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Where can I find a complete listing of all your books published? Where can I find a listing of the books that have been reissued?
Just about any information you could want is available on my Booklist page , including a list to print out that shows all my books published or those scheduled to be released soon.
So many of your books are connected. Where can I find a list of the connecting books and series?
Because I write a lot of books that connect by characters or location, I compiled this complete list to make it easier for readers to collect all the books in a series.
Who decides to give a reissued book a new cover and title?
That is strictly up to the publisher. The author has no say on when or how a book will be reissued. However, when a book is reissued years after the original publication date, it only makes sense to give it a fresh look and title that reflect the current times. It is not meant as a way to dupe readers into buying the same book, but rather it's a means to let new readers acquire some hard to find copies they may have missed earlier.
Where can I find your out-of-print books?
Again, on my website is a listing of used bookstore owners who I trust to be reputable and fairly priced. These are book dealers who have gone out of their way to try to collect my hard-to-find books. You can find this listing on my Favorites page.
What is the value of joining book clubs like Rhapsody, Venus and Doubleday?
For me, the best part of the book clubs is that they offer the books in hardcover. This is NOT the same (and doesn't carry the same prestige) as having a book published in hardcover. Hardcover books hold up better than paperbacks, and the book clubs offer a great selection to choose from.
Is Shay Sommers, in The Secret Life of Bryan, the same Shay from your Harlequin Temptation novel, Fantasy?
Yes she is! Fantasy, a Harlequin Temptation that features Shay's sister, Brandy, as the heroine, was published in March 1998, with an ISBN # of 0-373-25775-9.At that time, I wanted to sell Shay's story to Harlequin as well, but they repeatedly rejected it for being too "over the top" for the Harlequin Temptation line.
After I published with Kensington, I offered the book to them and they bought it! That explains the length of time between publications on the two stories.
And the good news, for those of you who don't have Fantasy but would now like a copy, is that Harlequin has reissued Fantasy in August 2005. A bit of a wait, but it is now available again.
Will your ebook, Brazen , ever be published as a traditional paperback book?
Brazen, originally published by DiskUs books, is no longer available in that format. I totally rewrote the book, expanding the plot and, I hope, making it much better. Brazen was republished by Kensington in September 2003 as Unexpected.
Are you going to write more Buckhorn stories—maybe Amber's or Shohn's story?
I would never say never, but for now, I'm done with that series. I can't see writing stories for the children, because to do so would age the original characters quite a bit. I'm not sure I want to go there!
Just for fun - now that Noah and Grace & Ben and Sierra have paired off - how about a romance for Agatha?
I thought Agatha was far too controlling and autocratic to ever get along well enough with a man to last through marriage. Sorry!
What books have you written with virgin heroines?
Hmmm. My Harlequin Temptation editor once said that virgins were a lot of fun. I admit, I do enjoy that surprise first time, but so far, the only virgin heroines I can think of are in Too Much Temptation (Kensington), Little Miss Innocent (Silhouette Desire), Wild (Berkley/Jove), Gabe (Harlequin Temptation), In Too Deep (Harlequin Temptation) and My Man, Michael (Berkley/Jove).
What books have you written with more voluptuous heroines?
Only two - so far. Too Much Temptation - published by Kensington for Brava, trade size, in March 2002 and republished for Zebra, in mass market, in February 2003. Also, Taken , a Harlequin Temptation published in September 1998.
What was the first book you wrote?
I wrote a lot of books that never got published, and then there were some that finally did get published - like Say Yes and Unexpected and Sex Appeal. Those books sat on my shelf for years before selling, and came out long after my first published book, which was Impetuous, in January 1996.
In the book Casey, Emma has the same surname—Clark—as Luna from Wild and Say No to Joe? Are they related?
This is just a case of a writer doing too many things at the same time and losing track of character names. I introduced Emma in the Buckhorn Brother books - Sawyer, Morgan, Gabe, and Jordan and totally forgot her last name.
Later I wrote Wild and introduced Luna Clark, then when I went back to write Casey , I realized Luna and Emma had the same last name. Please, ignore it and forgive me for sometimes being a ditz!
Do you think you could ever have the Winstons visit Buckhorn and meet Sawyer, Morgan, Gabe and Jordan?
