Sit-Down Saturday with Loree Lough


Today we’re celebrating the release of ONCE A MARINE, #1 in Heartwarming's "Those Marshall Boys" series.

So, Loree, where did you get the idea for this novel?

Well, I have friends and acquaintances who were the victims of assault. Two came through it like champs--thanks to hard work and determination. One is still grappling with the horrors, which is proof that no two people handle trauma and tragedy in the same way. These differences inspired me to dig deeper, to try and understand WHY. Interviews with psychiatric specialists and nearly 3 dozen women who survived various levels of violence led me to the expected conclusion: If this many were willing to talk about their attack, how many are quietly coping with the haunting nightmares?

ONCE A MARINE is my attempt to shed a little light on this bigger-than-we-realize issue, which affects every area--including relationships--of a victim's life. It takes patience, understanding, and love that knows no bounds to help a woman deal with what happened. And it takes a strong man to handle a broken woman.... 

In looking at the cover, if you could add a caption or captions, what would they say? 

If Former Marine Zach Marshall could save everyone in his scope of vision, he'd die trying.

How long did it take you to write?

From idea to research and interviews, to proposal and contract, then writing and editing, and finally, book-on-the-shelves, I'd estimate the process took approximately 6 months.

What is your favorite scene?

I loved the hoedown dance floor scene, when Summer watched a little girl balance on the toes of Zach's cowboy boots and realizes what a wonderful father he'd make...and hopes the doctor was wrong (that the damage done by her attacker may mean she can't have children). In my eyes, it was a dual realization moment: Summer loved Zach enough to want to spend the rest of her life with him. They haven't confessed their feelings for one another at this point, so naturally she wonders--if she finds the courage to tell him the truth--he could ever love her enough to accept not having children of his own.
Who was your favorite character and why?

Much as I'd like to say Zach, for his big heart and protective nature, I have to choose Summer. She could have accepted life as a hermit, avoiding the outside world--and men in particular....

If you could pick fictional characters to play the hero and heroine, who would they be?

For Zach, I'd choose Taylor Kitsch, and Erin Moynahan as Summer. 

Tell us one thing you learned during research.

Mostly, that life always tests our mettle...and it takes intense strength of character to pass those tests.

 
What music would match the mood of this novel?

Since my on-the-road days, I've a huge Country music fan. And because ONCE A MARINE is set out west in Vail and Denver, Colorado, I think this Rodney Atkins song fits perfectly: 

 
This is your 102nd book on the shelves (of 104 contracted and to be released by year-end 2016).  Exactly what does that mean to you?

It means I owe a HUGE thank you to a whole bunch of people: God, for blessing me with a talent for words, an unending supply of story ideas, and the grit and determination to write-write-write no matter what; my family, for putting up with my crazy schedule (and crazy behavior, like talking out loud or acting out characters' gestures to make sure I can describe them properly); my agent, Steve Laube, for finding homes for the proposals I send his way; my editors for helping me sharpen and shine every word; reviewers, for write-ups that allow me to claim "5-star" and/or "102 award-winning books!" Last, but certainly not least, my readers, whose steadfast support moves enough books off the shelves to make Steve and my editors believe I can do it again. And hopefully, again!

What do you plan to work on next?

I'm jockeying back and forth between books #2 and 3 in the "Those Marshall Boys" series, both contemporaries, and books #2 and 3 in the "Secrets on Sterling Street" historical series. I'm also working on a project with actor/director Kevin James O'Neill called "Fifty Hours." (Kevin has lined up actors and producers who will breathe life into his original screenplay, but we can't share any more than that...for a while yet!)

What are you reading for pleasure right now?

Believe it or not, I'm reading "The Missing Manual," a book written to help people like me, who have no clue how to operate their new iPhone 5!

