First, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me!
When did you know that writing is what you were called to do? Writing has been a creative and emotional outlet for me most of my life. I started journaling as a teenager and I wrote poetry and short stories during my high school years for our student magazine. I continued to dabble in writing short stories while taking classes to improve my writing skills over the years and I still journal to this day. But I never thought I could make a living as a writer, so I never pursued it as a career. Now that I am retired, I am indulging in my passion and loving it.
What is it about being a writer that you love the most?
Stephen King said writers have the magical power of telepathy. We use words to transfer thoughts to other people without speaking. I love that I can share my thoughts and life lessons with other people in this way while providing an entertaining experience.
What about being a writer frustrates you the most?
Finding the right words to convey our message can be difficult. If we are not clear with our words, people can misconstrue our meaning. We must use words wisely, as they are containers for power.
Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you?
She Wouldn’t Wait is the story of a woman who marries the wrong man and suffers deadly consequences. It deals with themes of honesty, commitment and fidelity in relationships and contains elements of mystery and romance. The sequel, entitled No Big Easy Love, is due for release in February 2024. Readers can go to my website, LorilynWhite.com to sign up for my newsletter, communicate with me, and learn more about my books.
Where do you draw your inspiration from for the stories that you manage to weave together and the characters that you create?
After 65 years of living, I have an abundance of experiences and relationships that have been life lessons for me to share. I incorporate life lessons into my plots and my characters are composites of people I know, tweaked to fit the story.
Do you have a schedule for when you write? Do you outline your novels?
I do not have a schedule for writing. I am a pantser, which means I do not start my first draft with an outline, but an idea. It usually begins with a What If statement. For example, what if a woman is in love with someone who doesn’t want the same things she wants? What would happen? Then I start crafting a story around the question, trying to reach a solution. When I’m really into developing my core characters and plot, I can spend days in front of the computer from early morning to late at night pounding the keys. My characters speak to me during the writing process and often tell me when I’m making them do things that are not consistent with who they are. The first time this happened to me when I was writing, it surprised me and I wondered if I was going crazy. But I’ve heard from several other writers that the same thing happens to them as they write, so now I know that is a normal part of the process.
Once I have my core characters and plot, I do an outline to make sure the plot makes sense and I try to fill in the holes if it does not. The final phase is improving the prose, adding colors and descriptions to enhance the reader’s experience.
How long does it generally take you to finish a novel?
The core characters and plot usually take about three months to craft. Then I need to take a break for at least one month, so I can come back to the story with a fresh vision and viewpoint.
What projects are you currently working on?
I’m leaning into Crime Fiction with a story about two attorneys on the opposite sides of a murder case. As the murder is being solved, a romance blossoms between the defense attorney, Alicia, and the prosecutor, David, blurring ethical boundaries that could jeopardize both of their careers.
What’s the first book you ever read that really moved you emotionally?
The first book that truly moved me was Their Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neale Hurston. The first time I read it, I felt I was seen; that my reality was truly reflected in Janie, the main character. I have probably read it at least five times since then.
Who is your favorite author to read?
My favorite author is Beverly Jenkins. My love affair with her work began with her historical romance novel, Indigo, and continued with her other historical romance and contemporary romantic suspense novels. I just ordered her latest book in the Blessings Series, which is women’s fiction.
What book are you currently reading?
I’m into cozy mysteries now and I’m currently reading Book 2 of Abby Collette’s Ice Cream Parlor series, Game of Cones. I loved the first book, An Inside Deadly Scoop.
What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far?
In 2007, I attended the Romance Slam Jam conference in Miami FL, and won the Aspiring Writer’s Award. This boosted my confidence in my writing skills tremendously,
Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?
With at least five more books published and a larger following of loyal readers. I am an indie author, which means I’m also an editor and a publisher. Right now, I’m focused on my own work, but I plan to share my publishing experiences with other aspiring authors in the future and be an educator and an encourager.
How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career? What is your advice for other writers to better be able to cope or navigate their way through the publishing process, be it traditional or self-publishing?
Initially, it was very tough to deal with the rejection from agents and publishers when you’re trying to get a book deal. I took comfort in learning that every writer goes through this phase of sending out dozens of query letters and not receiving a deal. It’s not always a reflection of your writing, but of what agents and publishers – the gatekeepers – deem marketable at this point in time. But sometimes the rejection is because your book is not ready for prime time, and you need to do more work on your manuscript. You have to be honest with yourself and adjust your plans accordingly. If you believe your manuscript is good enough, you have the option to bypass the gatekeepers and pursue self-publishing instead of a traditional publishing deal.
Do you find it hard to juggle the creative side of being a writer against the business side of being a writer, in terms of marketing and promotion and things of that nature? How hard has it been (or easy) for you to build up your author platform?
I love the creative process of writing. That is what truly brings me joy and keeps me growing. The marketing aspect of being an author is difficult for me because I’ve never been a great salesperson. I used to have trouble selling Girl Scout cookies! But this is something that I truly believe in, so I’m overcoming my fears and taking it on. It takes time to build up a following as a new author and I try to seize opportunities whenever I can to talk with people about my book.
What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity? How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?
Even though my books primarily feature African-American characters, I attempt to present the material in a way that appeals to a broad cross-section of readers, both black and white. I was raised in a suburb of New York City, in a predominately white neighborhood. Yes, there are differences, but there is beauty in the diversity we bring to the community. We, as black people, cannot rely solely on the established media machine to define how we as a people are viewed in our predominately white society. We must be able to tell our own stories to bring a better understanding of our culture to all people and extol the amazing contributions we have made to this country.
How can readers find you and your books?
My book is available for sale on Amazon in Kindle and paperback formats. I do regular posts on Facebook and Instagram to advertise my book. I also have a website, LoirlynWhite.com where readers can find a link to my Amazon page, join my newsletter, and communicate with me. Readers can always reach me via email at lorilynwhite@gmail.com.
