Author Verna Clay
  • HOME
  • SERIES BOOKS
    • BOUNTIFUL
    • FINDING HOME
    • JOURNEYS OF THE HEART
    • Finding SOMEWHERE
    • OASIS
    • ROMANCE ON THE RANCH
    • RED ROCKS TRILOGY (Past, Present, Future)
    • SHAPELING TRILOGY
    • UNCONVENTIONAL
    • ZOE'S SONG (From Shapeling Trilogy)
  • FRAGILE HEARTS
  • BIO / BOOKS LIST
  • MAILING LIST
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT
  • JAZMINE
  • RESTORING 'TWEEN TIME (Middlegrade Novella)
  • PHOTOS
Picture

Interview with Lorrie Struiff, Author of "A Heap of Trouble"

3/16/2013

25 Comments

 
Picture
I'm excited about interviewing Lorrie Struiff, author of A Heap of Trouble. Before we begin, I must say that I love the cover of Lorrie's book! I'm kind of a book cover fanatic. The heart formed by the position of the H/h bodies is fantastic. The colors are outstanding, and the horse and cowboy in the background add balance and interest. I even noticed the cowboy is wearing a duster--love cowboys in dusters! I could go on about the heroine's hair, the fade through, and more, but let's go on to the interview.

Welcome Lorrie. Thank you for joining me. Please tell readers about yourself.

Where do you live? Have you always lived there? Have you traveled much?
Well, I live in West Mifflin, very near Pittsburgh, PA. I’ve lived in the area all of my life. I’ve traveled a bit. I’ve been to almost every state in the U.S., and I’ve been to Mexico and Canada.

Tell us your latest news?
My # 3 Call on the Dead Club series was released this month. My main character Winnie is a hoot and a half.

When and why did you begin writing?
When I retired. Writing had always been my dream. Now that I have the time, here I am.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
With my first published short story. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I read the acceptance email. I must have stared at it for ten minutes. My mind kept saying, “Really? Really? Really?

Do you have specific writing habits? What genre(s) do you write, and why?
I wish I had habits. I hit the computer as time allows. I write in different genres. I don’t like the confinement of only writing in one. I want to spread my wings. Besides, I don’t want to bore myself or my readers. Lol. Many of the genres fascinate me, and I love to entertain readers. Why limit oneself?

How do you decide the titles for your book(s)?

Sometimes the title comes to me before I start writing which helps with the story. Other times I have a heck of a time thinking up a title. I turn to my critique buddies for help.

Are there messages in your novel(s) that you want readers to grasp?
Nope. Unless it’s accidental. *smiles* I just want to write a rollicking good story for readers to sink into.

How much of your current book is realistic?
Well, it’s paranormal, so I’d have to say none. Honest, I don’t go around talking to corpses.

Are experiences in your current book based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
All of my stories are strictly from my imagination. I like to take odd characters, throw them together, sit back and watch what happens. Well, it’s a bit more complicated, but that’s the bottom line.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Nelson De Mille. I love the way he can take an extremely tense scene and still make you laugh in the middle of it.

What book(s) are you reading now?
None at the moment. Since I started writing, I find my time to read has flown out the window. I miss reading. After a full 7 or 8 hours on the computer, my eyes are kissing my cheeks and I can’t read anything. So I sit back and stare dumbly at the TV.

What are your current projects?
I am currently working on my next COD story to add to the series. I’d also like to start a sequel to my “Gypsy Blood.”

What s the hardest part of writing your book(s)?

Finding the time. And writing the original draft. Since I’m a panster I have to form the story in my head first.

What have you learned from your writing?
That it’s not as easy as it looks. When I started, the authors I read made it look like a snap. Whoa, did I have a lot to learn.

Do you have advice for other writers?
Join a critique group. Develop very thick skin fast, and learn the basics.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Just that I love them all, and thank them so much for choosing my books to read.

"QUIRKY QUESTIONS"

Other than the present time era, which era would you choose to live in, and why?
Oh, if I can’t live in the future—I’m nosy—I’ll stay in this one. I’m kind of used to the present.

Strangest thing you've ever seen.

You know, I’m sure I’ve seen some strange things in life, but at the moment I can’t think of a one. I must have a bad memory.

Your most embarrassing moment.

When I walked into the men’s room by mistake at a theater. Talk about red face. Eww.

Best day of your life.
How about best days, plural. When I worked at the ballroom dance studio. I had the best time of my life. Think “Dirty Dancing.” To me that’s a walk down memory lane.

Stupidest thing you've ever done.

What? You want me to write another book?

Smartest thing you've ever done.

*Laughing*  Now that would be a flash fiction story.

Favorite coffee or tea frou-frou drink.

