Lisa Collier has a BA in psychology and an MA in education. She has been working in education for twenty-five years, nineteen of those as an elementary and middle school teacher. She teaches all subjects every day, but she especially loves seeing students unpack the magic of reading and the creativity of writing. She loves writing stories, journaling, and writing poetry, and she has always dreamed of writing a children’s book. The inspiration for If I Wanted to Write a Book came from Lisa asking herself, “What would I write about?”
Lisa grew up in and currently lives in Tustin, California. She has two adult children. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family and friends. She also loves to visit small towns, good coffee shops, and bookstores, of course!
Q: What inspired the idea behind your book?
A: I was inspired to write this children’s book because I myself have always wanted to write a book. I teach elementary students and want to encourage them to know that anyone can write a book or a good story by just coming up with an idea and having a plan.
Q: As an author, what tips would you give anyone who wants to get into writing?
A: I would encourage anyone to just write and write some more. Journal your thoughts and ideas often. Focus on and enjoy your own style and voice. Comparing yourself to anyone else will not prove successful. Writing is an art form, and your creativity is unique to you!
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: One of my favorite children’s books will always be Charlotte’s Web. I also love Because of Winn-Dixie. My favorite classic book is The Great Gatsby.
Q: Was your main character modeled after anyone in your life?
A: My main character represents the third graders I teach who easily get frustrated with writing. I ask them, “What are you thinking about?” They usually respond easily and casually to this question with great ideas, so I say, “Go write that! You’ve got it!”
Q: What is your favorite part of the writing process?
A: My favorite part of the writing process is getting started. There is so much hope and so many unknowns, and that can be fun. Writing can have its twists and turns, and the end result is rewarding.
Q: Do you believe that being a “good writer” is a developed skill or a natural talent?
A: I believe everyone is created to be a writer. “Good” and opinions are subjective and don’t look the same for everyone. Of course, being a teacher, though, I do believe writers can improve and grow by developing their skills. Practicing, sharing, and revising are all ways to grow. Everyone’s voices and styles are unique to how they are made and to how they have experienced the world.
Q: Do you have a favorite book, poem, TV, or movie quote?
A: My favorite poem is “Abandoned Farmhouse” by Ted Kooser.
Q: Would you write another book (or are you already writing another book)?
A: I would definitely write another book. I loved the experience from beginning to end. I even experienced personal growth through sharing my book and grew confidence in my writing being my own expression. I have two more children’s books already in my mind. I plan to start the second one soon.
Q: Is there an author you look up to, and why?
A: I appreciate many authors for their individual abilities. I’m always interested in learning more about authors from the past as well as from today.
Q: If there were an apocalypse and you could only take five books into your doomsday bunker, what would they be?
A: The Bible, The Great Gatsby, The Chronicles of Narnia (hopefully the whole set), The Wild Robot, and The Glass Menagerie.
Learn more about Lisa Collier and her new children's book, If I Wanted to Write a Book, here. Coming soon July 14, 2026!