Sunday, October 11, 2009

LOVE FINDS YOU IN NORTH POLE, ALASKA - Loree Lough - Free book

I'm thrilled to welcome you back, Loree. Why do you write the kinds of books you do?

Over the years, I’ve entertained the idea of writing secular fiction, and to date, I’ve only had one of those published. It sold relatively well, but my ‘fan mail’ couldn’t even begin to compete with letters from readers of my Christian novels. Each correspondence makes it more clear than the last: This is what the Good Lord wants me to do.

Besides when you came to know the lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

Wow, is that a loaded question! I’ve been blessed with many ‘happiest days’: My wedding, the birth of my kids, the arrival of each grandchild…. Choosing one just isn’t possible!

How has being published changed your life?

Eeeek! Another loaded question! Having books on the shelves is yet another example of ‘happiest day’ blessings. But I suppose being a published author changes me…because it changes readers…which changes me even more! Each time God graces me with a storyline and characters, He allows me to share His message with a variety of readers. Some have followed Him all of their lives. Others are new arrivals on The Path of Faith. A few are backsliders, reminded how much He loves His children through the actions and reactions of those who people my books.

What are you reading right now?

Just finished reading books by two dear friends who are also Summerside authors: Miracle, KY by Andrea Boeshaar and Snowball, AR by Sandie Bricker. I can’t wait to get my hands on all the other books in the Love Finds You series!

I know many readers of my blog are collecting all the Love Finds You books. What is your current work in progress?

Right now, I’m working on four different things at once! First, I’m finishing up Love Finds You in Paradise, Pennsylvania (an April ’09 Summerside release). I’m adding snippets to a non-fiction gardening book, and a devotional. And adding chapters to a thriller, and a romantic suspense.

What would be your dream vacation?

No question about it: I’d return to Ireland! Of all the places I’ve visited, the Emerald Isle is the one I’d most like to see again. And again. The land and sea vistas, the people, the windblown spindrift call to me…and someday soon, I hope to answer!

How do you choose the settings for each book?

Every author has their own style, of course. In my case, stories start with some event that ‘speaks’ to me. Maybe I’ll overhear a conversation at a local eatery. Or I’ll read something in the newspaper. Someone might call to share good news…or bad…. Soon afterward, while I’m doing some mindless chore, my strange brain will ask “Okay, so there’s the nut of the thing, but what if…?” Pretty soon, I’ve got a couple people acting out roles in the story, and since I can’t let the float aimlessly, I have to find a fitting ‘place’ for them, so they can live the lives I’ll create for them. For me, ‘setting’ is almost a character, itself!

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be, and why?

I think a couple of uninterrupted hours with Joel Osteen would be an amazing experience. He’s so filled with the calm presence of God! I like the way he thinks…and lives his life. I admire the way he turns what could be lofty ideals into language anyone can understand and identify with. And I respect that he speaks of hope and faith and trust in the Lord in ways that inspire, invigorate and encourage. I’d expect that, at the end of a meeting with this fella, I’d be fired-up in brand new ways, too. (And as I’d make my exit, I’d ask “So, Joel…why do you BLINK so much!” )

My husband really likes to listen to Joel. I'm sure he'd love to spend time with him, too. What are your hobbies, besides reading and writing?

I love working in my gardens. I have dozens, all around my yard. I enjoy dabbling in art, too, and have created some fair-to-middlin’ sketches, woodburnings, and paintings and the like that my poor friends and relatives have to display when I visit. I’m big-time into rearranging the furniture, because I enjoy the way a new room lay-out gives the house a fresh look…for free! Cooking and baking is a lot of fun, too…and because I like eating as much as making things…I enjoy my weekly Weight Watchers meetings, too!

By the way, Loree, I love the cover of this new book. What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

The inability to say NO with conviction is by far my biggest hurdle in my writing world. Not being able to speak this tiny, one-syllable word gives birth to distraction…something I share this with anyone who works from home. Whether we’re assembling widgets, stitching quilts, making flower arrangements, or writing stories, we are all expected to accomplish a certain amount of work every day…despite being taunted by the ‘fridge, the pantry, the telephone, and the TV. Friends and relatives seem convinced that, because we don’t drive to an office or punch a time clock, we have unlimited hours to run errands, bake cupcakes, pick up dry cleaning, and edit or critique other’s manuscripts.

In most cases, I’m more than happy to say ‘yes’ to others’ requests. But sometimes? Sigh. Sometimes I wish they had the capacity to see how difficult it is for me to say anything BUT! I love making people happy. Love making them smile. Love helping out when and where I can, in any way I can. And I hate disappointing anyone…especially those I love!