Probably not, because first of all, that'd cause an awful lot of testosterone to cloud the air. We'd all choke to death I'm sure. Also, publishers own characters, which means crossing them might make publishers cross. Better to let that one go.
Will you be writing a story for Alyx Winston?
I've gotten asked this a LOT. Readers do seem to enjoy that Winston clan. The second most popular character from that series is Jamie Creed.
To help you with this one, here's the series so far:
The Winston Brothers
Heroes: Cole, Chase, Mack
Berkley/Jove anthology
November 2001
Wild
Hero: Zane
Berkley/Jove single title
January 2002
Say No To Joe?
Hero: Joe Winston
Kensington Zebra
August 2003
The Secret Life Of Bryan
Hero: Bryan Kelly (the bounty hunter from Joe's book)
Kensington Brava
March 2004
When Bruce Met Cyn
Hero: Bruce Kelly (Bryan's twin brother, a preacher)
Kensington Zebra
July 2004
Just a Hint - Clint
Hero: Clint Evans (hooks up w/ Julie Rose, the school teacher from Joe's book)
Kensington Brava
October 2004
Jamie Creed, Alyx Winston and Scott Royal all have romances, combined in Jamie (June 2005). The main romance is for Jamie and a woman who is new to the series, but there is also a secondary romance for Alyx and Scott.
Are you going to write more Winston brothers stories other than the Visitation off-shoot?
I've been kicking around an idea for a related book, but I have other stories to write first, so a new related single title will take awhile. However, I have two new novellas related to the Winstons. The first, released December 2008 in Double The Pleasure, with Dexter Winston, and in December 2009, his twin brother, Hart Winston, will be in Double The Heat. Joe Winston visits in each story.
Who are some of your favorite authors? Did some of them have any influence on you and the type of books you wanted to write?
This changes from year to year, of course, as more authors are introduced. Currently I'm totally enamored with Kresley Cole and her Immortal series! It doesn't get any better than that! LOVE the books. I also enjoy Erin McCarthy, Lucy Monroe, Dianne Castell, Susan Andersen , and Helen Kay Dimon. Fabulous authors!
But my die hard favorites for many years, the authors I've read and reread many, many times include Linda Howard, Stella Cameron, Catherine Coulter, Jayne Ann Krentz, Johanna Lindsey and Julie Garwood.
I think we learn something from every author we read, but for me, Linda Howard defines contemporary alpha males, while Catherine Coulter defines them historically. And Catherine has the best dialogue going! I can remember entire conversations from her characters.
Jayne Ann is the reigning Queen on family oriented stories, Johanna Lindsey writes the quirkiest, hunkiest heroes and Julie Garwood is, for me, a real comfort read. Nothing makes me feel better than a Julie Garwood story.
Have you ever written a Historical Romance? If the answer is no, why not?
I wrote one that would never sell. I LOVE historicals. As you can tell from my answer above on favorite authors, historical novels are my favorite reads. However, I don't have the talent to write them. I wish I did, but I'm horribly lacking in historical facts, and readers can be really particular about an author getting things right.
How do you write so fast? (I've been thinking about that ever since I read your post that you wrote "only" 15 pages one day)
I do everything fast. I'm not a person who does well with idle time, unless I'm watching a movie. I LOVE movies. Anyway, my brain always seems to be on mach speed, and so my fingers try to keep up. Every author does things differently. For me, I write fast.
How many hours a day do you spend writing?
That differs from day to day, depending on what's happening in my life. More often than not, I write for however many hours it takes to get all the scenes out of my head. When they're gone, then I need to think about the book some more. With my husband retired and my sons grown and on their own, they're all pretty wonderful about pitching in and making more writing time for me when they can. But family always comes first, so when I'm needed, I'm there - and writing just has to take second place, or third or fourth...
What made you decide to write?
I was always a daydreamer and I always had stories in my head. But I didn't know I wanted to write until I was grown and already had 3 sons. Then I got sick once (like with pneumonia) and because I felt too yucky to even get out of bed, my sister brought me over a bag of romance novels. I was instantly hooked! Almost immediately, probably within two years, I went from being a reader to wanting to write the same type of books I loved to read.
What do you do when you get stuck, when your characters refuse to cooperate, and your plot seems to have come to a dead end?
I reevaluate. That doesn't happen to me very often because I spend a lot of time thinking about my book. But if I'm stuck, then I know I took a wrong turn somewhere. When there's a lack of enthusiasm on my part, I know there will be a lack of enthusiasm for the reader. So I redirect myself to try to make sure that every page has me anxious to write, so that every page will have the reader anxious to read.
Are you going to write any more for eHarlequin.com? I LOVE the online read of Stranded!
The online serials for eHarlequin.com are by invitation only. I've written two for them, Stranded and Marrying Mary and I have a lot of fun with each one, but I have no idea if Harlequin will ever invite me to write another, or if I'll have time to do it if I am asked. (Unfortunately, the online serials I wrote for eHarlequin.com are no longer available.)
How many revisions does each manuscript go through before you submit?
In the earlier stages of my career, quite a few! But now, not much revising at all. I do most of my revising in my head long before I ever sit down to write.
Each new day, I reread what I wrote the day before and make any changes that are necessary. This way, when I finish the story, it really is finished! Having said that, I still read the book several more times. Once for the line edit, where the editor makes corrections to things like spelling, continuity, etc.
Then the copy editor goes through and generally puts in a lot of commas and semi colons that I then take back out. (Reading the copy edited manuscript is the hardest part for me. Copy editors really, really don't understand things like dialogue and male or female point of view. Makes me nuts!)
Then you get the galleys, which is the last stage of the editing process. The galleys show you exactly how the book will be printed. I read the galleys very, very closely to try to catch errors. Unfortunately, at that point, my eyes often go right over typos because my brain knows what should be there, and just compensates.
* Funny story - I was once reading galleys where the heroine had her hand knotted in the hero's shirt. Only the "r" was missing from shirt. Think about it. Now there's a whole new meaning! Good thing I caught that one, or the book would have been printed with that in it.
Will you be writing more Brava single titles?
Again, never say never. But I don't currently have any plans for Brava single title beyond Just a Hint - Clint, an October 2004 release.
Will you be writing more novellas?
Absolutely! Novellas are a nice change from a longer book. They're what I consider quick gratification.
How long did it take you to get published?
I don't remember exactly, but it was at least 5 years, and I'd written over 10 complete manuscripts before selling my first one.
Why did you choose romance?
Because I like character driven stories, I enjoy romance, and my absolute must-have for any form of entertainment is a happy ending. Romance is the only genre I know that can give you such a variety - comedy, paranormal, suspense, family-oriented, contemporary and historical - and still guarantee you the happy ending.
What's a typical writing day like for you?
I'm up around 6:30, depending on how late I stayed up the night before. I get my coffee first thing, sometimes even before both eyes are open. I let the dogs out and back in, feed the cats, and then climb the stairs to attack emails. I generally get about 250+ emails a day. After that, I check out the websites that interest me. I go to my own message board everyday, my Facebook and Myspace accounts, the RT boards, and the blog I belong to.
It seems I write better when I nosh, so I make sure to have lots of quick snacks around. I let the dogs out a million times, play with the dogs and cats a million times, do at least two loads of laundry, answer phone calls, write blogs and do other types of promo, read galleys and line edits - and in between all of that, I write. :-)
The housework is good for me because I need to get up and move often while writing. I get bored if I sit for too many minutes at a time.
When I'm feeling really energetic, I exercise sporadically.
Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what kind? And do you play it when you're, say, cleaning? Or is it just reserved for writing?
I mostly listen to music while writing and in the car. My favorites are anything by Kid Rock, Tom Petty, Neil Diamond, Macy Gray...and the oldies station in my area.
I like strong, loud, rambunctious music.
Is there any other genre, or sub-genre of romance that you'd like to try writing?
I’ve had an interest in time travel, and will be tackling that in a romance very soon. Also, I’ve dug into heavy-duty paranormal with my “SERVANT” series, published under my initials of L.L.Foster. Some day soon, I’d like to try straight horror novels and kids' books. We’ll see!
What inspires you for characters' names? Do they pop into your head with their own name or do you hear a name you like?
