Lorrie is an author who crosses genres with aplomb, having won numerous awards for her work. She writes romantic thrillers that readers have said are page turning, inspiring, and realistic. Lorrie also dips her toes, or her pen, into the paranormal, historical, and fantasy worlds. With six novels to her name and numerous short stories, she’s been rather busy. We’re happy she’s taken time out to chat to Booktastik.
Hi Lorrie. I’m going to start by asking a question you’ve probably heard a million times before: How did you get into writing?
I started writing when I was a child , making little books for my dolls. (I was actually much more interested in the books than the dolls. LOL) I’ve always loved to write, but I was never a formula genre writer, so I didn’t respond well to editors’ attempts to make me one.
One editor actually told me, “Nobody reads paranormal stories,” while another insisted characters had to express their love on page 160, and then have a misunderstanding that kept them apart for another 150 pages. I’m sure that pattern worked well for many authors, but it did not work for me. So, when it finally became feasible to be an independent author, I jumped at the opportunity!
Wow, how presumptuous of the editor who said nobody reads paranormal stories. I think that’s why self-published authors have done so well—because they’re not afraid to write what they love, even if it’s never been done before or if it’s supposedly out of fashion.
You write many different genres and write books that cross genres. Was that a conscious choice or did it just happen?
It is absolutely a conscious choice. Two of the biggest loves of my life, both at home and through work, have been kids and animals. I’ve been so fortunate through teaching, working with exchange students, and working at Disneyland’s Circle D Ranch, to have had the chance to get to know literally hundreds of wonderful (and, yes, even a few not-so-wonderful) kids. And I’m even more blessed to have had my own at home – although not quite so many! I don’t think I could write a story that didn’t have kids and/or animals in it.
I enjoy writing Westerns because I so love them. That love is a gift from my dad, who used to tell me (with a completely straight face) tall tales of riding shotgun in the American Old West with stagecoach driver/lawman/desperado/general hell-raiser Wild Bill Hickok.
All of my stories have at least a touch, and sometimes much more than a touch, of the paranormal. Growing up, I was fascinated by the work of such incredible writers as Ray Bradbury, Rod Serling, Charles Beaumont, Richard Matheson, Ambrose Bierce, Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and Shirley Jackson. Though their work often has paranormal, fantasy, or supernatural elements, their books, stories, and screenplays are really about the great mysteries and contradictions of simply being human.
I also love the movies, especially films that haunt the imagination, like “Séance on a Wet Afternoon,” “Picnic at Hanging Rock,” and “The Haunting.”
And most important of all – and the reason all my stories have such strong emotional elements – is the love and devotion of my husband, Wally. He’s been by my side since we were little more than kids, and if I’ve been able to capture in words what true love, passion, and great heart really are, it’s because he has shown them to me every day, and in so many ways.
Do you plot your books, or figure it out as you go?
Mostly I make it up as I go along. I’ve never been able to work from an outline, and many times I’m as surprised as my characters to discover where a story is leading.
If you do plot your books, have the characters ever hijacked the story and taken it in a direction you didn’t see coming?
Oh, all the time! My family has learned to ignore my hollering, “No! No! Why did you do THAT?” at my characters as I write. It’s crazy, really, because they are obviously figments of my imagination. But I swear, they absolutely have their own lives and do what they want, when they want!
As an author, I can so relate, but I think that’s a good thing because if we don’t see it coming, the reader probably won’t either J.
Can you tell us about your latest release?
There are two, actually, and both are short stories/novellas in new anthologies from Prairie Rose Publications. The first, COWBOYS, CREATURES, AND CALICO, is a collection of spooky but romantic Western tales. Mine is the first story in the book, “The Sheriff of Hel’n Gone.” It’s the story of a courageous, Old West lawman doomed to forever repeat the worst – and last – Halloween of his life. Nothing changes until the day he rescues a young archaeologist from the wreck of her Jeep. The question is, can she rescue him?
The second story, “Christmas Treasure,” is part of the collection PRESENT FOR A COWBOY, which will be released this month. “Christmas Treasure” is the tale of a man who, having lost his home and family in war, strives to make a new life for himself on a remote Western ranch. When a stubborn, starchy young woman arrives to deliver an unexpected gift from his past, can his hope for the future overcome his pain and regret?
You’ve won a few awards. How did that feel?
It’s a thrill, of course! But honestly, my greatest pleasure as a writer is hearing that someone has read and enjoyed my stories.
What’s the best fan message you’ve ever received? And what do readers love most about your books?
Although readers have said they’ve enjoyed the suspenseful plot lines in my books and stories, what they really most connect with, I think, is the emotional depth of the characters. Here are some comments:
“Filled with sweet emotion, but also heart-wrenching hurt, (Lorrie Farrelly’s writing) is exactly why I am such a fan of historical fiction!” ~ B. Casto, Readers’ Favorite
“Readers can expect to find humor, violence, gritty action, and exquisitely-wrought tension throughout..(This) is for readers who seek more depth and layers in their stories.” ~ D. Donovan, reviewing for Midwest Book Review
“Ms. Farrelly brings the colorful characters to life. The reader will laugh and cry!” ~ Jada Ryker, Author of the TAKES A DARE series
“When I first bought this book, I was prepared for a pretty love story, with some basic plot investments. What I got was a heart-melting, pulse-racing, beautiful piece of literature!” ~ “Miss Heidi,” Amazon Reader
Have you got a favorite out of all the books you’ve written? And why is that your favorite?
Well, it’s a bit like choosing among your children – you love them all! But I think the novel closest to my heart is TERMS OF SURRENDER. The emotional struggles of the hero and heroine are so moving to me, and the power of love to heal touches my heart so deeply. I find the historical time in which the story is set is very powerful as well. So deeply traumatic and divisive was the American Civil War that the country is still dealing with its aftermath, 150 years later.
What’s next for you?
Currently, I’m really enjoying writing short stories/novellas. Because we have a two-year-old toddler at home, it’s difficult at the moment to find enough time to concentrate on writing a novel, but short fiction works perfectly. Once I have more time at my disposal, I’ll return to novels.
Thanks so much for visiting Booktastik, Lorrie, I’ve loved hearing about your writing journey. And good luck with the toddler, they can be a real handful lol.
I’d just like to add how very much I appreciate being invited to visit with you today at Booktastik, Dionne! It’s a terrific site! I had a wonderful time, and I want to thank you for the opportunity to tell readers just how very much I appreciate them as well.
Click on the book cover to visit Amazon, where you can grab one of these awesome books :).
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