Thursday, January 6, 2011

Loree Lough-author interview & BOOK GIVEAWAY






Loree, thanks for taking the time to visit us today! I appreciate you answering these few questions. It will be fun to get to know you better.
Thanks so much for inviting me, Wanda! It’s truly a pleasure to be here.

Tell us a little about yourself.
Well, I share a humble little house in the Baltimore suburbs with my real-life hero, Larry. We have 7 grandkids and love to whisk them off to our teeny tiny cabin in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania. Once upon a time, I literally sang for my supper, but these days, I pick up the ol’ Yamaha guitar mostly to entertain my grandkids.
I’m 5’1” tall and weigh…
Oh. You mean my WRITING self, don’t you! hehehe.
I’ve been writing since the early 80s, but didn’t get published until 1988, when my first articles appeared in Richmond newspapers. My husband’s job transfer brought us back to Baltimore, where I continued writing for local, regional, and national publications…until a disturbing trend began to erode my enjoyment of the work: Editors, forced by their bosses to change facts to appease advertisers. I figured if I was gonna write fiction, why not take a shot at novels? And the result was Pocketful of Love for Barbour’s Heartsong Presents line, which earned “Best Contemporary” in 1994 when it was released. And the rest, as they say, is history.

How long did you write before you were published?
I wrote half a dozen novels during those early-80s years, and these days, I use them as examples when teaching writing classes or leading workshops: “How NOT to Write a Novel” has become one of my most popular lessons!

Tell us about “Beautiful Bandit" and "Maverick Heart,” the featured books.

Beautiful Bandit:

It’s June, 1888 when Kate Wellington is taken hostage by outlaw Frank Michaels. the sun is high in the Texas sky when he turns her into an unwilling accomplice in a robbery that leaves four men dead in a San Antonio bank.

After escaping, Kate sees her likeness on a wanted poster and realizes she’s wanted by the Texas Rangers and the cold-blooded killer. With nothing but the clothes on her back, she heads southwest on foot, hoping to find safety in Mexico.

One cold dark night, she stumbles hungry and exhausted into the campsite of Josh Neville, on his way home from bank business in San Antonio. His heart goes out to the terrified woman who calls herself Dinah and claims she doesn’t remember how she came by her cuts and bruises. His gut tells him to stay away from the secretive beauty, but his heart compels him to escort her to the border.

Along the trail, he finds himself torn between feelings of fondness and suspicion. When she’s injured during a ferocious storm, he feels duty-bound to bring her to his ranch to recover…and unwittingly lures the outlaw right to his door.

Trust and forgiveness are put to the ultimate test in this wild West adventure that’s rich with Texan vistas, laughter, tears, family loyalty…and danger….

Maverick Heart:

Boston-born nurse LEVEE O’REILLY and her doctor husband are headed to Mexico to open a medical clinic when their stagecoach is attacked. There on a barren stretch of Texas road, the infamous outlaw Frank Michaels kills Liam and leaves Levee for dead. All alone now, she makes her way to Eagle Pass, where she’s forced to trade her nurse’s cap for a teacher’s apron. In no time, she’s so completely devoted to her students that she has no time for romance.

Rancher DANIEL NEVILLE has battled doubts and distrust for most of his life. Wracked with guilt over the death of his twin sister, he believes the scars and limp sustained during a stampede are penance for the sins of his past. Dan dedicates himself to serving his family and working with the horses on the Lazy N. Marriage isn’t even on his to-do list, and he sees no reason to add it.

When a coincidental meeting brings Levee and Dan together, they’re awakened to a long-ignored desire for love and acceptance. Have they actually found it in one another’s arms? And can these two mavericks accept the plans God has for their lives?

Is there any person who has been a strong influence in your writing journey?
Without a doubt, our Lord and Savior! Every day, by the grace of His love, I’m guided in the crafting of stories and characters and situations that will bring His word to those who love Him, those He might want to call home, and those who haven’t discovered the power of His almighty love.

What message do you want to be clear to your readers?
I guess to answer that one, I’d have to repeat a version of the answer to the last question. I see what I do for a living as my missionary work; God knew when He made me that I wouldn’t be of any use to Him in dark jungles or dry deserts, because I’m scared of bugs and snakes and other creepy-crawlies. So He blessed me for a talent to write, and it’s through the words He inspires that I bring His message to His children, old and young, male and female, all across the world.

