September 15, 2008

writer lisa clifford

I was almost afraid to ask. Because my dad is a family history buff and you can get sidetracked for hours with him if you ask about our origins. But when I learn the answer, I'm a little disappointed. After all, discovering my ancestors include a greengrocer, farmer and fisherman from various small towns and villages in the UK is not quite as exciting as Lisa Clifford's family history. Certainly not book-worthy. But when Lisa, a journalist, swapped countries to be with her Italian husband, she heard about an unsolved murder in his family that was to become the basis of her book Death In The Mountains. It's the story of Artemio Bruni, who died mysteriously in Tuscany over a 100 years ago. Lisa also wrote The Promise: An Italian Romance.

What five words best describe you? Determined, loyal, claustrophobic, humorous, sensitive.
What's your proudest achievement? I have two - Natalia - 10 years old and Leo - 7 years old.
Who inspires you? Anyone who reveals their own private story of their struggle against adversity.
What are you passionate about? Truth and justice.
What's the best lesson you've learnt? Patience.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Jesus.
What are you excited about? Coming home to Sydney for the launch of my new book in October.

Images courtesy of Lisa Clifford and Pan MacMillan Australia