Author Confessions: Lisa Barr
Her new book, writing sex scenes and the publishing moment that brought her to tears.
If I had to use one word to define a Lisa Barr novel, it would be: powerful. Which is how I would also describe the author herself. A former editor for The Jeureselem Post and reporter for The Chicago Sun-Times, Lisa is outspoken and smart, a true badass that gets stuff done. No surprise that she’s on her fourth book! A self-proclaimed “research geek,” Lisa’s novels combine her love of reporting and history, and she parlays it all into ultra-readable fiction.
Her last book, Woman on Fire, hit The New York Times Bestseller list in 2022 when it came out, and she toured for nearly TWO YEARS. Lisa’s latest novel, The Goddess of Warsaw, came out on Tuesday, and it’s one of those books that gets its hooks into you.
Think: A dual timeline page-turner filled with family secrets. The Goddess of Warsaw centers on a legendary Hollywood screen goddess carrying a dark secret from her time in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. Someone from her past threatens to unearth her hidden history, and the actress puts her skills into play to protect herself, her illustrious career, and those she loves, then and now.
To me, this is one of those great Kate Quinn books like The Alice Network, where you’re learning about WWII the entire time you’re engrossed in fab characters. Welcome, Lisa Barr!
Let’s start at the beginning. Where did you get the idea for The Goddess of Warsaw?
As the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, I have always been fascinated by the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, considered one of the most important Jewish revolts during WWII. I knew it would be my next historical thriller.
I also weave art into all my books. This time, the story would be told through the fierce voice of an actress (two timelines: Warsaw 1943 and Hollywood, present day). This actress would utilize her skills to help her survive the war. And later, when she rises to become the Hollywood legend Lena Browning (born: Bina Blonski) -- the reader understands that her war never ends.
There is a lot of history embedded in this book. My goal was to showcase one of the darkest chapters of WWII history with a Hollywood twist. Lena is my favorite character that I’ve written – she’s brilliant, bold, sassy, and unapologetic. Badass -- my kinda girl.
You've written four novels. How is this one different? What made it easier or harder than your other novels?
All four of my books are inspired by actual historical news events. This novel literally flew out of me. I was determined to write a propulsive historical thriller with all the elements that I love to write and read: history, suspense, revenge, art, passion, resilience, and of course, strong fiery women.
I was also intent on exploring the fine line between the pursuit of justice and the hunt for revenge. I loved writing this book and I dreamed of the characters and plot twists. I wouldn’t say GODDESS was easier to write than my other books – lotsa research etc., but I will say it is definitely the book I was meant to write.
Tell us about your research process. What was the single most fascinating historical tidbit you uncovered?
As a former journalist (pre-novelist days), my method of madness has always been the same. I’m a very disciplined research geek and a bit anal-retentive when it comes to my work and research. I don’t move on until my fact-checking process is complete. I also give each of my characters an extensive background “dossier” (I know their scents and fetishes) before I even put pen to paper.
If you happen to see my kitchen and dining room tables in the early part of my writing process – they are covered top to bottom with notecards, timelines, colorful sticky notes. Old School as I plot away. This craziness goes on for a few weeks. Drives my family batty. LOL! Then, I clear it away (with all pertinent details embedded in my head) and jump in and let the characters do all the hard labor. I just join them for the adventure.
I absolutely LOVE that. As writers, we all have parts of our books that we feel like we really nailed. Do you have a part in The Goddess of Warsaw that you feel like: Hot damn. I’m proud.
I don’t want to give away any spoilers. But I think the chapters depicting the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising itself are very powerful, and especially the scene in which our fearless protagonist loses everyone she loves due to her own actions and must survive. It is gut-wrenching and every time I read it – I think damn, this pulsates.
Also, not to brag, but I happen to write strong sex scenes (cue: my daughters slapping their foreheads, rolling their eyes -- hahaha). There is one particular sex scene in the book that needed to "last" our protagonist a lifetime, and I think I accomplished my goal.
Can you share your greatest moment in publishing? And your lowest?
The greatest moment in publishing was the night my historical thriller Woman on Fire became a New York Times bestseller. My editor called. My agent called. But the moment my husband walked in the door and I told him, we both broke down together. It was a huge, beautiful moment.
The lowest was when my first novel won the Hollywood Film Festival first prize for best new manuscript, and instead of accepting it, I was in court the same day getting divorced.
If you could relive one day in your life, publishing or not, what would it be? Why? It would be the moment I married my husband, David. I got it right the second time. We are a blended family and we all walked down the aisle together twenty years ago – two families joining. Me, my husband, and our three little girls, then eight years old and under. It was a perfect day. Lots of love, joy, unity, laughter, and new beginnings.
Lastly, name the novel that made you want to write historical fiction. Why that book?
It's a tie: Catch-22 by Joseph Heller and The Chosen by Chairm Potok. I connected deeply to these stories. I loved the history, depth, and the characters. As far as suspense goes, nothing has influenced me more than Nancy Drew. A strong journalist, fiery personality, stubborn, smart, and the greatest series ever written. I had every single book growing up, and I now have vintage copies on my shelf. I treasure them.