6 Questions from the Porch Swing for Lisa Lawmaster Hess

Freepik

Yesterday was a busy day -- so busy, in fact, that this post got neglected. So today, I'm having a seat on my own porch swing. I've finished interviewing my characters (but if I left out someone you'd like to hear from, please leave me a comment and I'll invite him or her to stop by), and so I thought I'd try my hand at my own questions.

Where will we find you when you’re not here on the blog?

Lisa: Teaching, planning to teach, grading papers, writing an article or novel, organizing something or, if I must, doing something to (literally) keep my house in order.

What’s something we’d be surprised to know about you?

Lisa: Friends know this, but readers might find it surprising that I love to tap dance. I'm very rusty, but it was one kind of dancing that I could pick up as an adult without feeling self-conscious. I keep thinking I'll get back to it, but I'm not sure my old feet can take it anymore.

What are your thoughts on children?

Lisa: Pro :-) It's funny, but I was always surprised that I ended up in education, because I was never one of those people who grew up with a natural affinity for kids -- the ones who knew that motherhood and teaching were life goals from the time they were just kids themselves. I developed that affinity over time and over years of having amazing students of all ages, and, of course, after becoming a mother myself. 

What regrets do you have?

Lisa: Not practicing the piano more. I suppose that's easy enough to change, but had I done so sooner, I might be as good at playing the piano as I'd like to be.

Whom do you admire? 

Lisa: My parents. They've been the loves of one another's lives for 56 years, and both of them are  smart and sharp. They taught me to work hard, be strong, kind and respectful and anything I've accomplished I've accomplished because of the foundation -- and soft landing spot -- they gave me. 

Who's your favorite character?
Lisa: That's like asking a parent who her favorite child is! I love all of my characters for different reasons. Except maybe Jim. And Carmella. She's just mean.