Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello, and thank you for taking the time to read my author interview. Writing a book was a long held dream of mine. I decided to do it rather than merely dream about it. Outspoken is my first book. I am currently working on my second novel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is called Outspoken. It’s about a girl who is afraid to reveal her true self, who wants people to like her, and who comes to see that it’s a mistake to let others steer her life. Outspoken begins when she has decided to begin speaking her mind and sharing her truth. I was inspired to write this book because I feel this is a struggle many people have. I wanted to show people that you cultivate the deepest relationships when you are able to be vulnerable and open.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think this is very unusual, but I must be alone in the room when I write. I can’t have music playing, because I find myself singing along and then lose my train of thought. A bowl of something to munch on is always handy, especially M&Ms.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The list of authors who have inspired and influenced me is very long. I love Sarah Dessen’s books. The Truth About Forever showed me that I love books with young people figuring out life, dealing with family issues, friend issues, and falling in love.
I also love Amy Harmon, Anne Tyler, Jessica Park, Stephanie Perkins, Jandy Nelson, Rainbow Rowell…I could go on all day.
What are you working on now?
I’m nearly finished with the first draft of my second novel. It’s about a sixteen year old girl who lives with her cousin’s family for the summer while her parents are on a marriage retreat. Family issues abound, and the romance element is strong in this book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I like to keep things as personal as possible. I approach book bloggers one at a time, and talk books and request reviews or giveaways.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
As a fairly new author myself, I am still working on this. But I did learn a lot while writing my first book. When you find yourself in a tough spot and can’t think what should happen or where the story should go, just write. Write, write, write. It doesn’t matter if it’s terrible, because you’ll go back and change it later. Don’t take time off when you feel stuck. You must barrel through.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Ernest Hemingway said, “The first draft of anything is shit.” He also said, “The only kind of writing is rewriting.” For me personally, these quotes got me through any struggles I had. I printed them out and taped them by my desk.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading Infinity + One by Amy Harmon, and I’m enjoying it immensely.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to publish my next book in the spring of 2016. I really enjoy writing in the Young Adult genre, so I’ll probably stick with that for the foreseeable future.
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?
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Making Faces by Amy Harmon
The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
Author Websites and Profiles
Lora Richardson Website
Lora Richardson Amazon Profile
Lora Richardson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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