Monday, March 14, 2016

Interview with Inspirational Romance Author Laurean Brooks


Laurean Brooks has authored six inspirational romances. Two titles are full lengths available in print or ebook: Journey To Forgiveness and Beneath A Macon Moon.  A Medley Of Inspirational Romance is a compilation of four short stories/novella which can be purchased as a single ebook or together under one cover, print or download.

Ms. Brooks lives in a rural area of Tennessee surrounded by woods, creeks and farmland. Her favorite time of day is a leisurely walk with her two labs and black cat, in the late afternoon. Yes, Tux the cat joins her and the dogs. When Laurean isn't writing, you might find her engrossed in a home renovation show like, Fixer Upper, Rehab Addict, or Texas Flip and Move.

Welcome back to my blog, Laurean. Please tell us about your book, A Medley Of Inspirational Romance.

A Medley Of Inspirational Romance was born when my publisher, Publishing By Rebecca J. Vickery wanted to compile four of my short stories to make a full-length book. Each hero and heroine is struggling through a painful experience. Each must learn to trust God's grace and guidance.

Where did you get inspirations for these stories?

Jonquils In The Snow—This story came to me after the ice storm that hit our area in late January, 2010. What if a young single lady calls a tree service man after the storm took down trees in her yard?

Miranda is a third-grade teacher, but school is canceled due to a devastating ice storm. Miranda was jilted two days before her wedding. Two years later she's ready to put it behind her. Brady owns a tree service business. Three years after his wife's tragic death, he still grieves. Can Miranda and a cluster of snow-covered Jonquils give Brady hope for a new beginning?

Over The Coals--My publisher asked. short story submissions for a summer romance collection she was putting together. What could be more summery than a backyard cookout?

Jill watches Rob flirt with the blonde who hangs over him while he's grilling. The gregarious Rob thinks he's God's gift to women. Or does he? A one-on-one talk with Rob makes Jill reassess. What is he hiding? Why does he not answer questions about his past? And why does Rob start avoiding her?

Will Jill's suspicious heart soften toward Rob? Will Rob find healing for his broken past?

Severed Hearts—Set in the Vietnam Era when time seemed to move slower. My late brother's experience was my inspiration for this story. I even named my hero “Johnny” after him.

Johnny is crazy in love with Julie. He is about to propose when he overhears a conversation between Julie and the arrogant guy who devises to destroy him. The demeaning words send Johnny packing. Without a word to Julie, he enlists and hops on a bus. Who can put these Severed Hearts back together?

Sad to say, my brother and the young lady he loved never reconciled. Like Johnny in my story, he enlisted to run away from heartbreak.

A Decision of Trust—My heroine's position as a legal secretary came from my experience. Though, the heroine, hero, and plot were figments of my imagination.

Amanda's late husband was a high-paid CEO. They had everything money could buy. But after his death, she discovers he was a philanderer and obsessive gambler. Amanda could lose everything. She is disillusioned, not willing to trust her heart again. Handsome attorney Jake, lost his wife to a medical procedure gone wrong. He is not looking for a second chance at love. Once was enough. He will raise his young son alone. Then Amanda walks into his office to apply for a job.

Can God heal their broken hearts and give them the courage to trust love again?

What kind of research did you do for this book?

Very little. All four stories are set in the South, familiar surroundings to me. In A Decision Of Trust, I used my experience as a former legal secretary. Otherwise, I would have been clueless to certain legal terms and procedures in a legal office. My full-length books required a lot of research. My historical, Journey To Forgiveness set in the year 1938, because it is a historical. My contemporary Beneath A Macon Moon because I'm not familiar with the town.

Do you consider your female characters to be strong and feisty or meek yet spirited?

They appear strong and feisty, but beneath the surface all are vulnerable. The feisty or cool manner is a coverup for past hurts. I wouldn't call any of them meek. Jill Landers in Over The Coals is a bit shy. She doesn't like being the center of attention.

Thank you, Laurean, for this wonderful interview. I hope my readers will check out your books. Here are some links below for them to find you.

Laurean Brooks Website: http://laureanslore.blogspot.com
Friend Lauren on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/laurean.brooks
Follow Laurean on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Laurean2

59 comments:

Nancy said...

I enjoyed hearing how people around you inspired your stories. I look forward to reading them. Thanks for this opportunity.

Laurean Brooks said...

Thank you for dropping by to comment, Nancy. I'm glad you enjoyed the interview. I thank Linda Weaver Clarke for giving me this awesome opportunity.

Inspiration for my stories come from almost anything. Even a cliche. For example, our Sunday School teacher told a story of a man who had to "eat crow." The man later said, "You know...crow don't taste so bad after the first bite."

I used that line in BENEATH A MACON MOON when the sweet elderly man man next door is giving Jaela advice on how to approach Eric.

Nancy, please add your email so we I can contact you if you are the winner of a print copy of A MEDLEY OF INSPIRATIONAL ROMANCE.

Linda Moffitt said...

This looks like a great pack of books that I'd enjoy reading Thanks for the chance to win

Sonja said...

Your books sounds super good! Would love to read this!

Laurean Brooks said...

Hi Linda. Thank you for dropping by to comment, and for your interest in my books. Just to be sure I'm not misleading anyone of my would-be readers... I need to clarify. This book contains four novellas under one cover. Added together, they total the word count of a full length. About 72,000 words.

Each title is also available as a single kindle ebook at Amazon. Three titles are 99 cents each. One is $1.99 simply because it's much longer than the others.

Linda, don't forget to come back to leave your email address. Good luck and God bless you.


Laurean Brooks said...

Thank you, Sonja. All four have received great review ratings. Come back and leave your email address in case your names is drawn.

Miss Mae said...

Wonderful interview for a wonderful lady and writer. I've read about all of these books/stories. Love how Ms. Brooks is able to make her characters so down-to-earth. :)

Darcy Flynn said...

Lovely interview, ladies. And Laurean, I too enjoy Fixer Upper! Your sweet inspirational stories sound wonderful! Best with your release.

Larry Hammersley said...

Laurie: I've read your Medley and enjoyed it. You have a way of setting up characters who need desperately to get over their sad past experiences, the sort of story line I really like. It was a pleasure to meet you in person in Kentucky a few years back. I hope you continue to give us these wonderful story lines and I always wish you the best and value your continued friendship and support for my own writing. Linda, thanks so much for having Laurie again.

Gina said...

Linda, thank you for hosting Laurie, a great writer, friend and all-around-sweetie! There is something so genuine about Laurie as an author, her readers -- including me -- are always swept up in her stories. Best always to a wonderful person and writer :)

joy said...

I read and reviewed Under A Macon Moon and enjoyed it tremendously.

Unknown said...

I enjoyed the interview. I have read and enjoyed several of Laurie's books. I would love to win a print copy of this collection.

Laurean Brooks said...

Miss Mae, thank you for dropping by to comment. I also have enjoyed many of your books. The characters are fascinating and your plots intriguing.

Laurean Brooks said...

Darcy, thank you for commenting. Yes, I've become addicted to Fixer Upper and Texas Flip and Move. I think I've seen both shows' reruns three times.

Darcy Flynn is a gifted writer, folks. Check out her books.

Laurean Brooks said...

Hi Larry. Thank you for dropping in to comment. It's wonderful to catch up. Yes, it's been a couple of years since we joined Linda Swift and several others in a book signing. It was good to finally meet you. Keep writing!

Laurean Brooks said...

Gina, thank you for your compliments. I'm blushing. You are an amazing writer and a wonderful friend.

Laurean Brooks said...

Joy, yes I remember the review you posted for BENEATH A MACON MOON. Thank you for stopping by to comment.

Laurean Brooks said...

Hello, Ann. So good of you to drop by. Thank you for leaving a comment, and I'm happy to know you've enjoyed several of my books.

Renee said...

I love hearing about what inspired your stories, Laurie!

Karen M. said...

It's too bad "clean" romances don't get as much attention on the web as the smuttier counterparts. These stories sound great!

Rebecca J Vickery said...

Hi Laurean and Linda. I love all of Laurean's stories. She creates very real, intense characters with problems to which most people can relate and she does it in a wholesome, clean style. I always feel uplifted after reading her work and close the book with a sigh and a smile. With these TV shows you are watching now could there be an interior designer or house flipping heroine in the future? Maybe a hunky carpenter or contractor hero? We'd love to see more stories from you...

Karen Michelle Nutt said...

Enjoyed your interview. Love learning how your stories were inspired.

lildevilgirl22 said...

I like that you base your Heroine off of your own experiences

Mai T. said...

A Decision of Trust sounds like an interesting one to me. A very impressive interview!
koukkunokka@anvianet.fi

Linda Swift said...

Enjoyed your interview, Laurean. And have enjoyed your books as well. And say, don't I recognize where that above photo of you was taken? Maybe at a book signing with a lovely group of authors I know?

Laurean Brooks said...

Karen M, I'm happy to hear you think these stories sound great. Each of them has a lesson in letting go of a painful past or experience. God can heal our broken hearts if we don't let bitterness grow.

Laurean Brooks said...

Thanks for dropping by, Renee. It's funny how something so simple cam inspire an entire story
.

Laurean Brooks said...

Karen Michelle Nutt, Thank you for sharing this interview on FB. So sweet of you. It only takes a thought to develop into an entire story.

Laurean Brooks said...

lildevilgirl22, I believe every story is based (in part) on a writer's experience. Thank you for leaving a comment.

Laurean Brooks said...

Mai T, Thank you for leaving a comment and your interest in "A Decison Of Trust." It can be purchased separately on Amazon Kindle.

Laurean Brooks said...

Linda Swift, I'm curious to know "where" my hostess obtained this picture. From you or...Danielle??? LOL. We made some memories at those book signings, didn't we?

