Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I published my first novel, Even Halos Can Be Crooked, in February 2017. I published my second novella of short stories and poems, Castles in the Sky, in July 2017. I’m currently in the process of finishing a cozy mystery that I hope to have published late September 2017 and the second book in The Crooked Halo Series late 2017.
My go-to choice of genre to read is Paranormal Mysteries. I’ve long enjoyed reading authors such as Kim Harrison, Christopher Pike, Katie MacAlister, Laurell K. Hamilton and L. J. Smith. I’m a little bit sad because a numerous of the series I’ve enjoyed for years have ended but I look forward to discovering new authors.
I’ve been writing for years. The 2 books I’ve published this year were started years ago. A lot went into delaying publishing them and I’m excited to finally be able to share these stories.
I love humor mixed in with fast paced action and conversation. I’ve tried to create that with Even Halos Can Be Crooked. I truly enjoy these characters in The Crooked Halo Series and hope that others will come to enjoy them as well.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Castles in the Sky was published in July 2017. It’s a compilation of short stories and poems written throughout my life so far. I tried to publish the poems years ago but set it aside after a number of rejections.
After publishing my first novel, I pulled out my old files and began reading them again. I realized I had a complete novel, ready to be published, sitting right there in my hands. All I had to do was convert it to digital files, edit it, and create a cover. That turned out to be a bigger process than I anticipated. I decided to add in 3 short stories (which I’d written) that I have read time and again and felt they belonged in this novella.
I really enjoy a number of the poems. It’s hard for me to pick a favorite but if you were to read just a few, I’d recommend Uh, Oh! Maud’s Knitting Again, Yellow, and Alone.
I know poetry isn’t for everyone but hope some of my fans give Castles in the Sky a try. It’s a little bit dark, a little bit romantic, and a little bit adventurous.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t really plan a story out. I get an idea and just start to write. It’s both thrilling and terrifying because I don’t know what’s going to happen next. Sometimes I have scenes I can see and want to include which I have to steer the characters to and other times I’m surprised by where my story goes. Doing the NaNoWriMo seriously helped me get past doubts and roadblocks. I told myself to just write. Don’t get stuck. If it isn’t needed or helpful to the story, it can be taken out later, but just keep writing. Some days, I don’t write at all. I think about my characters and where I want the story to go. I’ll re-read what I’ve written and proofread/edit it. Writing the stories on my cell phone, as I have been, means I have to watch out for auto correct a lot which makes proofreading all the more important and just that extra little bit of special fun when I see words I know I typed correctly changed from ‘bit’ to ‘but’ or ‘be’ to ‘he’.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
A number of authors have influenced me. Having a comedic side kick for Even Halos Can Be Crooked was such a big help for me. I love my character Desmin.
He was inspired by the sidekicks in series by Kim Harrison, Victoria Laurie, and Katie MacAlister. I wanted someone in my story that made me laugh like Jenks, Jim, and Gilly. Someone to love that also spoke the truth in such blunt ways.
I’m sure a number of other authors have influenced my style of writing. I definitely enjoy books with more dialogue that moves the story forward than pages of description. It’s hard to be original in this day and age, but my goal is to continue to bring something new and different to each story.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on finishing a cozy murder mystery. It has the potential to be a series. It’s definitely a little more serious but I’ve included humor here and there. It certainly has a steamy romance that is fraught with complications for the characters to overcome. I’ve always enjoyed a story more when the characters may be attracted to each other but fight the attraction.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Ha. Well, I’m still trying to figure that out. I’ve joined a number of Facebook groups and Goodreads. I’ve created the Facebook page The Crooked Halo Series and actively post on my blog, Lori’s ET Reviews, updates and news.
The most successful method so far was a book blog tour by Silver Dagger Book Tours. I received my most page likes and activity by doing the month long tour.
I’m still trying to find more ways of reaching people. Any suggestions??
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just keep writing. Try to set goals and write as much as you can.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The same as above, just keep writing.
What are you reading now?
Dangerous Minds by Janet Evanovich.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m really looking forward to finishing this cozy mystery. It’s getting harder to write each day, every day, with an active toddler but I’m doing my best to finish this mystery. Even though I’m the one writing it, it’s still a mystery to me and I can’t wait to solve it. Mysteries are tricky and I have a great respect for all the mystery authors I read. Picking your victims, finding suspects, creating red herrings, not getting side tracked, and moving the story forward takes skill. For someone who usually writes as she goes, this is not that easy. I have an idea of ‘who dunnit’ but getting to the big reveal takes more planning than I’m used to with my writing. I binge watched Scooby-Doo to keep me on track with all the different ways a mystery can get to “And I would have gotten away with it, too, if it wasn’t for you meddling kids!”
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
That’s a hard one. I’ve re-read so many stories and I have quite a few favorites. I’d take Even Halos Can Be Crooked – the humor alone would keep me entertained. I’d take a survival book, maybe. Then I’d have to choose. One of my favorite historical romances is Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught. I’d probably take that book. For the last one, I don’t know. I’d be torn between Fistful of Charms by Kim Harrison and either Blue Moon by Laurell K. Hamilton or….wow, this is a tough question. Maybe High Tide by Jude Devereaux. I would have a seriously hard time with only being allowed 3 or 4 books.
Author Websites and Profiles
L. M. Schukraft Website
L. M. Schukraft Amazon Profile
L. M. Schukraft’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile