Q: When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

A:  I’ve written poems since I was in my teens; it was a wonderful way to express my thoughts and feelings. I’ve always been an avid reader, and I loved the different ways in which authors communicated with the reader.  I guess I’ve always wanted to write, it was simply a matter of time.

Q: How and when did you make this dream a reality?

A: When I began to experience bouts of depression in my late 20’s to mid 30’s, I searched for information on the subject but could find practically nothing that addressed the illness. This was during the mid 1970’s through the 1980’s, long before personal computers enabled you to simple “Google” something for information.  Books on the subject were practically non-existent.  I simply wanted to know if other people had experienced this “darkness of the soul” that seemed to encompass my life.  Later on, I was determined that I would somehow provide anyone else going through what I had experienced, the realization that they were not, as I had felt, alone.  My book, Running Uphill, is my personal memoir of my journey through depression and bipolar disorder and my subsequent recovery.  I began writing it in 2003, put it aside at times, and finally had it published in January 2008.

Q: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned so far in your writing career?

A: That even when you think you’ve written the perfect book, there’s always room for improvement.  Tenacity is imperative while procrastination is your worst enemy.  I’ve also learned that a good editor is critical, particularly in a first book.  Finding them, however, is a major stumbling block for a new author.

If I could have had my book reviewed prior to publishing, I feel I would have infinitely more knowledge as to how to put it all together and it would have been a much better literary piece.  Nevertheless, it did win the POW! award in the autobiography category.

Q: What are you working on right now?

A:  My main objective now is promotion of Running Uphill.  I’ve been asked to ghostwrite a book for a friend about her parental abuse growing up, which I look forward to working on.
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Q: Name some authors or books that have influenced your writing life in a positive way.

A: “Putting Your Passion Into Print” was the most helpful.  I read several others but the titles elude me.  Writers whose styles I admire are Mitch Album, Margaret Atwood, and many, many others.

Q: What have you recently read or what are you reading right now that you would consider an outstanding work?

A:  Among the greatest, I would choose “To Kill A Mockingbird” and “Grapes of Wrath”.  Most recently, “A Thousand Brilliant Suns” stands out as excellent.

Q: What excites or ignites your soul?

A: Observing the joy of a child or elderly person receiving something they’ve longed for but never expected; watching the waves splash against cliffs in the Pacific Ocean; giving something of myself that makes a difference in someone’s life; and riding in a convertible up Highway 1 the entire length of the Pacific Coast with the wind in my face.

About Lora Inman

Originally from California, Lora Inman has lived in many states across the U.S., from the Pacific Northwest to the east coast of Florida.  She and her husband, Michael, currently divide their time between their homes in Jacksonville, Florida and Kirkland, Washington.  Between them, they have three grown children: a son in Washington State, a son in Wisconsin, and a daughter who lives in Jacksonville.  As a member of several support and writer’s groups, she has been a speaker at several events.  Lora Inman may be contacted at lki49@aol.com or by phone (904-343-6511).   Website: www.inmanwriting.com.

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