Presents
Author, Photographer, Cover Model
SPOTLIGHT
Featuring
Author Lorraine Britt, Photographer Jennifer Tanner & Cover Model Christopher Van Etten
Lorraine Britt
https://m.facebook.com/LorraineBrittAuthor
AUTHOR BIO
Lorraine Britt is a fourth generation Native Texan who is also immensely proud of her Louisiana heritage and solid Southern roots. As an enthusiastic lover of the written word, inspiration struck Lorraine and she began to bubble over with her own ideas. Grasping hold of her lifelong dreams, it wasn’t long before she was putting pen to paper and letting her fingers fly over a keyboard to bring her own characters to life. When she isn’t busy scribbling notes for her next idea you might find her whipping up delicious creations in the kitchen or putting miles on her car on road trip adventures. Lorraine is equally passionate about music, movies and sports. You’ll no doubt find these familiar themes woven throughout her books. Lorraine and her family currently make their home in northeast Texas.
QUESTIONS
Have any characters surprised you? Done different things you didn't see coming or gone in a different direction than you were planning?
Yes! There have been times when the story took a completely different direction than I originally intended.
You do such an amazing job bringing your characters to life. How do you bring such depth to them?
Thank you for saying that! I try to really envision them, envision their lives, their feelings, get inside the situation. I want my characters to be real and relatable.
What is your writing necessity?
Inspiration. I have to feel what I'm writing. I have to care about the characters and the story or it won't come to me.
In the Soldier Series you deal with such real situations. How much research do you need to do before begining your writing?
Quite a bit actually. I've spent a lot of time talking to those in the military or to veterans of the military. I want to make sure what I am portraying is accurate and respectful.
Your book covers are so perfect and in tune with the story inside. How do you match the cover with the story and who helps you create such wonderful works of art?
To me, I have to find the perfect model and be able to put a bit of them into the character when I write. Then I will develop the story concept and share it with my amazing photographer, Jennifer Tanner. Jennifer and I will then discuss ideas and locations for the photo shoot. Once we have the perfect shot, everything goes to my genius cover artist,
Ben Moss. We give him the photos and our concept and vision and he brings it to life for us.
On average, how long from initial idea to completed book is it?
It varies from book to book. The fastest from idea to release? Four months. The longest? Thirteen months.
Were you apprehensive writing about such emotional topics? I think you deal with them fantastically by the way!
Not at all. I don't shy away from the emotional or the difficult or touchy topics. To me it is important to keep it real and raw.
Do you ever use the southern hillbilly stereotype in your books, or do you despise the term?
I try not to use stereotypes at all. I like to think my characters are completely unique and all their own. Having said that. I am from Texas and we have more rednecks where I am than hillbillies. So if anything you might see a little bit of that ... or at least the part that is accurate.
In the part of the State you live in, is racism still in full effect or has it subsided?
Honestly, in the north east part of Texas it really varies from community to community. I was blessed to grow up in a town where it wasn't a big issue, at least not to me and my friends. It was a small town and most of us knew each other from kindergarten on. We just didn't see each other by race, if that makes sense. Friends were just friends. The town I live in today is much the same. I know places where it is still more of an issue, but I hope those areas are making progress too.
Can you give us, at For The Love Of Books a sneak peek into your current WIP?
Sure! Up next I am working on both a sequel to my second book Love Knows No Bounds, which is my Young Adult Series. I am also begining the book that will feature
Greg Clausen on the cover. I'm super excited about this one.
Jennifer Tanner
https://m.facebook.com/JTannerFotog
PHOTOGRAPHER BIO
Jennifer is an amazingly talented photographer specializing in Event Photography, Fitness Model Photography and Travel Photography
QUESTIONS
Do you ever feel, in your work that you are not taken so seriously because you are a female?
No, there are other issues but that is not one of them.
How do you make sure you capture the emotion and feeling you are going for in a shoot?
If I'm working for the author I try to tell the story through an image. If I'm working with a model I just try to capture the look they are going for.
Have you always wanted to be a photographer?
No
What is the craziest location you've shot at?
The barrel house at Jack Daniels.
What is the craziest thing you've asked a model to do?
Get in the freezing cold lake in January or February in Alabama
What 5 words best describe your photography style?
