L.R. Burkard Interview

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

A: I was a little slow about that. I wrote my first book at age nine, after reading My Side of the Mountain and was SO inspired to make it my own story. But I never thought of myself as a writer. Even in college, because I was working full time while going to school full time, I wanted to take Creative Writing but was too afraid it would be prohibitively time consuming, since, after all, I wasn’t a “real” writer. I laugh about it now, that I write novels but never took Creative Writing.

Q: Could you give us the highlights of your professional writing career including how you got your first writing break?

A: It was a God-thing, for sure. The Lord graciously nudged me into self-publishing my first novel—before self-publishing was in vogue. I mean, he told me to get moving on it, no mistake about that. So I did. I then spent two years taking classes (expensive ones) on how to market and grow a platform. At that point, an editor from Harvest House Publishers contacted me, asking me to send him my book! He basically said, “I keep running into you and your book all over the internet. I’d like to see the book.” (Moral of the story: All that expensive learning to climb the ropes was worth it.) That contact resulted in my first three book contracts—for my regency romance series. The second highlight was later when I was following Chip MacGregor’s blog and left comments. He emailed me with responses to my comments, and that soon turned into my being represented by him. He’s still my agent.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release, RESILIENCE?

A: RESILIENCE is the second book in The PULSE EFFEX Series, which is about the aftermath of a catastrophic electromagnetic pulse hitting the earth. The series follows the lives of three teen girls and their families who have to survive in a world suddenly gone black, with no electronics, no technology. The girls have to pit faith and grit against a dark reality, so the series explores such questions as, ‘Does faith make a difference? How? And, who will survive when so many have perished?’

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for THE PULSE EFFEX SERIES?

A: “Inspiration,” in this case, felt like a compelling need to tell this story. It’s an  important story to tell, because there is so much uncertainty in the world today—and because an EMP can really happen. It’s not science fiction. I believe that the Lord wants his people prepared for dire events; faith is all about trusting for provision no matter what. But we have a part to play in that. We can’t just hide our heads in the sand and say, “Well, God will provide.” He’s given us abundance and time—two things necessary to prepare our families for possible catastrophic events before they happen. PULSE and RESILIENCE show a possible major grid down event, but really, being prepared is wise for any eventuality, such as job loss, economic downturns, or disability.

Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

A:  That God is not absent during times of trouble or disaster. He sees a bigger picture than we are ever able to see at a given time, but he isn’t sitting back saying, “Let it roll, let the chips fall where they may.” He’s actually a “very present help in times of trouble,” as Scripture says—though it may not look that way.

Q: What is your favorite scene/chapter from the book?

A:  In RESILIENCE, my favorite scenes are those with a character who is introduced in the second half of the novel, who goes by the name of Roper. He’s a great guy, a solid Christian, beautiful to behold and with a winning sense of humor. Thanks to him, I was able to infuse a little humor and joy—not to mention romance—into an otherwise fairly dark post-apocalyptic tale.

Q: What inspires you to write?

A: A sense of calling. Of vocation. I don’t write just to please myself; it’s a holy calling, as is any vocation. It may have taken me a long time to recognize that I was a “real” writer, but once I saw that God wanted to use me that way, there was no looking back. I do get lazy—writing polished fiction is hard work—but in the end, I feel responsible to use the gift God has given me. I’m also inspired, however, by readers—especially the ones who rave over my books and write wonderful reviews on Amazon. I know they’re waiting for my next installment in this series, for instance, and so I’m working on it.

Q: How has being a published novelist differed from your expectations of the profession?

A: Well, I have a story about this. As a young child, age 6, I was staring at the funny words on a book cover when it suddenly hit me that this was a NAME. Of a real person. I thought that it had to be a very special order of being, someone whose name was on a BOOK. Growing up, I continued to believe that authors must lead charmed lives. I was wrong. J We do dishes and laundry, cook and clean and make beds and wipe runny noses—just like every other mother.

Q: What advice or tips do you have for writers who are just getting started?

A: Perseverance is more important than talent.  Surround yourself with positive messages if you need to. When I wrote my first book, my desk and computer were covered in little sticky notes with great, inspiring quotes, all urging me to reach the finish line. I read them often, and switched to new ones if they got stale. It made a difference. Find Scripture that encourages you to write and to reach goals.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?

A: I’m working on Book Three in the PULSE EFFEX Series, RESURGENCE. But I have a lot of unfinished novels in my files that I’m eager to get back to when I finish this series.

Q: When you’re not writing what do you like to do?

A: This is a problem for me—I like to do many things! I enjoy painting, cooking from scratch, gardening, making DIY products, old movies, and, of course, reading. In summer I take a daily swim, weather permitting. Doing crosswords and Sudoku puzzles are up there, too. And in winter, I always have a difficult jigsaw puzzle on a table near my writing nook. I reward myself with puzzle time, either a crossword, or jigsaw.

Q: Where can readers find you on the internet?

A: I have two websites, since I write in two genres. Eventually I hope to merge into one site for both, but for now, I’m at http://www.LinoreBurkard.com, or http://wwwLRBurkard.com. I have a new Facebook page, and I’m on twitter and LinkedIn, too. I’m not hard to find. I like to keep in touch with readers, actually, which is why I offer a newsletter. Anyone who wants a chance to win one of my books just has to join my mailing list (at either website). Every time I send a newsletter, one subscriber wins a free book.

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?

A: PULSE is now an audio book and RESILIENCE is going into production shortly for audio as well. I think the listening experience is different than just reading. My producer actually used three different voice actors for the three girls in the book—this is very unique and hardly ever done. When I heard the finished book, it brought ME to tears and I already knew the story better than anyone. For anyone who likes audio books (or has yet to try them) I highly recommend the Audible edition of it. (Also, as of this writing it’s on sale–only $1.99!