Writer Behind the Words

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LaurieLaurie Tomlinson is an award-winning contemporary romance author, freelance editor and PR consultant, and cheerleader for creatives. She believes that God’s love is unfailing, anything can be accomplished with a good to-do list, and that life should be celebrated with cupcakes and extra sprinkles.

Her debut contemporary romance novel releases in May 2017 from Harlequin Heartwarming.

You can connect with Laurie on her website, Facebook page, and Twitter.  She is also a regular contributor to The Writer’s Alley blog.

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Welcome to the blog, Laurie! I’m so excited to have you join us today!

When did you first start writing?

I’ve been writing since I was old enough to hold a crayon but only finished my first novel and started pursuing publication in 2013.

What are you working on right now?

I’m drafting a new novella and editing my novel that’s releasing with Harlequin Heartwarming on May 1!

Yay!! So excited for you. 🙂 Can you tell us about one of your favorite characters you’ve written so far?

Now, c’mon. That’s like asking a mother to choose her favorite child! 🙂 The heroine in my May release, Sloane Bradley, definitely wins the award for most resilient character, though.

What’s something you love about your home state?

Despite all the people you see on The Weather Channel, Oklahoma’s full of life and culture. There are so many wonderful things happening here, so much growth and progress. But the people are the very best part.

What’s one of your favorite books?

Even though I just finished it, Present over Perfect by Shauna Niequist just jumped a ton of books in the line to the top because it helped me see that hustle isn’t the glorious thing people make it out to be these days. Such a powerful and timely read!

What is one of your favorite Scripture verses?

II Corinthians 12:9 – “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

This verse has meant so much to me lately. Love it so much! Can you share with us a special moment from your writing journey so far?

Over any important call or award, the most special moment in my writing career will always be meeting my mentor, Kathleen Y’Barbo Turner, for the first time at church. I had just finished a novel and told her I was an aspiring writer, to which she replied: “No, you’re not. You’re a pre-published author.”

Oh, I love that! 🙂 What’s been one of the most challenging aspects of writing?

Definitely the balancing act. I work from home with two small children, and it can be hard to shift my mind space from kid mode to work mode to creative mode. Fortunately, my kids are good nappers, and I have a very supportive family that helps a lot.

With a two month old myself, I’m learning the balancing act too! 😉 Name a few authors who inspire you.

I want to write like Nicole Deese, Kara Isaac, and Joanne Bischof when I grow up. Can we make that happen, please?

Haha! I know exactly what you mean. 🙂 Can you share a word of advice to other writers out there on the road to publication?

As you work to grow your platform and increase the scope of your ministry, remember that your words are just as important to your existing audience and can have just as much of an impact, whether you’re speaking at the biggest conference or writing a Tweet for your one Twitter follower. And God is just as delighted in your faithfulness to the work He’s called you to do.

Thank you so much for sharing with us, Laurie. And congratulations on your upcoming debut!! I’m so excited to read your work! 🙂 Praying the Lord continues to bless your writing for Him.

Let’s spread the love, reading friends! You can help encourage and support Laurie’s writing by connecting with her on her website, Facebook page, and Twitter.  She is also a regular contributor to The Writer’s Alley blog.

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