Authors > Lisa McMann > Author Revealed

Lisa McMann
© 2008 by Allison Massie

Lisa McMann

Lisa McMann is the New York Times bestselling author of the WAKE trilogy (Wake, Fade, Gone). She grew up in Michigan and now lives in the Phoenix area with her husband and two kids. Read more about Lisa at www.lisamcmann.com and be her friend on... Read full bio

Author Revealed:
Q. If you could eat only one thing for the rest of your days, what would it be?
A. Absolutely, without a doubt, peanut butter. You've got your carbs, your protein, your fat, your veggies (the pea part, right?)...it's like the entire food pyramid in one ever-loving spoonful.
Learn more about Lisa McMann
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Lisa McMann: A Self Portrait
Lisa McMann Revealed
About Lisa McMann
  • Previous occupations:
    I was a blueberry picker, bindery worker, bookstore clerk and later manager, and a Realtor.
  • Favorite job:
    Writing! And being a mom.
  • High school and/or college:
    I went to Holland Christian High School in Holland, Michigan, and to Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
  • Name of your favorite composer or music artist?:
    My husband, Matt McMann. He proposed to me with a song. Isn't that romantic?
  • Favorite movie:
    Love, Actually
  • Favorite television show:
    The Office
Revealing Questions
Q. How would you describe your life in only 8 words?
A. Another dorky, Pajama-wearing writer, Spilling angst around. (hey look, it’s a haiku!)
Q. What is your motto or maxim?
A. Get over it and ask, "What's next?"
Q. What’s your greatest fear?
A. Zombies. And fire. Zombies on fire would reallly do me in.
Q. If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you choose to be?
A. I would love to go to Greece.
Q. With whom in history do you most identify?
A. Napoleon. (Dynamite...not Bonaparte)
Q. Which living person do you most admire?
A. Two people -- my kids. They are doing a freaking awesome job growing into young adults.
Q. What are your most overused words or phrases?
A. I shout out, "Bring home the baron!" way too often.
Q. What do you regret most?
A. seventh grade
Q. If you could acquire any talent, what would it be?
A. Sometimes, I would like to disappear.
Q. What is your greatest achievement?
A. ambidexterity
Q. What’s your greatest flaw?
A. penmanship
Q. What’s your best quality?
A. I am fairly generous.
Q. What trait is most noticeable about you?
A. I have a big smile...that's probably it.
Q. Who is your favorite fictional hero?
A. Louis, from Harvest Moon Magical Melody. *sigh*
Q. Who is your favorite fictional villain?
A. Some might argue that he doesn't qualify as a villain, but I'd have to go with Severus Snape.
Q. If you could meet any historical character, who would it be and what would you say to him or her?
A. Jesus Christ. I'd say, "Sooo...what WOULD you do, actually?"
Q. What’s your fantasy profession?
A. I would like to deliver flowers.
Q. What 3 personal qualities are most important to you?
A. Promptness, kindness, and a sense of humor.
Q. If you could eat only one thing for the rest of your days, what would it be?
A. Absolutely, without a doubt, peanut butter. You've got your carbs, your protein, your fat, your veggies (the pea part, right?)...it's like the entire food pyramid in one ever-loving spoonful.
On Books and Writing
Q. Who are your favorite authors?
A. This is the hardest question ever! The answer changes all the time, depending on what I'm in the mood for. I love Chris Crutcher, Sara Zarr, Lois Lowry, Elizabeth Scott, Madeleine L'Engle, Gordon Korman, Michelle Magorian, Heather Bouwman.
Q. What are your 5 favorite books of all time?
A. No, THIS is the hardest question ever. But here goes: Little Women The Count of Monte Cristo The Poisonwood Bible East of Eden A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Q. Is there a book you love to reread?
A. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
Q. Do you have one sentence of advice for new writers?
A. Learn how to take criticism and keep writing--it takes a lot of practice.