Ask the Author: Lori Nelson Spielman
Answered Questions (20)
Lori Nelson Spielman
Hi Joy. Thanks so much for reading my novels (and your interest in another). I hope to have a fourth novel some day! I'm working on one now. Thanks for inspiring me. Sending all my best wishes.
Lori Nelson Spielman
Hi Moira! Thanks for reaching out! I'm so glad you enjoyed The Life List. The release of my third book, The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany, has been postponed until November 17, due to Covid-19. Yes, you can pre-order from B & N. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-.... Thank you so much for your interest. I really appreciate it! I hope you and your family stay healthy in this scary time! xo
Lori Nelson Spielman
Guten tag, Larissa! Vielen dank for your kind message. I'm thrilled that you've read and enjoyed the novels! At this point, the third novel (Quote Me) will not appear in English. Book four, Heute Schon für Morgen Träumen, which released in Germany last fall, will release in the US and UK in spring of 2020. It's all very confusing, even to me! Thanks, again, Larissa. Alles gute! xo
Lori Nelson Spielman
Dear Nele,
Vielen dank fur reading my novels. I really appreciate your time and energy and very kind words. Yes, I'm working on a new project now (and one of the characters is from Germany!) Thank you so much for inspiring me to write quickly! Sending love and thanks and all of my best wishes across the Atlantic to you in Berlin! xo Lori
Vielen dank fur reading my novels. I really appreciate your time and energy and very kind words. Yes, I'm working on a new project now (and one of the characters is from Germany!) Thank you so much for inspiring me to write quickly! Sending love and thanks and all of my best wishes across the Atlantic to you in Berlin! xo Lori
Lori Nelson Spielman
Right now, I'm reading (and loving) MARLENA, by Julie Buntin, and listening to the audio version of A MAN CALLED OVE, by Fredrick Backman, which is terrific. I cannot wait to read Karen Dionne's THE MARSH KING'S DAUGHTER, which releases June 13th and is getting rave reviews. Mary Kubica newest book comes in June, too, EVERY LAST LIE. And in August I'll be re-reading, Julie Lawson Timmer's MRS SAINT AND THE DEFECTIVES. I read an earlier version and loved it!
Lori Nelson Spielman
Great question. Whether it's a good thing or a bad, my life is pretty straight-forward and drama-free. But I do have a friend whose story I'd love to adapt into a novel, and he's all for it. I'm also curious about a trio of my great aunts who never married. Why did they remain single? By choice? Were they happy? What were their lives like? And now that you've posed this question, I will explore more of my past, searching for mysteries! Thanks so much!
Lori Nelson Spielman
Great question. Whether it's a good thing or a bad, my life is pretty straight-forward and drama-free. But I do have a friend whose story I'd love to adapt into a novel, and he's all for it. I'm also curious about a trio of my great aunts who never married. Why did they remain single? By choice? Were they happy? What were their lives like? And now that you've posed this question, I will explore more of my past, searching for mysteries! Thanks so much!
Lori Nelson Spielman
What a great question! One of my favorite couples is Sally Albright and Harry Burns in Nora Ephron's terrific screenplay, When Harry Met Sally. With Harry and Sally, it's not insta-love, but rather a slow-growing friendship, where they clearly see each other's flaws and idiosyncrasies. I love their shared humor and the way they challenge each other. Thanks for the question!
Lori Nelson Spielman
Hi, Sally. Thanks so much for your interest in my third book. It's confusing this time, because the book was sold to my German publisher on contract, so Germany is the first country to release it. It will probably be at least another year before it's out in the US. My current working title for the US version is "Quote Me," but that's likely to change. I will post updates on my Facebook page when I have more information. Thanks so much and please don't forget me!
Lori Nelson Spielman
This answer contains spoilers…
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Lori Nelson Spielman
Thank you so much, Sammie! I so appreciate you reading the books and reaching out to let me know...especially since you are a busy mother of a young child! You inspire me as I sit down now to finish book three.