Sometimes I hear a name I like and I jot it down for future use. More often than not, I avoid exotic names. I like good old George and Harry and Tom.
Do some characters just "appear" in your story or do you have to create them?
Some totally take me by surprise. They just appear! Joe Winston just jumped onto the page. So did his sister, Alyx Winston.
What made you keep at it after multiple rejections?
Did I mention my middle name is stubborn? What about obnoxiously determined? The more rejections I got, the more I wanted to prove them all wrong.
I have great faith in my abilities. I honestly think I can do anything I set my mind to - although I'd never set my mind to swimming with sharks or visiting the moon.
::shudder::::
I'm also blessed to have the most supportive husband and kids in the whole world. They think I can do anything, and they convince me.
Good writing? Okay, I admit it. I sucked when I first started. Really bad writing, that's the best way to get rejected.
I remember one editor called me up and said she was interested because I had great characterization, but that I had to clean up my point of view usage. I said sure, no problem.
Then I called my writer friend Dianne Castell and asked, "What the heck is point of view?" And Dianne being the great awesome friend that she is, said, "Foster! This I know! And it's easy." So I have to credit Dianne with a lot.
After so many books, what keeps it fresh for you?
Have you ever met any two people who were identical? Nope? Me either. I've also never met any characters who were identical. It's the people in my stories that make them interesting to me.
What tools (conferences, reference books, etc.) have you found particularly helpful?
None. I hate research books. Boring! I'd much prefer to ask someone who has the information I need. I like to talk with cops and firefighters and forensic experts. I like to chat with coroners and school teachers and vets. I like picking a doctor's brain and bugging my friend who is a nurse. Talking with someone and getting their personal take on careers and experiences is always more interesting than reading it in a book.
Do you plot things out or do you write by the seat of your pants?
Before I start a book, I know my characters, I know their conflicts, and I know how I'll resolve things. Beyond that, I write by the seat of my pants. Each new scene is a surprise to me.
What kind of input does an author have in her cover art?
At Harlequin - none really. You do a very lengthy art-fact sheet, spending lots of time describing your hero and heroine, the color of their eyes, hair, their height, type of clothes they wear, specific scenes in the book, any contributing factors like pets or weather or a holiday.
Then Harlequin creates a cover that looks nothing like the people you described. I wrote a voluptuous redhead who turned into a skinny blond on the cover. I wrote a tiny petite woman who was flexing her bulging muscles on the cover. On one book, the hero is in a pasture with a little white dog - only there was no little white dog in the book. And let's don't even mention the Sawyer cover. :::shudder:::
In Harlequin's defense, they put out a larger volume of books than any other publisher. Maybe more than the other publishers combined. And all in all they do a fabulous job in so many ways that they've more than earned the respect they get from the industry.
But when it comes to category covers... well, I was seldom pleased by what I got.
However, my Harlequin single title covers, and those for my Harlequin anthologies, have been fabulous. Just wonderful.
Now for a single title house like Berkley or Kensington, you get a lot more input on the covers. I LOVE my Kensington covers. And my editor has told me many times that she would never use a cover I didn't love.
How long does it take your books to go from written (sent off) to published (on the shelves)?
This varies a bit from publisher to publisher, but I'd say generally about six months after I turn a book in, it'll be on the shelf to buy. I see covers for it long before then. In that six month period, I'll read the book after the copy edit, the line edit, and in a galley stage - which is how the book will appear once it is published.
Will you be doing another Brava Novella contest?
Unfortunately, no. The contest was so successful that it outgrew one person. I can no longer manage it as it needs to be managed. Whether or not other authors will group together to try to do the contest, I can't say. They'd need the assistance and agreement of an editor willing to read the finalists. I loved doing the contest for as long as it lasted, and I'm so thrilled that I got to play a small part in introducing new authors to Brava.
How long have you been writing? When did you know you wanted to be an author?
I've been published since 1996, and I had probably been writing about 5 years before that, trying to get published. I knew I wanted to be a writer when I started reading romance. Before that, I hadn't read much of anything. Cereal boxes, occasional make-up advice in a magazine. I can't remember my exact age when I first started, but I was grown and already had 3 kids before it occurred to me to write.
What do you find most rewarding about being a successful author that you never expected when you started writing?
