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Q&A With Liz Fenton & Lisa Steinke

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 Today is the first time I’m doing a Q&A with two female co-authors instead of one author. The authors I have the pleasure of doing a Q&A with is Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke. Both Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke have co-authored seven novels and their eight novel comes out in 2023 titled, “Forever Hold Your Peace”.  These lovely ladies have a podcast called We Fight So You Don’t Have To, and they have their Liz and Lisa Book Club on Fox San Diego. That’s quite impressive. 

 

Q: So when did the two of you realize that writing was your calling?

 

A: We met in high school and bonded over our love of reading. It was while we attended college together that we discussed the idea of writing a book. But we graduated and life happened and it was ten years later that we finally began to collaborate. The rest is history!

 

Q: What is your advice for those who feel they are called to write like you two are? What is your advice to those who struggle with writers block?

 

A: The publishing industry is tough. And very different from the art of writing. It’s important to write what you love, not what’s trending. And understand that editing and feedback is incredibly important and a huge part of bringing any book to market, so being part of a critique group can be very helpful. Most importantly, remember that taste is subjective, so keep writing!

 

Q: On Instagram, you posted that your eighth novel, “Forever Hold Your Peace,” is described as “Father of the Bride, meets Bride Wars. I love both of those movies so I know I will enjoy this novel. Can you spoil a little bit about this novel and how both of those movies inspired this novel? 

 

A: When June and Amy’s newly engaged kids ask all four divorced parents to meet each other over brunch, everyone RSVPs yes–secretly hoping someone at the table will get to the bottom of the bottomless mimosas fast enough to say what they’re all thinking: that this engagement, coming after a whirlwind romance between two people barely out of college, is too much too soon.

 

But at that brunch it’s not the impulsive couple’s decisions that end up under the microscope, as it turns out June, mother of the bride, and Amy, mother of the groom, certainly do know each other–they’re ex-best-friends who haven’t spoken since their explosive falling out more than twenty-five years ago. Reeling from their unwanted reunion and eager to shift the spotlight off their past as decades-old secrets and rivalries come to light, the two moms battle it out for the prize of Most Enthusiastic About This Wedding.

 

But when their history—and their present-day shenanigans—threaten to crack the foundations of the happy couple’s future, June and Amy find themselves becoming unexpected allies in an all-hands-on-deck effort to get their kids (and themselves) a happily-ever-after two generations in the making.

 

When we were brainstorming this novel—we knew we wanted to incorporate a Father of the Bride/Bride wars angle. While on the phone with our agent, Holly Root, we took that nugget and came up with the premise for Forever Hold Your Peace!

 

Q: What advice do you give to anyone who wants to have someone, whether a family member or a friend co-author a novel together? 

 

A: That’s a loaded question! Writing with someone else is challenging. But also so much fun! We’ve had to learn most of our lessons by making mistakes throughout the years-by fighting and making up and by striving to learn from them and be better. So trust us when we say this: Trust, patience and empathy are vital!

 

Q: How does the co-author process work? Does someone write one chapter and then the other person writes the other chapter? 

 

A: Exactly! We trade off chapters. Lisa will write one, Liz will edit it, and then Liz will write the next one. We outline broadly, and then 3-4 chapters at a time to keep things organic. 


Q: How do you two juggle being authors, as well as having a podcast and a book club on Fox San Diego? I think it’s all very impressive

 

A: Thank you! We tend to take on roles in our partnership, which helps a lot! For example, Lisa handles all our podcast tech and newsletter and Liz makes all of our graphics. By dividing up the work, it feels a little easier.

 

Q: What is your advice to anyone wanting to have a podcast?

 

A: It feels like everyone has one! Ha. But because it’s a crowded market, make sure you’re bringing something fresh. For us, we talk about publishing in a way that hasn’t been done and discuss topics that have been taboo for far too long. So figure out what your niche is, and go for it!

 

Q: On your podcast do you talk about books and do Q&A’s with authors? Is your podcast on Spotify and Itunes? 

 

A: Sometimes! We pretty much talk about everything, from friendship to parenting to the business of publishing to pop culture! And yes, it’s available anywhere you listen to podcasts.

 

Q: Are you two writing a new novel now? If so, can you spoil it a little bit about  it?

 

A: We aren’t currently writing. We’ve got some other projects in the works we’re excited about, and can’t wait to share!

 

Q: Does Hollywood have the rights to any of your novels? 

 

A: Yes. The Year We Turned Forty is in development at CBS All Access and two amazing screenwriters have adapted The Status of All Things and we’re hoping some exciting things happen with it soon!