I hope your baby acclimates quickly to the new bed. And if not, may you find many wonderful books to keep you entertained in the wee hours of the morning! :)
My sincere thanks and warmest wishes to you.
Lori
I hope your baby acclimates quickly to the new bed. And if not, may you find many wonderful books to keep you entertained in the wee hours of the morning! :)
My sincere thanks and warmest wishes to you.
Lori
Lori Nelson Spielman
Hello, Aida! Thank you so much for reading the Norwegian edition of The Life List! I'm so happy you're enjoying it, and I hope your family will, too. I do believe they will be able to find it in Australia.
And yes, the wonderful people at Cappelen Damm will be publishing my second book, Sweet Forgiveness, in Norway--thank you for asking. I do not know the date they plan to release it.
Thank you again, Aida, for reading The Life List and taking time to send me your kind message. Your words inspire me as I am finishing my third novel!
Best wishes for everything on YOUR life list!
Lori
And yes, the wonderful people at Cappelen Damm will be publishing my second book, Sweet Forgiveness, in Norway--thank you for asking. I do not know the date they plan to release it.
Thank you again, Aida, for reading The Life List and taking time to send me your kind message. Your words inspire me as I am finishing my third novel!
Best wishes for everything on YOUR life list!
Lori
Lori Nelson Spielman
Hi Mariana! Thanks so much for reading THE LIFE LIST. I'm so happy you loved Garrett! I did, too. When I was a homebound teacher, I spent a lot of time talking with doctors about my ill students. But I promise, we never had personal conversations, the way Brett did with Garrett. He's a totally fictitious character, but he does have the kindness and sensitivity of my husband! Thanks so much for your question!
Lori Nelson Spielman
Hi, Tatiana from Uruguay!
First, thank you for choosing The Life List. I'm so happy you enjoyed it!
I wrote my own life list when I was a teen, which included 29 things I thought would make my life happy. Years later, I found the list. I was happy that I had, indeed, accomplished many of my life goals. But there were others I hadn't met, and some I never would. I began to wonder what might happen if someone were forced to complete the life list they'd made as a teen. Would those goals still be valid, or do we outgrow our youthful wishes?
So, that's how I got the idea for the novel. I began to write, and the story flowed easily. Even though 'writing a novel' was not on my original life list, I loved to write and had completed several "practice novels" (in other words, embarrassing early manuscripts that were never published). It was the greatest thrill in my life when I landed my wonderful agent and the book sold.
I hope this answers your question. Thank you and warmest wishes from Michigan.
First, thank you for choosing The Life List. I'm so happy you enjoyed it!
I wrote my own life list when I was a teen, which included 29 things I thought would make my life happy. Years later, I found the list. I was happy that I had, indeed, accomplished many of my life goals. But there were others I hadn't met, and some I never would. I began to wonder what might happen if someone were forced to complete the life list they'd made as a teen. Would those goals still be valid, or do we outgrow our youthful wishes?
So, that's how I got the idea for the novel. I began to write, and the story flowed easily. Even though 'writing a novel' was not on my original life list, I loved to write and had completed several "practice novels" (in other words, embarrassing early manuscripts that were never published). It was the greatest thrill in my life when I landed my wonderful agent and the book sold.
I hope this answers your question. Thank you and warmest wishes from Michigan.
Lori Nelson Spielman
Hi Emma! Thanks for the kind words and the great question. I would LOVE to see my stories made into movies! I cannot imagine how thrilling that would be. THE LIFE LIST was actually optioned for film by Fox 2000 in L.A.. We shall see if it ever actually becomes a movie, but it is still hugely exciting to know it's in the hands of "Hollywood".
Thanks again for taking the time to read my novels and reach out to me here on Goodreads. Wishing all the best to you!
Lori
Thanks again for taking the time to read my novels and reach out to me here on Goodreads. Wishing all the best to you!