I guess the answer to Part Two of this question is…when I figure out HOW to overcome it, I’ll let you know. In the meantime, pray for me!

What advice would you give a beginning author?

I’m sure they’ve all heard the tried and true: Read, study, write…then read, study, and write some more!

I’ll take that a step further, and suggest a break from writing every hour or two. Step away from the computer. Stretch. Work the kinks from your hands and neck. Drink a tall glass of cool water. Then pray. Ask the Lord if what you’ve written is what He hoped you’d write. If so, praise him! If not, ask Him to show you how those words can be improved. Ask for His guidance as you move from ‘that’ scene to the next. Because when all’s said and done, if you haven’t glorified Him, your words won’t echo in the hearts of your readers. And that’s the sensation that brings them back to your stories, again and again!

Now, tell us about the featured book.

Love Finds You in North Pole, Alaska, is a fun story that takes readers to a city they’ll likely not visit in their lifetime! Situated outside Fairbanks, it’s a place where you can celebrate Christmas year-round.

The hero, a returning war veteran, isn’t happy with the way his fellow citizens have commercialized the holy day. And to add to his frustration, the sluggish real estate market means he can’t sell the shop willed to him by his deceased parents. So much for his dream of opening a carpentry shop, where he can create one-of-a-kind furniture pieces. The heroine is a fun-loving, klutzy gal who comes to North Pole to prove to her seven rowdy brothers that she CAN make a go of it in the frozen north! He hires her to run the shop…until a suitable buyer comes along. To his surprise, he discovers she can turn a profit, and have time to spare.

She’s determined to prove there are Santa-like qualities in this Grinch-like handsome man before he decides to leave North Pole for a place where warmth isn’t in such short supply!

How can readers find you on the Internet?

They’re welcome to visit me any time, at http://www.loreelough.com/ or http://www.theloughdown.blogspot.com/.

Thank you, Loree, for spending this time with us.

Readers, here's a link where you can order the featured book:

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book.

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link.

Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

52 comments:

Michelle V said...

Great interview. The book looks wonderful! Please enter me.

Blessings
Michelle

Virginia C said...

A great interview and a fun romance! Please enter my name in the drawing. gcwhiskas at aol dot com

Mark said...

I'd like to enter please

Tami @ This Mom's Delight said...

I'd love to win!

Anonymous said...

I would love to be entered in your draw. Thanks. wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Loved the interview! Please enter me for this great sounding book.
Thanks.
jackie.smith(at)dishmail(dot)net

Deborah said...

Yay another Love Finds You book! Please enter me!

Anonymous said...

A wonderful interview...please add my name to this giveaway...thanks.

karen k
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)com

Renee (BlacknGoldGirlsBookSpot) said...

Oh this looks so good! I'm like Loree, trying to collect and read all these Love Finds You books! I love grinch stories too so this oughta be great and the cover is so cute!

xoxo~ Renee

Lori (sugarandgrits) said...

Hey Loree (and Lena) ~ I love the cover of your book! I'm ready for cooler weather, so I can get out my many scarves and start wearing them. I just bought another one yesterday. LOL

I, too, am trying to collect this "series"...I added 4 more to my collection Friday...my sister picked them up at a UBS for me. They are all in 'brand new' condition!

Thank you for the chance to win your book!

~ Lori
sugarandgrits{at}hotmail{dot}com

Cherie J said...

Wonnderful interview! Please enter me in the drawing.

Sherry Kuhn said...

Great interview! I too, love the cover of the book. I am trying to collect all of the Love Finds You books. I would love to add this one to my collection. The characters sound like a lot of fun. Please enter me in the drawing.

Thanks,
Sherry K
love2stitch(at)hotmail(dot)com

Edna said...

great interview I really like Loree's book and would love to win this one.



mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net

Laney4 said...

I think it's neat that they are "poles" apart but presumably won't be by the end of the book. Yes, please; add me to your contest list.

Theresa N. said...

I have to say I love the cover too. The book sounds like a lot of fun and I'd love to read it.
Theresa N
weceno(at)yahoo(dot)com

apple blossom said...

This sounds like a real super fun book to read. I'd love to win it. I love Christmas any time of the year. Thanks.

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Lady Araujo said...

I love the interview. I'd like to be entered in your drawing.
Thanks

God's blessings

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great read by the fire....it's cold outside and we have snow, already! Would love to win!
Michelle S. in SD

dancealertreads.blogspot.com said...

I would love to win this book!

dancealert at aol dot com

Unknown said...

I love reading the interviews and getting to know more about the authors. I am collecting the Love Finds You books and can't wait to read this one!

