Lisa Barr is the author of The Unbreakables (HarperCollins) a delicious, sharp novel about a Chicago woman who jets off to France after her “perfect” marriage collapses, putting the broken pieces of herself back together while rediscovering her own joie de vivre—a lust for life, art, and passion. Artful, feminist, and emotionally gripping, The Unbreakables is a remarkable tribute to a woman’s strength in the face of heartbreak and adversity.
What’s one book that made an impact on you?
The Diary of Anne Frank. It is the reason I became a writer AND kept a diary for nearly 40 years. Her words, her inspiration, her passion, and her bravery moved me not only to write but also to fight for the things and people I love.
Tell us one quirk that most people don’t know about:
I leave pennies everywhere I go so people can pick them up for good luck.
What is the strangest job you’ve ever had?
This is not exactly strange but when I was a senior in high school I worked with the local police to break up a child porn ring. I was used as bait – and we were successful. It was a big moment for me.
What is one of your proudest writing moments?
Following the assassination of the prime minister of Israel Yitzhak Rabin, I interviewed Leah Rabin for Vogue magazine. We spent hours talking together in her home. We cried together. It was a five-page profile and the most meaningful piece I have ever written.
If you could have any fictional character over for dinner, who would it be?
It would have to be Isadora Wing – Erica Jong’s sexually progressive protagonist in Fear of Flying. I snuck that “forbidden” book off my parents’ top shelf when I was ten. And I learned it all: sex, passion, independence, love, lust, rejection, feminism and freedom.
What’s Your Perfect Day?
Early wake-up, coffee (a non-negotiable), writing for 3-4 uninterrupted hours, meeting a close friend for lunch, afternoon yoga followed by a walk on the beach with my dog, dinner with my family (all my kids are home), and capping off the night watching my favorite Netflix binge while drinking wine and cuddling with my hubby.
GIVEAWAY: RETWEET on Twitter, and/or SHARE on Facebook by noon (EST) Friday, September 22, to enter to win one of a copy of THE UNBREAKABLES (US & Canada only). We’ll select and contact the winner on Friday. Good luck!
Lisa Barr is also the author of the award-winning historical thriller,Fugitive Colors, a suspenseful tale of stolen art, love, lust, deception and revenge on the “eve” of WWII. The novel won the IPPY gold medal for “Best Literary Fiction 2014” and first prize at The Hollywood Film Festival (Opus Magnum Discovery Award). In addition, Lisa served as an editor for The Jerusalem Post, managing editor of Today’s Chicago Woman, managing editor of Moment magazine, and as an editor/reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times. Lisa is also the editor and creator of the popular parenting blog GIRLilla Warfare, and has been featured on Good Morning America and Today for her work as an author, journalist and blogger.
Find her on Insta and Twitter @Lisabarr18, or go to her website: www.lisabarr.com
Thanks for stopping by! It has been nice getting to know you Erica Jong would be on my list as well.