I have loved creating with words since I was a young girl. So much so that my mother often lamented that the family did not own stock in a paper company. In fact, this website is dedicated to my mom, who was a constant inspiration and source of encouragement in my life. She was also the proud owner of this gorgeous antique Underwood typewriter.
A quest to become a published author hasn’t been the easiest of roads to travel, but every time I found myself ready to throw in the towel something would happen to make me reconsider. That includes meeting and befriending some talented and generous friends in the writing community. Hugs to you Rosemary. And of special note, the offer of representation from a wonderfully supportive literary agent, which came at a pivotal point in this journey. Thank you, Jill!
My most recent inspiration came from this typewriter. When my husband and I were sorting through my mother’s belongings – she sadly left us earlier this year – I knew I had to keep it. And not merely because she always wanted me to have it, but as a reminder that she loved my writing and would want me to keep trying. When Geoff asked me, “What would you do with it?” I was too emotional to answer, but I knew. Admire it. It is a beauty. Embrace the connection to my mother. Hold on to it as a symbol of my passion for the craft of creating with words. And now it has a home amid the hundreds of books my husband and I have collected over the years. I hope someday there will be a novel written by Loretta Marion on those shelves. It will have good company!
What a nice tribute to your Mom!
I have been lucky enough to read all three of your manuscripts and have thoroughly enjoyed them. Having spent some time on the Cape, I was especially enthralled by The Lighterman’s Curse. Lots of local color, characters you could believe in and a first-rate mystery–kept me guessing until the very end! I hope the rest of the reading public gets the chance soon to savor these great stories.
Good luck with the Cozy mystery–I’m looking forward to reading that, too!
Thanks Cia! You’ve been one of my most helpful beta readers. You’re first in line for the next one!
The writer’s journey is indeed a long and winding road with many unexpected twists and turns. I try to be grateful for the little (and sometimes big!) surprises along the way, including critique partners who turn out to be wonderful friends. I hope the next corner you turn holds all that you deserve!
Cheers to the New York Pitch Conference that brought us together! Thank you for your generous guidance and gentle nudges.
Loretta, I mistakenly replied under “Write Something” but I am here now and can write again. What a beautiful tribute to your favorite lady, your mom. Very special, of course. I adore the typewriter…with all its warm memories. I must admit…I want more of your stories. They are excitingly suspenseful…action-packed with twists and surprise…full of energy. This is my first reading of your work and I cannot stay put. I must have more. Cheryl Zimmerman Stern
I feel like we’ve been on a parallel journey ever since Mr. Peabody and I first met you and Charlie at Mount Hope Farm. Thank you for always being my cheerleader!
Always a pleasure…and so much fun.
Want to read on….
As I travel through your website, tears fill my eyes. Tears for several reasons. The first is the loving tribute to your Mom….the beautiful woman I will always consider my second Mother. She would be so proud of you, Loretta….as we all are. Other tears are for the wonderful memories of good times we have had. You are a talented, intelligent, beautiful, caring woman who I have been blessed to know for 50 years (are we really that old??). Thank you dear friend for always being there for me. I wish you success and happiness always. Deb
Yes, she was a beautiful woman and I miss her every day. And no, we are not that old…but we have been the best of friends that long! Loretta’s math. Thank goodness you’ve hung in there with me. Because you know what? Chickens are wierd. (That will keep everyone guessing.)
May a world of readers discover your talents, Loretta. I look forward to buying one of your books at the bookstore!
Lovely sentiments, Beverly…and wouldn’t it be wonderful! But if I’m fortunate to see that day, you’ll get a signed copy in appreciation for your support and friendship.
Changing subjects, I just finished the book I was telling you about, Loretta, that reminded me of your style of mystery. I thought the author’s writing and character development was quite good (like yours) and the plot was exciting (like yours), but the ending was abrupt and somewhat implausible (not like yours). I heard John Irving speak several years ago, and he said he always writes the last sentence of his novels first, which I take to mean you need to know where the story is going before you start to write it. I have read several otherwise great books that fell apart at the end because I think the authors didn’t know how to wrap everything up. Your stories, on the other hand, have concluded with the exciting “twist” we all hope to find at the end of a mystery, but that are also well-paced and plausible. Keep up the good work! Cia
I can’t think of a nicer compliment for a writer to receive. As they say…from your lips to an editor’s ears…or in this case…from your keyboard to an editor’s eyes.
Loretta,
It’s so interesting to learn things about new friends-like they are talented writers! So happy our paths have crossed; your tribute to your mom was beautiful. I’d be honored to read one of your books sometime!
Thank you for visiting my site, Beth. And so glad to have you as part of the East Bay Food Pantry team for many, many reasons!
Congratulations on the new website, would love to read your books, the narrative descriptions are enticing. While I prefer a book to an e-reader, I do occasionally download books. It seems that some authors have very short ‘teaser’ chapters online to interest buyers in purchasing their books. Would this be a path to generating interest in your work to be published?
Re: a tribute to your mom, I love the rock in your garden that was moms. The name that always comes to mind when I see it is ‘Cathedral Rock’. It just reminds me of a sanctuary, it would be fun to use whatever she referred to it as in one of your books.
What a great idea about the rock! It is one of many daily reminders and I’m glad it makes you think of her, too. I hope you have a chance to read one of my books very soon. I will keep you posted. Thanks for visiting my website, Bonnie!
I continue to be enamored by your writing and, of course, your friendship.
This summer evening, the Lighterman’s Curse and a beautiful summer evening on the patio in Ohio brings a huge smile.
Thank you! Love you, Barbie
I can envision you on your lovely patio curled up with Frederico 😉 Thanks for stopping in to visit the site and for your lovely words about my writing…glad it can give you some enjoyable respite from a crazy week! As to our friendship…lucky us!
Early morning on the coast of North Carolina. You must come down here…great area for inspirational writing! I would love to see my favorite author! Miss you, Deb
I will plan a writing retreat soon! Missing you, too!
Loretta, lovely story about your mom. We miss her too and she surely would be so proud of you with your perseverance. You have so much talent to offer. I can’t wait to read some of your writings! Keep us posted on your progress!
Thanks for your lovely sentiments about my mom, Jen. It’s still hard to believe she’s no longer with us. Although truly, she’ll always be a part of everything I do, including an inspiration to continue my writing. Thanks for visiting!
Loretta,
Just got your e-mail with your website a couple of days ago. What a lovely tribute that you wrote about your Mom. She was such a special person and I miss her so much. Will look forward to hearing more about your writings and hope to be reading books you have written soon. Take care.
Love, Sandy
Thank you for visiting my website, Sandy! Mom touched many people with her love and kindness and is missed by all who knew her. You were special to her as well.