How does music assist Lorraine in her writing? Why does she feel a person to person writing group is important?
Tell me a
about yourself. What got you started in writing?
I am a veteran children’s reading specialist, teacher and
author. I read and wrote stories with children for so long I knew
what they craved to read. I also knew I would start writing for children once I
retired.
How and where
do you write? Do you prefer a lap top or do you prefer writing
freehand?
I prefer to write at home with my small laptop listening
to mood music. The music I choose is dependent upon the genre or scene in which
I am writing. For my last novel I listened quite a bit to Enya and Adrian von
Ziegler for deep spiritual inspiration.
What's your favorite part about writing? Your least
favorite part about writing?
My favorite part of writing is creating the idea and in the research. I search for an odd
historical event or an urban legend then
build ideas for a fiction story. My least favorite is the revision phase.
How do you
come up with your characters? Why would readers want to get to know them?
I usually create a character to fit the story. I have a
little trick with using names. I use a real name of a person I know and then
already have a personality to go with it. I feel it gives the character name
energy and myself a connection.
Readers will hopefully be able to identify with my
characters as most of my characters are tweens to young adults. I try to
give that teenage angst and persona to them.
What types of
marketing do you do to promote your writing?
Marketing for me has been a weak spot. I have to say I am
not a marketing or social media person. I hired a high end internet marketing specialist and a SEO
person to help. On my own I do tweet, have an author Facebook page along with
pages for my novels, use several of of LinkedIn groups and special Facebook
groups.
How do you
schedule your writing time? When do you write?
I do not schedule a writing time. I usually write in the
early afternoons after I have watched the news and have had my fourth cup of
tea.
What are you
currently working on? Do you have a new book out?
I am currently working on another novel for young adults
called The Last Vestal Virgin. Here I have taken one of Rome’s Vestals and
created a twisted paranormal story about a teen who was an original vestal and comes back to life only to
discover she is destined to return to finish something she couldn't back in ancient Rome 83 AD. I will
have a new novel that should be out by the beginning of April. It is called,
Out of the Ashes and is a sequel to my first one, Mysteries of the Red Coyote
Inn.
Do you have a
project on the back burner? Tell me about it.
Yes, I do have a project on the back burner. I will be
co-authoring with my hubby. It will be a fiction novel with a deep spiritual
message.
What would you
tell a beginning writer who wants to publish but doesn't believe
he/she has
enough talent?
I would tell a beginner writer to start with short
stories and join a writer’s group, such as Watpad. It is good to get feedback
when first starting out. Also take some of the inexpensive writing courses
offered online. I belong to a local author’s group, CayWriters, where I get to
interact with other authors in the flesh and we all support each other. Nothing
beats that real life interaction.
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Thank you, Lorraine! Learn more about Lorraine at the following sites:
I want to thank Kathryn for this wonderful opportunity! All the best and more to you.
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