Loree Lough Bio: At last count, best-selling author Loree Lough had nearly 5,000,000 4- and 5-star books in circulation. Books 103 & 104 (“Secrets on Sterling Street” historical series, and “Those Marshall Boys” contemporary series) will hit bookstore shelves throughout 2015 and 2016. She loves interacting with readers on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest, and via email (and answers every letter, personally). c/ohttp://www.loreelough.com.



Comments

  1. Once A Marine sounds like a great book. Do you really act out characters' gestures?! Lol!! I will have to add your book to my ever growing TBR pile. Fortunately my Heartwarming pile receives regular attention. ( :

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    1. I really DO, Laurie! And when I get caught doing it (which is pretty often!), it's the source of many hidden grins and laugh-out-loud moments here at my house. You can't go wrong, collecting Heartwarming novels; these are some of the most talented, big-hearted authors I know! :-)

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  2. Terrific interview, Loree! ONCE A MARINE sounds wonderful. I knew you were prolific, but it's fun to learn a little more about you and your writing. Your work with Mr. O'Neill sounds fascinating, too. Best wishes with your release and all your other projects!

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    1. Thanks, Kate! I can use all the best wishes I can get! LOL

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  3. This was a great interview, Loree. I'm fascinated by your research. I've always said that every person in the human race is the "walking wounded" and your book sounds like it will zero in on some very tough issues. I worked with the National Domestic Violence Hotline and women's shelters for years and heard stories that I didn't think could actually happen in real life. Victimized women (and children) have to crawl through glass ---uphill---just to get to "near normal". Thank you for taking on this challenge in your writing. I can't wait to read the book. Best of luck!

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    1. It's so true, Catherine, that those who've suffered abuse have survived things most of us don't see, even in our nightmares. I hold these individuals in such high regard, because it would have been easy to adopt the "victim mantle." Instead, they fought back, and by overcoming the past, set an example for others. I developed great respect for those who helped these people, people like you, Catherine, who were conduits to help and safety. I hope you'll enjoy the story!

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  4. I love our Saturday "behind the scenes" interviews. This one was great!

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    1. I love 'em, too, Melinda! Learning little details about my author pals is always fun!

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  5. Hi Loree, this is another great interview. Love learning a little more with each one I read. This is a great book and looking forward to the next one, as always.

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    1. And thank YOU, Robin, for being such a steadfast supporter of my work, and one of my dearest Facebook pals, too!

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  6. I want to be you when I grow up. lol. Congrats on your 102 releases! Once a Marine sounds wonderful.

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    1. LOL Patricia, but you know what they say...be careful what you wish for. (I've been at this keyboard for 36 hours straight--without a shower! LOL)

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  7. I'm so excited for this book, Loree. It's always great to pick your brain as an author - you are a fantastic author and mentor, my friend! :)

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    1. Aw, now you went and made me blush, Cerella! I'm truly blessed to be among the talented authors in the Heartwarming lineup, and especially proud that you're my partner in the "We Talk to Ourselves...a LOT!" blog. And let's not forget that our next Heartwarming novels will release side by side this September! :-)

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    2. I can't wait for us to share another release month! :D

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  8. Congratulations, Loree. I love an all out hero - and the cover certainly brings him to life. I was on the board of our local Women's Harbor and Catherine said it perfectly - it's an uphill crawl through glass to just come up to normal life. Those of us with loving, caring fathers and husbands had no idea what some women are up against. Your well-deserved good reviews should help keep attention focused on such a critical issue. I do that acting-out thing, too! Was more fun when my boys were home. They'd take a punch or a tumble with great enthusiasm. Ron in his walker - not so much.

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    1. I love knowing that I'm not alone, Muriel, in acting out scenes in my books! (It doesn't make me feel less crazy, but, y'know? LOL)

      You are so right when you say that those of us with caring, loving husbands are truly blessed. It's a good reminder to TELL this real-life hero of mine how much I appreciate the constancy of his TLC!

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  9. I love the cover, and the premise for the story, too. Congratulations on all those books!

