Spotlighting red-hot author Laura Caldwell

Laura Caldwell’s Red Hot Series sizzles. Heroine Izzy McNeil is endearing, seductive and authentic. Caldwell’s charm and love for crafting an exemplarily written story merge on the pages of her unforgettable series. With four more books to come, Izzy is in store for more shenanigans, mystery and page-turning excitement.

Writing isn’t Caldwell’s only love, but it’s the forerunner. “[As a child] my parents asked me if I wanted to be a doctor or a lawyer when I grew up. Creative professions were not offered up as an option. Ironically, I went to the University of Iowa which has a huge roster of great authors who have attended their writing program. I didn’t take advantage of the program. I was a cheerleader who drank beer and watched football. I then ended up going to law school, much like my father before me.

“I did well in law school, and found a great job practicing after. But writing kept calling to me. One day, I was craving a specific type of book. I couldn’t find the story I was looking for when I went into the bookstore. I decided I should write it. I’m a big believer in curiosity being a good thing, so I decided to go home and write the story I was craving. I discovered that I love writing.”

Caldwell’s first novel was a chick-lit romp. “I tried to sell the novel, but chick-lit hadn’t hit the world yet. So, I decided to try my hand at mystery writing. While attending a writers conference, I met a woman who would become my editor. Her encouragement and my love of writing kept me moving forward in attempting my career.

“Writing… well, it’s a world that is all yours. You control what happens inside the world and make compromises only with yourself. The amazing thing is that what I write is mine and I get to create the world. It’s fantastic.”

What about Izzy McNeil’s world? “I see the world of Izzy so fully, and it inspires me in my life. She goes after what she wants and enters all the worlds she desires. She proves that no matter what, you can make your way in the world. It may be harder for some people.We’re all given a different series of advantages and disadvantages, but I still believe anyone can do anything.

“Creating this whole world of Izzy’s, it’s so vivid to me. I clearly see her mom’s house, her home and all the places within the story. It’s so vibrant I can almost dive into it.” Caldwell’s ability to see and hear the characters and their setting translates onto the page.

What does Caldwell think makes a good story? “I think the way you respond to a story plays such a large part. What you’re going thru at the time will make certain stories relatable to you. In terms of crafting, I think getting across to myself as well as the reader the point of the story is key. Every scene needs to confirm the point, the message that I am trying to drive home

“As a writer, you have to be true to the story. Because of that, you may have to eliminate scenes you love. I have had to cut scenes that I have been so proud of because they simply don’t fit. If they aren’t moving the story along, they don’t belong.”

Izzy McNeil is likable, relatable and believable. Is she, and the other characters, as real to Caldwell as they are to her readers? “Yes. They definitely are. The best thing about the books is that the characters feel real to me. "I hope the readers can escape into the stories and enjoy them while using their imaginations to create what Izzy and her friends are like, what the settings look like. One of my favorite aspects of being a reader is being able create along with the author and see your version of every place in the story.

“The most gratifying thing about being an author is hearing that it’s as real to a reader as it is to me. I love my readers. They are the best part of being an author. I love going on Facebook and asking my readers for help in naming the novels, or helping me with something that has me stuck. I feel like with social media I can connect more and make them a part of the process.”

What advice does Caldwell offer aspiring writers? “I don’t think you have to write everyday, per say. I was very overwhelmed when I heard that writers should write every single day. If you have a day job it can be very difficult to commit to that goal in the beginning.

“I do think you have to be regular in some way. It could be twice a month that you sit down for half an hour and write. The little pieces add up. Sometimes, if you keep looking at the big picture it can overwhelm you. So just focus on moving forward. Personally, I would tell my friends my goals because saying them out loud helped me hold myself accountable. Be regular, have goals. Attending conferences can help you learn more and build a community. I love writer conferences. Writers are so supportive and willing to help one another.”

Izzy is a red-headed firecracker. A description that could aptly be used to describe Caldwell herself. How much of Caldwell is in Izzy? “I have relaxed myself the most with her in that regard. I had to change my mind on the notion that the fiction would be lazy if it reflected me. Izzy is my avatar; a taller, curvier, more vibrant and younger version of myself. I get to live a little through her.”

Caldwell is busy at work on the next four novels in the Izzy McNeil series. When she’s not writing, she’s involved in the Life after Innocence Project, a project she started at Loyola University Chicago School of Law that her character Izzy would definitely have stood behind. “There are many people who have been imprisoned because they have been convicted wrongfully. Innocent Projects around the world, through DNA testing and other evidence collection methods, are giving these innocent people a chance at a new life."

Whether Caldwell is inspiring others through her efforts with the Life after Innocence Project or bewitching readers with her red-hot mysteries, you can bet that whatever she’s involved in will dazzle and delight. For more about Laura Caldwell visit her website at: http://www.lauracaldwell.com/

*Photo courtesy of Jennifer A. Feeney