Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Let Me Introduce Myself……
Rewind to an insanely busy day inside the compounds of cubicle city, I pondered why I continued to beat my head against this weary and unforgiving wall.
You see, I displayed my most favorite quote dab smack in front of my face:
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do, than by the ones you did do.
So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails, Explore. Dream. Discover.”
-Mark Twain
Yet, I continued to be miserable and exhausted to the point that I crashed on my comfy couch every work night, maybe taking in a baseball game on TV (if I had the energy).
It was a sad sight and even more pathetic, knowing I could change my life, be happy again as no one – but me – had the power to make the changes I needed for peace.
Intro to the present – My name is Lori Armstrong and I have been a writer my entire life, but took hollow and ungratifying jobs along the way, which either led to dead ends or downright lousy atmospheres. Oh the pay was great, but not a sustaining ounce of fulfillment.
Approaching 50, I had that “lightbulb” moment when I knew I was not where I was meant to be in this life.
I left my well-paying District Attorney’s job with health benefits and began reaching out to other writers, creating profiles, writing for magazines, blogs, and even ghostwrote a couple published novels.
The fulfillment and peace has been more gratifying than expected.
I have written two books – both published, supplementing my writing by court reporting for my local newspaper.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Behind the Gates of Neverland – Conversations with Michael Jackson.
I met Michael Jackson’s friend and manager of his Neverland Amusement Park, who was searching for a writer to compose and share the conversations he shared with Michael. He wanted this memoir to speak on the human side of Michael that many of his fans were not able to see.
I was honored when Ray chose me to take on this exhilarating and enjoyable project.
We have become fast friends and we hope to spread the word of the humble Michael, who truly loved his fans and wanted to make the world a better place.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Actually, I do.
Being a Wizard of Oz fanatic, my Dorothy doll stands proudly upon my desk (with Toto at her side). There is a recording of Somewhere Over the Rainbow embedded in her stand, which I routinely play daily as it motivates the creativity inside of me.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Aw yes – the great Stephen King and Ernest Hemingway.
“The Sun Also Rises” (Hemingway) is definitely one of my most influential books.
What are you working on now?
I am working on formatting the paperback version of “Behind the Gates of Neverland” as only the digital version is on pre-order now through Amazon.
My next book will be a fantasy novel – dedicated to my brother and his brilliant mind.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
For me, promoting books may be time consuming but it is well worth the effort.
I designed my website -https://www.authorloriarmstrong.com/ – and believe the combination of marketing through my website, social media and press releases (both in print and on-line).
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up!
Believe in yourself and take on your projects… one sweet day at a time.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“If it doesn’t challenge you, it wont change you.”
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading “It” by Stephen King as I want to refresh my memory of the spine-tingling story before the movie arrives this September.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to add a blog to my website which provides book marketing tips to new writers.
I also plan to expand my novels to the crime/mystery genre.
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?
The top 4 books which detail “How to Survive on a Desert Island.”
Author Websites and Profiles
Lori Armstrong Website
Lori Armstrong Amazon Profile
Lori Armstrong’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account