Interview With Author LAURI CRUVER CHERIAN
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello, I am an educator and a writer, an actor, and a lover of travel and chocolate! I have recently published two books of poetry. Poems of the Point is a tribute to growing up on the beach in the Pacific Northwest. If a piece of your heart already lies in the Pacific Northwest, or you are open to having your heart captured by it, this book of poetry is for you! Brave As Thistles is my second book, a journey over the speed bumps and messiness of mid-life, learning to tap into my inner Viking. If your life journey has taken you to a place where bravery is required, may you be as brave as thistles and summon your inner Viking!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book of poetry is, Brave As Thistles, inspired by a trip to Norway and Scotland, accompanied by three little Tupperware containers full of the ashes of my mother, father, and grandfather. I hiked the Norwegian tundra, scattering their ashes on three ancient stones and continued the journey to the Highlands of Scotland where I was enthralled with the strength and vulnerability of the Scottish thistle. I decided then and there that I wanted to be as strong and fierce, yet as tender and vulnerable as the thistle when life throws the unexpected at me.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I often write in the middle of the night, as sleep more often than not illudes me! During the day, I write with my dog, Gracie, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier Chihuahua mix who sits on a chair next to me, occasionally licking my hand for inspiration. I’ve even written with a wayward wren flitting about the house; they both have made a good muse.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh goodness, as a child, Maurice Sendak, Arnold Lobel, and Richard Scarry. As a romantic pre-teen, Louisa May Alcott, the Bronte sisters, Jane Austen and T.R.R, Tolkien, and C.S. Lewis. But as an adult, I like Abraham Varghese, Kristin Hannah, Ken Follett, and Mary Oliver.
What are you working on now?
Oh, so many things, I have been querying agents for a children’s book that is ready for publishing. I’m so excited about it. It’s called, Four Anxious Armadillos. Did you know that there are 20 species of armadillos, and one is called the Pink Fairy Armadillo, sounds like a fun character, right? I’ve also finished a memoir called, Isn’t This Fun? A Family’s Adventures Through Countries, Christmases and Cremations. It’s funny, poignant and 99% true!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Fb, Amazon Author Central, Goodreads
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write, write! Write when the muse hits and even if it doesn’t. If it hits during the middle of the night or at dinner, stop! Obey it! Sit and write!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Be brave! Tap into your inner Viking, Lauri!” (My sister and my kids)
What are you reading now?
I just finished The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese and loved it. As a spouse of a South Indian, and one who has traveled twice to the setting of Kerala, India, I can’t presume to say I got all of the author’s references, but I got enough to love the book!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am currently writing a historical fiction of the life of my grandmother and great grandparents who ran a boarding house for immigrant men in Tacoma, Washington in 1910. As an ESL teacher, I have a great love and affection for immigrants. I am enjoying piecing together the stories of the men from varied countries who stayed in my great grandparents’ boarding house.
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?
Wow, oh my. Life is short; be prepared. Well, to cover all the bases: The Bible, Robert Burns, Little Women, Pride and Prejudice and poetry by Robert Burns.
Author Websites and Profiles
LAURI CRUVER CHERIAN Amazon Profile
LAURI CRUVER CHERIAN’s Social Media Links