I used to be horribly shy. I know, if you've met me, that's hard to believe. I got tunnel vision in high school and wanted to faint if the teacher called on me. No way would I have ever stood in front of a group of ladies and spoke about writing.
Now I love meeting new people and friends and sharing our love or stories. It's so wonderful when I meet someone who tells me that her favorite historical novel is the same one I love - Honor's Splendor by Julie Garwood. And when someone tells me her favorite book is one I wrote - it thrills me so much, it's almost devastating.
What was the biggest misconception you had about writing when you started?
That I would just be able to write. There's so much more involved - promotion, editing, phone calls, travel. It's overwhelming at times. Also, one of the things I noticed early on in this business that sort of threw me for a loop, and disillusioned me for a time, was the negativity.
Lots of angst and people talking like they "bleed on the page" to write. It was all suffering and woe and it beat me down. But because I'm a writer, I couldn't just walk away from it all. Instead, I've tried to keep it more upbeat, to show that SOME of us are feeling remarkably blessed, and are very happy. Even when things don't go 100% right - and they often don't in this biz - I still can't think of anything else I'd rather do.
Of course it's hard work. And very time consuming and often filled with disappointments. But anything worthwhile requires work. For me, though, there's work and then there's work . I've worked other jobs that were just to make money. There was no personal reward. This is different. This is rewarding in so many ways, I can't even list them all.
I get to sit at my desk in my comfy clothes with my dogs in my lap or nearby and my kids coming in and out and coffee in front of me - hey, it's a no brainer. This is what I was meant to do. And lucky for me, I've met others who feel the same way. There will always be those who suffer for their art. But others are having a great time with this writing gig and they're not afraid to share the happiness.
Do you have a comfort food?
Chicken and noodles if I'm actually eating a meal, I love it. Plain stuff, but sooo good.
Better Cheddars and Mountain Dew if I'm snacking. I don't drink alcohol, but if I'm upset or harried or feeling especially emotional, I swill Mountain Dew and can eat an entire box of Better Cheddars. This is bingeing big time for me, since I normally avoid caffeine.
If you could have any actor to play one of the men in your books, who would it be?
Everyone who knows me from my readers email loop or my message board knows I LOVE Hugh Jackman. What a hunk. I also really like Michael Biehn, and Dennis Quaid, and Colin Farrell.
Do you enjoy meeting readers?
I LOVE meeting readers! It's my favorite perk of being a writer. I love discussing books - not just mine, but any favorites. Readers are people who enjoy the same things I do. It's like a peer group!
Do you listen to what readers want and what they have to say about your books?
Absolutely. I can't please every reader, because I have to please me first. If I'm not enjoying the writing process on a story, then no one else will either. I might not even finish a book if I'm not having fun. But reader feedback gives me a lot to think about, and it helps me in plotting and planning new books and releases.
What do you think about reviewers?
There are some who are wonderful. They're professional and articulate and they get their point across - favorably or not so favorably - without resorting to grade school rudeness. They do a great service to readers who don't want to waste money on a book they might not enjoy.
Then there are some who are just nasty and are looking for an outlet. I feel really bad for anyone who immerses herself in ugliness. I see it as a bid for attention, and the fact that they need to do that is really very sad.
What are some of your all-time favorite romance books and are any of them are from the 70's and 80's?
I can give you titles, but I don't know dates without dragging out my stash of books. Let's see, the MacKenzies by Linda Howard.
Those early trilogies by Catherine Coulter, like (I forget titles) the couples Knight and Lily, Burke and Ariel, and Alec and Genny. I loved all of those trilogies and have them all for rereading marathons.
All of the Johanna Lindsey books, especially the one with Thunder and Angel. Oh, and the Mallorys! What an awesome family of men.
Anything by Julie Garwood, but especially The Bride, Lion's Lady, and my all time fave, Honor's Splendor.
Anything by Kresley Cole. She's one of my new all-time favorite authors ever! I also really enjoy Helen Kay Dimon, and there's a new author and she's fabulous. Lisa Cooke's first book, Texas Hold Him is a surefire hit!
What goodies can I get from you, and where do I send my SASE?
