Fighting Prose Interview with Lora Douglas!

Welcome to my in-depth writers series Fighting Prose. Where I talk to authors in the industry on what their process is like and what it takes for them to keep on creating, through all the odds.

Lora Douglas

is my interview this week!

How long have you been writing?

I started my first novel in 2012 but I have been creating stories since I was a child

If you’ve written several books, which is your favorite?

I currently have the first two novels in my trilogy completed and honestly, the second, Trapped in Eternity is my favorite of the two.

What's your favorite genre to read? Write?

I love reading horror/suspense and non fiction. I enjoying writing fantasy because I like to write real struggles/concepts with a twist of the fantastical.

How do you get in the mood to write?

I've learned that fear and pain are the enemy of my creative process. My body, soul and mind need to be healthy and excited. I have a couple chronic illnesses and I do my best to stay healthy so energy can used for creativity. When I sit down to write, I enjoy coffee or whisky, if the characters need some coaxing. I listen to music and prefer some nature nearby, normally via a window but houseplants work as well.

How do your characters come together?

My characters have a life all their own. For my current trilogy, the main characters came up in a dream and never left. Others arise as I am writing. None of my characters, in this trilogy or my other side projects, feel 'created'. It feels as if I have met them. None of my characters are based on people I know though some of them carry similar traits, morals, motivations, or philosophy, either through an intention tip of the hat to someone or unconscious association. The tip of the hat's are rare and typically stem from a strong relationship with that person or I have conversed with them for research purposes. My characters come from very diverse backgrounds and I strive to research and talk with/learn from people with similar backgrounds as I round out and develop the characters.

How do you get your ideas?

The idea for Ages from Eternity and the rest of the Trilogy came from a dream back in 2004-2006. I held on to it and over the years, it developed into the story I am writing now. Most of my ideas pop up as a scene or movie clip in my mind. If I am intrigued, I turn it over in my head and examine it, pulling at threads until a story develops.

Who do you admire in the writing world?

This is a hard one. I grew up reading Stephen King, Joseph Conrad, Mark Twain, Nancy Moser and random books that I would pluck from the library shelves. Now, being in the writing world, I meet authors on a regular basis that inspire me with their passion, creativity, gumption and drive. I guess, in the writing world, I admire the people that bleed onto the paper, that put their heart and soul into that vulnerable space and keep writing despite the fear, the judgement and the success statistics. I admire people that write about the hard stuff, that take the risks and tell their stories.

If you're not busy writing, what are you busy doing?

My day job takes a good deal of my time. I'm a social worker and I work in an administrative capacity for a non profit. I have a quirky, loving husband and two cats that have no idea they are animals. My 'free' time is littered with a rotation of hobbies and endeavors depending on my mindset and amount of said time. I enjoy running, dancing, photography, video games, D&D, hiking/being outdoors when able, watching documentaries and horror movies, reading and of course, writing.

Have you always been creative?

Yes. A thousand times, yes. Growing up, I had a severe respiratory condition that limited my ability to be active and I spent a great deal of time in the hospital. But, it never felt like a hindrance because my parents encouraged my creativity and even participated, with adorable hesitation on my father's part, in the telling of stories and reenacting of scenes and fairy tales. My father, following my innocent plea, began making up bedtime stories with me. My grandmother also indulged my love of make believe and would play with me almost daily. Most of my creativity and imagination focused around stories and I would act them out, on the regular, regardless if I had fellow actors or not. Other parts of my creative world sprinkled into a love a dancing and music, telling stories and conveying emotions with movement, and photography.

Have you ever had writers block? If so, how did you get out of it?

All the time. Sometimes, it is because I will not get out of my own way and I am forcing an idea or scene. Other times, it is because my energy has to be elsewhere or I am caught in that loop of fear and self doubt or that constructed cage of 'what ifs'. To get out of these blocks, I either do something active. I run with my writing playlists, or go for a walk/hike and just let my characters flow and breath. Sometimes, I need to call my editor or Alpha reader and talk through a section that is giving me fits. If I am forcing a scene and it is putting the breaks on everything, I flip the idea...maybe that thing doesn't happen or maybe she kicks instead of kisses, maybe they don't survive that encounter...and I let my mind fill in the gaps.

When you sit down to write, is it easy or hard? If it's hard, what makes you keep showing up?

It really depends on the day. Some days, the characters are vocal and the scene flows. Other days, most days, writing is difficult. I love the journey of writing and I struggle with focusing on the result. On days when my mind jumps to "what will the finish product look like?" or "How will people respond?" I am just asking for a block to come crashing down. When I focus too much on planning and plotting...it is hard to write because I am trying to stay in a line or in a box and that is not the best for my process. What keeps me showing up are the moments when my characters are free to be who they are and in turn, I am truly who I am. What keeps me showing up are the moments of glee, shock, elation, realization and pride when moments come together, when people grow and when scenes solidify into something lasting. Writing is therapeutic for me on a number of levels. It is my escape and the way I process the world. It is a way I communicate and a way that learn, so easy or hard...I'm not stopping because just like life, the journey takes all kinds of paths and even if they are rocky or smooth, they are still taking you where you need to go.

For a writer starting out what advice would you give them?

Be critical of your writing but not cruel. Be compassionate to yourself and always strive to grow. Learn from others but don't compare. Tell your story, there is always someone who needs to hear it. Put in the work, learn from imperfections, accept the critique/opinions that you choose to agree with and keep writing.

What is your dream writing location?

Either a cabin overlooking a river running through the mountains, or a coffee shop by the sea. Though honestly, I get the most writing done on long, solo road trips. My audio recorder is my best friend.

In reference to your books, what question do you get asked the most?

Where the idea came from? As I mentioned earlier, it came from a scene in a dream and grew up with me. The other questions I get frequently are about the Realm in general. The attributes about this space between the living world and Eternity are slowly explained through the trilogy but the reader is meant to have questions. I love hearing them. I enjoy listening as people process the concept and the ramifications. That is what it is meant to do. My characters have to figure things out and make their own decisions about the Realm and I wanted to create the opportunity for readers to do the same.

If you could bring one of your characters to life who would it be? Why?

Oh goodness. One, they feel pretty real according to myself and my readers and two, having some of them be more real, would be hilarious and terrifying. If I chose one, it would probably be Eli from Trapped in Eternity (book 2) and for purely selfish reasons. He feels like the child I never had and it would be cool to hang out with him.

What do you think makes a good story?

Personally, I would say depth. It is a personal preference. I enjoy deep characters with elaborate backstories, literary elements and things to learn and uncover. For me, reading is similar to writing, I want to think, grow, and feel. Take me on an adventure where afterwards, I'm not the same.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

An adult. For a little while, that was it. :) I wanted to see the world, experience difference cultures, create relationships with people and tell stories. When I entered school and learned that a job title needed to be assigned to my future goals and that a job that paid money was needed, I tried on photographer, missionary, community aid/development, animal physical therapist, photographer again, social worker, massage therapist...I am still figuring out what I want to be when I grow up. I think it will be a combination, as it is now. I want to pay my bills, take care of my family, be creative, see the world, love people, make a difference and live.