History often remembers kings, queens, and famous battles—but what about the women whose stories were never written down? That question lies at the heart of Uprising, Jennifer Rizzo’s captivating debut novel. Set during the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381, the story follows Blanche Fitzjohn, a healer with second sight whose intelligence, resilience, and quiet determination place…
When most people think of colonial America, they picture British soldiers marching in bright red uniforms. The image is so iconic that we still call them “Redcoats” more than 250 years later. But have you ever wondered why Britain’s soldiers wore red in the first place? The answer might surprise you (or gross you out…
America Is Turning 250 In 2026, America celebrates a remarkable milestone: 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. That anniversary got me thinking. My novels To Condemn a Witch and To Rescue a Witch take place just a few decades before the American Revolution. While my characters couldn’t have imagined the nation…
What if I told you one of America’s Founding Fathers spent time in a cave named after Hell? When most of us think of Benjamin Franklin, we picture a wise statesman flying a kite in a thunderstorm, helping draft the Declaration of Independence, or inventing bifocals. We don’t usually picture him descending into a series…
This month’s giveaway is for all the writers in the Wise Ones community. Whether you’re outlining your first novel, revising a messy middle, or finally preparing to query or self-publish, one thing becomes clear very quickly: no writer succeeds alone. That’s why I’m thrilled to feature Kahina Necaise, the editor who worked on both of…
Celtic Myths, Magic & Witch Trials at the San Antonio Highland Games Last month, I performed three shows of “Celtic Myths, Magic and Witch Trials” at the San Antonio Highland Games. This interactive presentation blends historical research with audience participation and storytelling. When History Meets Storytelling Audiences got a chance to: Recite an actual spell…
Hello Wise Ones, A few weeks ago I had a lot of fun being interviewed by Peter Okonkwo of the P English Literature podcast. In this interview, I discuss the research behind To Condemn a Witch and To Rescue a Witch, the real Scottish witch trials that inspired the series, and my journey from professional…
If you missed a newsletter or two this year, consider this your second chance. Throughout the year, I partnered with generous authors to give away some amazing books—stories steeped in history, magic, resilience, and heart. Below is a roundup of every book featured in this year’s newsletter giveaways, along with links to the author interviews…
Howdy friends! Each month I’m aiming to introduce you to some of my indie writer friends and people who read my newsletter get a chance to win great books, like the one you’re going to hear about today. Details about the giveaway are at the end. Enjoy! Lisa: Hi Mila. Tell us a little…
Imagine: You’ve just finished your manuscript, a delicious tale in the shadows of 1700’s Scotland, about a maiden, mother and crone—bound by fate and forbidden magic—who must unite as an unlikely coven to protect a changeling child from those who crave her extraordinary powers, in a struggle that could alter the course of their world….
When To Rescue a Witch became a finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, I received an invitation to attend the American Library Association conference in San Diego for an author signing. As an indie author writing dark historical fiction about witches, Scotland, and survival in the 18th century, I walked into one of…
It’s been an exciting three months since my first novel, “To Rescue a Witch” launched. Here are some updates and future book signing events and workshops. Next Generation Indie Book Awards The biggest news is that my book became a fiction finalist for the Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Whoo hoo! This has opened some…
Y’all, I’m so excited!!! My book cover is almost done. The big reveal happens in 10 days…which also happens to be the same day I turn 50. If you must admit to being half a century old, at least your designer will be able to present you with your book cover art. I’ve been working…
It’s been a minute since my last novel update because life. Final Edits – To Rescue A Witch To Rescue A Witch is in it’s final edits! Yahoo! It’s literally been years. I’ve tried the traditional publishing route and had two agents interested in the manuscript but it didn’t pan out, so I’m going the…
I’ll confess: I’ve been fascinated by witches since I was a little girl, which is why they’ve ended up in my historical fiction, Trouble the Water (coming 2023). Set in 1740, my novel Trouble the Water is an adventure book that shifts between Scotland, London and Virginia colony. Last year I spent a week researching…
Good news: I went to Scotland to research my book back in 2022! Bad news: I caught Covid! I had a very mild case and tested negative quickly, so I was able to still see a lot. It also helped that the tour guide, Anne Daly with Mary Meanders had recently overcome it a month…
Through a few newsletters each year, catch updates on Lisa’s events and giveaways, new releases, flash book sales and more.