In this thirteenth Equestrian Author Spotlight, I talk with L.R. Trovillion. She is the author of the equestrian novel, False Gods. Of course, we discuss the best topics on earth ... writing, books and horses! In the interview, you'll learn about her favorite horse book authors and that her favorite equine memory involves Santa Claus delivering a pony! As a writer, I absolutely fell in love with the motivational quote that is hanging over her desk and her answer to my question, "Why do you write?" I think you will appreciate the words of wisdom she offers in this spur jingling interview, too! Happy Reading. About Equine Author L.R. TrovillionL. R. Trovillion earned a degree in Russian Language and Literature and has found work at various times of her life as a translator, teacher, reporter, and editor. Nowadays, she makes her home in Maryland on a small horse farm, which she shares with her husband, daughter, and an assortment of four-legged creatures who really run the place. When not writing, she’s usually thinking about writing. Now let's saddle up for Lisa's author interview! What is your favorite horse memory?There are as many great memories as there are different reasons for why each one is cherished, but I’ll share this one: When my daughter was five years old, we bought her a pony for Christmas. They talk about it being every little girl’s dream, but honestly it is also a parent’s dream to be able to pull off such an exciting gift. We “hid” the pony for three days before Christmas morn and by some miracle my daughter didn’t discover him. On the morning of the big reveal, my husband, daughter, her grandmother, and me walked to the barn on some pretext. As I slid the back door open, this bright chestnut pony walked in and up to my daughter to give her a big head butt, as if on cue. The surprise, the moment, everything was perfect, except for one thing: my daughter, being a scientific minded kid even at that age, was not convinced that Santa could deliver the pony in his sleigh and therefore the poor thing was lost. She was determined to find his true owner and return him. It was only after much convincing she accepted that maybe, just maybe, the pony was meant for her. What is your favorite horse book besides your own of course?No one can compete with the talents of author Laura Hillenbrand and her portrayal of the famous racehorse Seabiscuit. Her research was as impeccable as her prose was mystical. She captured a time, an era in the American psyche when it focused down to one great horse and an amazing race. Another choice would be anything by Jane Smiley. What is your favorite motivational quote?I have favorite quotes that rotate depending on what I need at any particular time. I have one hanging over my desk now that has spoken to me in an important way recently. It is a quote from Barbara Kingsolver—“don’t try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you want to say. It’s the one and only thing you have to offer.” Why do you write?That is indeed a good question! Why do we write when it is so hard sometimes to bring it forth, we become vulnerable, and are opening ourselves up to criticism? There are times when I feel the same way about writing as I do about exercising … I hate it when I’m doing it, but feel so great afterwards! Everyone has a creative force and I believe mine is writing—to create characters and give them voices and share ideas and experiences that may touch an unknown reader out there. Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?The way I write could be compared to a traveler who is told to get from Boston to Seattle, but he is only given a map with the shape of the states, a compass, and the names of a few major highways. Not much to go on, but faith. I start out and just fill in the blanks as I go. What was your inspiration for the horse(s) in your book? They were either thinly veiled copies of real horses I’ve known, or some were a compilation of all the great traits of wonderful horses I’ve had the honor to ride and know over my riding lifetime. The broodmare in the story, Allegra, is based on an exquisite Hanoverian mare I owned, who has since passed. The horrific experience that occurs with this horse in the book was based on a true event. What was your favorite chapter to write and why?My favorite chapter was one wherein the main character, Cory, her boyfriend and sister are at a local restaurant when the sister’s former boyfriend comes in with a gang of kids and a bullying incident erupts, targeted at the sister, Jess. Without giving it away, it was so much fun to turn the tables on the obnoxious bully, especially when Jess—a ballerina and feminine, petite gal—totally looses it and gets her revenge. Is there a message in your novel that you hope readers will grasp?The main character, Cory, is a quitter or she just doesn’t let herself try things because she’s afraid of not being good enough. The message is this: overall in life’s competition, last place beats those that don’t even show up to try. Don’t limit your experiences because you’re afraid of looking foolish or not being good enough or whatever. You may be surprised. What’s next? Future goals for your writing?I’m wrapping up an adult mystery set in 1928 Baltimore with a paranormal twist. I also hope to write a YA sequel to “False Gods” because so many readers have asked for one. Coming Soon: The sequel to False GodsDiscover More About Author L.R. TrovillionWebsite: www.lrtrovillion.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lrtrovillion Twitter: @lrtrovillion Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/silverhorsefarm/ Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/L.R.-Trovillion/ What a spur jingling interview!Thank you to L.R. Trovillion for participating in my Equestrian Author Spotlight series. I really enjoy these interviews. I learn so much from other authors and appreciate how unique each of our writing journeys is. I love that all the authors featured in this series are linked through our creativity, passion for writing, and love of horses. I think it is so important to support each other. I appreciate the support of a fellow author. Thank you for giving me the gift of your time, L.R.! #authorsunite I LOVE HORSE BOOKS. If you are an author who writes about horses and would like to be spotlighted let me know. I’d be happy to include you, too. Sharing about fellow horse book authors makes my spurs jingle! Visit my contact page to fill out a request! Miss one of my Equestrian Author Spotlights? No problem! Review them here:
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Books by Carly KadeBook TrailerAuthor InfoCarly Kade writes for anyone who loves horses, handsome cowboys and a great romance. Creative writing about horses makes her spurs jingle! Archives
October 2023
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