Indie Authors Uncovered - Meet the person behind the pages - Lori Keating - Heartwarming Romance
Where were you born?
Wareham (Massachusetts) in the United States.
Where do you live?
In the Southeast of the United States.
Do you have fur babies?
I live with two mischievous rescue cats, Cody and Ollie, and two lovable dogs—Max, a snuggly little pug, and Charlie, a loyal Labrador Retriever with a heart as big as his paws.
Together, they fill my home with fur, fun, and just the right amount of mayhem.
Do you use a pen name?
No
What kind of writer are you?
- Modern Day : Laptop or PC Writer
Name one book you loved as a kid - one you loved as a new adult - and one you love now.
- One book I loved as a kid: Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White. This timeless story stirred something deep in me—a love for quiet courage, unlikely friendships, and the beauty of simple, powerful words. It was one of the first books that made me cry, and it taught me that stories could touch the heart in unforgettable ways.
- One I loved as a new adult: Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. This powerful retelling of the biblical story of Hosea and Gomer gripped me from the first page. Raw, redemptive, and deeply moving, it gave me a new perspective on grace, forgiveness, and the kind of love that never gives up.
- One I love now: Someone Like You by Karen Kingsbury. This novel moved me with its themes of identity, grief, and second chances. It’s the kind of book that stays with you—honest, emotional, and full of heart. It reminded me how deeply faith can shape a story and how healing can come in unexpected ways.
Is there an author you look up to? Or had an influence on your craft?
Authors like E.B. White, Judy Blume, Shel Silverstein, C.S. Lewis, Nicholas Sparks, and Kate Di Camillo have deeply influenced my writing.
- From E.B. White, I learned the beauty of quiet, heartfelt storytelling.
- Judy Blume’s honest, character-driven stories taught me the value of emotional authenticity. Shel Silverstein inspired me to play with words and embrace the magic of imagination.
- C.S. Lewis showed me how to weave meaning and wonder into every page. Nicholas Sparks sparked my love for tender, emotional narratives about love, loss, and redemption.
- And Kate Di Camillo reminded me that even the simplest stories can hold incredible depth and heart. Their voices helped shape my own—and continue to remind me why I write: to tell stories that matter, with warmth, hope, and meaning.
How would you describe your craft in one sentence?
I write emotionally rich stories filled with hope, heart, and the healing power of love.
At The Dreamer's Bookshop, we embrace diversity and advocate for invisible illnesses. How do you feel about those topics? Do you include messages in your writing?
I love that The Dreamer's Bookshop embraces diversity and advocates for invisible illnesses—both are close to my heart.
I believe stories have the power to create empathy, open minds, and offer comfort to those who feel unseen. In my writing, I often explore themes like grief, healing, and second chances, and I’m drawn to characters who carry quiet struggles—emotional, physical, or spiritual.
I want readers to feel understood and reminded that they’re not alone, even in the hard or hidden parts of life.
Do you have red lines when it comes to writing/reading?
Yes, I do have red lines when it comes to both writing and reading.
I believe stories should uplift, challenge, and inspire—but never at the expense of human dignity. I avoid gratuitous violence, explicit content, or anything that glorifies cruelty, hatred, or abuse.
While I don’t shy away from hard topics like grief, trauma, or loss, I always try to approach them with compassion and purpose.
For me, stories are a space for truth and hope to coexist, and I want readers to walk away feeling seen, strengthened, and never harmed by what they’ve read.
Was there a review that touched you more than others?
Yes—there was one review that truly touched my heart and reminded me why I write. A reader said:
Butterfly Ink broke something inside me that needed to be broken. I laughed, I cried, & had about every emotion you can think of. It was a wild journey of self-discovery for Calli &
most unexpectedly, for me. I finished this book & went swimming with my girls for the first time. I finished this book & started to love myself a little bit more. I look forward to many more works by this author & not-so-secretly am hoping she makes a prequel!”
That kind of response is humbling and deeply meaningful. Knowing that a story I wrote could help someone reconnect with their own life, their children, and their self-worth—that’s more than I ever dreamed.
If someone asked you why you write, what would you answer in one sentence?
I write to give voice to quiet struggles, shine light into dark places, and remind people that hope and healing are always possible.
Which book are you most proud of and why?
I’m most proud of Butterfly Ink because it challenged me to write something raw, honest, and deeply emotional—and the response from readers has shown me that vulnerability on the page can lead to real connection and healing.
What would you tell an aspiring writer?
I would tell an aspiring writer: Your voice matters.
Write the story only you can tell, even if it feels messy or uncertain. Keep showing up, keep learning, and never underestimate the quiet power of your words.
What's a wish you have for yourself as an author?
My wish as an author is to keep writing stories that resonate deeply with readers—stories that bring comfort, hope, and maybe even a few tears.
I'd love to one day see my books in the hands of readers around the world, maybe even adapted to film or translated into other languages, not for the spotlight, but because it means the story touched hearts far beyond my own little corner of the world.
What's a wish you have for yourself as a person?
My wish for myself as a person is simple: to live a long, joy-filled life with my husband and daughter, to grow old surrounded by love, laughter, and God's grace—and one day, to hold our grand babies in my arms, giving thanks for the beautiful gift of family and the blessings that grow with time.
Do you have a message for your audience?
Thank you for reading my stories and letting them become part of your life.
My greatest hope is that you find comfort, connection, and a reminder that you’re never alone—not in your grief, your healing, or your hope.
Keep turning pages, keep believing in second chances, and never underestimate the quiet strength inside you.
