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Welcome to our New Faces interview column, where you can meet debut romance authors and find out about their books. This time we're visiting Loralee Lillibridge, whose first release is Accidental Hero from Silhouette Special Edition. Loralee, welcome to TRR! Tell us about yourself. I'm a native Texan but now live in West Michigan with my husband of fifty years. We have four children, nine grandchildren, a grandson-in-law, and a great-granddaughter. Are you coming to romance writing from another job? I've worked many different jobs over the years, most importantly as a wife, mom and grandma, however, I retired as a pattern-maker for a children's clothing manufacturer and now consider writing as my career. What led you to write romance? I've always loved to read and after discovering romance novels, I wanted to try my hand at writing one. Tell us about your road to publication. I've been writing for twenty years but only actively pursuing publication in the romance genre for five years. In 2003 I entered a national contest with a full manuscript and won first place. That manuscript was requested by the final judge, a Silhouette editor, and from there it was sold to Special Edition in 2004 and published in 2005 as Accidental Hero. The road was a long one, but I had the support and encouragement of my family and my Mid-Michigan RWA chapter, as well as good friends who were already published. And my critique group was a vital part of my success. What kind of research was involved for your first book? Accidental Hero centers around an equine therapy program for the special needs community and I was able to observe such a program near my home. I've always loved cowboys and rodeos, so that type of background was a natural choice. Tell us about your debut book. Accidental Hero is about a matter of trust, a reunion of hearts and a lesson in forgiveness. These are issues facing Bo Ramsey, a busted-up rodeo cowboy with an attitude, and Abby Houston, the woman who loves him in spite of his flaws. Bo and Abby must overcome the pain of their past before they can trust their hearts to a future together. A young boy in Abby's equine therapy program shows them that anyone can be a hero if you're willing to take a chance. Who are your influences as a writer? There are many writers whose works I admire. I wouldn't know where to begin the list, however Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Alison Hart, Eileen Dreyer, Elizabeth Grayson, Betina Krahn, Nora Roberts, Barbara Bretton, Mary Alice Monroe, have all been strong influences in my writing. What does your family think of having a published romance author in their midst? My family is very proud of what I've accomplished. They've encouraged me every step of the way. Tell us about plans for future books. Right now I'm working on more stories set in the Texas Hill country. How can readers get in touch with you? Readers can contact me through my website, www.loraleelillibridge.com Loralee, thanks for joining us, and best of luck with your future books! Readers, we have a review of Accidental Hero in our Category section.
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