ABOUT LORI
Lori Soard lives in a tiny town in southern Indiana with her husband and house full of pets. She loves miniature dachshunds and has one named Daisy Mae and one named Dolly Pawton. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, gardening, cooking and traveling. You can read more about her at her website: https://lorisoard.com. You can also get a free novella from my Cupid’s Crossing series on my website when you sign up for my monthly newsletter.
INTERVIEW WITH LORI
Can you tell us a little about your background?
I grew up in the far east suburbs of Indianapolis. When I was a kid, we played outside and needed to be in when the lights came on. You could go for a walk or to a friend’s house without all the fear there is today. I NEVER let my children do that. Summers were spent running barefoot through the grass, sucking honeysuckle off the bush next to our back porch and swinging until you couldn’t see anything but the sky and you felt the metal frame come out of the ground a little bit.
A train ran behind our house, so I’d run to greet the conductor and he’d honk his horn as he flew past. My mom had a huge family, so I just always remember being surrounded by people who loved me dearly. Aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and a great-grandma. I honestly feel so very blessed by my family.
How did you get started as an author?
had always told and written little stories. It was for fun. In high school, my two best friends and I would swap stories in the hall and write round robin style. We’d each add a little to the tale and then trade again. I still have some of those stories around here somewhere.
However, it never occurred to me to be a writer for a living until I took journalism in college. The teacher had us go out and find a local story and submit it the paper. Well, not only was the assignment fun and right up my alley, but the local paper put my article on the front page and PAID me $25. A light bulb went off and I started researching everything I could about making money as a writer.
Can you talk about your latest book and the inspiration behind it?
My last book was #3 in the Cupid’s Crossing series. I live in a tiny town in southern Indiana. We’re only known as being the birthplace of Colonel Sanders of KFC fame. We don’t even have a stop light in our town, just a flashing four way stop.
I love my small town and all the ones I’ve visited, so the idea of a small town where love matches happen and you can see God’s design in things made perfect sense. I am currently writing Book # 4 and I have to say that it is my favorite so far. I don’t have a release date yet as I’m still writing it.
How do you approach the writing process? Do you have a specific routine or method?
I tend to have a whole folder of ideas. I jot them down as they come. When I’m ready to start a new book, I begin looking through them and brainstorming. Sometimes I use an idea I already had and sometimes a character from another book is screaming for their own story.
My ideas come from songs, conversations, things I observe, stories I hear people tell and I do believe are sometimes just heaven-sent.
Can you share any challenges you faced during the writing process of your latest book?
I’m having some challenges with finding the time I’d like to devote to my books. My readers want them a bit more quickly than I’m able to release them. I’m working full-time as a copywriter and I help my daughter with my grandgirls. They’re little and they need me now. I’d love to write more quickly and devote myself to it full-time, but financially I still need the day job right now.
How do you develop your characters and bring them to life on the page?
I write out a character profile for each one and I add to it as they come to life for me. I used to adore my Barbie dolls as a little girl. I’d make up all these soap opera themed stories for them. Barbie and Ken were always breaking up and there was always some villain on the loose.
I think those childhood make believe days made it so much easier for me to come up with characters and stories. I kind of know how plots work from all the books I’ve read over the years and I am able to give characters flaws they need to overcome.
I think the BEST characters are the ones who have flaws but are good at heart, just like all of us. One of my favorite examples is of Emma in the Jane Austen novel by the same title. Emma is a bit of a gossip and a busy body. She also can be a bit snooty if she thinks someone is beneath her. By the end of the story, however, she has had a change of heart when she hurts a woman who adores her as a friend by being a bit cruel in what she says to her. She also sees that all her meddling made no difference and she should have just minded her own business.
While PRIDE AND PREJUDICE is my favorite of Austen’s novels, I really love EMMA as well. I like her character and how she grows and develops. I hope my characters are the same. I hope they are flawed but they see the error of their ways and they change and grow as humans and in their faith.
Can you discuss your research process for your latest book?
My current work in progress involves a hero who knows a lot about music. I’m having to do a ton of research, because I only know a little. I’ve read about pianos, which are the best and talked to a local music store a bit about it. I also am going to have to dig into sheet music and learn more about that here soon.
Every book is different. I don’t stop when I’m in the flow of writing to research things. I will put a marker where I know I need to flesh something out or understand something better and then search for the markers during editing and expand or fix those areas. I usually edit at the end of each chapter, so it works well.
How do you handle writer’s block and overcome creative obstacles?
My blocks come with getting started and finishing a story. I just push through and get something on paper. I can always go back and fix it or completely change it later. For my first draft, I just want to get the story out.
Can you share any upcoming projects or books you are working on?
In addition to Book # 4 in Cupid’s Crossing series, I am working on a novella for You Are on the Air series. It’s a series of novellas based around radio talk shows. They go in alphabetical order, so like “Dial V for Valentine’s Day.” I have the letter Q. I’m leaning toward a book about a quilt and doing Dial Q for Quilt, but I am also tossing around a few other ideas including “Quickstep.” It’s a fun project. I like the group of readers and writers a lot. I can’t wait to contribute to the project.
