Who I am

Hi, my name is Liza (pronounced Lye-Zuh) Stanaland, and I have always been a storyteller. 

My family had to listen to my endless chatter for years, and when I get excited, I get loud. They used to say, “Liza,” and then would turn an imaginary volume knob down, basically reminding me to lower my voice a bit. I told jokes, I sang, and I laughed a lot. There was this spirit in me that couldn’t be broken. 

I wrote and published (sorta) my first book in the second grade. My teacher (Mrs. Ricketson) gave us an assignment to create a book, and we wrote, typed, illustrated, and made the book covers. It was called The Easter Bunny’s Trip to Hawaii, but that poor bunny never made it. I realized then that I wanted to write. I started with poems and was on the yearbook staff. Then I wrote skits in high school for the homecoming pep rally. Later, I started writing books. I’m a fiction author with a longing to use my ability to connect with my readers in other formats. 

I’m a fan of anything supernatural, psychological thrillers, heartwarming stories, learning, the oxford comma, and my kids. Music is life (I’m listening to “Night Moves” by Bob Seger as I type). I find comfort in chaos. It keeps my mind from going to weird places. Sanity is just a fantasy, right? I love tattoos and piercings and crazy hair colors. I have the start of a Harry Potter sleeve on one arm. Yeah, I’m a nerd… So what? I wish they could put the smell of Best Buy in air fresheners. Electronics is my favorite smell. 

I have a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing for Entertainment from Full Sail University and graduated valedictorian of my class. I’m currently enrolled in the Creative Writing MFA. 

I have three kids. They are 16, 13, and 10: a girl and two boys. My husband is goofy, but he’s mine. 

Knowing when to use me and when to use I is crucial. People just don’t get it, because they are misled in grade school. Other than that, I’m a pretty chill chick with a big future and gumption! We all need gumption!

Connect with me through my Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn accounts below.