Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Central Florida with my husband and my Jack Russell, Cena, who is both my biggest muse and my greatest distraction. I have a daughter and a grandson who is 2. Her husband is Air Force, and they’re currently stationed in Japan. I work a regular nine-to-five desk job and write to escape reality. I currently have one full length novel published.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Whisper of an Angel is my debut full length novel. Our local animal shelter has a monthly Pack Walk, where they take a load of dogs to the state park for volunteers to walk. It gets the dogs some out-of-cage time and spotlights adoption opportunities. My very first Pack Walk, I met Phoebe – and promptly fell in love. Unfortunately, my dog is 13 years old and very set in his ways, which includes hating anything else with four legs. This makes us a one dog household. Each month I fell in love with a different dog (my husband was not a fan of my volunteering at this event). It broke my heart to see the dogs’ reactions when it was time to get back on the bus to go back to their cages. Whisper started as my way of giving them happy endings.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am what we call a ‘pantser’. No matter what my planning intentions are, I work best when I’m chasing a deadline and put myself up against the wire. Regardless of whether I have two years, six months, or two weeks, you’ll find me getting it done in the last couple days. I also tend to include a lot of my own angst, whatever it happens to be on the days that I’m writing. You know the old saying – don’t anger the author because you may become a character in their book? Yeah, it’s true.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Nicholas Sparks, Mitch Albom, and Cecelia Ahern are three of my favorites because of their abilities to elicit emotion. I want my writing to make people feel. I worked in a used bookstore for years, so it really broadened my horizons and I read just about anyone, which has also led to me writing very different stories for different genres. I adore reading local authors that I can interact with and get to know on a personal level, two of my long time favorites being Connie Mann and Dylan Newton. Local authors all tend to be extremely supportive, which goes a long ways.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on Poetic Justice, which, like Whisper, includes dogs and romance. However, my main character in this story goes vigilante after the judicial system fails time and time again, and dog fighting is getting out of control in her area. She takes things into her own hands and doles out the justice that she feels fits the crime. It’s one of the rarities where a serial killer is the hero, and the victims are the bad guys. The local news provided a lot of content and scenarios, and writing fiction offers an avenue to carry out acts that law enforcement would definitely frown upon.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still learning the ropes for self promotion and ‘pimping’ myself in the promotions groups. My best method thus far was paying a marketer to do it for me, which is what I did when Whisper was released. I personally have not found that one, all encompassing method or site that is best. I do wish I knew that magical secret though!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep at it! It’s hard writing a full length book – like really hard. Editing is even harder, but oh so important. Find an editor that is willing to get to know you so they know your style, your habits (good and bad), and what rules you’re going to break no matter what. Grammar is the correct way to do things – you’ll learn how to tweak it to your own style, but it takes time. Be patient and keep an open mind. Anthologies are a great way to network, develop your writing, and get your name out there. Make friends and be nice – no one starts at the top. Be prepared to earn your stripes.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be true to you. It sounds cliche, and most have to learn it the hard way – I did, and still am. I tend to fall into the category of trying to make everyone happy, which does nothing except make me miserable. Everyone will give advice on how to do things, but find your own way. I’m not saying don’t listen, but take it under advisement instead of as the gospel truth. Don’t be afraid to speak up with your own ideas or opinions. There’s no right or wrong answer.
What are you reading now?
I have to laugh because I don’t even know right now. I have a New Zealand series by Rosalind James that I’ve been trying to get to. I have several stories for fellow writers that I’m trying to give feedback on. Honestly, I have enough books I ‘want to be reading but haven’t’ to last me about the next three lifetimes.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m spending 2018 with a calendar full of anthology submissions, as well as two more full length novel deadlines. I’m trying to focus on hitting deadlines, getting a more organized writing process, and get my stories out there.
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?
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom immediately pops into my head. Faerie Tale by Raymond Feist – the only book to ever give me the heebie jeebies. The Punch Buggy Daytona 500 by my daughter when she was in elementary school because that will always be my absolute favorite book. And let’s be real – a book about the island so I know what’s safe to eat. This girl gets hangry.
Author Websites and Profiles
Lorah Jaiyn Website
Lorah Jaiyn Amazon Profile
Lorah Jaiyn’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account