Q&A with Lori Lansens discussion

I make jokes about being a 'method' writer but it's true and it's as accurate a description of my process as any I can think of. I feel a sense of inhabiting a character or of being inhabited by a character when I write. With my first book RUSH HOME ROAD I wrote as if I were the protagonist, an old black woman named Addy Shadd and was finally putting down my life story, a thing more remembered than created. With THE GIRLS, my fictional memoir of conjoined twins, I felt as though I was at turns Rose the contemplative writer and Ruby the diarist with a sense of humor. (My husband has told me that he sees Rose and Ruby as the two sides of me which explains why my feelings are hurt when readers tell me they prefer one over the other.) When I sat down to write THE WIFE'S TALE, the story of Mary Gooch, I already knew her well. For as long as I can remember I've felt a kinship with this overweight female character. I felt the burden of her weight literally and figuratively and during the year that it took to write the first part of her story I was plagued by poor health. I was at the emergency room several times with heart palpitations and still haven't decided if I gave them to Mary Gooch or she gave them to me. It's symbolic that my heart suffered along with my protagonist and notable that my health began to improve as Mary, in searching for her husband, began to find balance and perspective. I have journeyed with all of my characters emotionally and even geographically. My seven-year-old daughter Natasha recently asked me why all of the people that I write about are so unlike me and in trying to explain writing to a second grader I found the truth. "The characters all contain parts of my true self," I told her, "But they’re the parts of me that I can't really see when I’m looking directly into the mirror."

Lori~Thank you for the opportunity to glean information about your writing and learn more about you. I loved The Girls. And so did the members of our large book group at the Hayward (California) Public Library. What an interesting, thought provoking, sweet, charming, well written and lovable book! How did you come to write such a lovely, sweet, stirring introduction paragraph? Who or what was your inspiration? I read it over and over for its beauty, for the love one sister has for another,and for the ties that only sisters can experience and it just spoke to me. I revisit it from time to time and smile a knowing smile. Thank you for that!

Lori -I second everything Robin said! I also loved The Girls & found it really refreshing because the concept was so quirky. What kinds of research (if any) did you do into conjoined twins?
Thanks for such a loveable book; I look forward to reading The Wife's Tale!

I can't say that I loved the girls. But it was a vivid book. I think back on it and I carry with me clips or images from it.

Lori, I'm so glad that I have the opportunity to personally thank you for writing The Girls. It is one of my favorite novels, conveying one of my most ardent beliefs that we should look for the extraordinary in the ordinary and the ordinary in the extraordinary. The conjoined twins of Rose and Ruby were perfect symbols of this extraordinary/ordinary existence. The novel is such a beautiful story, both "girls" bringing a powerful story to life. I have become a "pusher," in that I consistently recommend this book to people. I can't believe that I missed the publication of your new novel, The Wife's Tale: A Novel, something I intend to rectify immediately. My to-read list just received another hit, bumping others down the list. Oh, I, also, read Rush Home Road: A Novel and enjoyed it, very touching story.

Lori, I am curious about how you got your books into readers' hands. My publisher does not reach a wide audience, making me reluctant to place another book with her, but I'm not keen on self-publishing my current ms either. Hearing your process might help some of us who struggle with finding agents, marketing, etc.

I'm just delighted to know that readers continue to meet and make such deep connections with conjoined twins Rose and Ruby Darlen in The Girls. I appreciate all of your comments and yes, Kathy, their extraordinary/ordinary existence can inspire us to see our own lives that way. The nature of any 'existence' is miraculous. I did a great deal of medical research but didn't meet any conjoined twins (there are few living conjoined twins) fearing that using their stories would be accidentally exploitative or might be seen as exploitative. Once, during a large public reading in the early days of publication, an audience member stood to ask a question. She was agitated and angry and explained that she'd gotten a copy of the manuscript and read it before publication. She told me that she was upset about the book and felt I shouldn't have written it, shouldn't have divulged details about the sexual lives of the twins and was wrong for having revealed their innermost thoughts. She then asked, still outraged, "The big question is - how do THEY feel about it?" I realized that she hadn't understood that the book was fiction and was angry that I'd exploited a pair of real life twins. I was glad that my instinct had been a good one - to write about the girls through a flight of imagination. And of course my goal was not to see how close I could come to accurately depicting the lives of conjoined twins because they are as individual and complicated as any 'singleton'. My purpose in writing the book was to explore the nature of love, identity and connection - to find the humanity in the unusual. I felt the same way while I was writing The Wife's Tale. I feel as close to Mary Gooch as I do to any character I've ever written and I wanted to explore her challenge to find balance and peace in a world of confusion and plenty. Thanks again for your comments and you might enjoy visiting my website at www.lorilansens.com.

Lori, without reading any of the above because I haven't read "A Wife's Tale yet, I have to tell you that I loved Rush Home Road and The Girls. Addy Shadd has to be one of my all-time favorite characters and her story was amazing. The Girls was truly a unique read and I loved it. Being from Ontario, it was nice to read about all the places familiar to me.
I hope to read "A Wife's Tale" this month and can hardly wait.
Thank you so much for your talent and please keep up the wonderful work.

