Meet Lisa Harris | Romance novelist writing under the pen name JaLind Rossetti.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lisa Harris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisa, why did you pursue a creative career?
At age 70, I’m excited to pursue my third career–romance novelist! Writing allows me to work at home, on my own schedule, and tap into the creative side of my brain after 40+ years as a Registered Dietitian and 10 years teaching exercise classes for older adults.

I write romance novels for women over 50 who love stories with a happily-ever-after ending, but feel shut out by the publishing industry. My books will give them a voice, allow them to feel seen, and validate their experiences and hopes so they can visualize their own happy ending. I will be writing under the pen name JaLind Rossetti.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a novelist who started my career in my late 60s. I fell in love with romance books decades ago (who doesn’t like a happy ending?). But the older I got, the younger the heroines became. Now most of them are the age of my daughters, or younger. So I started looking for stories with women my own age. I couldn’t find many, and decided to start writing them myself.

In 2018, I had self-published a fitness book. But non-fiction and fiction writing are two completely different animals. So near the end of the pandemic, I began reading books about the craft of writing, watching YouTube videos by prominent romance novelists, and taking online classes and workshops. I have the first draft of my “seasoned” or later-in-life romance completed, and look forward to rewriting in 2024.

Like many writers, I’d love to be traditionally published by one of the major publishing houses. But I am also open to self-publishing, and with a new website, am beginning to build my brand and hope to find other women who would love to read about strong, hopeful heroines who aren’t held back by a few wrinkles.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would pack a picnic lunch and take my friend to the Temecula Valley wine country, a mere 15 minutes from my home. With almost 50 wineries to choose from, we could easily spend days exploring the area. We would start with an early morning hot air balloon ride over the vineyards, ending with breakfast at the award-winning South Coast Winery. A relaxing massage would be next. Then we’d drive further out Rancho California Road and explore other wineries, swinging back to enjoy our picnic lunch at Wilson Creek Winery. The wine region is stunning and surprisingly close to “civilization.”

A trip to Temecula must include the exploration of Old Town. Here there are lots of antique and clothing shops, as well as numerous restaurants, coffee houses and breweries. We could sit outside at Mad Madeleines and enjoy dinner while watching old cars cruise Front Street on warm summer nights. And if you love history you can enjoy buildings and storefronts that harken back to the town’s 19th century past.

One day we would drive west on Rancho California Rd. (opposite the wineries) to enjoy the open spaces there–avocado orchards, lovely villas, horse ranches.

Another place I love is the Painted Earth, just on the other side of the freeway. Here we would choose a piece of pottery to be painted and fired in their kilns. It’s a great place to let your creative side go wild!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wish to shout out my thanks to the support and love of my fellow solo-preneurs at Hera Hub Temecula. (Hera Hub is a female co-working space and business accelerator). These women cheered me on as I completed the first draft of my first romance novel over the past two years. And now I’m working with Hera Hub business coach Darlene Hawley, who is giving me strategies to help boost my confidence and increase my visibility (writing a speech and getting booked, verbiage for and “look” of a new website, social media, Canva, etc.). These women have provided the accountability that has been key for my new career continuing to move forward.

I also wish to thank writing coach John Yearley for his mentorship and my dear friend Lindsay Wagner for her encouragement during my writing journey.

Website: JaLindRossetti.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-harris-author-speaker/

Image Credits
Sarah Dupree