About Lisa
The short version…
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Lisa is the author of seven novels for adults and young adults as well as a radio play, plus many short stories and articles. Her novels have been called ‘Funny, charming and thoughtful’ (The Sydney Morning Herald), ‘An action-packed joyride’ (The Big Issue), and ‘Spiced with quirky humour’ (Herald Sun). ‘The Girl with the Gold Bikini’ was shortlisted in the 2022 Davitt Awards for Best Debut and Best Young Adult Novel. Her novels have been published in Australia, US, UK and Canada and she has a PhD in creative writing.
The longer version…
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I was born in Holland, spent my childhood in Fiji and my teenage years in Brisbane. I studied zoology at university in the hope of becoming a park ranger but instead became a barmaid on the Barrier Reef then a wilderness guide in the Snowy Mountains. I moved on to work in environmental communication and eventually became a park ranger!
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Back in the distant past, I started writing. Four practice novels later, my manuscript was selected for the Varuna HarperCollins Program. This book, ‘Liar Bird’ (about a park ranger, but totally non-autobiographical of course) was published by HarperCollins in 2012.
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Since then, I have gone on to publish three more adult novels - ‘Sex, Lies and Bonsai’ (HarperCollins) ‘Arkie’s Pilgrimage to the Next Big Thing’ (Penguin Random House), and ‘Melt’ (Lacuna).​ My first Young Adult novel was 'Paris Syndrome' (HarperCollins), followed by 'The Girl with the Gold Bikini' and 'Trouble is My Business' (Wakefield Press).
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I live on the beautiful north coast of New South Wales where I am lucky enough to write full-time. When I’m not writing, I will usually be found surfing or exploring wild places.
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Fun fact...
I once startled my son by appearing on a billboard as he was going past in a train. Big Mother is watching you!
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