Friday, 5 September 2014
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)
www.facebook.com/LoriMJonesAuthor
THE GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Great questions! Thank you so much. I'm enjoying this tour!
What fun!! Thanks for sharing Lori. The childrens books sound great. I have two young grandsons and can now add your books to their Christmas list!!