Ooooh, gimme my cup of hot tea.

Favorite food.
Liver and onions. Mmmm. I can OD on the good stuff.

Food that gags you.
Sushi.

Have you ever seen a UFO? Explain.
No, darn it. I have friends that have, but I always miss out somehow.

Thank you Lorrie for visiting my blog! In closing, please tell us more about A Heap of Trouble.
I absolutely fell in love with all my characters. I’d say the genre is old west romance/action/mystery/humor.

Here is a promo from MuseItUp Publishing:

Sheriff Cole Walker is fearless, except when it comes to critters. When a runaway ringtail monkey decides to adopt Cole and won’t leave, he has more woes than he can handle. Cole has a powerful yen for the newly arrived Mattie Wells, the pretty woman who can jingle his spurs with just a smile. Mattie takes a shine to men who have pets, and she adores the monkey. So do all the town’s folk – until their valuables start coming up missing. But Cole has no choice but to put up with the thieving furball if he’s going to win Mattie’s heart.

But Mattie is holding a dark secret and refuses to get married. Cole tries every which way to make her see that she’s the only woman he wants, but with cattle rustlers and a miniature thief on the loose, it’s all Cole can do to find time to take her to a picnic.

Cole and his deputies, Wade and Sully, are given a month to find the thieves before Mayor Farley calls for outside gunslingers. Cole knows that’ll spell disaster for the town and likely unemployment for him. Can he overcome Mattie’s fears, bring the rustlers in, and teach his new unwanted furball sidekick a lesson about property rights before the town implodes?

With the help of his deputies and his unwanted sidekick Beggar, Cole must find a way to win Mattie’s heart, bring the rustlers to justice, and bring peace once again to Cold Creek, Kansas.

Yep. Cole has a heap of trouble on his hands.

Click here to purchase on Amazon
Lorrie's Amazon Page
Lorrie's Blog
Lorrie's facebook Page
Lorrie's Pinterest Page

25 Comments
Tabitha Shay link
3/16/2013 12:46:49 am

I'm a book fanatic myself and I really love Lorrie's new cover. It's just eye catching. Great interview....Good luck, my friend...Tabs

Reply
lorrie link
3/16/2013 01:00:59 am

Thanks Tabs. I know you have a great following and many fans with all your series. I loved the Montana Men stories. Thanks for stopping by.

Reply
Julie L Hayes link
3/16/2013 12:52:21 am

What, you don't talk to dead people? *gasp* I'm so disappointed. I thought there was realism in books!

lol Just kidding, of course. Life is real enough, books should be about escape, right? I like the way you serve it up with a touch of humor. Like you, I am a fan of DeMille's, and the way he combines drama and sass. Our food tastes differ though, but that works - you can keep the liver and onions and I'll take the sushi :) See? Works out well for both of us!

You have a knack for creating unforgettable characters, human and non. Love Cole and Mattie, but esp love Beggar! Can't wait to get started reading about Winnie and her Winnie-isms (alas, I have the same lack of reading time you do, and right now, I'm almost half way through A Clash of Kings, which is a mighty long book!

Very interesting blog! Best wishes, my friend!

Reply
Lorrie link
3/16/2013 02:39:37 am

Thanks Julie. One of these days I may get to read some of the books in my Kindle from all the authors I know.

Reply
Pat McDermott link
3/16/2013 01:40:31 am

Verna, what a great blog. I had fun poking around. As for A Heap of Trouble, Lorrie, old west/romance/action/mystery/humor add up to one hoot of a story. Hope you have lots of new ones in the works. I enjoyed getting to know you better in this interview. All the best to you and your writing!

Reply
Lorrie link
3/16/2013 02:45:31 am

Verna does have a great site. It keeps flashing for me though and a little tough to get back on. I hope everyone is not having the same trouble.Thanks Pat for stopping by.

Reply
Marva link
3/16/2013 02:28:54 am

I love the way Lorrie thinks. Talk about screwball ideas that work! And she seems so normal...!

My favs are always the Winnie Krapski stories, but I like anything Lorrie writes.

Reply
Lorrie link
3/16/2013 02:48:42 am

Ha, ha, ha, Marva. You always knew I am a little on the weird side.. I'm glad you still put up with me, my friend.

Reply
maria altobelli link
3/16/2013 03:02:06 am

Verna is right about the cover of Heap of Trouble. It is striking. At first I missed not seeing that little rascal Beggar on the front of the book but he more than makes up for his absence on the cover by what he does inside. He really is a character.

I love the way Lorrie is able to conjure up all these diverse characters, throw them in a pot, do her magic and come up with a rollicking good read.

And who are you kidding, Lorrie? You do make it look effortless.

