We were lucky to catch up with Lisa Morton recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lisa, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
As a woman writer who has been selling for over thirty years (mainly in the horror genre), I am frequently asked what one piece of advice I would give to newer women writers, and my answer is this: BE BOLD. As women, we are often reluctant to step forward, to submit our work, to ask editors to read us, or to include anything potentially controversial in our work. Some of my best sales have come because I took the initiative: for example, several decades ago I heard about an editor who was putting together a new anthology of zombie stories. I love zombies, tracked him down at a signing, and asked if he would consider reading a submission from me. He agreed, bought the story, and published it. Not only did that story (“Sparks Fly Upward”) earn more than any other short story I’ve ever published, it led to other work…and now, in 2023, my next book is a coffee table art book called The Art of the Zombie Movie (coming October 1 from Applause Books). None of it would have happened if I hadn’t taken that risk all those years ago. BE BOLD!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Lisa Morton is a screenwriter, author of non-fiction books, and prose writer whose work was described by the American Library Association’s Readers’ Advisory Guide to Horror as “consistently dark, unsettling, and frightening.” She is a six-time winner of the Bram Stoker Award®, the author of four novels and over 150 short stories, and a world-class Halloween and paranormal expert who has appeared in numerous documentaries, podcasts, and radio shows. Her recent releases include the Calling the Spirits: A History of Seances; forthcoming in October 2023 from Applause Books is The Art of the Zombie Movie. Lisa lives in Los Angeles and online at www.lisamorton.com
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Every new writer should consider joining whatever organization exists within their chosen genre, whether it’s HWA (the Horror Writers Association), MWA (the Mystery Writers of America), SFWA (Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association), or whatever. These non-profit organizations exist to help writers at all stages of their careers; most offer mentorship programs, workshops, contract advice, etc. Also, consider volunteering for one of these organizations – not only will you have the satisfaction of helping other writers, you’ll also make new connections that may prove invaluable.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Perseverance! It takes a long time to build any new business, and as much as writing is an art, it must also be viewed as a business if a writer is serious about a writing career. I’ve seen some talented writers walk away when they didn’t get sales in their first year, so be prepared for a lot of rejections and waiting. 
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lisamorton.com/zine/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisamortoninla
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisa.morton.165
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/cinriter
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn45T3zhdFCP7j62g-h_6PQ
- OSubstack: https://lisamorton.substack.com/
Image Credits
Seth Ryan, Ricky Grove, Damien Valentine, Rob Cohen