Uncover the techniques Lorin Grace uses to bring her stories to life
Lorin Grace shares her writing journey, balancing family and creativity, and the inspirations behind her series, blending history, romance, and adventure in captivating narratives.
Lorin Grace is a literary force to be reckoned with, captivating readers with her vivid storytelling and richly developed characters. Born in Colorado, Lorin has traversed the United States, living in eight different states and countless imaginary worlds, each of which has contributed to the depth and diversity of her writing. With a degree in graphic design, she not only crafts compelling narratives but also designs stunning book covers that capture the essence of her stories. Her works, such as the American Homespun series and the Bradford Brides series, transport readers to different eras and locales, offering a unique blend of historical insight and romantic intrigue. Lorin’s ability to weave together history, romance, and adventure has earned her a devoted following and critical acclaim.
In this exclusive interview with Lorin Grace, delving into the mind of this talented author. As she pursues a Master’s degree in Creative Writing with a Publishing emphasis, Lorin continues to expand her literary horizons, and we wanted to explore the inspirations and processes behind her beloved works. In this interview, Lorin shares her journey back to writing, her approach to balancing multiple roles, and the creative sparks that ignite her storytelling. Join us as we uncover the stories behind the stories and celebrate the remarkable talent of Lorin Grace.
Lorin Grace captivates readers with her vivid storytelling, richly developed characters, and unique blend of history, romance, and adventure.
Can you share a memorable experience or turning point that led you back to your passion for writing after years of wearing various “hats” in different roles?
In 2012, I reached the point of being overwhelmed, mom of 4 children ages 10 to 14, head of a large not-for-profit educational group, and involved in several community organizations, I needed some me time. I fed the kids, told my husband he was in charge, and locked myself in the bedroom with my laptop. 100 pages of a story that had been bouncing around in my imagination poured out. Surprisingly, people, but these hours of creativity rejuvenated me.
It would be four years before I took Waking Lucy to press, but that was the start of finally letting all the stories in my mind and in my computer archive out into the world.
How do you manage to balance your responsibilities as a mom, wife, graphic artist, and author while still finding time to pursue your passion for writing?
Balance is a tricky thing. Over thirty years ago a woman who was then the age I am now mentored several female graduate students, including myself. One day she told us, “women can have it all, [children, family, career] they just can’t have it all at once.”
When I started writing, my children were all living at home. I tried, not always successfully, to limit my writing and graphic design time to when the family wasn’t in the home, because real children are more important than imaginary friends.. A good calendar system is essential. I used to work in an environment where design projects were given billable hours. I still use that concept today. If I have one hour to create book ads, I can’t spend time worrying if a shadow is perfect for 20 minutes. Or take an hour to decide if a comma belongs. Timers are great.
Can you share some insights into your writing process and how you develop your characters?
I’ve always had a difficult time falling asleep. Ever since I can remember, at age five or six, I would make up stories while I waited and waited for sleep to come. I still do that on nights I can’t sleep or when I am doing mundane tasks like scrubbing the floors. I tend to roll the story around in my brain before I take it to paper.
What inspired you to create the American Homespun series set in post-Revolutionary War New England, focusing on the lives of Lucy Simms Marden, Samuel Wilson, and their families?
My longest term hobby is genealogy. I started at age seven when my grandmother showed me a family tree. My longest fascination is with history. When I moved to the Boston area in my late twenties, my two favorite things collided. I had ancestors who had lived in the area since the 1600s, and as far as American history, Boston is at the centre. I wanted to know how they lived. The story of Lucy putting the bodies of the deceased on the roof is right out of the family lure.
Can you share more about the unique concept behind the Bradford Brides series, where graduates of Bradford College venture into the American West in search of love despite their preparations?
I discovered the real Bradford College while working on Healing Sarah. My kind guide showed me several artifacts from the late 1800s. I wondered what happened to some of the women. Since I’d lived in Texas, where cowboys and Rangers are history, folk stories, and more, it was natural to move some of the Bradford women to Texas and see how they faired.
What motivated you to write about the quirky adventures of Candice and her artist roommates in the Artists & Billionaires series, and how do their stories unfold in the Art House?
I wrote the first book on a dare. Not exactly how it happened, but it sounds good. I was invited to a multi-author book group where we had to have a mansion as part of the story. I hadn’t written contemporary romance and the woman in charge expressed her doubt that I could. I took it as a challenge. As a graphic designer with a background in multiple backgrounds and awesome friends who are artists an art school seemed like a fun setting.
How did the idea for the Hastings Security series come about exploring the legacy of Jethro Hastings’ security service in Chicago and his children’s transition into starting their own families?
The bodyguard characters were necessary in the Artist and Billionaire series. One day I received a letter from a reader asking me to write about the bodyguards. Since I’d been wondering what happened to a couple of them she got her wish. Never be afraid to ask an author questions…
My most recent work, released in September 2024, is my first regency romance. We all love Jane, and I have had parts of this series in my mind for over eight years. I am sure my British readers will point out that I use the wrong spellings, and I probably got some facts wrong too, for which I apologize. Like all my books, it is meant to be fun.
