Lissa Larer has always been a daydreamer. Born and raised in Vancouver, Washington, as a little girl she dreamed of being either a writer, rock star or actress and was always putting on shows for family, many times rounding up friends to be part of her ‘production.’
The writing bug bit when Lissa was 10 when she and a friend started a little newspaper from her grandparent’s family room. Loving the arts, in high school Lissa studied drama for 3 years and creative writing. It was also during that time she wrote continuous fanfiction stories for the amusement of her friends. Shortly after college where Lissa majored in journalism and psychology, she pursued her dream of writing, and --in 2000, she began Lady Belle Outlaw's Hideout filled with her research on outlaws and lawmen. Her award-winning Web-site has since had over 3.5 million visitors and is used in schools and universities world-wide. Also in 2000, she founded Western Romance Writers Group.
But her love of the Old West is only the beginning. A true Scorpio and rocker girl, Lissa grew up around the music scene meeting numerous rock stars and she also spent a few years working as a model. Also under her belt are nail artist, acting, Kindergarten teacher, and customer service. Yes, all these experiences can be found in her books.
So why western historical romance? Well, it just seemed natural. One of Lissa's favorite things about writing is the research. For her, it's like traveling back in time and getting a glimpse of life in the 19th century, hence why she enjoys imagining life of those long ago days. The Old West is her favorite era and she has always been fascinated with this wild era. Lissa grew up sledding in the winter, climbing trees, experiencing the arts, and traveling the USA and Canada during summers with her grandparents. But Lissa love's everything about it, and thinks she was born in the wrong century! OK, so she does enjoy some modern things, like cell phones, texting and take-out Chinese...
Living in the Northwest, Lissa loves using Oregon for the backdrop of her western historical romance novels, as this lovely state truly is filled with so many beautiful, charming and romantic places. Whether it's about lawmen, cowboys, outlaws, or the dashing rogue sweeping the heroine off her feet, each time it's an adventure. She writes the kind of books she would love to read.
Lissa has learned in life that no one is perfect. Her personal philosophy: 'We live and we learn, so be courageous...you never know what life has in store for you!!' This work in progress believes in karma. She also believes in fate. She shops too much. She's a people person. Loves decorating, going to rock concerts, traveling, downtown Portland late at night, fine art, French words, French decor, yoga and pilates, a damn good bloody Mary, authentic Mexican food, photography, the beach, gardening, hiking, reading and hanging out with friends and family. At home, Lissa has two beautiful kiddies, Cassidy and Brandon, and a 'poser' cat named Sugar, his territorial brother named Spice and a Pomeranian puppy named Foxy. Check out her scrapbook -- with Lissa's favorite home front pictures and vacations. Read her blog -- the crazy life of a writer.