Lori
Lori Nelson Spielman
Hi Karen,
I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of forgiveness. I grew up Catholic, and I have my fair share of shame and regret. I’m also a people pleaser, so I avoid conflict at all cost. I find it oddly fascinating when I hear of someone who has had a falling-out with a friend or family member and has severed all contact. That seems like such a heavy burden. Conversely, I adore those stories where victims are able to forgive their assailants…such grace in the human spirit.
I wanted my character to be an intensely private person with a shameful secret. And she needed to be high profile, because she was going to be publicly outed. But I didn’t think she wasn’t based on anyone I knew. In fact, initially I felt a bit estranged from Hannah Farr, talk show host. With help from some wonderful broadcast journalists, I was able to learn about Hannah's world. But her career and background still felt very different from mine.
As the story evolved, however, it became clear that Hannah and I aren't so different. Like Hannah, I'd rather listen than disclose my own story. We’re both introverts who pretend to be extroverts. When I was in high school, I was voted ‘Best Personality.’ Four years later, my college sorority voted me ‘Most Reserved.’ I was stunned. How does one go from big personality to reserved in four short years? But it was true. I was, and still am, a mix of a very private person with an outwardly friendly personality, just like my protagonist.
I hope this helps! Thanks so much for your question and my best wishes to you.
Lori
I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of forgiveness. I grew up Catholic, and I have my fair share of shame and regret. I’m also a people pleaser, so I avoid conflict at all cost. I find it oddly fascinating when I hear of someone who has had a falling-out with a friend or family member and has severed all contact. That seems like such a heavy burden. Conversely, I adore those stories where victims are able to forgive their assailants…such grace in the human spirit.
I wanted my character to be an intensely private person with a shameful secret. And she needed to be high profile, because she was going to be publicly outed. But I didn’t think she wasn’t based on anyone I knew. In fact, initially I felt a bit estranged from Hannah Farr, talk show host. With help from some wonderful broadcast journalists, I was able to learn about Hannah's world. But her career and background still felt very different from mine.
As the story evolved, however, it became clear that Hannah and I aren't so different. Like Hannah, I'd rather listen than disclose my own story. We’re both introverts who pretend to be extroverts. When I was in high school, I was voted ‘Best Personality.’ Four years later, my college sorority voted me ‘Most Reserved.’ I was stunned. How does one go from big personality to reserved in four short years? But it was true. I was, and still am, a mix of a very private person with an outwardly friendly personality, just like my protagonist.
I hope this helps! Thanks so much for your question and my best wishes to you.
Lori
Lori Nelson Spielman
Hi Heather! Thank you for your great questions. I have the story loosely planned before I begin, but some things do happen along the way that surprise me. It's always a great moment when a character doesn't react as I'd planned. It tells me they're coming to life.
An example of a surprising moment was in The Life List, when Brett was moving out of Andrew's apartment and he came home with a woman. I was as shocked as Brett when I "saw" that the woman was Megan! I'd fully expected Brett and Megan to be booklong friends.
Thank you, Heather. I really appreciate you chiming in here!
Warm wishes,
Lori
An example of a surprising moment was in The Life List, when Brett was moving out of Andrew's apartment and he came home with a woman. I was as shocked as Brett when I "saw" that the woman was Megan! I'd fully expected Brett and Megan to be booklong friends.
Thank you, Heather. I really appreciate you chiming in here!
Warm wishes,
Lori
Lori Nelson Spielman
Hi Erin. Thanks so much for the great question.
One of the best perks of writing has been receiving messages from my readers. I didn't set out to write books that might change people--my books are purely fiction, not self-help manuals. But it's incredibly gratifying when someone tells me the book provided comfort while they grieved a loss, or inspired them to go after a long-forgotten dream or forgive someone.
I just received an email from a woman in Israel who wanted me to send a message to her friend who was getting married. Her friend read THE LIFE LIST eight months ago and claimed it changed her life. She quit a dead-end job and started doing things she had always wanted to do. She even accepted a blind date...and now they're getting married!
I certainly don't take credit for this woman's changes, but it's an incredible feeling to think that my words...my story and characters...resonated with someone. To me, that feeling of connection is the entire purpose of writing.
