What is the best thing that I love about my work? Creating a world where problems exist (because they always do) and where people are flawed (because we all are) and yet love finds a way. It’s the great healer, the support we need, and the foundation for a happy existence that puts hardships in perspective and overlooks imperfections.

What is my idea of perfect happiness? Perfect happiness occurs through attitude, not circumstance. There is always a reason to be grateful, always a bright side to every
issue, and there’s true joy in helping others. Like a drug, it can be addictive, but unlike drugs it’s not harmful. In fact, it lightens the heart and boosts the spirit.

What is my greatest fear? On a very superficial level, I’m terrified of bugs. On a deeper level, I fear for the children who grow up in abuse or neglect.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? I’m a control freak. If I’m involved, I want to be in charge – I can follow direction, but there’s always an innate rebellion because I’d rather be calling the shots. I’m more comfortable when I’m making all the decisions, especially those that directly affect me, my family or my career.

Which living persons in my profession do i most admire? Oh, so many! I admire other authors for their amazing talent and sometimes for their generosity. Jayne Ann Krentz, who also writes as Amanda Quick and Jayne Castle, is so entertaining. I love all her books, in all genres. Catherine Mann is also mega talented, and very involved in animal rescue – which is a cause near and dear to my heart.

What is my greatest extravagance? It sounds ridiculous, but I have two lake houses. I like to visit one a lot – in fact, for most of the summer you’ll find me there. But then I
also have a “guest” house for family and friends. By having both houses I can continue to work in my lake house uninterrupted and visit when I’m not busy.

On what occasion would I lie? I’d lie to keep from hurting feelings, or to protect someone. And I often encourage fibs if someone calls to talk to me on the phone
when I’m busy. ::laugh:: I’ll ask my husband to lie and say I’m not home. The curse of being a writer is that others don’t understand that I really *am* working. If you’re home, everyone figures you can just work whenever and so interruptions shouldn’t be a problem. Of course they are, though – especially when they add up.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? I have the biggest issue clichéd covers and blurbs. They’re an integral part of the romance industry, sort of a brand for the genre, but I’d love to stretch those boundaries.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work? There are so many milestones – first time I made the New York Times is memorable. Also, when I was in the NYTimes crossword puzzle, or the USA Today quick cross puzzle, or when Ellen Degeneres picked up one of my books off a table while shooting her show poolside… she read a short scene (totally out of context) and I both cracked up and turned bright red. The first time I made 6 figures on a book is also pretty awesome, but it’s equally wonderful to hear from a reader who says my books made a difference in her life. It happens often that someone is going through a hardship – loss of a loved one, a child in the hospital, dealing with cancer treatments – and they read my books to help them get through the tough times, to “take them away” for a short time. To know that I can help lighten the load, even in a very small way, is one of the best feelings in the world. I’m also thrilled that each year I can do a “benefit book” where all proceeds, for the life of the book, go to a special charity.
http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/ So far my publishers have been generous about helping me with that through specially-written contracts.

If I could, what would I change about myself? I wish I could sleep better. My oldest son once teased me that if I was ever well-rested, I’d probably zip around like a hurricane. I’m not great with downtime, even when I’m exhausted. Both my husband and I are motivated, organized people.

What is my greatest achievement in work? Making readers happy. I’m an entertainer and when I achieve that, I’ve done my job.

Where would I most like to live? Wherever my family is living! Plus, I enjoy being on the lake and I do get to park myself there often – which is also close to family.
Overall, I’m thrilled to be an American, and I love the Midwest. We’re specifically settled in a very rural area where the neighbors know each other, the towns work together, and most everyone is friendly.

What is my most treasured possession? I treasure the photos of my kids growing up, but other than that, I’m not a very sentimental person. I live in the moment.

What is my most marked characteristic? I asked people who know me, since it’s very difficult to see those things in yourself. I’m told the most recognizable characteristic is my love of my children and animals, probably because of the work I do to try to help them, and my personal affection for them.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city? For me, it’s the Natural History Museum. It not only covers a wide range of local and national history, the Omnimax is excellent, and they have a very interactive children’s section that inspires creativity and learning.

What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city? I’m a tee-totaler, so I don’t drink, but I love Skyline Chili, Texas Roadhouse and Olive Garden. We’re not adventurous eaters. 😉

What books influenced my life and how? I can’t think of any books that influenced my life, except that some specific authors really inspired me to write – and now I’m an author making a very nice living. I write contemporary romance, but I love historical romance, especially from authors like Johanna Lindsey, Amanda Quick, Julie Garwood and Catherine Coulter.

Who are my favorite writers? I have hundreds! But some faves are those listed above, along with Jill Shalvis and Katie McGarry… too many to name them all!

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? Kid Rock. ::grin:: I love everything he does, from country to rap and everything in between. He’s super talented, and fun.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? I LOVE the Malory family from Johanna Lindsey, and my favorite hero is James Malory from Gentle Rogue. That story remains a
favorite, and I love seeing him in all the books about the family. My favorite heroine would be Madelyn from Honor’s Splendor by Julie Garwood. Lovely, lovely book!

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? Martin Luther King Jr. & Mother Teresa. On a more personal, local level, Eric Johnson at the Animal Adoption Foundation –
AAFPets.org and Barbara Condo at the One Way Farm home for abused and abandoned children – http://www.OneWayFarm.org

Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime? I’m a movie buff and I have so many favorites… History of Violence, Kill Bill I & 2, Pulp Fiction, The Big Easy. But I suppose my favorite is The Perfect Get Away. Fabulous, action-packed, suspenseful movie.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? That would be my husband. We’ve been married 39 years and he’s always been so supportive and as helpful as he can be. I’m a very lucky woman.

Whom would I like to work with in 2017? I work alone and like it that way. I already have an excellent agent and editor, so… What I do is not really a collaborative effort.

Which people in my profession would i love to meet in 2017? I would love to meet Steven King and George R. R. Martin. Amazing writers!

What project, in 2017, am I looking forward to work on? I’m working on it! I’m starting a brand new series, and that’s always great fun.

Where can you see me or my work in 2017? My books are in bookstores everywhere, around the world, and often in other outlets like Walmart, Target, Meijer, Kroger, CVS, etc…

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? If you love something – as I love writing – you never get too old and you *can’t* retire. It’s part of your inner workings. You might slow down with age, but you can’t quit.

Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?
Katie McGarry, Jill Shalvis, Catherine Mann…

How can you contact me?
My website is LoriFoster.com and there’s a link to my email address on the contact page.
I’m also active on social media at:
www.Facebook.com/LoriFoster
https://twitter.com/lorilfoster
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17597.Lori_Foster
https://www.pinterest.com/lorilfoster/
https://www.instagram.com/lorilfoster/?hl=en