Interview with Lorrie Struiff, author of A HEAP OF TROUBLE and a Giveaway!!

By: Meradeth Houston on 7:00 AM

THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW OVER! THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED. THE WINNER, TORE, HAS BEEN CONTACTED :)

Today I am pleased to introduce Lorrie, author of A HEAP OF TROUBLE, and fellow Muse author :) Please welcome her with me as we learn a little more about her and her books!

(Q) Thanks for stopping by my blog! Let’s start with the basics: where are you from? Is there any place online you’d like to direct us to learn more about you?

  (A) I live near wonderful Pittsburgh, Pa. Three gorgeous rivers, inclines, locks, etc.

  (B)  You can find me anytime at http://lorriejuly.blogspot.com or FB or my author page at Amazon.

(Q) I always love hearing about how the idea for a particular book came about. Please fill us in on how you got the idea for A Heap of Trouble.

(A) A Heap of Trouble came about for the sole reason of me wanting to write a western romance. I have always loved westerns. Remember, I write in many genres. I imagined a hunk of a sheriff, a pretty gal of course, and some humor with an imp of a monkey. With a western you have to have cattle rustling, don’t you? So, I thought up some action for my sheriff besides chasing the gal that makes his spurs jingle.

I can’t seem to quiet my humor bone when I’m creating, so that just sneaks in there.

(Q) Which authors have most influenced your own writing?

  (A)  I was always an avid reader, so I can’t choose any authors in particular. And all the authors made telling a story look so easy in their books. I thought, hey, I can do this. Wow, was I wrong! I didn’t realize I had so much to learn. Well, learn I did, and here I am. It was a tough row to hoe, all that intense learning. I guess anyone can sit and write a book, but for a good book, you have to know what you are doing.

(Q) What do you do for fun other than writing?

  (A) Watch TV, shopping, go out to dinner with other authors and discuss the publishing field. It’s such fun to share with people that have your same interests. Talking about it to family bores them to death. Lol.

(Q) If you could describe your ideal writing spot, where would it be? What music would you listen to? What treats would you have on hand?

  (A) Oh, I have an ideal writing spot. My den, me sitting in a tilt back chair with my computer on my lap. Sitting in a straight chair at a desk would kill my back. I wouldn’t listen to music, it distracts me. I’d have a hot cup of tea next to me, maybe some chips, and TBH, anything I can get my little fingers on. I’m a muncher.

(Q) Plotter or pantser? Both? Neither?

  (A) Pantster all the way. I roll the story around in my head for a while, then start right in on the computer with the first scene. You have to watch out for those plot holes though, but I have a great critique group that catches them.

      

      (Q) Do you have any new projects that you are working on?

  (A)  I’m working on a five story series titled The COD Club. (Call on the Dead) the first one is out. The book contains the first two stories in one. Two more should be on their way soon, and I’m working on the last one, number five. It’s strictly humor and a fun read.

(Q) What kinds of marketing do you think are the most successful in terms of getting your name/book out there? (Curious minds are taking notes!)

  (A) I have done all sorts of marketing that all the other authors do, but I don’t think any are successful anymore. There are so many books out there, so many authors competing for readers to buy their books, I just don’t know what to say. And, who can afford a campaign/promotion manager? I can’t. I think most authors today are finding it as difficult.

(Q) If you'd like to add anything, please do so. GIVEAWAY ALERT!

To one person that comments and leaves their thoughts in the comment box, I’ll put the names in a hat and choose one to receive a PDF copy my noir detective short story, A Perfect Day.

It was published in Big Pulp.

A HEAP OF TROUBLE

Cole Walker, Sheriff of Cold Creek thought chasing rustlers would be the worst of his problems, until Mattie Wells, the new gal in town, jingles his spurs with just a smile, and he falls head over heels.

Then he finds a runaway monkey under his desk, and his inclination is to get rid of him. Cole has this fear of critters that goes back a mighty long way, so the sooner the better.

But Mattie thinks Beggar’s adorable, so what’s a man supposed to do? Now, he’s forced to put up with the little fur ball...uh...ringtail monkey, even when the furry thief starts stealing the townsfolk’s trinkets.

Then there’s the matter of the cattle rustlers who keep stealing the Double J’s cattle. JJ blames the farmers, the farmers don’t like JJ, and an all-out war is about to commence.

Sheriff Cole and his deputies, Wade and Sully, have their hands full trying to keep the uneasy peace between the farmers and the cattleman. As if that’s not enough pressure, Mayor Farley gives them a month to find the thieves before he calls for outside help.

The man is trying to win Mattie’s heart, but the little lady has a dark secret and vows never to marry. While harboring a secret of his own, Cole tries to pry out her secret, in hopes of changing her mind.

Cole chases Mattie, the rustlers, and Beggar in a town full of fun characters and chaos.

Can he bring the rustlers to justice, peace and order to Cold Creek, the townsfolk’s loot back to their rightful owners, and win Mattie’s heart?

Is your curiosity peaked? Pick up a copy at Amazon! 

And don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win!