Organic, respectful, moving, inspiring, unique
How did you get so lucky to work with such amazing people, authors and models alike?
I'm just very blessed
Obviously you are crazy talented, but is photography something you've always wanted to do or just something you were good at that turned into an amazing job?
It was a hobby that turned into a great job.
When asking models to do crazy things do you ever get a fit of the giggles?
No. I'm always serious and focused (and they say bossy!) on a shoot.
Do you have a favourite picture? Maybe of Christopher?
Yes, our shoot this past week definitely resulted in my favourites of Chris. Of all time... the shoot on a tug boat with Jeremy Mooney.
Christopher Van Etten
https://m.facebook.com/christophervanetten13
MODEL BIO
Christopher is an USMC Vet / Double Amputee. He has now turned to modelling as a means of inspiring others.
Above all everyone would like to thank you for your service.
QUESTIONS
Thinking of the cover picture for Always Faithful Always Yours, what were you thinking about when the photo was taken?
Don't blink!!
What is the best piece of advice you've been given?
Don't take life too seriously.
What is the craziest thing you've been asked to do as a model?
To shoot naked in the middle of a street!
You totally nailed Landry on the cover. What things did you do to help you get into character?
The character is loosely based on me, so I was just myself.
How did you break into the modelling world?
I was looking for a way to inspire people and photography was a great way to do that.
Do you read the books you are on the cover of?
Of course.
Has your outlook on the world changed since becoming a double amputee? Specifically, do you notice people looking at you differently or treating you differently? If so, positive, negative or both?
People definitely treat me and look at me differently, but I like to think that it's because they see me as a source of inspiration.
How do you cope with the attention, especially at the author/reader events?
Be grateful that so many people are proud to meet me.
Do you enjoy meeting your fans?
Of course.
What is your favourite hobby (I'm thinking it is your motorbike?)
That ... and the gym.
I see from some of your photos that you have a dog/ Is it a service dog and if so what does she help you with?
Yes, ma'am ... she is, but she is also my best friend. She helps grab things for me as well as she is a great therapist.
QUESTIONS FOR ALL OF YOU
What was the last item you bought?
LB - A sketch pad and drawing pencils.
JT - A perfect margarita.
CVE - A Jack and coke.
What is your favourite book? And if you are, what book are you reading now?
LB - All time is The Outsiders. Love the Outlander series as well. Currently in between reads.
JT - Pat Conroy's South Abroad.
CVE - Always Faithful, Always Yours ;)
What 3 things would you take to a dessert island?
LB - A completely full ipod, lots of sunscreen and a hammock.
JT - Water, ipod full of music, and camera.
CVE - Spear fishing gear, water filter and Harley, my dog.
Do you have anything you would like to say to your fans?
LB - Thank you for your support. It means the world to me. I could not do this without you.
JT - Thank you for the support. Keep on keeping on.
CVE - Thank you for the love and support throughout the last year and a half.
What is your most embarrassing moment (maybe on a photo shoot)?
LB - I rarely get embarrassed.
JT - I really don't get embarrassed.
CVE - Usually at photo shoots if someone is laughing it is because you wanted them to. When I was in 8th grade, I tried to shoot the ball during gym ... it came back and hit me in the face.
What is the one thing that annoys you the most?
LB - People that don't keep their word or don't fulfil their commitments. Do what you say you will do. Be who you say you are.
JT - Preconceived ides about me and my work.
CVE - When people disrespect their parents.
REVIEW FOR:
ALWAYS FAITHFUL ALWAYS YOURS
From the cover to the last word, this book is great. Never before has a cover so accurately portray the storyline itself. This book deals with a serious subject matter in a compassionate, realistic yet enjoyable (if that's the correct word) manner. Can Life long friends ever become lovers? Well with what Landry and Madeleine have to overcome you would guess that the odds are stacked against them but maybe not? I love how this book was written in a duel pov this really makes the book have so much more depth. I really enjoyed this book from an author who was new to me. Thank you for not shying away from difficult subject matter. I award this book 4 stars ~ Rosie
BUYING LINKS
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1yxOP0h
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1vpy2AW
Amazon CA:http://amzn.to/1HPg5RF
To Lorraine, Jennifer and Chris. Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions. We really appreciate it and I for one loved each and every answer!
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