What are some of your likes and dislikes? Your hobbies, interests? Where do you like to vacation?
I love being around people who can “take it on the chin” even when life throws them mean, hard curve balls. I find that I avoid people who are whiny and weepy in the face of adversity. I like old movies like Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and The Sound of Music (though, surprisingly, I’m not a huge fan of musicals!), and could probably watch Somersby and Shadowlands a hundred times and never tire of the plot or the characters.
For fun, I love to garden (which explains my raggedy fingernails and dry, parched hands). I love to cook and bake, too (which explains my Lifetime Weight Watchers membership). I paint and draw and sketch, and given unlimited time and tools, I could probably devote hours to “art.”
I’m pretty much a homebody (some might say I’m a bit of a hermit). Whether that’s because I traveled so much during the years when I sang for my supper or because I’ve seen a little bit of the world thanks to invites from writers’ groups all over the globe, I can’t say. “Home” is my all-time favorite place, but I do enjoy our time at the cabin, where the mountains always provide a beautiful view and plenty of excitement in the form of black bears, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and too many other critters to list here!

Tell us a little-known fact about yourself that readers may not know.
I never learned to swim and I’m terrified of water!

How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?
I’m up early…5-5:30 a.m. most days. After some TV news and a few mugs of coffee, I tidy the house and get myself presentable, then head down to my basement office, where I spend anywhere from 5-15 hours a day.
My daily word count varies, depending on the complexity of the stories I’m working on. I shoot for 5,000 words a day, and when I reach the goal, I’m always pleased. I don’t beat myself up if I don’t make it, though, because (to paraphrase Scarlet O’Hara), I figure I can worry about that stuff tomorrow.

What are you currently reading?
Too many deadlines right now, so I’ve promised myself that when I meet them all, I’ll reward myself with something from my To Be Read stack…which, if it actually stood in a stack, would probably be as tall as I am!

Do you grow flowers or vegetables? What are your favorite flowers?
My hubby’s in charge of the vegetables, and I take care of the flowers. I’m particularly fond of my roses (I have 12 bushes, different colors and varieties). Strangely, I can’t seem to grow daisies in this yard, which is a shame, because daisies are my favorite!

What are you writing now?
I’m putting the finishing touches on Unbridled Love, #3 in the “Lone Star Legends” series, and just sent An Accidental Family (#3 in the “Accidental Blessings” series) to my Love Inspired editor and the first novel in the “First Responders” series, From Ashes to Honor to the editor at Abingdon. Next up: Love Finds You in Folly Beach, South Carolina and the 2nd and 3rd books in the “First Responders” series.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
Web site: http://www.loreelough.com
Blog: www.theloughdown.blogspot.com
Monthly Column: Christian Fiction Online Magazine
Facebook, Twitter, Shoutlife.

And thanks for spending this time with us, Loree.
No…thank YOU for inviting me! It’s been a genuine pleasure, privilege and honor! May 2011 deliver joys and successes too numerous to count to all of you!
Blessings,
Loree

Loree is giving away two books to two winners.
The first two books in the Lone Star Legends Series.
Here are my reviews of these two wonderful books.

Beautiful Bandit
http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2010/09/beautiful-bandit-by-loree-lough-book.html

and Maverick Heart
http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2010/12/maverick-heart-by-loree-lough-book-2.html



Leave a comment with your name and email address. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.


Here are the ways to get extra entries:
~Be or become a follower +1
~Be an email subscriber +1
~Read and leave a comment on any post +1 for each
~Join Loree Lough’s Networked Blog +1
~Join my Networked Blog +1
~Friend Loree Lough on Facebook +1
~Friend me on Facebook +1

Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org. ENTRY DEADLINE January31, 2011

These books are given generously by the author Loree Lough.
Thank you Loree Lough!

82 comments:

missreneer said...

These both look like great reads. Thanks for the great giveaway and interview :)

mrsjohnson1982 at yahoo dot com

missreneer said...

I follow with GFC. Username: missreneer :)

mrsjohnson1982 at yahoo dot com

missreneer said...

