This week’s author spotlight features Stacy LaLuzerne, author of Dorrance title Long Road Home: Bouncing Back After Abuse.

Name: Stacy LaLuzerne

Hometown: Sturgeon Bay, WI

Book Title: Long Road Home: Bouncing Back After Abuse

Genre: Psychology, Self-Help

Dorrance Publishing (DP): Describe your book in 10 words or less.

Stacy LaLuzerne (SL): Understanding emotional abuse and showing that therapy can help.

DP: What made you want to write your book?

SL: To help people see that abuse doesn’t define who you are – you can become stronger by seeking help. Also, to try to break the stigma around mental health; to help people realize keeping their mental health intact is as important as their physical health.

I had actually been thinking about writing a book for a while and then I had a dream one night that I was doing so. In my dream, I remember writing everything down. I woke up and, in my heart, I knew I had to get this on paper. So, I took the day off and just started writing what I remembered from my dream. It flowed very naturally.

DP: How long did it take you to write your book?

SL: The initial story, I wrote in that one day. It took me eight hours straight, but I just kept writing until I felt like it was out of my head. Of course, there were many additions and subtractions after that initial eight hours.  From starting to put the words on paper to all the editing, it was about two months.

DP: What do you do when you have writer’s block?   

SL: With this short book, I didn’t have writer’s block. Now, the fiction story I am working on now, I am definitely having some! I decided to take a break from it for a while hoping that the ebb and flow comes back.

DP: What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

SL: My favorite part to write was the therapy sessions because I wanted the reader to “feel” the healing process. Putting words on the paper was only part, re-reading and having others give me feedback, to portray the feelings involved, was trickier and became my goal.

DP: If you were stuck on an island and had to have one person from each category with you, who would they be and why:

-One friend or family member:

SL: My daughter because she is my light; she makes me a better person. Plus, she would make being stuck on an island fun!

-One fictional character:

SL: Phoebe from Friends. I love her quirkiness; I think she would keep the island entertained!

-One famous person (living or dead):

SL: Miranda Lambert. She seems so down-to-earth, and I feel like we are similar in how we think and express our thoughts. Plus, she could play guitar and I could sing her songs along with her!

DP: Besides writing, what are your other interests?

SL: I enjoy reading as well as writing. I love all kinds of music and concerts. I also enjoy outdoor activities in warm weather; you will find me on the beach or by the water as much as possible! Other than that, I enjoy gardening, vegetables and/or flowers!  A lot of my time is spent with family and friends.

DP: Do you keep a journal?

SL: I have one, but I used to be better about writing in a journal. I go in phases. I find that writing in a journal is very helpful if I am stressed or having a hard time making my mind up about something. For some reason, seeing it on paper makes it clearer to help me find an answer.

DP: How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?

SL: I haven’t celebrated yet, but I will get together with family and friends and share all the good vibes with everyone!

DP: If your book was made into a movie, who would play the main characters?

SL: I think Sally Pressman does a great job at playing characters in dramas; I especially thought she did a good job in Army Wives. I would have Charles Esten play Tom – he did a great job playing his character in Outer Banks, as well as in Nashville.

DP: What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?

SL: Dorrance Publishing has been wonderful to work with! Everyone has been friendly and always keeps me up to date. I am proud to be a Dorrance author!

DP: Five favorite books of all time?

SL: This is hard to answer! I love so many books, but after I read them, I always donate them for others to enjoy and have a hard time remembering the titles! I love a good mystery or love story. I also went through a phase where I was reading a lot of self-help books, which is why I know how important they can be!

DP: One sentence of advice for other writers:

SL: Just believe in yourself!

Thanks Stacy!

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