On Tour with Prism Book Tours.
Welcome, Loree! What 5 things should readers know about you?
- I’ve been writing since the early 80s. Back then, my byline appeared on articles for local, regional, national and international newspapers and magazines. I also ‘ghosted’ for professionals in technical and trade publications, and in all, saw more than 2,500 articles in print.
- I love sharing learned-the-hard-way lessons with writers that are just starting out. That’s what motivated me to teach writing classes—fiction and nonfiction—for many years at various community colleges. It’s why I lead workshops and seminars at writing conferences, and the reason I agree to edit students’ manuscripts, line by line. Over the years, most of those students became published, themselves. And in the process, most became friends!
- When the 3rd book in my third series for Harlequin Heartwarming releases in April (The Reformation of Lillie Rourke), the total number of my ‘books on the shelves’ will reach 115. I’m always aware that I owe it all to God…and the readers who have supported my career through the years.
- My favorite aspect of crafting a novel is the research. I have always made it a practice to dig deep, into the setting, into the careers I’ve given my characters, into any detail that might raise questions in readers’ minds. I interview experts, lots of experts, too, so that I can import their opinions and knowledge into my novels. It takes an average of two full work weeks to accumulate enough information to provide the facts that make my stories ring with authenticity. I believe I owe that to readers who spend hard-earned dollars to buy my books.
- Last, but not least, I’m a devout Christian who, despite the hours I devote to writing, always puts my husband, daughters, and grandchildren first.
Impressive, Loree! And wow—115 books!
Where did the inspiration for this book come from?
A dear friend of mine was the inspiration for BRINGING ROSIE HOME. Her then-eight year old son was taken during a school camping trip. My friend wasn’t one of the counselors, and had not control over where the boy went…or with whom. And yet, her guilt changed her, permanently. Changed her relationship with her husband and other children, too. All of us can identify, to some degree, with how it must feel to have a child stolen from us. But unless we’ve experienced something like that, we can’t fully ‘get’ how a kidnapping can slowly erode life as we knew it. I hope this story will help readers better understand the devastation that these parents—and the missing child’s siblings.
Oh, goodness—I hope your friend had a happy ending…
How long have you been writing, and what (or who) inspired you to start?
I wrote my first published article in 1982. I might have continued as a ‘beat reporter’ had the dynamics of the nonfiction industry remained upright and honest: After being assigned a series of articles on solid waste management, my careful research was dismissed when the county (that had hired me to help voters determine which system was most cost-effective and environmentally friendly) changed pertinent facts to back up the landfill that was in the works long before our deal was struck. It wasn’t the first time the truth was altered, sometimes to appease advertisers, effectively turning fact into fiction. It happened so often that I had to ask myself: Since a large portion of your work is, through no fault of your own, fiction, why not write a novel? So I did. My first book, POCKETFUL OF LOVE released in 1994 and when it won Readers’ Choice Best Contemporary of the Year, I had to admit that I’d succumbed to Fiction Addiction! LOL
Nothing wrong with Fiction Addiction! (And LOL—why not write a novel, indeed! Way to turn a negative into a positive!)
What are you working on right now? What can readers look for from you in the next year?
I’m working on several projects that, God willing, will earn contracts for series to release in 2018 and beyond. The last book in my “By Way of the Lighthouse” series for Harlequin Heartwarming, THE REFORMATION OF LILLIE ROURKE will release in April.
Awesome!
What are you currently reading, and what are your thoughts about it so far?
I’m deep into several nonfiction books…research for the proposals that will, I hope, be contracted within the next few months.
Great—good luck!
If you had to “sell” your book in a single Tweet, what would you say?
BRINGING ROSIE HOME: Can love for a little child heal years of hurt and repair a broken marriage?
Perfect! Thanks so much, Loree!
About the Author:
Bestselling author LOREE LOUGH once sang for her supper, performing across the U.S. and Canada. Now and then, she blows the dust from her 6-string to croon a tune or two, but mostly, she writes novels that have earned hundreds of industry and “Readers’ Choice” awards, 4- and 5-star reviews, and 7 book-to-movie options. The Man She Knew, #1 in her “By Way of the Lighthouse” series, her 3rd for Harlequin Heartwarming, is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Harlequin.com.
Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest
Bringing Rosie Home
(By Way of the Lighthouse, #2)
by Loree Lough
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
January 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming
A kidnapping shattered their family…
Rena and Grant VanMeter lived every parent’s worst nightmare when their preschool daughter was abducted. Riddled with guilt and hoping time apart would help them heal, Rena made the hardest decision of her life. But stunning news reunites her with Grant. Rosie has been found.
Putting up a united front for their child’s sake isn’t as easy as they thought. Grant hasn’t forgiven Rena for taking her eyes off Rosie for a few critical seconds. And Rena has yet to forgive herself. But their little girl needs them more than ever…
Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin
Other Books in the Series:
The Man She Knew
(By Way of the Lighthouse, #1)
by Loree Lough
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
June 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming
Don’t they both deserve a second chance?
Fourteen years ago, one reckless act cost Ian Sylvestry everything, including the girl he planned to marry. Since then, he has fought hard to turn his life around. Returning to his Baltimore town after serving a prison term was the first step. Winning back Maleah Turner’s trust is a far more daunting challenge. From their first sparks-flying reunion, it’s obvious they still have powerful feelings for each other. In fact, they might be even stronger together now. But if their second chance is going to work, Maleah has to believe that Ian is a changed man. She really wants to believe…but she simply isn’t convinced.
Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin
Tour Giveaway!
– Two winners will receive a print copy of BRINGING ROSIE HOME (US only)
– Three winners will receive an ebook of BRINGING ROSIE HOME (open internationally)
– Ends January 17th
Tour Schedule:
January 8th:
Launch
The Power of Words
It’s All About the Romance
Katie’s Clean Book Collection
January 9th:
Rockin’ Book Reviews
Becky on Books
Rainy Day Reviews
The Bookworm Chronicles
January 10th:
Janice’s Book Reviews
Paulette’s Papers
Heidi Reads…
Hearts & Scribbles
January 11th:
Leels Loves Books
Book Lover in Florida
Among the Reads
Teatime and Books
January 12th:
Inside The Mind of an Avid Reader
Nicole’s Book Musings
Thoughts of a Blonde
underneath the covers
January 13th: Grand Finale
