Interview with Laura Howard

Happy Monday! It has been hotter than the devil's backside, here in my neck of the woods. Hopefully, the weather is about to cool down (Can I get an Amen?). I have a massive amount of yard work to do, and as much as I HATE yard work under the best conditions, it needs to get done. I'd much prefer to do it without sweating out 95% of my body's water reserve, turning beat red, and having my neighbors call an ambulance because they are certain I'm having a heart attack. Anyway... 

Today we have an interview with the cool and lovely Laura Howard, author of THE FORGOTTEN ONES. 

Laura Howard lives in New Hampshire with her husband and four children. Her obsession with books began at the age of 6 when she got her first library card. Nancy Drew, Sweet Valley High and other girly novels were routinely devoured in single sittings. Books took a backseat to diapers when she had her first child. It wasn’t until the release of a little novel called Twilight, 8 years later, that she rediscovered her love of fiction. Soon after, her own characters began to make themselves known. 

The Forgotten Ones is her first published novel.

Welcome to We Do Write, Laura! How long have you been writing?

In various forms, I've always been a writer. I kept a journal up through high school, I liked essay questions best on tests, and I have always found it easiest to express my feelings through a letter.

Most of the writing I did as a kid was for school, but occasionally I would write little stories involving my friends or about the handsome prince that was one day going to rescue me from my boring life.

Tell us a bit about THE FORGOTTEN ONES. What's the story about?

Allison O'Malley's plan is to go to grad school so she can get a good job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She has carefully closed herself off from everything else, including a relationship with Ethan, who she's been in love with for as long as she can remember.

What is definitely not part of the plan is the return of her long-lost father, who claims he can bring Allison's mother back from the dark place her mind has gone. Allison doesn't trust her father, so why would she believe his stories about a long forgotten Irish people, the Tuatha de Danaan? But truths have a way of revealing themselves. Secrets will eventually surface. And Allison must learn to set aside her plan and work with her father if there is even a small chance it could restore her mother's sanity.

Ooooh! Very intriguing! How did the idea come to you?

The Forgotten Ones came to me in many layers. It began as a contemporary romance that grew into a paranormal novel with just a hint of romance. I was inspired by songs like Because of You by Kelly Clarkson and books by Juliet Marillier and Holly Black. It's like a patchwork quilt of my life and loves.

Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?

I don't have a critique group, but I have a few beta readers. I have two editors, whom I love, and a few proofreaders as well.

What about plot development? Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I guess I'm a hybrid. I like to daydream and sketch out each scene generally before I start it. But, I often deviate and change course, so I am not strict about anything.

It's awesome when those deviations lead to something unexpected and wonderful. What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

Pacing is a tricky thing for me. Sometimes I'll spend such a long time on a scene that is such a small timeframe that it really messes with my inner timeline. I've seen some people do actual timelines on their corkboards which I think is really smart. I should really try it... someday ;)

That's a good idea. I might try it, too. What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

I don't really need anything other than relative quiet. I need to let my thoughts marinate before I sit down and write, so I need that quiet time in my mind that is almost like a warm-up when you're about to go jogging.

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

I would love to fly!

What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

That is impossible to answer. I google EVERYTHING. I google descriptions of weird rashes on my kids' skin, I google how to fix my computer, I'm always googling strange things, but I love that I always find my answers!

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: magazine, pirate, forest

The soldier replaced the magazine in his pistol before he left the cover of the forest, he knew the pirate would be waiting for him by the shore.

Hmm... Pirate vs. Soldier. Exciting! Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ...

Chatting on Facebook.

Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

Oh my goodness, I have so many people who support me, I will crash your website. At this point, I am

feeling like I want to constantly shower my Street Team with love and chocolate chips. They tirelessly spread the word about my book and I love them to bits!

And finally, where can people find you and your book online?

I am a big Facebook user, not quite as big into Twitter as I used to be. 

The Forgotten Ones is on Amazon in ebook and paperback and Barnes & Noble and Book Depository in paperback.

Thank you for joining us, Laura! And best of luck with THE FORGOTTEN ONES. It sounds fabulous!

Thanks so much!!!