Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Loop
Hi Lisa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m a writer who spent many years trying to find my voice, taking detours and side roads along the way. I attended graduate school for writing at 59, which was terrifying, but ultimately fulfilling. My work now surpasses my wildest dreams, with the publication of articles, poems, and books. It is an honor to interact with readers. I’m so grateful to be able to share my stories.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been far from smooth.
I grew up in a highly scientific family. Both my parents were physicians. While they enjoyed reading, they didn’t see writing as a reliable way to make a living. I tried hard in my early career to do jobs that proved my value, such as in the department of public affairs at a large government science agency (NOAA), then moving into script development in Hollywood. But creative writing was always calling to me. It reached a point when I could no longer ignore it.
The trouble was, I knew how to write press releases and screeplay coverage, but I had never cultivated my creativity. It took years for me to learn enough to set down the stories in my head. I wanted to quit in frustration many times, but eventually I always returned to writing. After workshops, classes, and lots of failure, I became proficient enough to be accepted into an MFA program.
Imposter syndrome came out in force. But it turned out my brain was lying to me. I was good enough. Graduate school provided a chance to hone my skills, a community to share resources with, and most importantly, the confidence I had lacked. The investment has more than paid off.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am first and foremost a storyteller. To me, the most important skill in the world is sharing a journey made of words. I think stories build empathy and prompt connection. They impart hope. We all need that.
I have three published novels available on Amazon. I write literary thrillers under my own name, and Science Fiction under the pen name Thora Wolf. Regardless of genre, my books share the theme of a main character who transcends obstacles all obstacles using their unique powers of perception.
Part of my journey included ten years as a creative coach and screenwriting faculty at a film school. It was a amazing to work with clients and students as they navigated a creative life. I began to notice a pattern in my clients, a series of predictable obstacles I had never seen addressed before. There were books about beginning to do the work, but none about what to do when blocks emerged. Using case studies and exercises that worked for my clients, I put together a self-help book about building a sturdy work habit, called the Creative Loop.
Recently, I have found success publishing essays and poetry in a variety of journals and on my Substack, Moss Graffiti. These forms give me an opportunity to shine a light on the transitory quality of time, and the enduring power of love. I never expected to be a poet, but it turns out to be a perfect means to connect to a certain reader who loves lyricism and language. Essays are more grounded and factual, a way to wrestle with the challenges of current life. Links to work can be found on my website, lisaloop.com
I am most proud of the theme of connection running through my work. My calling is to give people permission to trust their unique voice, just as I slowly learned to trust mine. My stories are about overcoming obstacles to get to a better, more connected place. When readers tell me they resonated with them, I am thrilled, and so glad I didn’t give up.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Like most people, life has thrown me some crazy curve balls, both professional and personal. I wasted a lot of time chasing ego-enhancing careers rather than facing the fear of failure involved in pursuing my dreams.
But the strange thing about loss is that it teaches you how to appreciate what you have.
In my current life, there is so much to be grateful for. Finally being free to do the work I always wanted fills me with joy. Connecting with people through my words feels like winning a major prize. I consider myself extremely lucky.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lisaloop.com
- Instagram: @lisaloopwriter
- Facebook: facebook.com/Lisa Loop
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/Lisa Loop
- Other: linkre.ee/Lisa Loop Writer
Image Credits
Andrew Chapman