I am following Trinity Rose's Garden on Networked Blogs. Username: Renee Richardson :)

mrsjohnson1982 at yahoo dot com

rubynreba said...

These books sound so very interesting. Thanks for the great giveaway.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

karenk said...

thanks for the chance to read loree's novels...

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

karenk said...

i'm a follower :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

Wonderful interview, I enjoyed it a lot. Loree has a vivid imagination of what she writes about. I could see the scenes she spoke about clearly. I'm looking forward to reading her novels, as I've never read her writings. Thank you for this generous giveaway of two books and the chance to win them. I hope I do win.

Blessings,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

Unknown said...

I am a GFC follower. Thank you.

+1

Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

Unknown said...

I am an email subscriber. Thank you.

+1

Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

Unknown said...

I could not find the Networked Blogs on Loree's sites. Of course I would have joined had I found it. I hope I get credit for trying.

I also am a Networked Blog follow of your blog. Thank you.

+2

Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

MaureenT said...

Both of these books look great! I have been wanting to read Maverick Heart for awhile. I would love either book!


alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

MaureenT said...

I follow you on GFC

alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

MaureenT said...

I subscribe by email


alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

Loree Lough said...

Thanks, m'dears, for supporting this wonderful lady's blog! And thanks for reading this interview, too. I can hardly wait to find out which of you gets a book! Meanwhile, here's hoping your weekend is wonderful, Loree

apple blossom said...

thanks for the interview. love to be included in the book drawing.
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

apple blossom said...

gfc follower

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

apple blossom said...

email subscriber
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Diana Flowers said...

Would love to win giveaway!

dianalflowers@aol.com

Diana Flowers said...

I am also a subscriber via email!

dianalflowers@aol.com

Diana Flowers said...

I am also a follower.

dianalflowers@aol.com

Diana Flowers said...

I am Loree's friend on FB.


dianalflowers@aol.com

Charlotte Kay said...

Thank you for making this win possible:)
I loved the interview:)
chakasa58 at gmail dot com

I am a follower +1
I am an email subscriber +1
I joined your Networked Blog +1
I am a friend of Loree Lough on Facebook +1
I am your friend on Facebook +1

Merry said...

Loree's series sounds wonderful, I'd love to be entered!
worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

Merry said...

I'm a follower.
worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

Merry said...

I'm a subscriber.
worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

Katie Marie said...

Looks like a neat book! Please count me in!!

I am a follower of this blog- +1

~ Katy
legacy1992(at)gmail(dot)com

Hope said...

Please enter me; I'd love to read theses books!
onepilgrim86[at]yahoo.com

Hope said...

Email subscriber!
onepilgrim86[at]yahoo.com

Carman said...

Please enter me! These books look beautiful and sound great! :)

I follow through GFC.
I am an email subscriber.
I'm your friend on FB.
I'm Loree's friend on FB. :)

Thanks!

booklovercb at yahoo dot com

karenk said...

please count me in...thanks :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

karenk said...

i'm a follower :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Mary / Touch of Heaven said...

I ama google follower...Mary B. atouchofheaven2010[at]gmail[dot]com

Mary / Touch of Heaven said...

Would love to win ! Mary B. atouchofheaven2010[at]gmai[dot]com

Mary / Touch of Heaven said...

I joined your blog network. Mary B. atouchofheaven2010[at]gmail[dot]com

Diana Flowers said...

I also am Wanda's FB friend! This is such a beautiful blog!
dianalflowers@aol.com

Unknown said...

These books sound great! I love stories set in the old west

kissyjensen at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

These books look great! I'd love to win!
I'm a follower. +1

Kait
momiswayweird(at)gmail(dot)com

Pam said...

Both of Loree's books look like they'd be fun to read. I'd love to win them!
Thanks.

pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

Patsy said...

Would love to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

grannyvon said...

I I would love to win this book. I love the historical western romances/supense and this seems to fit all three. ybutler@oppcatv.com

grannyvon said...

Public followering on Google Friend Connect. ybutler@oppcatv.com

grannyvon said...

I subscribe by e-mail ybutler@oppcatva.com

grannyvon said...

