Interview With Author Lori Soard
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi everyone! I’m a born and raised Hoosier gal. I grew up in Indianapolis but now live in the southernmost part of the state in the same place Colonel Harland Sanders was born. I love my small town and the people I’ve come to know since our family moved here. We have gorgeous knobs to the west, rolling hills to the east, forestry to the south and fields of corn to the north.
I’m a mom to two grown daughters and a nana to two beautiful granddaughters. I also have a houseful of pets, including two miniature dachshunds and four rescue cats.
I’ve lost count of the number of books but it’s been over a dozen now. I also write articles on a huge variety of topics, so it all runs together in my mind after a while.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Anna’s Fresh Start is a historical Christian romance. It’s set in 1870 just after the Civil War. My main character was a Civil War spy. I actually came up with the idea of a heroine who was a Civil War spy a long time ago. I started reading widely on the topic and had the bones of Anna already in place.
My friend Lisa Prysock invited me to be part of the Brides of Pelican Rapids series, which is set during Reconstruction, and I instantly knew it was time to tell Anna’s story. I started by giving her a name. My late cousin Anna was one of my best friends growing up. She was such a unique person–kind, sassy, accepting, feisty. I knew this was my inspiration for my Civil War spy.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think it’s unusual but I love plot and structure. I did a dissertation on Joseph Campbell and have studied many different theories. I use storyboards and plotting spreadsheets. My favorite is to use sticky notes, so I can move things around or easily add and replace plot points on my storyboard.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many that I hesitate to say because I wouldn’t want to leave anyone out. I loved Nancy Drew growing up and devoured those books and the Hardy Boys books. I also love anything by Jane Austen. I know a lot of romance writers name her, and there is a reason for that. Her characters are filled with depth and are real. I also enjoy a good suspense novel, Nicholas Sparks’ stories (when he doesn’t murder my favorite characters) and many of my writing peers’ books.
What are you working on now?
I am taking two weeks off after finishing Anna’s Fresh Start and will refill my creative well. Then, I’ll start on the first book in the Dogwood Creek series releasing in January 2026. There are multiple authors involved and it’s going to be an amazing project. JoAnn Durgin and I came up with the concept for the series and created the town. Some of the wonderful names joining us include Robin Bayne, Dawn Kinzer, Julie Arduini and Leah Atwood.
After my Dogwood Creek release, my next planning book is in 2026 as part of the Apron Strings Tea Tales series. They are inspired by different fairy tales and I’ll be retelling The Little Mermaid but set in a tea room in the 1920s.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I try to post on my social media pages and send out a note in my newsletter. I also try to get something up on Awesome Gang and a couple of other favorites.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t let anyone dull your shine. Take all criticism and see if you can learn from it and then toss it aside. You’ll become a better writing by writing. I have advanced degrees and learned very little of what I know obtaining them. I learned the most by listening to people wiser than me and gaining insight from some amazing editors along the way.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Go where you’re celebrated, not tolerated.” I can’t find exactly who coined the phrase but it changed my perspective. I’m a very loyal person. I would stay in a situation forever because I felt obligated. But that saying made me realize that loyalty is great but it shouldn’t only go one way.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading through the Apron Strings series to become more familiar with the style for the next series I’ll be part of.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a cozy mystery series dying to be told (pun intended). Once I wrap up my Cupid’s Crossing series (Wrecked Wedding is book # 5 and will be out in 2025), I plan to start on the new mystery series. After that, I’ll see where I’m invited and go the way God leads.
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?
Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen
The Bible – God
Any how-to survivalist book LOL
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