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ON FACEBOOK
"Loree, you are my favorite writer! You write stories about real people dealing with real problems and you show us there is a solution to every problem. When I read your books, I feel I am living the stories. I can’t wait for your next book!" (Barbara B., Hamilton, OH) "When I can picture myself in a story, I know it’s good, and I always picture myself in your stories! Give me more stories!" (Loraine B., W. Columbia, SC) "Very good entertainment. Hopefully soon they will make a movie of all your books!" (Pat W. Salinas, CA) "Your books are just too good to put down. Come out with more books soon!" (Amy L., Kilorglen, Ireland) "Your books are non-stop reading, and I am not an impressionable teeny-bopper, but an adult who appreciates and needs all the Christian fiction talented writers like you can turn out. God bless you!" (Ruth F., Caroline AB, Canada) "Thank you for sharing your talent with those of us who like to read Christian fiction, and for giving us exciting, realistic stories and characters! I’m looking forward to your next book.." (Nadine S., Zambia, Africa) "I think God led me to your books. I have something in common with every character, except for the bad guys! Thank you for such well written books. Keep them coming!" (Beverly B., Blanchard, OK) "Your books are truly a blessing, Loree Lough! I am never disappointed!" (Marie T., Perth, Australia) "Being home-bound, I live through books. When my sister introduced me to yours, I felt twice-blest. Your stories are page-turners that are filled with faith-based lessons that are not preachy and do not beat people over the head with the Bible. Good for you! Please write more!" (Sheila F., Rushville, IN)
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What did you want to be when you grew up?
A: The rules governing what a girl could become ‘in my day’ were different than they are now... I wanted to be a ballerina (too short); a stewardess (too nearsighted); an FBI agent (too short and too nearsighted), so I had to settle for ‘traditional’ women’s jobs. Thankfully, most restrictions faced by a girl today are of her own making. With drive and determination, nothing can stop her! |
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Q: What was your biggest challenge in trying to get published in fiction?
A: Getting published wasn’t tough at all. I did my homework, followed the rules and, as they say, voila! Getting published again and again... now that is where the challenge came in: The thousands of writers who went before me — whose talents set the benchmark for my own work — were tough acts to follow. And each time a book is released, I’m faced with that same challenge!
Q: So... how’d you get your start as a writer?
A: In my 30s, a job transfer sent the family to Richmond, VA, where a local newspaper wanted someone to write newsy tidbits about my neighborhood. The pay? One free copy of the paper. But the editor liked my style, began making regular assignments, and paid me to write them. Soon, editors of other publications were calling, and in no time, I’d become a full-time freelancer with more work than I could handle. When a job transfer brought us back to Baltimore, I showed my ‘clip book’ to editors, who made assignments that were read by other editors, who made assignments, and... oh, you get the drift. By now, readers and editors alike were commenting on my ‘way with words’, some saying the people or topics I’d written about would make great novel plots. So I wrote Pocketful of Love, the start of my life-long affliction: Fiction Addiction.
Q: Where do you get your ideas?
A: Well, there’s a little elf who lives under my porch, and whenever I need an idea, I poke him with a stick. Once he finishes jumping up and down, and cursing in his teeny tiny voice, he’s usually good for an idea or two.
Seriously, I get my ideas from living life. Everywhere I go, anything I do, if I just take a moment to look around, potential storylines pop up: Standing in line at the grocery store, leafing through a waiting room magazine, dining at a favorite restaurant, visiting a friend in the hospital... ideas are everywhere!
Q: Do you ever pattern your characters from real people?
A: All the time (but I’m not naming names)! In real life, I’m drawn to people who aren’t afraid to roll up their shirtsleeves, who don’t whimper and whine, who never allow life’s traumas to permanently sideline them. Consequently, my characters are capable, independent, strong…and determined to acknowledge and overcome their flaws.
Q: How do you research the ‘bad stuff’ in your books, like illness and murder, historical events, the places where your stories take place and how your characters do their jobs?
A: My readers are intelligent, savvy, and extremely well-informed on innumerable topics. That means to satisfy them, I have to get my facts straight. All of my facts. The best way to do that is with deep research, which includes talking extensively with experts: Doctors, attorneys, cops, and any professional who’s actively performing the job I’ve assigned to my characters.
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