#88: From Engineer to Mystery Novel Writer

  Lisa E. Betz never intended to become a writer. She followed her love of math and science to a degree in mechanical engineering and a job at an aluminum manufacturing plant. (She knows the real reason aluminum foil is shiny on one side and dull on the other.) After six years in the industry, parenthood led her to change jobs and become a high school substitute, which led to an opportunity to direct a high school play. Lisa’s directorial debut was a success, leading to a dozen more plays, everything from Shakespeare to Oscar Wilde, plus one pun-filled melodrama she wrote herself. Looking back, Lisa can see how her unconventional path to authordom prepared her to create her quirky, unusual mysteries. Her years leading Bible studies gave her a deep understanding and appreciation for the first-century setting of her books. Her analytical, engineering mind helped her create complex, clever mystery plots. And her years directing high school plays. It gave her a deeper understanding of how to develop complex, lovable, sometimes snarky characters. In addition to writing novels, Lisa speaks and blogs about living with authenticity and purpose. She also experiments with ancient Roman recipes, eats too much chocolate, and enjoys long walks in the woods. She and her husband live on a beautiful, wooded hillside on the outskirts of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with their rambunctious cat, Scallywag, who is the inspiration for Nemesis, the mischief-making cat who stalks the pages of the Livia Aemilia Mysteries. Let’s hear her!   [00:02 - 08:40] Lisa Bets: From Engineer to Mystery Novel Writer  Lisa Betz is an engineer turned mystery writer She started taking correspondence courses on writing to fill the void in her life. Lisa became a substitute teacher leading to her role as a school play director. She couldn’t find a script for her school play she decided to write one. When her children were growing up, she mainly volunteered for everything and got paid for it. It gave her an idea and inspiration that she could write for other people.  With Her Bible Study and History background, she wrote a strong female character that revolves around her time. Getting published is just the first step; you have to market your book. It's not easy to become a successful author, and you have to change your mindset from someone who dabbles in writing to someone who takes writing seriously. [08:41 - 17:40 How to Live an Authentically Good Life Lisa points out that being challenged and learning is good for the brain. there are wonderful resources out there for whatever it is you want to learn living authentically means living according to your core values pursuing your God given purpose is more important than pleasing others Lisa shares her blog Live Intentionally  We are keeping our brains young by doing things we love with more freedom we have as boomers. Sharing your talents with others is an important part of being authentic. Laughing releases hormones that hel