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    1. Thanks, Liz! Hope your tucked in safe and warm today, wherever you are! (Snowin' to beat the band here in Baltimore!) ACK!

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  10. Great interview. Loree is very special , kind, and gifted author i know. I almost try catch up all her books. I enjoyed reading it

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    1. Hi, Terri, and thanks for stopping by and commenting! You're one of my favorite people, too! :-)

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  11. can you delete first one. My wrong account not suppose in it. So I switch my own one.

    Great interview. Loree is very special , kind, and gifted author i know. I almost try catch up all her books. I enjoyed reading it

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  12. This book is next up on my TBR pile. Can't wait. Love the cover. What a great interview and wow---so many books and you look about 20 years old.

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    1. My thoughts exactly. She looked like 20 years old. She keep her looks younger

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    2. You are my new best friend, Roz: 20? I have grandkids older than that! LOL

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  13. Sounds like a wonderful read. Look forward to it.

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    1. And I'm looking forward to hearing what you think of it, Marion! :-)

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  14. I hope you'll all feel free to copy and share the link below! You'll be a hero if one of your friends or relatives wins the getaway, and I'm sure that'll inspire them to let you borrow it once they've read the story! :-)

    http://heartwarmingauthors.blogspot.com/2015/02/sit-down-saturday-with-loree-lough.html#comment-form

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  15. I hope you'll all feel free to copy and share the link below! You'll be a hero if one of your friends or relatives wins the getaway, and I'm sure that'll inspire them to let you borrow it once they've read the story! :-)

    http://heartwarmingauthors.blogspot.com/2015/02/sit-down-saturday-with-loree-lough.html#comment-form

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  16. I guess I am going to be picturing you making the gestures while reading your books from now on ;) I really enjoy your boos and am looking forward to reading Once A Marine!
    ~Lori LC

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    1. LOL Lori...yes, I view every action scene is an exercise opportunity! LOL Can't wait what you think of the book (and I'll see you over at Facebook!)

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  17. I want to read this book! Congrats, Loree!

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    1. Hi, Christy! Thanks for stopping by! I'm looking forward to hearing what you think of the story, and hope the rest of your weekend will be wonderful!

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    2. Guess whose name popped out of my trusty winners hat? YOURS! Send your mailing address to me at loree@loreelough.com and I'll get your copy of ONCE A MARINE right into the mail! Congrats, Christy, and here's hoping the week ahead will be wonderful!

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    3. Guess whose name popped out of my trusty winners hat? YOURS! Send your mailing address to me at loree@loreelough.com and I'll get your copy of ONCE A MARINE right into the mail! Congrats, Christy, and here's hoping the week ahead will be wonderful!

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  18. Enjoyed the interview. I really enjoy Loree's books.

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    1. Thanks, Ann! That is always, ALWAYS good to hear! Have a great rest of the weekend, and I'll see you at Facebook!

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  19. I can't wait to read Once a Marine. Loree, I love all of your books that I have read, beginning with Pocketful of Love!

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    1. Wow, Debbie! POCKETFUL OF LOVE goes WA-A-AY back, doesn't it! LOL I'm looking forward to hearing what you think of ONCE A MARINE. Hope your weekend was wonderful, and I'll see you at Facebook!

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  20. I would love to read this book! It looks like a great one. Rhonda
    rhonda_nash_hall@comcast.net

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    1. Thanks, Rhonda! Later today (Sunday, Feb.22), I'm going to pick a name out of my trusty winners hat. Good luck to you, and here's hoping your weekend was a good one!

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  21. I'm happy to announce that the winner of ONCE A MARINE is Christy! Congrats, m'dear, and I'll get your book into the mail as soon as we connect (so I can get your address)! :-) Have a terrific week!

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    1. Thank you so much, Loree! I'm thrilled!! I'll send you my information ASAP. 😄

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    2. Just slid your book into a mailing envelope, and (God willing!) I'll get it into the mail today! :-)

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