Please do ALWAYS send an SASE (Self Addressed Stamped Envelope) when writing me. It simplifies my life so much and makes it easier for me to reply quickly.
You can send your SASE to me:
Lori Foster
P.O. Box 854
Ross OH 45061
I generally have bookmarks and cover flats (the covers for upcoming books before they've been put on a book.) Each year I make a new one sheet color calendar that shows you the bookcovers for upcoming books and the month they'll be available.
You will always know what promo items I have available if you receive my monthly email newsletter. It's free, only comes around once a month, and details any contests I'm running, free items I might have, appearances, and new books.
You can sign up for the newsletter here.
Will you be in Rhode Island (Or Florida or Wyoming or wherever) any time soon?
I list all my appearances on my website and in my newsletter. If a surprise visit comes up, I put it in my newsletter so that you'll always know.
What do you think is the best promo you've ever done?
For a very reasonable fee, Patricia Rouse has compiled romance reader groups and bookstore addresses in a ready-to-print-format for Avery labels and she keeps the list updated quarterly. She tells you what groups like to receive bookmarks or ARCS (Advanced Reviewer Copies of books) or fliers. She tells you specifically how many are in each group. Authors are able to target romance friendly chain bookstores, independent bookstores and reader groups. Bookstores are able to sign up to receive great promo items from authors. It's a win/win offer! Personally, I think the list is invaluable.
If you'd like more information on Pat's list, .
Have you ever thought about turning your books into a movie? Can I star in one?
Oh, if only it were that simple! Have I thought about it? YES! Can I make it happen? Sadly, no. If you can make it happen, sure, you can be the star! Can you get Hugh Jackman as the leading man? Please!?
I have a really great idea for a story. If I tell you my idea and you write it, can we split the income?
Believe it or not, I've been asked this. More than once!
First of all, I have my own ideas, thank-you-very-much. Second, Lori splits income with no one! If you've got a great idea, write it. That's the hard part, you know.
Now that I finished my first book, how long before I can quit my job?
Maybe tomorrow. Maybe never. Odds are on the never.
Sorry.
There are many, many authors who've never made enough publishing 2 or even 3 books a year to quit their "day job." There are some (very few) who were a huge success and made scads of money on the first book. This isn't a union. We don't all get paid the same. Talent is a very subjective thing. Some authors are going to be loved more than others.
Didn't we go to the same high school/church/laundrymat/gas station way back when? Didn't you base Story/Character X on me?
No! Okay, we might have gone to school or church together. But my characters are a figment of my oh-so creative imagination and are never, ever based on anyone I know.
Amazingly enough, many, many people ask me this. But come on people, I don't know your sex life and I don't WANT to know your sex life. I would never, ever think enough about your sex life to include you in a book. Ha!
Sometimes I steal a name because it's a good name. Sometimes your name gets used because I forgot it was your name. Sometimes, if you're a good friend like Patti and Morgan and Barb, I'll turn you into hookers in a book (The Secret Life Of Bryan) and we all get a good laugh!
What do you do with your whole day, since all you do is write books?
I have 3 grown sons and a very adorable grandson. I also have 2 little Chihuahuas who are more demanding than most toddlers. And while one of my sons is away to South Korea, I'm "babysitting" his 3 cats. And I have a dozen or more feral cats (outside) that I feed and care for as much as they'll let me. I have an extensive family that I love staying in touch with. (We have a LOT of family get togethers at my place.) I have a house to keep up, a lot of travel for business/promotion, commitments to friends and neighbors. I have a life. Thank God I have a terrific husband who helps me get it all done.
Will you read my story, all 600 uncut pages of it, and help me get it published?
No. Please don't ask. Don't even ask me to read your synopsis or your first chapter or even your cover letter.
I strongly believe that voice is the #1 thing that will get you sold. If I read your work and make suggestions, then my voice gets imposed on yours.
Also, I don't have time. (See above!) If I could fit 5 more hours in the day, I still wouldn't want to read it, because when I have time to read, I want to grab a book out of my to-be-read pile and have some major fun. Not critique or edit. I leave that to editors, who know what they're doing.
I can't buy your book, and I don't have an editor who loves me enough to buy a book that she didn't love. So there's really no point anyway.
I will wish you tons of luck, though!