Lisa Flaus Interview

If you enjoyed the science and mythology presented in EFFIGY, chances are you'll love this month's featured book, 2012 THE FINAL REVELATION.  Author Lisa Flaus has agreed to share with us a little about her debut mystery/thriller and her journey as a writer. 


Welcome Lisa!  I love the cover of your book!  Please give us a taste of what's inside!


2012 THE FINAL REVELATION follows two people transformed by a cataclysmic event, their lives intersecting in mystery and tragedy.

When Andrew Cunningham, an American archaeologist, discovers a rare Maya Codex in a tomb near the ruins of Palenque, puzzling details of what will occur on the last day, the fifth and final age, begin to unfold. He begins a journey of discovery, researching the end-times from historical, biblical and scientific perspectives.

While Andrew searches for answers about what this message means to mankind - Kathryn Scott, from New Zealand, is living through the trauma of it.


Can you share a little more about your main characters, Andrew and Kathryn?

Since civilization began, mankind has been fascinated with the “end times”, millions believe, millions don’t.

Andrew Cunningham is a sceptic when it comes to 2012 theories. He is thrown into turmoil when, after discovering a rare codex, he struggles to believe what he uncovers. I believe this makes him ‘real’ and it helps the reader follow alongside him and understand his journey.

Kathryn Scott doesn’t have time to think about 12/21/2012 – she is living through it ;-)


What inspired 2012 THE FINAL REVELATION and the creation of your characters?


When I started my novel, six years ago, the subject of 2012 was still in its infancy.

I started writing about Kathryn Scott from New Zealand. I needed a “unique event” to occur to help complete the story. After months of researching I found my character, Andrew Cunningham. His story was the link I needed.


As I discovered while writing EFFIGY, keeping true to the science behind "2012" requires a lot of research.  Your website also mentions that it took you six years to write and research 2012 THE FINAL REVELATION. 
Yes :-o This is why the novel took a while to write.


What surprised you the most during your research?

What surprised me most was the amount of information out there in the world. I had to filter out fact from fiction and try to be as accurate as I could be, so had to verify as much as possible. I also talked to people in the telecommunications industry and others. Two archaeologists reviewed the book (and were really good with edits too, awesome help! :-).
I made a decision not to read any other books or novels about the subject to ensure I kept my book as original as possible. When I heard a movie, “2012” was being made I worried. But, although a good movie, it did not have any similarity to my story line.


I too was relieved when the movie came out, but also very disappointed in its lack of scientific representation.  What do you hope readers to come away with when they read your book?


I hope the reader will see the courage, strength of human will and the unconquerable power of love as the story unfolds. The book is a combination of genre: thriller, mystery and has an underlying love story.

I also hope the reader comes away with knowing more about 2012, the Maya Civilization and other historical facts. I believe the best books are ones I can’t put down and when I finish reading, have learnt something new from them.


Was there anyone who helped you during the writing process of 2012 THE FINAL REVELATION?

I have an incredible bunch of friends and family around me. They have put up with me going on about this book for nearly six years (gack!). I can’t thank them all enough for their support and encouragement while I have been on this journey. Writing a book isn’t easy but they stuck by me all the way. Some would even drop food off on my doorstep LOL.

I also had some amazing help reviewing my novel. Those people are named in the acknowledgements section because every review comment, edit and encouraging word they gave me helped me live my dream.

Everyone played a part and I really believe this book belongs to them too.


Can you share a little about yourself?
I am from New Zealand. I have lived in London and travelled the world, including France, Germany, Spain, Greece, Australia and the USA. I haven’t had a holiday for a while now so hope I get to travel again soon now my book has been published. I might go to Palenque. I know so much about it now. Mind you… it’s in the rainforest and, like Amy in my novel; I’m not so keen on spiders ;-)


What encouraged you to become a writer?

It was always my dream to write a novel. I love reading and disappearing into the world of an authors imagination. I wanted to write a story myself that swept the reader up on that journey.

I had started other books but I was missing something, originality.

Once I found 2012 THE FINAL REVELATION it obsessed me and I couldn’t put my pen down. I wanted my reader to feel that. When you find that special "story" it drives you. You become passionate about it. That passion reads in your writing voice and the reader hears it.

Are you currently working on anything else?

I am currently working on the sequel to 2012 THE FINAL REVELATION. I have just launched so am taking a few weeks off for promotional purposes then will get back to work. Actually, I might have a little sleep first LOL and do some reading too – there are some great looking books about 2012 out there ;-)


Where can readers go to buy your book?

You can find my novel off Amazon and Kindle.


Do you have a website we can visit?

www.lisaflaus.com

Twitter: author_flaus

U-tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-b-fI8yZB1Y

Facebook (our new 2012 community page): 2012 The Final Revelation


Thank you so much for dropping by, Lisa.  With a story line steeped in archaeology and Mayan mythology, you can be sure my eyes will be covering the pages of 2012 THE FINAL REVELATION!