Welcome back, friends!
I’m so excited to introduce you to Loren G. Warnemuende.
She’s a busy wife and mom—not to mention a world traveler—but over the years, she also found the time to write an inspiring fantasy trilogy.
For her, writing is about grappling with the big ideas and emotions that we face in life, and her stories reflect that. .
And now, I’ll let Loren take it away!
All About Loren
When I was in fourth grade, I won a story-writing contest and decided that I’d grow up to be a writer. Life, being what it is—and God, being who he is—has been much bigger than that one career goal.
I’ve had many jobs, including wife, mom, and teacher. Some roles lasted only a short time, such as the 6 1/2 years I was able to be a special needs mom to our firstborn daughter who was born with Trisomy 18. Or there were the two years our family spent in Guadalajara, Mexico, while my husband, Kraig, transitioned into university teaching.
Through all these roles, short and long-term, writing has been a source of hope and a way to share the stories and big ideas that fill my mind and heart. I lived most of my life in Michigan, but now call East Texas home, where I stay busy facilitating the learning of two teens at home and one who has started college, teaching classes at our homeschool co-op and church, whipping up meals for the family in the amazing kitchen Kraig renovated, and birdwatching or daydreaming out our front window.
I’ve been able to travel and live in a lot of interesting places around the world, and have met many, many fascinating people who have lived and worked overseas.
Q: What advice would you give to an aspiring author?
A: Don’t worry if your story takes years to come together. Keep working at it, and in the meantime pay attention to the life you’re living, the people around you, and the world you inhabit. Living fully in the real world will only make your stories better.
Q: Name 1-3 writing teachers (or writing books) you've learned from
A: Sue Schneider (my high school AP English teacher),
, and How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy by Orson Scott CardLoren’s books
My daughter Evie did the cover art for my Daughter of Arden trilogy, and both she and my daughter Clare did the internal art. Clare drew the maps. It was a family venture!
Exile (Book 1)
Wandering (Book 2)
Promise (Book 3)
The Lost Tales of Sir Galahad (I contributed two stories to this anthology)
Think Deerskin by Robin McKinley but with healthier family relationships! I write fantasy, but my books also appeal to readers of historical and realistic fiction.
Books that Loren read and loved
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis. One of the first chapter books (and series) my mom read to me, then I read myself, and the wardrobe magic still calls me.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. First book I read, then immediately reread–Jane’s fortitude inspired me.
Deerskin by Robin McKinley. First fairy tale retelling that showed me how fantasy could handle really hard topics.
Strong Poison by Dorothy L. Sayers
The Major and the Missionary edited by Diana Glyer. Letters written by Warren Lewis and missionary doctor Blanche Biggs
The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams by Daniel Nayeri
Here’s how you can connect with Loren
I hope you enjoyed getting to know Loren today!
See what she’s up to on her blog, A Shaft of Sun Through the Rain, and stay in touch on Substack
Here’s where you can find her on Facebook and Instagram.
Also, get inspiration from her TBR on Goodreads.
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Thank you, Loren, for chatting books today!
And thank you for being here, readers.
Catch you next time,
Michelle
I also love Sam Gamgee and the arts and crafts of Mexico!