Professional Organizer Arranges to Share a Perfectly Intriguing Story with Us.

My guest today is Scrivenings Press author Liana George. Liana is a professional organizer and the owner of By George Organizing Solutions in Houston. She is also a sought-after speaker, blogger, and writer. With the help of her writing coach, Sandra Byrd, Liana completed her first novel, Perfectly Arranged. When she’s not putting things in order or scribbling away, you can find her reading, traveling, or playing tennis.

Her new book, Perfectly Arranged will be released on October 26. One of our commenters will get their choice of prizes- either a copy of this great book as soon as it comes out, or a $10 Amazon gift card now! So much excitement!

Jenny: Liana, I am so glad you stopped by today. What inspired you to write your first novel?

Liana: There were two things, really, that inspired my upcoming novel, Perfectly Arranged. In 2007, when my family and I were living in China, my dad called and asked me if I could go to an address in Shanghai (we lived 2 hrs. from there but visited often!) and take a picture of what was at that location. When I asked him why he said a friend of his was going through her deceased father’s belongings and came across a card with a Chinese address. She didn’t know why he had it, so she wanted to see if I could help solve the mystery. I agreed, and the next time I went to Shanghai, I tried to find the location but came up empty-handed. I always wondered what was there and how it was related to her father. Thinking it would make a great story one day, I held on to the card.

The only problem was I didn’t know how to get my characters to China….

But that all changed when I started my professional organizing business, By George Organizing Solutions, in 2013. My job entailed going into people’s homes to clear out the clutter and create order. In the process, I heard a lot of stories and came across a lot of interesting “finds.” After a while, I realized I could use my experience as an organizer as part of the story about the mystery card and address!

Thus, the two were married (circa 2017), and Perfectly Arranged was born!

Jenny: Could you give us a quick summary of what a writing day is like for you?

Liana:  It’s taken me a bit of time to figure out my writing process. For the longest time, I thought I had to be like Stephen King and write 363 days a year or write thousands of words each day, chained to my desk. When I grew tired of trying what worked for others, I decided to figure out what worked best for me, and the person God created me to be.

After much trial and error, I’ve come to realize I work/write best between the hours of 10 am to 5 pm. I do what I need to around the house in the mornings first (bathe, clean up, quiet time, exercise), then head to my office for 2 hours and do freelance work to get my brain going. After an hour lunch break, I go back into my writing cave and work on my story (researching, writing chapters, or editing) until I finish what I set out to accomplish, or my brain says enough!

I’ve found this rhythm works best for me, but I know it may not be for everyone. My best advice is to find what works for YOU and stick with it, regardless of everyone else.

Jenny: What type of music do you have playing in the background while writing, or do you require total silence?

Liana: When I’m writing, I must have complete silence. I also need to be away from distractions (like a TV or a laundry basket full of clothes waiting to be put away) and find that I write best outdoors (the beach preferably) and with pencil and paper.

However, I listen to classical or instrumental music at a very low volume when I’m editing. I find it best to pull up Focus Music on YouTube, so there aren’t any commercials or interruptions.

I also put my phone on Do Not Disturb and keep it in the hallway outside of my office, so I’m not tempted to look at it every few minutes. I have noise-canceling headphones, but I only use those when my husband is watching TV or tinkering around the house, and noise might be an issue.

Jenny:  What is the favorite feedback you have gotten from a reader?

Liana: Recently, I had given a podcaster a copy of my manuscript to read so we could discuss it on her podcast.  Because of some communication glitches, I didn’t get the book to her until the night before we recorded the interview (thinking she’d read a few chapters and be good to go).

When we got on the call the next day, she said she couldn’t stop reading and had already read 242 of the 270 pages in the book. She planned to read the remaining pages once we finished our call.

During the interview, I mentioned I was working on the sequel, and later that evening, once she finished the book, she emailed me and said:  Finished the book.  Write faster.  Like, MUCH faster. 

That made me smile  🙂

Jenny: What is the most amazing thing you have seen so far today?

Liana: While it shouldn’t amaze me after being on this journey with God for so long, and especially knowing that He is faithful to hear and answer us, I had a prayer answered shortly after I prayed it this morning! Watching God move touches my heart and makes me love Him more and more.

Now that you know more Liana and why she wrote this book, don’t forget to comment at the end for a chance to win one of two great prizes!

When Nicki Mayfield, a young professional organizer, begins to close the doors on her business an eccentric client offers her one last chance
at success. Nicki steps out of her comfort zone to grow in her career, faith, and romantic life. To uncover a family secret, the pair embarks
on an adventure to China, where each woman risks breaking down the walls around her heart to embrace new beginnings.

Now, here’s your chance: Comment below to tell us if you want a copy of this book, or you’d rather have a $10 Amazon gift card!