This February, I'm delighted to introduce Lorraine Russell, who has embraced upstate South Carolina as home. Originally from the Midwest, Lorraine’s lifelong passion for words has led her from penning poetry to publishing her debut novel, "Love and Shadows." Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the fulfillment of lifelong dreams.
Join me as we explore Lorraine’s diverse interests and the rich experiences that shape her writing, offering us a glimpse into the world of a writer who weaves resilience and romance into the fabric of her stories.
Meet Lorraine Russell
Lorraine balances her time between writing, teaching special education, and exploring new ventures like DoorDash and real estate investing, enriching her storytelling with real-world experiences. Whether she’s in the classroom or navigating the challenges of her entrepreneurial pursuits, Lorraine finds inspiration everywhere she looks.
Writing has been an integral part of Lorraine’s identity for decades, starting when her poetry was published in the local newspaper during her middle school years. Today, she celebrates the publication of her first book—a significant milestone after dreaming of becoming a published author in the fourth grade.
Favorites:
HEX Color | Genres to Read | Genre to Write |
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Lorraine's Made-Up Word: "Soulaphobia"
Definition: A simultaneous fear of being fully known and no one knowing you at all
(Um, I think I have this)
Latest Release
"Love and Shadows" is a suspenseful romance that follows Emery, a 35-year-old woman who believes she has left her troubled past behind. As she builds a life centered on her passion for interior design in a new city, she finds that the past isn’t so easily escaped. The novel expertly blends themes of love, trauma, and resilience, making it a compelling read for fans of both romance and suspense. You can purchase Emery’s journey at thelorainerussell.com.
A Word of Advice
Lorraine advises new indie authors to simply "Just write. Keep writing," emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum and not getting bogged down by the editing process too early. Building a supportive network within the literary community is equally crucial, as it provides both support and learning opportunities.
Quirks and All
Lorraine has a sweet writing ritual—she enjoys a chocolate treat, whether milk or dark, during or after long writing sessions.
Additionally, she values the feedback from her trusted circle, often reading her latest pieces aloud over the phone to gauge their reactions.
A Dreamer at Heart
Given a choice, Lorraine would immerse herself in the idyllic setting of Virgin River for a year, capturing its beauty through photography, engaging with the community, and finding endless inspiration for her writing, although she’d happily skip the winter months.
Literary Connection
Lorraine feels a deep connection with Hermione Granger from the "Harry Potter" series, particularly resonating with Hermione's status as an outsider. Like Hermione, Lorraine appreciates her bookish nature and strict adherence to rules, seeing parallels in their experiences and often feeling on the margins.
Take-Aways
Lorraine hopes her writing instills hope and empowerment in her readers. She crafts characters and stories that resonate with real-life challenges but always leave a light at the end of the tunnel, inspiring readers to overcome their circumstances with renewed vigor and optimism.
In Closing
As we wrap up this spotlight on Lorraine Russell, I am inspired by her dedication to storytelling and her ability to juggle multiple roles with grace. Her debut novel, "Love and Shadows," reflects her deep understanding of human emotions and the complexities of life's challenges. Lorraine is truly a remarkable voice in contemporary fiction, and I look forward to witnessing her continued growth and success in the literary world.
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