Val
lastnerve2000@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Hi, please enter me in the drawing for this book. I really enjoy the Love Finds You In series. Thanks!
esterried@yahoo.com

Judy said...

I would love to win this book! Thank you for yet another great interview!
judy49[at]aol[dot]com

Anonymous said...

Great post. This sounds wonderful. Please enter me. Blessings.

tarenn98[at]yahoo[dot]com

JJ said...

This book looks inviting. I could just snuggle up with it on my couch today with my new Slanket. lol We are having tons of rain and it's actually going to only reach the low 60's. Weird. Georgia weather. lol

Thanks,
gahome2mom/at/gmail/do/com

dancealertreads.blogspot.com said...

Please enter me in the drawing!!

dancealert at aol dot com

Anonymous said...

Sounds great, and I'd love to read it. Thanks.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anna Weaver Hurtt said...

Sounds great! Please enter me!

writer_weaver at yahoo dot com

Kristen said...

How Fun!!
Please enter me!

cheryl c said...

This sounds like a really fun romance! I have read several Love Finds You books, and all of them were enjoyable.

castings at mindspring dot com

Patricia PacJac Carroll said...

What a fun place to write about. The book sounds like a good one for the holidays.

Michelle said...

Another great giveaway! Thank you so much!

Blessings,
Michelle
scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

Megan said...

This sounds like a great book! What a fun setting... Did you get to go visit for inspiration, Loree? I would have requested that! haha

Loree Lough said...

Wow, you guys are just the best!

Thanks so much for your kind words and your support. You have no idea how much that means to a writer, who works in a dark damp basement all alone all day.

Okay. It isn't all THAT dark, and it's only damp when the dryer is running. (My office is adjacent to the laundry room.) But I do work alone all day. Sometimes, ten or twelve HOURS a day!

I have a special announcement!

In addition to having a chance to win a copy of North Pole, one reader could also win a Christmas ornament...you guessed it...FROM NORTH POLE, ALASKA!

Samantha's brother, who visited her in North Pole, had a fiance who dumped him. (Grrr...she was a rat!)

Contest starts right now (7:24 p.m. EST on Monday, October 12th), and ends at noon tomorrow (Tuesday, October 13th). So the first person who can tell me her name, WINS it!

Tick...tick...tick....

Good luck!

Hugs to you all,
Loree

Jo said...

Great interview. This book sounds good and would love to get entered in the drawing.

Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

Wendy said...

I love her books. Thanks for the chance to win.

Julie said...

Still haven't read a "Love Finds You" book. Would love to, though! I had a roommate in college from Alaska and I would love to visit there someday! Sounds like a great book!

Julie
sweetpea{dot}hull{at}gmail{dot}com

Gail said...

I'd love to visit Alaska! Can't wait to read this book about it. Please enter me.

Gail
bookwurm70 at gmail dot com

Carol said...

I really enjoyed the interview with Loree and I've added her book to my wish list. And I will be looking for others she has written.

Carol

Marla said...

I really like the storyline in this book. And, like you Lena, I love the cover. It's real life-like. Thank you for the interview and giveaway.

koinonia572001@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I just love the "Love Finds You" books.
Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks!

debracollins(at)tds(dot)net

Carole said...

This book sounds wonderful! Thanks for the interview and chance to win a copy.

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

Anonymous said...

I haven't had any of this series. The book sounds terrific!
Mariska
uniquas at ymail dot com

Susanne Dietze said...

This book sounds so fun, and I've been curious about the "Love Finds You" line. I'd love to be entered into the drawing.

srdietze at sbcglobal dot net

Deborah said...

This book sounds so good! Please enter me in the drawing!*Deborah
dleathers36(at)yahoo(dot)com

cozymysterygirl said...

please please enter me into this giveaway.
thanks
Kellie

Anonymous said...

It sounds really good. Please enter me in the drawing. ~Abby


abster(dot)rose(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Joel blinks because the lights are so bright.

Katherine said...

This book looks very good. Please enter me for this drawing.

kefarley89(@)gmail(.)com

dancealertreads.blogspot.com said...

I would love to to win the book!

dancealert at aol dot com

Roanna said...

Sounds like it would be a good read. I would like to be entered in the drawing. Thanks!

Deborah M said...

Sign me up with the other 50 people who would like to win this book. I wouldn't mind a trip to Fairbanks, Alaska.
Deborah M.
debbiejeanm[at]gmail[dot]com

Ausjenny said...

great interview. I love Alaska and this book looks so cool.
I have a friend who lives in Alaska and talks about going to north pole.