Can you talk about your experience working with a publisher or literary agent?
I’ve worked with just about everything. I was published by Thorndike, which is a bigger publisher, with a small press, with an ebook publisher and I’ve self-published. I did have a literary agent for a bit but she retired and I’ve not sought another one.
I’m just not sure what one can do for you unless you’re negotiating something complex these days. I’m not against having one, I just haven’t reached out to any and am unsure where they could take me next.
How do you stay motivated and disciplined while writing?
When I’m not completely overwhelmed, I have a schedule where I try to write a certain number of words each day. There really is something to just sitting your butt in the chair and doing it.
Can you discuss any themes or messages you hope readers take away from your book?
Most of my books in the last 10 years are either sweet or inspirational stories. I hope that readers find some small glimmer of faith in a difficult time. I hope they see that my characters aren’t perfect Christians and sometimes not Christians at all. They struggle, they mess up but they seek God and they try to do better and they become Christ followers if they’re the main character.
Each book has a different theme, but if I give just one person a glimmer of hope in a dark world or can plant a seed that strengthens their faith or leads them to faith, then I’ve done my job. I don’t know how God might use me through my stories but I hope He does.
How do you market your book and connect with readers?
I belong to several social media groups. I’ll do online book tours. I keep a mailing list I notify of big events. It’s hard in today’s crowded marketplace. There’s so much noise of authors just self-promoting and screaming, “Buy my book!”
I want to be that author you discover and becomes a new favorite, not just the loudest voice. It’s okay if my audience stays intimate. I like that some of my readers are on my friends’ lists and feel free to comment and connect over various things.
Can you share any advice for aspiring authors on how to get published?
Keep sending stuff out and keep writing. Your first book will probably be awful. Mine was. I pulled it out the other day and laughed at myself. At the time, I thought it was such a good book. Trust me that it is not and the editors were right to reject it.
Learn to take criticism. If an editor takes the time to tell you something you need to change, they see a jewel in the rough. Take their advice if it makes any sense at all. I’ve been writing for 27 years, much of that professionally with my articles. I am STILL learning and growing as a writer. I adore my editors I have for my day job because they push me. They call me out if I fall back into passive writing or I am repeating myself or I’m mirroring as I write. We have to find one thing to work on and improve every quarter. I love being pushed like that. It’s one of the main reasons I’ve kept working the day job even though it cuts into my fiction writing time.
Can you discuss any other genres you have written in and if you have plans to write in other genres in the future?
I’ve written young adult. I have several children’s books ready to go but just haven’t quite figured out how to make my illustrations publish-worthy, although the HUNGRY, HUNGRY CATERPILLAR makes me think it doesn’t matter so much.
I also am working on a mystery that is on the back burner for a moment and some nonfiction books.
Can you discuss any literary influences or inspirations that have shaped your writing?
When I was a little girl, my dad would make up bedtime stories with me. My mom’s family were from Appalachia and they always had stories and adventures to tell. Huge oral storytelling traditions there. My dad would also take lists of words from Reader’s Digest and quiz me when I was like five or six. It was a game we played. I credit my family for my imagination.
As far as writers who’ve inspired me, I love Jane Austen, the Brontes and Shakespeare. I adore lyrical language that sounds like a song. For modern authors, I really like the skills of Dean Koontz, Nicholas Sparks (if he would stop killing my favorite characters) and too many romance authors to mention because I’ll leave someone out.
Can you share any experiences you have had with book clubs or other reader groups?
I have mainly just seen the ones on Facebook. I’m not involved in a lot of reader groups. I probably should be but time is limited and I need to spend it writing. I do occasionally participate in group events to meet new readers.
How do you handle criticism and negative reviews?
I think it depends. If the criticism is warranted and they tell me what to fix, I always consider it and look at it and maybe get additional feedback from trusted fellow writers and editors.
I try really hard not to read my negative reviews. The person is entitled to their opinion. I’m not for everyone. However, I made the mistake of reading one that was lengthy because I was like, “Man, they really HATED my book.” In the review, she said the book talked entirely too much about God. It was a Christian fiction romance. I kind of wanted to respond and say, “Thanks so much! That was the point.”
I restrained myself because what good could come from engaging like that with someone who already hated the book? I don’t want to be snarky—something I battle anyway—and drive her even farther from God. So, I didn’t say a word. I will admit, however, that the review ate at me. It wasn’t anything I could change without changing the entire story or the reason I wrote it.
How do you balance your writing with other aspects of your life?
Balance? What’s that? LOL I try to write on the weekends. If I get free time to myself, I will either research, plot, read in my genre or write a bit. I do try to find a few weekends where I can just write or take long weekends as part of my PTO.
Lori Soard lives in a tiny town in southern Indiana with her husband and house full of pets. She loves miniature dachshunds and has one named Daisy Mae and one named Dolly Pawton. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, gardening, cooking and traveling. You can read more about her at her website: https://lorisoard.com. You can also get a free novella from my Cupid’s Crossing series on my website when you sign up for my monthly newsletter.
ABOUT CUPID’S QUEST
***They’re just like family to her and she can’t imagine losing them or this place…***
What if you were about to lose everything you ever knew or loved?
