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: 

Rodney Atkins - If You're Going Through Hell (Official)

				Rodney Atkins - If You're Going Through Hell (Official)
				View on www.youtube.com	Preview by Yahoo

 

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.