BIO:
Laurie L. Bolanos was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. She graduated from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She worked as an LPN for twelve years before returning to Delgado/Charity School of Nursing, graduating as an R.N. in January of 2006. She continues her nursing career while writing in her spare time. Prince of Conjurers is her award-winning first novel published in 2015 and set in the city of New Orleans.
AUTHOR Q&A:
- When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
LLB: I first realized I wanted to be a writer around the age of twelve. I remember I asked for and received a Sears typewriter for Christmas that year. I would spend hours in my room typing little stories.
2. How long does it take to write your book(s)?
LLB: It took me about five 1/2 years to write Prince of Conjurers, but about another year to proofread, edit, copy-edit, and get it published.
3. What is your work schedule like when writing a book?
LLB: I wish I could say there was a method to my madness, but there isn’t. When I had time available, I wrote.
4. Where do you get your ideas or information for your book?
LLB: For Prince of Conjurers, I pulled my ideas from Phantom of the Opera. I felt drawn to the Phantom (Erik) and always believed there had to be more to his story.
5. When did you write your first book?
LLB: I started writing Prince of Conjurers in late 2008 and published it in spring of 2015
6. What do you do when you’re not writing?
LLB: When I’m not writing, I’m working as a Registered Nurse. I’m also a wife, mother, and a pet lover with one dog and six cats, two of which I am fostering for the next year.
7. What does your family think of your writing?
LLB: My family has encouraged and supported me from day one. I am so lucky!
8. What was the most surprising thing you learned in creating your books?
LLB: One of the most surprising things I learned while writing my books is how deep my imagination and creativity can run. Sometimes, I would write a particular scene or even just a sentence that made me feel as though I were truly an amazing writer. Those little moments really get you through the tougher parts of writing a book.
9. How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
LLB: I have written two books. Prince of Conjurers and Things Can Grow Between Your Toes. Luckily for me, one was written for adults and the other was written for children, so I don’t think I have to choose a favorite. I love them both. 😊
10. Any tips/suggestions on getting started?
LLB: I think joining a writer’s group would be beneficial for networking and meeting people that may be interesting in forming a Critique group. Having a Critique group or at the very least Beta readers is so important for feedback.
11. What do you think makes a good story?
LLB: I like a story that has surprises and keeps me wondering or guessing what will happen next.
12. As a child, What did you want to do when you grew up?
LLB: As a child, I wanted to be a surgeon. Now, I have no idea what I want to be when I grow up, but until I do, I will keep writing.
LINKS:
A Tea merchant just created a tea blend for one of the characters in
Prince of Conjurers.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/666438898/the-soul-of-juliana-tea-blend-viridian?ref=shop_home_feat_1&frs=1
Published Works: