Origjnally published in 2004 as part of the anthology
Cowboy Christmas, Lisa Harris’ novella “Undercover Cowboy” is back in eBook form: Pinkerton detective Cole Ramsey has been hired to investigate a rancher suspected of sabotaging his neighbor’s property. But Cole’s investigation might be compromised when he falls for Abigail Covington, the rancher’s daughter.
WHAT LED YOU TO WRITE “UNDERCOVER COWBOY”?
“Undercover Cowboy,” which is now available for the first time this Christmas as an ebook, was one of my first novellas and is still one of my favorite stories. I couldn’t resist the cowboy, Christmas theme with a strong thread of romance and mystery.
STARTING OUT, WHO WERE THE AUTHORS WHO INSPIRED YOU? WHO INSPIRES YOU NOW?
When I was younger I read every book Victoria Holt wrote and decided I wanted to write gothic romances. While I’ve never had a book published in that genre, her books did inspire me to become an author. Dee Henderson was the author who made me decide to write romantic suspense. Today, I try to read a broad base of books and authors, and the ones that inspire me are those that allow me to turn off my internal editor and just enjoy reading.
HOW DOES YOUR FAITH INFLUENCE YOUR WRITING?
My faith definitely influences my writing. I love sharing stories about ordinary people who are called to do extraordinary things. There are numerous examples in the Bible of men and women who God called to serve Him in an extraordinary way through His power. Gideon was victorious with only three hundred men, a handful of trumpets, jars, and torches. Esther saved her people from the threat of death, David was a shepherd boy who became king of a nation. The fact that God wants to use you and I is amazing.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU KNOWN YOU WANTED TO BE AN AUTHOR?
I always wanted to write, but didn’t seriously pursue being an author until about fifteen years ago. Once I started, though, I couldn’t let it go, so I began learning everything I could about writing, characterization, and storytelling. I’m still learning and growing in the craft today!
WHAT DO YOU MOST HOPE THAT READERS GET FROM READING YOUR WORK?
Like most authors, I want people to be swept away from their ordinary lives and for them to find a story that takes them on a journey where the suspense keeps them on the edge of their seat, the romance tugs at their heart, and in the end, justice is served.
On a more personal level, I want them to never forget that the God who created the universe loves us and wants to be our strength. He came to heal the empty and brokenhearted, and those searching for freedom and hope.