Lisa Bradley began writing while attending a local college and being asked to put into words what she thought the Bible meant to her. She wanted to be creative, so she wrote her very first poem. And from there, her writing adventure began. Little did she know that this class assignment would be what would prepare her to deal with what was to come later in life.
Writing for her family and friends, and different events and occasions is where Lisa shared her expressive words, but before it was all over, the reason for writing changed and developed into something more personal. She started writing for others but in the end began writing for herself. Lisa published her first book, Expressions of the Heart, in April, 2016 with the Christian publishing company Pure Thoughts Publishing. As we celebrate National Poetry Month, learn more about this author spotlight and lover of words below.
Fancy: How would you describe your swagher Lisa? What makes Lisa?
Lisa: I would say I’m quiet and reserved but as I get to know a person and become comfortable with them, I open up and talk more. When it comes to promoting and marketing by book, I try to be creative and think outside of the norm. What makes me and keeps me is my faith. I am a strong believer in God and the power of prayer.
Fancy: So tell us about your book, Expressions of the Heart, and what inspired it.Â
Lisa: Expressions of the Heart is a book of inspirational poetry centered on strong faith, unconditional love and unexplainable peace. What inspired me to do this book was the desire to share what God gifted me with to hopefully encourage and uplift others as they deal with the struggles of life. We all go through so much, and sometimes it’s just good to know someone else feels what you feel or have gone through what you’ve gone through and came out of it alright.
Fancy: You’ve stated that initially you were writing for others and then you began to write for yourself. At what point did you make the realization?
Lisa: I realized that my writing transitioned from others to myself when my family was faced with the challenges of depression. My daughter was diagnosed at the age of 13, and there were times when I just couldn’t verbalize my prayers or even sing. So I used my poems as conversations with God and a way to express my heart about God as well as myself. It allowed me release all of those feelings and emotions I had. It was therapeutic, and it helped me so much.
Fancy: Who are some of your favorite poets?
Lisa: I have to be honest and say I don’t have a favorite poet. I am open to all types of poetry.
Fancy: Do you ever write within any other genres?
Lisa: I have not written in any genres other than poetry.
Fancy: What’s one quote you live by?Â
Lisa: One quote I live by is my favorite scripture Proverbs 3:5 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. I am a firm believer that no matter what you’re going through or how it looks, God has it all worked out. Just trust Him and not worry about understanding it or figuring it out. He’s got it.
Fancy: Do you have any upcoming events or projects that you care to share?
Lisa: I do not have any upcoming events at the moment. However, I have completed a word search puzzle book stemming from my poetry book and should be available any day now. I am also working on my first children’s book, which should be available for purchase in April and finally, I am working on my first spoken word cd. I am still in the early stages of the cd. So as of now, I do not have a completion date but hopefully real soon.
Lisa and her husband, Mathis, have been married for 24 years and together they have one daughter, Alisha. Lisa graduated from Central Carolina Technical College, Morris College, and in December, 2016, she received a Masters Degree from Webster University in Educational Technology.
 Follow and connect with Lisa below.
My website is www.lisa-bradley.com and my Facebook pages are Lisa Bradley and @authorlisabradley.
-Fancy
