Fellow Insecure Writer, Lori MacLaughlin is an author!
Congratulations Lori and thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions for my readers…
Lori L. MacLaughlin traces her love of fantasy adventure to Tolkien and Terry Brooks, finding The Lord of the Rings and The Sword of Shannara particularly inspirational. She’s been writing stories in her head since she was old enough to run wild through the forests on the farm on which she grew up.
She has been many things over the years – tree climber, dairy farmer, clothing salesperson, kids’ shoe fitter, retail manager, medical transcriptionist, journalist, private pilot, traveler, wife and mother, Red Sox and New York Giants fan, muscle car enthusiast and NASCAR fan, and a lover of all things Scottish and Irish.
When she’s not writing (or working), she can be found curled up somewhere dreaming up more story ideas, taking long walks in the countryside, or spending time with her kids. She lives with her family in northern Vermont.
Lady, THY NAME IS TROUBLE
The Book
Trouble is Tara Triannon’s middle name. As swords for hire, Tara and her sister Laraina thrive on the danger. But a surprise invasion throws them into chaos… and trouble on a whole new level. Pursued by the Butcher, a terrifying assassin more wolf than man, Tara and Laraina must get a prince marked for death and a young, inept sorceress to safety. There’s only one problem – eluding the Butcher has never been done. Aided by a secretive soldier of fortune, they flee the relentless hunter.
Gifted with magic and cursed by nightmares that are all too real, Tara must stop an army led by a madman and fend off an evil Being caught in a centuries-old trap who seeks to control her magic and escape through her dreams – all while keeping one step ahead of the Butcher.
The Interview:
Where did you grow up?
I grew up on a dairy farm in northern Vermont, USA, and I’ve lived in Vermont all my life. I love the beauty of the state — its forests, mountains, and farmlands. I’ve always enjoyed the small-town feel, the moderate climate, and the distinct seasons, though at this point, winter and snow are not at the top of my favorites list.
Did you grow up in a household that encouraged reading or writing?
Absolutely. My parents read to me all the time when I was young. They are great readers themselves. My mom loves mysteries and the old-time romances of Grace Livingston Hill and Emilie Loring. My dad has read tons of westerns. I think he has every Louis L’Amour book ever written. My grandparents were readers, too. I distinctly remember visiting their houses as a kid and being impressed by their shelves upon shelves of books. Writing was encouraged, as well. My grandmother wrote columns for her hometown Fulton (NY) Patriot newspaper for years.
Do you have a designated writing space? A schedule?
Yes, I do have a writing space. I turned what used to be a small bedroom/office into a little library with my computer desk in one corner and bookshelves along the walls. It’s a cozy space with a window that looks out into the woods behind the house. The only disadvantage to this is that I sometimes get distracted by the various birds flitting through the trees and the antics of the squirrels and chipmunks. I used to have a writing schedule, but that has pretty much gone out the door over the past few months as I worked on getting my first novel published. After the blog tour this month and the A to Z Challenge in April, I hope to be able to spend more time writing and finishing up edits on Book 2.
What was the last book you read?
This World Bites (Loni Townsend.) It’s a funny story about zombies, vampires, and an unusual group of people led by Cera, a woman with elemental powers. The group travels from world to world, searching for a cure for Cera’s father. Their encounters with the local inhabitants, and the dark and deadpan humor made me laugh and grossed me out at the same time.
Share your journey to publication:
My journey to publication has spanned so many years — years spent writing, revising, and writing some more. My story grew and evolved as I did. As I matured as a person, my characters matured in depth, my story in scope. Words about life and love and loss ring so much truer once you’ve experienced those things for yourself.Years of intertwined day-to-day living and writing as a hobby culminated in the decision, about a year ago, to take a leap of faith into the world of self-publishing. I’ve spent the last year learning about author platforms, social media, ISBNs, book cover design and layout, and all the many facets of the trade. I can’t count the times I felt completely overwhelmed by all the things I had to learn. I’ve had my share of setbacks. But I never gave up. As of February 27, 2015, I am a published author. Woo hoo!
Do you have a book trailer?
I have two of them, actually. The first is about the overall story, but I realized afterward that it didn’t include the romantic elements integral to the story. Partly to remedy this, and partly for fun, I made another one that focused on the main character, Tara, and her internal struggles with love, loss, and new possibilities.
Lady, Thy Name Is Trouble
Tara (character study)
What are you writing now?
I’ve been working on the second book in the series, Trouble By Any Other Name, which is in the final editing stage. It’s about Tara’s struggle to discover who and what she really is and to destroy the evil Being that is trying to steal her magic and escape through her dreams. I hope to have it published by the end of the year.
What is your favorite music genre?
I enjoy pop rock the most, but I’ll listen to anything other than screaming headbanger stuff and rap. Rap will make me get up and leave the room.
Coffee, tea, wine or whiskey?
Milk for me, please. I’ll always be a dairy girl.
Thank you, Doreen for hosting me!!
The Book is Available:
Amazon:
Kobo:
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/lady-thy-name-is-trouble
Lori’s blog: http://lorilmaclaughlin.com
13 thoughts on “Lady Thy Name Is Trouble…”
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Thank you very much, Doreen, for hosting me!
It’s not my genre, but actually, I know a young person whose genre it is and will probably gift one of these!
Carol, thank you very much for the consideration!
Lori – “The only disadvantage to this is that I sometimes get distracted by the various birds flitting through the trees and the antics of the squirrels and chipmunks.”
That’s the story of my life… 13 squirrels and 7 chipmunks.
I have got to read this book. I have seen it everywhere! That’s great (smile).
Congrats, congrats, congrats! From one selfie to another, it gets better. It’s a steep learning curve, and platforms and resources constantly change, but your book is out there and that’s a feat that few achieve.
Congrats to you on fulfilling a dream! Wishing you all the best on this fun journey.
Thanks so much, Kimba and Helene! I still have so much to learn, but it’s been a great ride.
Congratulations, Lori! Loved reading this interview — so interesting to hear other writers’ journeys and backgrounds! Wishing you tons of success with your book!
Thank you very much, Lois!
Ha, ha. Thanks, Dixie! Yes, those little critters can be very distracting.
I enjoyed your video trailers immensely, great job!
Juneta @ Writer’s Gambit
Thanks, Juneta! I had fun making them.