I follow on NetWorked Blogs ybutler@oppcatv.com

grannyvon said...

I entered and commented about the giveaway book by Karen Kinsbury :A Thousand Tomorrows @ Just Beyond the Clouds Omnibus

Unknown said...

I've heard these books are good and I'd love to win them and see for myself! ;-)

I'm a follower!

Thanks!
Jane
knownasjane(at)yahoo(dot)com

Charity U said...

Please enter me!

photographer4ever832[at]gmail[dot]com

jdjmcc said...

Thank you for the giveaway!
jdjmcc@aol.com

Debra Chapoton, author said...

Please enter me, I am a new follower. Come follow back at http://edgeofescape.blogspot.com/
Carman sent me here.
bigpinelodge at gmail dot com

Meredith said...

These books sound good I read a lot of books set in the late 1800's.

meredithfl at gmail dot com
Carman sent me here.

~Be or become a follower +1
~Be an email subscriber +1

Aik said...

I'm a follower. I'd love to enter! Keiki at The Vessel Project sent me!

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Jo said...

I enjoy reading books from this time period. The cover is beautiful and the story sounds quite interesting. Carman sent me.

Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

pianosue said...

The books sound interesting. I love to read Christian fiction.

thanks!

pianosue
nhatkinson[at]juno[dot]com

Unknown said...

Thankyou for a chance to win. Do i need to post a comment for each of the extras? i follow Loree Lough, i follow the network blogs mentioned, i friended you...i did each of the things for extras. Thanks. mitzi_wanham[at]yahoo[dot]com.

Nia for Jesus said...

I commented on The search Suzanne Woods.
niastrong21(at)gmail(dot)com

lorlyn63 said...

Please enter me in your giveaway. I am a fan of Loree's and would enjoy reading more of her books. Thank you for the opportunity to sign up! God Bless!
Lori
(triplel@evertek.net)

Anonymous said...

I like the purpose in this gals writing... Sara... this is an awesome thing to be able to see and learn more about the authors. God bless all you do.

Anonymous said...

Looks very good...
I'm going to tell my friends all about your site. This is awesome

Diana Flowers said...

I am also a GFC follower...



dianalflowers@aol.com

Lisa Nelson said...

Please enter me in the drawing!
Thank you!
Lisa Nelson
storyreader617 @ gmail.com

Lisa Nelson said...

I signed up to follow your blog and as an email subscriber.
Lisa Nelson
storyreader617 @ gmail.com

grannyvon said...

I would love to win either of these book but sound good and I am putting on my Must Read List. ybutler@oppcatv.com

grannyvon said...

I follow on Google Friend Connect ybutler@oppcatv.com

grannyvon said...

I subscribed by e-mail ybutler@oppcatv.com

grannyvon said...

I follow on NetWorked Blogs. ybutler@oppcatv.com

Tressa said...

These books sound great!
tressa dot sherman at hotmail dot com

Tressa said...

Networked Blogs follower.
tressa dot sherman at hotmail dot com

Tressa said...

GFC follower.
tressa dot sherman at hotmail dot com

Tressa said...

Left comment on The Search giveaway post.
tressa dot sherman at hotmail dot com

Carolyn said...

i am a blog follower...

carolyn_hittle@yahoo.com

Carolyn said...

email subscriber

carolyn_hittle@yahoo.com

thanks for the opportunity!

lgm52 said...

follow via gfc
lgm52@hotmail.com

Mona said...

Both of these sound like good reads and they have beautiful covers.

monagarg@yahoo.com

Mona said...

GFC follower(MonaG)

monagarg@yahoo.com

Mona said...

Email subscriber

monagarg@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

G Bailey
2520 Beechwood
Odessa TX 79761

ceis8009 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

follow on GFC

ceis8009 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

follow by email

ceis8009 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

follow on NB

ceis8009 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

friend request on FB

ceis8009 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

Friend request Loree Lough on Facebook

ceis8009 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

could not find: Join Loree Lough’s Networked Blog

ceis8009 at yahoo dot com

Diana Flowers said...

I left comment when contest first started and I was like, cool, I have a good chance, there's only a few comments on here! Then I just came back and saw 82 comments! lol Good luck everyone!!


dianalflowers@aol.com