Thank you, Erin, and best wishes to you.
Lori
One of the best perks of writing has been receiving messages from my readers. I didn't set out to write books that might change people--my books are purely fiction, not self-help manuals. But it's incredibly gratifying when someone tells me the book provided comfort while they grieved a loss, or inspired them to go after a long-forgotten dream or forgive someone.
I just received an email from a woman in Israel who wanted me to send a message to her friend who was getting married. Her friend read THE LIFE LIST eight months ago and claimed it changed her life. She quit a dead-end job and started doing things she had always wanted to do. She even accepted a blind date...and now they're getting married!
I certainly don't take credit for this woman's changes, but it's an incredible feeling to think that my words...my story and characters...resonated with someone. To me, that feeling of connection is the entire purpose of writing.
Thank you, Erin, and best wishes to you.
Lori
Lori Nelson Spielman
Hi Rhonda,
I remember reading a book by Lolly Winston called GOOD GRIEF and thinking, maybe I could write a novel. Lolly's first-person, accessible writing style inspired me.
I read mostly fiction and, for me, a great story trumps brilliant writing. If a book makes me feel something—whether it’s hope or despair, pain or joy—I’m hooked. Add to that an interesting setting and sympathetic characters, and you’ll find me happily lost in the pages for days. Some of my favorite books are John Steinbeck’s East of Eden, Kathryn Stockett’s The Help, The Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk Kidd, The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, and most anything by Maeve Binchey and Elizabeth Berg.
Thanks so much for your great questions. Best wishes to you!
Lori
I remember reading a book by Lolly Winston called GOOD GRIEF and thinking, maybe I could write a novel. Lolly's first-person, accessible writing style inspired me.
I read mostly fiction and, for me, a great story trumps brilliant writing. If a book makes me feel something—whether it’s hope or despair, pain or joy—I’m hooked. Add to that an interesting setting and sympathetic characters, and you’ll find me happily lost in the pages for days. Some of my favorite books are John Steinbeck’s East of Eden, Kathryn Stockett’s The Help, The Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk Kidd, The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, and most anything by Maeve Binchey and Elizabeth Berg.
Thanks so much for your great questions. Best wishes to you!
Lori
Lori Nelson Spielman
Hi Zekija--so nice of you to join me here!
I was a huge reader as a child and, although I loved writing, I never thought of pursuing writing as a career. But I do remember a job interview when I was just out of college. The interviewer asked me to tell him my biggest fantasy. (I know, kind of creepy, right?) I surprised myself by answering, "To live on the ocean and write novels." So, I'm writing novels...now I have to work on that house on the ocean! :)
As absolutely loved writing THE LIFE LIST. But writing is such a solitary task that I wasn't sure if I had something special. I knew I liked it, but I didn't know if I was able to be objective. It wasn't until my early readers began giving me great feedback that I felt this might be "it". My mom left a voice mail message saying, "I think it's great. I think this one's going to be published." I kept that message on my answering machine for months. Every time I got a rejection letter, I'd press the button and hear my mom's reassuring words!
Thanks so much for your great questions, Zekija!
Warm wishes,
Lori
I was a huge reader as a child and, although I loved writing, I never thought of pursuing writing as a career. But I do remember a job interview when I was just out of college. The interviewer asked me to tell him my biggest fantasy. (I know, kind of creepy, right?) I surprised myself by answering, "To live on the ocean and write novels." So, I'm writing novels...now I have to work on that house on the ocean! :)
As absolutely loved writing THE LIFE LIST. But writing is such a solitary task that I wasn't sure if I had something special. I knew I liked it, but I didn't know if I was able to be objective. It wasn't until my early readers began giving me great feedback that I felt this might be "it". My mom left a voice mail message saying, "I think it's great. I think this one's going to be published." I kept that message on my answering machine for months. Every time I got a rejection letter, I'd press the button and hear my mom's reassuring words!
Thanks so much for your great questions, Zekija!
Warm wishes,
Lori
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