JB: You write both women’s and children’s fiction. Which is easier to write?
LORI: Well, they certainly both have their pros and cons. I wrote children’s first, and I was shocked to find out all that goes into writing a children’s story. I think because they’re short and for kids, there’s a misconception that the stories are easy to write. When I then started writing women’s fiction, the voices and feelings were so much easier to express. So, in that sense, women’s fiction was more fun to write, therefore it felt easier. But, it obviously takes much longer to finish and edit a longer piece.
One thing I love best about writing women’s fiction over children’s is writing loves scenes! I love writing love scenes! You can’t write those in children’s books.
And, one thing I love best about being a children’s author is visiting the schools. I do assemblies and visits and I find them extremely rewarding. I love reading them my books and getting their feedback. I also love passing on writing tips to them as well.
JB: Tell us about your involvement with the Children’s Heart Foundation.
LORI: Before my children’s book, Riley’s Heart Machine, was released (which is based on my daughter’s heart defect/pacemaker) I researched children’s heart charities to donate some proceeds to. The Children’s Heart Foundation impressed me with their mission of funding much needed research to end the number one birth defect, Congenital Heart Defects. More children die from CHD than all childhood cancers combined but is severely underfunded. So this was a cause I could get behind. I got involved by co-chairing Pittsburgh’s Congenital Heart Walks (this year will be my 4th!) and in 2012 became the president of the PA chapter of the Children’s Heart Foundation. I’m honored to serve such a fine foundation.
JB: You like to run. Do you get ideas for books when you out for a run or do you just empty yoru head and escape for a while?
LORI: Absolutely! I find it to be my number one way of working out a block or plot issue. Releasing the stress and worry and just focusing inward, really ignites the creativity. I’ve actually partnered with another writer, Kathleen Shoop, and we are co-authoring a book to help writers mediate through movement (mostly walking) in order to spark that creativity. We are leading a retreat at the end of September, so I’ll let you know how it goes!
JB: How do you juggle a busy home life and writing?
LORI: It’s becoming easier as my children are growing more independent and in school all day. I try to get some writing in every day while they’re at school. I also use that time for marketing, or also working on my CHF tasks. I also write well late at night. I’m fortunate to have a supportive husband too. I don’t think there will ever be enough hours in the day to write as much as I’d like, but I’m also enjoying these years with my children.
JB: Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?LORI: Join groups and connect with other writers. I have learned so much through my other writer friends and their support is invaluable. Research this industry and know what you’re getting into. Read as much as you can in the genre you want to write. Keep writing, keep revising and revising! Every day you become a better writer than you were the day before, so don’t be afraid to rewrite and rework those masterpieces!
JB: Do you have any writing rituals?
LORI: I do like to go for a walk or a run first to get those creative juices flowing. I love setting up for a few hours in a local coffee shop to write. Lattes help my creative flow too! I also write with a writing group every Wednesday in a meeting room at a local restaurant. The leader of that group leads us in a writing meditation before we begin, and that’s a great ritual to help get into that writing groove!
JB: What’s next for you?
LORI: I’m about to finish the first draft of my third novel, Crossmatch, so the editing and querying process will then begin. I’m still querying agents with my second novel, Late For Fate, but that’s going slowly. I hope to then start work on my fourth novel. I have a few ideas brewing. Perhaps a spin off from Renaissance based on a few of those characters (they’ve been talking to me!). Also, I am currently reading a stack of letters my great uncle wrote to my great grandmother during WWII up until he was killed on D-Day. Reading them has sparked an idea for a romance novel. I have a lot of work ahead of me!
Thank you so much for interviewing me here today and hosting such a great tour! I hope to work with you again in the future.
Thank you. x
ABOUT THE BOOK!
After her husband of fifteen years comes out of the closet, a blindsided, forty-year-old Amanda Lewis is forced to salvage what remains of her shattered heart and navigate a new life for herself and her teenage daughter. But will a sizzling secret romance with a famous young NFL quarterback lead her to winning the life she deserves or set her up for her biggest loss yet?
As she embarks on the journey of rebuilding her home, Amanda discovers that finding forgiveness and repairing her damaged self-worth are her biggest challenges of all. While searching her soul–and even searching inside her city's history–she finds answers. But will answers come too late and can a broken heart ever be truly fixed?
As she embarks on the journey of rebuilding her home, Amanda discovers that finding forgiveness and repairing her damaged self-worth are her biggest challenges of all. While searching her soul–and even searching inside her city's history–she finds answers. But will answers come too late and can a broken heart ever be truly fixed?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lori lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where she writes women's and children's fiction. RENAISSANCE OF THE HEART is her debut novel. She's also the author of children's books, RILEY'S HEART MACHINE and CONFETTI THE CROC, both written with the hope that children will celebrate what make them unique. She's also written award-winning flash fiction pieces and her articles have been featured in various publications.
Lori serves on the Board of Directors for the Children's Heart Foundation and is the president of their Pennsylvania chapter. She visits schools to speak about writing, about the human heart and about embracing what makes you special.
Besides writing and spreading awareness about Congenital Heart Defects, her passions include her two daughters, her husband, Mark, her Pittsburgh sports teams and running in 5Ks. Lori is a member of Pennwriters and she loves her local writing groups! She is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication and journalism. She also holds a paralegal certificate from Duquesne University and is a former Washington, D.C. paralegal. Visit her website at www.lorimjones.com.
*RILEY'S HEART MACHINE (Guardian Angel Publishing)
*RENAISSANCE OF THE HEART
(Soul Mate Publishing, Spring 2014)
*CONFETTI THE CROC (Winter 2014)
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