overcoming obstacles and utilizing a growth mindset, making this episode a treasure trove for writers and readers alike.

Learn About Lisa Montanaro:

Lisa writes book club fiction featuring complex characters breaking barriers and fighting to truly be themselves despite obstacles in their way—including the time they live in and societal stigmas. At turns heartbreaking and hopeful, her debut novel explores not only the consequences of secrets—even secrets kept out of love—but also the courage it takes to speak the truth, to forgive, and to let go.

Lisa is part no-nonsense Italian American New Yorker and part sunny Californian. She has a unique background as a performer, teacher of deaf students, lawyer, coach, speaker, and author. Lisa's nonfiction book, The Ultimate Life Organizer, was published by Peter Pauper Press. She serves as webinar host for the Women's Fiction Writers Association and is a member of its diversity and inclusion committee. She also serves as co-facilitator of the Retro COLAGE group for adult children of LGBTQ parents. When not writing, Lisa enjoys cycling and hiking with her veterinarian husband, tending to her garden, and chasing after her rescue dogs. Lisa has enjoyed living snow-free since 2012 in Northern California, where she’s made it her mission to sample the wines of the region.

Her blog and newsletter, Prosecco & Prose, are where she shares author updates, writerly musings, book recommendations, and virtual bubbly! Visit her website at www.lisamontanarowrites.com. She also loves connecting with readers, writers, and lovers of creativity on social media, so find her on Instagram at @lisa.montanaro and say ciao!

Support your local bookstore & this podcast by getting your copy of Everything We Thought Was True at Bookshop.org

A little about today's host-

Kristi Leonard is a writer, community builder, and former president of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Since co-hosting on the Author Express Podcast, she has started her own podcast, Pop Culture Plot Lab, where guest authors to turn viral pop culture moments into story sparks and give listeners a peek inside the creative process. Through her writing retreats and volunteer leadership, she’s dedicated to helping other writers find their voice and stay connected to the craft.

A former audiobook narrator, Kristi now spends most of her creative energy on her own fiction and on shaping programs that support women’s voices in publishing. When she isn’t writing or leading, she’s likely hiking Florida trails with her writer-hiker pals or reading with her Golden Retriever, Charlie, at her side. She’s currently at work on her next novel and building the kind of author career she’s long championed for others.

Link to follow me https://linktr.ee/kristileonardwrites

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