Reply
Lorrie link
3/16/2013 05:55:15 am

Yeah, sure, Maria. And you know how effortless it is. I see drafts in my dreams.

Reply
Marie Laval
3/16/2013 04:24:53 am

What a great interview! And of course, the cover is sensational!

Reply
Lorrie link
3/16/2013 05:57:27 am

Thanks Marie. Glad you could stop over and say howdy.

Reply
BK Walker link
3/16/2013 04:25:35 am

What a fun interview! Writing is harder than you think, and I felt the same way Lorrie. I've never seen a UFO either, though I really want to! Thanks for sharing, wish you the best of success :)

Cheers!

Reply
Lorrie link
3/16/2013 06:01:47 am

Writing is definitely harder than I originally thought, BK. All of you authors make it look like a snap. ha, ha. Wow, did I learn.

And I do believe 'they are out there' I just haven't seen a UFO yet. I often wonder what I would do if I did. lol.

Reply
Verna Clay link
3/16/2013 06:14:14 am

Hello Ladies! Sorry for being a little late to the party, but I had a date with a tax preparer. Not fun, but at least it's over for a year. Now I can enjoy the rest of my day. Love all the comments and I'm intrigued by Julie's mention of Lorrie's non-human characters. Gotta check that out. I'm a fan of paranormal books.

Lorrie, thank you for interviewing with me!

Reply
Lorrie link
3/16/2013 07:27:06 am

Hi there Verna. Glad you could make it to your blog. lol. I hope you don't owe money to the IRS. It's more fun to get some back.

If you like paranormal, you have to read Gypsy Blood. You might take a liking to the COD (Call on the Dead Club) series, too. # 4 COD will be out in a few months. Check my site under published works and check them out.

Reply
Tammy Lowe link
3/16/2013 06:52:07 am

Haha...what a fun interview. Great questions as well as answers!
Sounds like a fun book.

Reply
Lorrie link
3/16/2013 07:29:56 am

Hi Tammy, yep, Cole might still want to adopt Beggar out. Well, he would if Mattie didn't like the little bugger so much. Beggar is sure a little trouble maker.

Reply
Verna Clay link
3/16/2013 09:03:26 am

Lorrie: I just downloaded "A Heap of Trouble" onto my Kindle. After getting my taxes done, I need some laughs! Looking forward to curling up in bed with a new story.

Thanks Ladies for all the great comments!

Reply
Lorrie link
3/16/2013 10:14:16 am

How nice, Verna. I do hope you enjoy it.

Reply
Cate Masters link
3/16/2013 10:53:47 pm

Wonderful interview, ladies. I agree, that cover's a grabber. Love your blog, too, Verna.

Reply
margaret west link
3/17/2013 12:22:00 am

Sushi makes me gag too lol great blog. enjoyed reading it.

Reply
Lorrie link
3/17/2013 01:14:24 am

Hi Cate, yep, Verna has a great blog. She has a lot of books out. I'm glad you stopped by.

Ha, ha, Margaret, I'm glad I'm not the only one that doesn't care for shushi.

Reply
Felicia Rogers link
3/17/2013 05:55:32 am

Your writing habits and finding a title sound familiar. :) Often I write when I have time and I title the story when it hits me, which is generally about halfway through writing it!
Verna is right about the cover, absolutely gorgeous.
The story sounds fascinating. I can't wait to see if Cole succeeds in all he's set out to do!

Reply
Lorrie link
3/17/2013 08:57:11 am

Hi Felicia, sometimes I have the darndest times thinking of titles, and other times I think of a title and that gives me the story. It's crazy. I'm glad you like the cover. I'll tell you, Cole has a heap of trouble trying to succeed on all three fronts. Happy reading.

Reply



Leave a Reply.


    Categories

    All
    General
    Research
    Sample Sunday
    Self Publishing
    Six-Sentence Sunday


    Archives

    April 2020
    August 2018
    May 2017
    January 2015
    August 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    November 2012
    October 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011


    RSS Feed


    Follow VernaClay on Twitter

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • HOME
  • SERIES BOOKS
    • BOUNTIFUL
    • FINDING HOME
    • JOURNEYS OF THE HEART
    • Finding SOMEWHERE
    • OASIS
    • ROMANCE ON THE RANCH
    • RED ROCKS TRILOGY (Past, Present, Future)
    • SHAPELING TRILOGY
    • UNCONVENTIONAL
    • ZOE'S SONG (From Shapeling Trilogy)
  • FRAGILE HEARTS
  • BIO / BOOKS LIST
  • MAILING LIST
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT
  • JAZMINE
  • RESTORING 'TWEEN TIME (Middlegrade Novella)
  • PHOTOS