By Julia Beauregard
Hometown Weekly Editor
It was a pleasure to interview local author, David Lifsitz who is a 29-year resident of Medfield. Lifsitz has released his first novel, Just Bounce It, a fictional story about the coming of age of two teenage girls and the power of team sports in helping to build their self-confidence.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I have always enjoyed being creative in my work as a communications writer but had never considered writing a novel. I started to write a story 20 years ago but, soon after, I found that my work and family life were becoming too busy and I had to put the book on hold. Four years ago the passion came back when a new story idea popped into my head while I was on vacation in Lewes, Delaware. My kids were grown, and work had become more manageable, so I took the opportunity to begin writing again.
How long does it take you to write a book?
My novel, Just Bounce It took me a little over four years to write, edit and publish. It probably would have taken longer, but when COVID hit, I was laid off from my job and had seven months of free time to write. During those seven months, I was able to map the outline of the book and write major parts of the story. Once I found a new job, I went back to writing nights and weekends. Last fall I was able to complete the novel and over the past six months, with the help of friends and family, I was able to edit and publish the book.
How do your books get published?
I did some research and had some conversations with other writers about the best way to publish my book. In the end, I found that Amazon had a very efficient method for publishing, so I chose to self-publish my book on Amazon.
What are your favorite books to read?
I enjoy reading action and spy novels. The funny thing about my novel Just Bounce It is that it’s the polar opposite. The story I wrote conveys a much more wholesome and heartwarming plot.
Do you prefer researching or writing?
I have fallen in love with writing and have found that the process has helped me keep a good sense of balance in these crazy times. When I am deep into my writing, the rest of the world just seems to fade away. I am now drafting a children’s book and one of my nieces is designing the illustrations.
What are your greatest strengths as a writer?
As it’s my first book, I am not sure I can answer that. I would say that I enjoyed developing the book's main characters and coming up with creative ways to build a fun and engaging story around them. I also felt good about weaving the important message that team sports can help build self-esteem in teens and young adults. For many years, I had the opportunity to coach my two daughters in Medfield youth sports, I noticed that several young girls began each season lacking self-confidence. By the end of the season, many of those same girls had not only raised their self-esteem but also, expanded their social circles.
For those that are interested in this novel, Lifsitz was kind enough to provide a short summary:
High school sophomore Samantha (Sam) Newman is living a happy and fulfilling life with her parents on their small family farm near Lewes Delaware. Sam lives next door to her best friend Ella Jean Mandel, a smart, talented, and beautiful girl, who struggles daily with self-confidence.
Their lives are pretty simple until a chance interaction with Mary Henkel, a struggling high school lacrosse coach, turns all their lives inside out, and upside down. See how they come together to help each other make their dreams come true.
Just Bounce It is available for purchase on Amazon Books.
