Today I have the pleasure of introducing author Lori Katherine who will be sharing her thoughts on reading and writing, and details of her poetry book, Flow like Lyrics.
Lori on Writing
Where do you get your ideas?
As a poet, my ideas for my poems are a reflection of my personal experiences, feelings, and emotions. I love picturing a situation in my mind and try to place the main character in the poem in that situation. I also love to write so the reader can relate to the raw emotions and feel as though they are right there!
Why motivates you to write?
I write because I love writing and always have! I love art and music and wish I had the talent they have in those forms, but writing is the thing I’m good at ( at least I think so). It’s my passion and I love it!
How many hours a week do you spend writing?
The amount of time I spend writing depends on my personal schedule, but usually I like to get in about 30 hours a week.
Best thing about writing?
The best thing about writing is being able to express myself in a way that just regular words cannot. I absolutely love the writing community which have been such a great support in my endeavors! I love when a reader says to me, “Wow! It’s almost like you were in my head!”
Your biggest writing distractions?
My biggest writing distractions I’d have to say are my family. Not that it’s a bad thing, but their timing is immaculate when it comes to me needing that quiet time to really write. Because I do put their needs before mine, I will tend to just drop what I’m doing for something they need. I should also mention that our puppy is a mega distraction while writing! I cannot resist his nose kisses!
What are your favorite books or sites you go to for writing tips / advice?
When I need writing tips or advice, my go to is the Twitter writing community! Those wonderful creative individuals are a great source of advice, tips and motivation.
How long does it take you to write a book?
For my first book of poetry, my work was spread out over many years of writing for pleasure. My second book that is currently in the works, due out in February 2019, is about halfway completed I began work on it in September of this year.
Have you ever cut anything from your book and why?
I have cut many lines out of my poems for many reasons such as the poem just not flowing freely or words just not capturing how I want a reader to interpret them.
Least favorite thing about writing?
My least favorite thing about writing is not having enough time to dedicate to it. I’d love to spend hours after hours just writing ideas and poems.
What do your friends and family think about you being a writer?
My friends were amazed when I told them I released a book! They had absolutely no clue that I loved writing. My family has always been so supportive of my writing journey and are my biggest fans!
Most important things a writer should spend money on?
The most important things a writer should spend money on would be marketing materials.
Least important things a writer should spend money on?
The least important things a writer should spend money on would be paying someone for a review. Major no-no!
How do you measure your success as a writer?
I measure my success as a writer when someone can tell me that my poetry hit them deeply and inspired them to pursue writing themselves.
What advice would you give to yourself if you were starting the writing journey again?
The advice I would give myself if I were starting the writing journey again would be to not rush through it! Be patient!
As a reader
My favorite genre is thriller! I have always loved a creepy, scary story that makes me want to pull the blanket up to my ears while hoping the boogie man wouldn’t find me! Oh, I could read a good thriller over and over again!
Ever skipped something important to stay home and read?
I have never skipped something important to stay home and read a book because I take my Kindle wherever I go and can read anywhere!
What is your favorite book quote?
My favorite book quote or should I say poem quote is from Robinson Jeffers.
“A little too abstract, a little too wise,
It is time for us to kiss the earth again,
It is time to let the leaves rain from the skies,
Let the rich life run to the roots again.”
Favorite book hero and / or villain and why?
My favorite book hero would have to be Mia from the book The Girl From the Sea. I just loved her character and her determination throughout the entire story.
Most influential book?
The most influential book I’ve read is Mountain Interval by Robert Frost, one of my favorite poets!
What are you currently reading and what’s the verdict so far?
I am currently reading SO many books that were released all at once, but the one I’m open to now is The Retreat by Mark Edwards. My verdict so far? I have read all his books and always hate when they end. I love it!
If you could have a signed copy of a book by an author (dead or living) what book would it be and why?
If I could have a signed book by an author it would have to be the first thriller book that I fell in love with which is Watchers by Dean Koontz!
About your Book…
You are living in your latest novel. Where are you living, and what is it like?
I’m living in my poem titled Keep Watching Memories. I’m living in New York City as a waitress. I’m absolutely miserable here doing what I’m doing and want to get out.
About Lori
A passionate journey through the different emotions experienced throughout life. This poetry book of a short voyage, is an exploration of love, pain, relationships, loss, finding one’s self, and learning to love the life you’ve been given.
Lori Katherine is a New Hampshire state resident originally from Massachusetts. This is a collection of the many poems she’s written over the years. Flow Like Lyrics is her first published poetry book, however, she has been writing poetry ever since she was a young girl.