Thank you for your encouraging comments.

Laurean Brooks said...

Hi Rebecca.
Do I ever have a treat for you. Or maybe you're a bit psychic? My latest release, "Beneath A Macon Moon," (featured on this very site the end of January), features a hunky carpenter/home renovater named Eric Larsen and a sweet but pampered little rich girl who ran away when her mother revealed a life-changing secret.

Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate them.

Anonymous said...

Great interview! Thank you for sharing and thank you for the giveaway.

dstoutholcomb said...

love learning the back stories on author's books

Denise

Gail Pallotta said...

Hi Laurie and Linda,

Thanks for the interesting interview. I love the picture! I've read and enjoyed several of Laurean's stories. They're sweet, interesting romances.

Edye Nicole said...

Lovely interview! I love how the author isn't ashamed of her faith!

God bless,
Edye

Benita said...

I just love how your knowledge of people and places come through your stories. The interview is fascinating.

Natasha Persaud said...

You're a new author to me I have just added your books to my TBR I'm always in search of new authors

Diane Craver said...

Laurean,

I am so glad that Rebecca put these stories in a book together. I loved Jonquils in the Snow and A Decision of Trust. I'm sure the other two are just as wonderful. You are an awesome and talented writer!

Diane Craver said...

I remember now I also read Over the Coals in the summer anthology - it was very enjoyable too. Hope you sell tons of this new book, Laurean.

LAWonder said...

In the Snow sounds fascinating. I can't imagine living through an ice storm. I think a little romance would help.

freelancehouse.co.uk said...

I love In the Snow! It's full of amazing feelings and it exceeded my expectations. Thanks, Linda, for sharing the interview!
Blessings,
Margaret (librarian and passionate reader)

Laurean Brooks said...

Hi Gail, Thank you for dropping by. I'm happy to know you enjoy my stories. Indulging our readers is half the reason we writers write. Another reason is we can't NOT write. God put a desire in us to share our stories with the world.

Laurean Brooks said...

Thank you, Edye Nicole. Before I began to write, I promised God I would follow his direction in the stories I write, and how I write them. When I re-read certain scenes, sometimes I've think, "There is no way I wrote that. It has to be God writing through me."

Laurean Brooks said...

Hi Benita. I've spent my life analyzing people. I'll zone in on someone at a restaurant or other gathering. By listening in on their conversation and studying their mannerisms.I create an idea of what it is that motivates them. Then I come up with a story behind those motivations by asking myself, "What if this person were put in a certain situation?"

Laurean Brooks said...

Thank you, Natasha. You paid me a high compliment. I would LOVE to be on your TBR pile. At the top, preferably. LOL.

Laurean Brooks said...

Diane Craver, you are so sweet to say that. Thank you. I've also read a few of your books. I like that your characters aren't the typical run-of-the-mill folks. They have authentic personalities and feelings. Quirky and unpredictable. Your stories keep the reader guessing.

Laurean Brooks said...

LAWonder, yes a little romance does get Miranda and Brady through the aftermath of the ice storm. Brady is a tree service man Miranda calls to clean up her yard. She invites him in for hot cocoa, and it takes off from there. Brady's pain over his wife's untimely death, and Miranda's rejection by her fiancee'days before the wedding, are obstacles each must overcome by letting it go, giving it to God.

Laurean Brooks said...

freelancehouse, thank you for the wonderful compliment. Jonquils In The Snow" is a heartrending story, but with spots of wit and humor, and mingled with hope, the story has a happy ending.

I always look forward to meeting new fans.

Laurean Brooks said...

Linda, Thank you for hosting me and my book A MEDLEY OF INSPIRATIONAL ROMANCE. I'm amazed at the number of ladies who left comments, and the wonderful things they had to say. We've had a great turnout.

Unknown said...

Thanks for hosting and cool interview

Jeanna Massman said...

I think heroines who are strong and feisty are so popular because they are what we all aspire to be.

Laurean Brooks said...

So do I, Jeanna. Most of my heroines ususal have "foot in mouth problems" that get them in sticky situations which add interesting twists to the story.

Thank you for commenting.

Kristal Hollis said...

Dropping by to say hi!

Scott R Rezer said...

Great interview, Laurean! "Foot in mouth problems" are what give your heroines heart and soul! Continue your great writing!

Linda Moffitt said...

I Forgot to leave my email it is iamabho (at) gmail.com

Linda Weaver Clarke said...

Congratulations to Karen M. You are the winner of this fabulous book. I know you'll enjoy it.

Laurean Brooks said...

Kristal Hollis, Thank you for taking time to stop by to say hi. I hope you've had a wonderful day.
.

Laurean Brooks said...

Scott R. Rezer, it sounds as if you understand "Foot In Mouth Disease." LOL. There are a lot who struggle with it. Including me...at times. LOL.

These heroines make for interesting stories. You never know what scrapes they will get themselves into.

Thank you for dropping by to comment. I enjoy your characters also. You are a gifted storyteller.