Why choosing a novel by Lori Villarreal is a decision you can trust
This is my opportunity to present a sort of informal resume
describing my background and to explain my qualifications as a writer of
fiction. My goal is to perhaps gain an undecided reader’s trust in the
entertainment value of my books and woo them into trying at least one of my romance
novels.
I read a lot. Every single day. My personal library consists
of nearly 500 romance novels, mostly printed versions, but my Kindle list is steadily
growing. Needless to say, I never find myself without something to read! When I
don’t have a new book waiting like a Christmas present yet to be opened, I pick
one from my collection and read it again. Many have been read two or three
times, especially those from my favorite series.
What do I get from
reading romance novels?
Merely by turning the first page, I’m instantly transported
to a different time and place. I become a silent observer (a voyeur, if you
will) of a story as it unfolds. I’m allowed into the most private and intimate
thoughts of the characters. I’m a witness to their struggle to overcome
conflict. I experience their pain, sorrow, joy, their successes and failures
right along with them, and feel a connection on a human level. I can relate.
Would the fact that I
read a lot make me a good writer? Not necessarily. It just means I’m an
avid reader and know good writing when I read it.
I have an artistic background. I spent most of my young life
in creative pursuits like drawing, painting, and writing. As a budding artist,
I took any art class available and in my spare time experimented with different
mediums and techniques. I worked with pencils, ink, acrylics, and oils. I
played around with clay, calligraphy, silk-screening, and created a line of
stuffed characters from original cartoons, which I then sold at local craft
shows.
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| Gabriella from Whispers in Time (rendered illustration by Lori Villarreal) |
I continue to nurture my creative side by way of website and
graphic design, book cover design and, most recently, 3D graphic illustrations
of by books’ characters.
Would being artistic
make me a good writer? Probably not in and of itself.
I have a 21-year background in the IT industry, which
includes 12 years in website design. I went to school while living in West Palm Beach , FL
Would my background in
the computer industry make me a good writer? Maybe from a technical
standpoint, but not necessarily as a fiction writer.
Currently, I’m a freelance writer and reporter for The
Township Times, a local weekly newspaper, covering human interest stories. I
attend community and special events, interview key individuals and other
participants, and take pictures. I then combine the information I obtain from
the event with research on the subject matter to create a well rounded,
interesting article.
Would being a
newspaper reporter make me a good writer? I should hope so! But we’re still
not quite there. A news article is designed to portray factual information,
with little emphasis on artistic prose.
I’ve had kind of an adventurous life, having been divorced
once and married a second time, lived in Michigan ,
Florida , Colorado ,
Illinois , Indiana ,
and Texas
Would having many
different jobs in many different industries make me a good writer? No.
Having had a lot of jobs has given me life experiences to draw on, but as a
whole or individually, those experiences wouldn’t necessarily make me a good
writer.
Then what do you, as
a reader, get out of reading my books? You might ask, “What’s in it for me?”
All the things I just mentioned, when considered separately,
wouldn’t necessarily make a person a good writer. I’m an avid reader. I have an
artistic background. I’ve lived in different places. I’ve worked in many
industries. I’ve experienced nearly every level of the publishing process
(including agent queries and rejections!). I write for a newspaper.
When all those elements are combined, however, along with
the trial-by-error experience of novel writing going back six years, research
experience, study of fiction writing, courses in creative writing, critiques
and feedback, I’m better able to put together the whole package: a solid plot,
realistic characters (including strong, independent women and hot alpha males),
a pervasive illusion of reality, an interesting setting, and a
happily-ever-after ending.
To sum it up, you (the reader) are the beneficiary of a
lifetime of experiences gathered together that results in a romantic and
compelling story in such a way so that it:
- Nurtures your romantic nature
- Gives sustenance to your imagination
- Indulges your need for entertainment
- Nourishes the intellect with an endless supply of subject matter
- Inspires you to achieve your own goals
- Fulfills your wanderlust—allows you to travel without setting foot outside your door
With these things in mind, I believe you will enjoy my
books!
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