Saving Those She Loves…
The only life Gracie has ever known has been the nursing home and the residents who are like family to her. Now, she risks losing it all and her friends scattering to different homes if she can’t come up with the money to save the business.
Granting a Mother’s Last Wish…
Between caring for his ailing mother and running the family farm, Brandt is stretched thin. Too thin. When his mother begs him to enter a local scavenger hunt, win the prize money, and convert the farm into an orchard, he knows he can’t refuse her anything, so he reluctantly agrees.
Finding True Love…
While seeking clues to the scavenger hunt, Gracie and Brandt keep bumping into each other. Gracie’s always had a crush on him that keeps her from stringing two coherent words together. Brandt doesn’t understand why she dislikes him so much she won’t even talk to him. If the nursing home residents would settle down and stop getting into crazy shenanigans long enough, the two might figure out that they have more than a little in common.
What Are Amazon Readers Saying About This Book?
★★★★★
Clean, Fun, and Downright Awesome!
“Lori does an amazing job capturing the hearts of readers as she all but draws a visual of her characters by words, giving you a vivid mental picture of their daily lives and how they handle difficult stressors in life. What’s even more incredible is the heart of Gracie, the main character, am amazing young lady who will take on the very difficult job of providing for nursing home clients. After losing a mother-in- law to Alzeheimers, I know first hand how wonderful it is to have people who really care. This is very well written, emotional in a good way, ends with a sweet, promising love. Well done, Lori!!!” — LovetoRead
★★★★★
Delightful!
“What a truly delightful story. Very refreshing to read about a young woman who is so selfless and gives of herself to help the elderly. I also enjoyed the farmer aspect.” — Fun Grandma
★★★★★
Amazing Characters
“If you’re looking for a sweet, clean romance with small town values, you’ve found it with Lori Soard’s Cupid’s Quest. This is the first book in what is sure to be a wonderful series, Cupid’s Crossing. Gracie and Brandt, as well as the quirky nursing home residents, will capture your heart. The story is well-written with amazing, well-rounded characters that are thrown into true-life situations. I will be sure to read the rest of this series.” — Kimwrtr
★★★★★
Gracie Was Called “The Nursing Home Girl” for a Good Reason…
“Years ago I worked in a nursing home similar to Days Never New. The patients all knew each other and they felt at home there. When that nursing home closed many of the patients were moved to others parts of Texas. It was hard for them to lose another home, more friends and the feeling of security. This story offers love and hope along with a great story.” — Kindle Customer
◆◆◆
Cupid’s Quest is the first in the Cupid’s Crossing series by Lori Soard, author of “small town stories with heart.” If you love a feel-good story with faith-based characters, you’ll enjoy this sweet, wholesome tale of love and sacrifice.
*** This sweet, wholesome romance will tug at your heartstrings and remind you why you love small towns and believe God still answers prayers and performs miracles.
About The Author
About The Author
Micki Peluso began writing after a personal tragedy. This lead to a first time publication in Victimology: An International Magazine and a career in Journalism. She’s freelanced and been staff writer for one major newspaper, written for two more and has published short fiction and non-fiction, as well as slice of life stories in colleges, magazines and e-zine editions. Her first book was published in 2012; a funny family memoir of love, loss and survival, called, . . . And THE WHIPPOORWILL SANG which won the Nesta CBC Silver Award for ‘Writing That Builds Character’, won third place in the Predators and Editors Contest and first place for People’s Choice Monthly Award. This book is close to her heart since it’s a deathbed promise to her dying child. It has the humor of ‘Cheaper by the Dozen,’ with the heart of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird. Some reviewers liken her writing to a cross between Erma Bombeck and Harper lee. She has over a dozen short stories in ‘Women’s Memoirs’, ‘Tales2inspire’, and ‘Creature Features’. Two of her short horror stories were recently published in an International Award winning anthology called “Speed of Dark.” She is presently working on a collection of short fiction, and slice of life stories in a book collection called, ‘Don’t Pluck the Duck’, due to be released in late 2017. Her first children’s story, ‘The Cat Who Wanted a Dog’ will be released in June of 2017. Author Peluso is a multi-genre and speculative writer who plans to tackle novels next.
Sarah Stuart lives on the edge of a quiet English village where wildlife sightings are common, though becoming less so. Hunting with dogs is now illegal in the UK: it goes on in secret and incidences of this are almost impossible to prove in court. Many of her dogs are, or have been, rescues and only those who enjoy the limelight perform onstage. 50% of her royalties are donated to animal charities.
Lizzie, daughter of a wealthy Scottish laird, inherits Margaret Tudor’s secret diary. A decoded message reads “I direct and beseech my heirs to find love where they may”. Lizzie falls in love with Michael, a poor aspiring actor whom she helps become a superstar. Lizzie passes the diary to their daughter, Lisette, who is influenced by Queen Margaret’s manipulative, vengeful, granddaughter, sparking dangerous passions and betrayals. Can Lizzie outwit the paparazzi or will the scandal of adultery and incest end in tragedy for them all?
Kim's Musings 