My book group just finished 'The Girls', it generated a storm of discussion! We all had strong reactions to


SPOILER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

the 'bad boy' kissing one sister while seducing the other, the European relatives exploiting the girls for monetary gain, the treatment of suicide, the discovery of the father's relationship with the neighbor

END SPOILER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That last one was especially mystifying for all of us. I would dearly love it to have a bit of light shed on that bit.

I had to go out and buy The Wife's Tale: A Novel yesterday and started it last night. What amazes me most about your writing, Lori, is that your main character, Mary Gooch, in this book and the twins, Ruby and Rose, in The Girls are characters that initially I might not think I want to read about. Conjoined twins telling their story and a 300+ pound woman telling hers? What could they have to say to me? Well, it turns out, plenty. I have already posted about my love for "the girls," and now I find myself being drawn to Mary. Your ability to take people whom we think we don't have anything in common with and show us our "connections" to them is an "extraordinary" talent indeed.

Thanks to Wendy from Ontario "Give us a place to stand! And a place to grow..." for you kind words.
Maya - I would love to respond to your questions and thanks so much for including the spoiler alert. I wonder if you could send a short note with your email to the comments section of my website www.lorilansens.com so that I can respond without worrying about including a spoiler alert on these pages. I'll be sure to give you some feedback that you can share with your book group!
For Sheila and the many other authors out there I wish that I had a formula for getting books to agents and publishers. Here's my story - for what it's worth - I sent my first ms to my agent more than 10 years ago. It was not solicited (I had no contacts in the book world and couldn't get my calls returned but sent it anyway) and my book ended up in the slush pile (aka trash). My story really isn't typical. My agent plucked my ms from the top of the trash pile for some uncertain reason and began to read and didn't stop and then telephoned to offer representation. That first novel, Rush Home Road, did very well critically and sold to markets all over the world. But to give my Cinderella story context I should mention that prior to writing that novel I spent nearly 20 years writing short stories and plays and screenplays (most of them unproduced) living hand-to-mouth, working as a waitress (or whatever I could do) to make ends meet. Just before I gave up the film business I did find some success as a screenwriter but my husband and I used every dollar we earned to finance artistic ventures - theatre plays and short films. The screenwriting gigs allowed me to devote a year to writing Rush Home Road - a novel that I was uncertain would ever be read by anyone except me - let alone people around the world. At that time we lived very modestly in a rented apartment and didn't own a car.
The world of publishing has changed a great deal in a decade. Were I starting out today I would investigate all manner of online and self-publishing in addition to aggressively pursing agents and through them, publishers. Tenacity is essential. I love the line "The harder I work the luckier I get." I spent years - decades - dealing with rejection and I understand how demoralizing it is for a writer whose skin is, by nature, thin. Again, I wish I had a step-by-step or "how to" guide for my fellow writers but all I can really offer is my understanding and encouragement to keep fighting the good fight.

Kathy, thanks for that. This morning I rose at 4am and started the first of a dozen radio interviews with markets around the country and the question that often came up was "Why do you write characters so outside of yourself?" I'm compelled by characters with obvious frailty and those who live on the fringes but as you say, we discover quickly, when we look beyond our unique human forms (size, race, gender, even conjoinment) that we are more alike than unalike and that we are ultimately bound in our common pursuits - to loved and be loved, to find peace and purpose and to leave the world marked in some way, large or small, by our humble existence.

No questions - just praise! I've read all three of your books, loving each of them for their different qualities. I was introduced to your books through my mom who I think probably read about you in the Chatham newspaper. She had picked up a copy of Rush Home Road and gave it to my sister who in turn gave it to me ( I have since given it to my dad along with The Girls). We read your books simply because we too are from Chatham. Well, both my sister (screen name Mirbot) and I love them (my dad hasn't gotten around to reading them yet, but I'm sure he'll love them too). My favourite is Rush Home Road. I love that you captured Chatham in the summertime so well. It brought me back to my childhood summers in the sweltering heat. Your description of places and people make them so tangible.

I must say that we do have some conversations trying to figure out what towns around the area are inspiration for the places in your stories. I think we've figured out most of them.

Thank you for writing these books that highlight the places that we know and that we love. Although we have moved away from our childhood hometown it is lovely that we can pick up a book or two and be transported back. I can't wait for your next book, no matter where it is set.

Jennifer, I'm so pleased that you enjoyed Rush Home Road and hope that The Girls and The Wife's Tale speak to you in the same way! And Alex, I smiled reading your email - thinking of you and your family from Chatham being transported by my stories even after you've moved away (same process for me when I write). The neighbouring towns that I describe in my fictional Baldoon County - like Leaford - are a fictional amalgam of Puce, Thamesville, Leamington, Blenheim, all of which I see in my mind's eye when I write.
The three books represent some kind of 'whole' for me with themes of going home, being at home and leaving home.

What's next Lori?

I have read The Girls and just finished A Wife's Tale. I loved both of the books. I can't believe I haven't read Rush Home Road. I will get it immediately. Mary Gooch is definitely occupying my thoughts. I enjoy your writing very much.

Is that a wee babe in your arms in your photo, Wendy - ah, I love that. I'm percolating - really. I have a character clamoring to be written about and can't ignore the many reader's requests for more of Mary Gooch. The year between books is usually busy with promotion - the book is being launched in various foreign territories so there's work to do there too. I'm not sure I envy the authors who move from one story to the next without a breath. I need the pause to refresh and just, well, live...evaluate my self and my situation and my family...to enjoy friendships and a little time with my husband when I am not wearing my writer's face (the expression that says "I am physically with you but my thoughts are with Mary Gooch, Rose and Ruby, Sharla Cody etc...")
And Stephaine, thanks for your comments. Mary Gooch still occupies my thoughts too though slightly less so than when she and I were sharing skin!

Lori that is a picture of me holding my 6 hour old granddaughter. She is now 2 and the light of my life.

Hey Lori! Of course, you know I am a fan, and love, love, love all the books. Just thought I'd give you a shout out that I am reading your message board. Inspiring! Jackie

Hey Lori! Of course, you know I am a fan, and love, love, love all the books. Just thought I'd give you a shout out to let you know that I am reading your message board. Inspiring! Jackie

Bless your granddaughter's heart, Wendy, and shouting right back to you, Jackie. (I'm really enjoying all of these various posts!)

I guess it didn't show up and I thought it would. It's Jackie Garlick from Chatham Lori, who shouted out to you! :) All the best!

I guess it didn't show up and I thought it would. It's Jackie Garlick from Chatham Lori, who shouted out to you! :) All the best!

I guess it didn't show up and I thought it would. It's Jackie Garlick from Chatham Lori, who shouted out to you! :) All the best!

Did your mentor enjoy the signed book, Jackie? I hope so! Hello to 'home'!

Yes, my Mentor LOVED the signed book! I meant to drop you a line but time has gotten away on me here, (teaching at the College part time and marking soo many essays, sigh) first to THANK YOU SO MUCH, and second to let you know, since we've spoken, I've signed with an agent who is shopping my first book as we speak :) Fingers crossed. Home says a big HELLO back! Jackie

Lori, thank you for this opportunity to chat with you directly! I've been following the group discussions all week but am just now finally getting a bit of time to contribute.
I've loved and been completely transported by all three of your novels. I work in a library and people often ask me for book suggestions. I have a short list of go-to authors to point them to, and you are at the top of that list.
The Girls is one of my favourite books, and as I say in my review of it, I was completely charmed by Ruby and Rose. I don't understand how anyone could read a synopsis of that book, or read the first page, and not immediately be drawn in. Like the angry audience member you encountered, I was convinced that the story must be based on real-life conjoined twins, at least until I did some digging online and confirmed that it was totally fictional.
I don't have a question to add to this thread, but I just wanted to say hello and thank you.

Christine - thanks for ALL of your posts! I love the library staff - like book store staff - book lovers extraordinaire who want to press books into readers hands and who themselves savor the experience of reading fiction - a beautiful thing to share.

Dear Christine let not any of your customers get out without a title. They can also change the flavour and read my title "Mary Anita and the Second Liberation in Kenya" order thru Amazon.

Lori,

I'm an avid reader, like most of us here, on Goodreads. Last year after my brain injury, I read 123 books while I was home recovering -- ask me how many I remember and I can only name a few. The Girls is one of them. My copy is worn out and "loved," as I have passed it around to many of my friends. In fact, a friend just finished it last night and called me to tell me she hasn't read such amazing writing in a long time -- it's renewed her lust for great books.

I just want to thank you for taking the time to write thoughtfully. There's so many authors today that pump out books in cookie-cutter fashion, with plots so similar the reader can always predict the ending. (I won't mention names -- ahem Shmodi Shmiccoult). Yet, every once in a while, an author breaks through and you get the sense they actually care what they are writing about, not just the payday at the end.

Thank you for keeping our attention. And thank you for writing great stories. I'm loving The Wife's Tale and look forward to your next book -- whenever that may be.

Oh Tiffany - thanks for that! I did laugh out loud about the authors who pump out books. And funny you mention that because I've lately been chastising myself for not being as prolific as some authors even as I know I can't churn out titles in the same way. Thanks for reminding me why I write what I write. I'm sending good vibes your way in hopes that your are healing (healed!) and really, you, and all of the other readers who've written with kinds words have become my new source of inspiration! Happy reading.

Lori - I wrote you on 4/15 about The Girls and The Wife's Tale which I loved. It was then that I heard about your other book Rush Home Road. I just finished reading it in 2 days. I absolutely loved it! So now I'm sitting here waiting for your next book . . . just saying! I have been telling my friends about your books. Thank you!

I am now starting The Wife's Tale.