Interview with L. R. Trovillion

Author of Horse Gods: The Dressage Rider’s Betrayal

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I grew up in Massachusetts just outside of Boston but now live on a small horse farm in Maryland.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

When I graduated from college with a degree in Russian language and literature, there weren’t many job offers! I landed a position with the Federal Government in Maryland and made a career of it.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I’ve been a book lover all my life and used to write stories as a kid. One day, I decided to take a stab at writing a story that was kicking around in my head. Once I got started, it took off.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

Stories about hurting people who find hope and healing through horses. The novels all have a good adventurous plot set in the horse world at their foundation, but much more–they show how the characters grow and overcome their problems.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Even though the main characters in the novels are in their late teens, a large percentage of my reader fans are mature women. The books are “cross-over” fiction because they appeal to teens as well as older, experienced individuals. It just depends what level of story you’re looking for.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

Lots of surprises! Lots of challenges. Writing and publishing is such a moving target these days with the industry changing all the time. I was surprised that so many readers who wrote reviews and let me know how much they enjoyed the books were not the targeted teen audience, but women of all ages!

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

Keep moving forward. Don’t get paralyzed by mistakes, discouragement, or other negativity. Keep a clear idea of who you are, what your writing is about, at your center. Don’t let anyone steal that dream.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

I don’t have a number, but rather an ideal. I would rather sell fewer books but have more of the people who read them write reviews about how much the book meant to them. I want to touch people with the stories. Don’t get me wrong, however–huge sales are great, too!

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

Finding my readership is a challenge because the books don’t fit into a clearly defined niche market. It is therefore challenging to find a marketing strategy that works well.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

I’d like to think the strengths are in the stories. I’m not gifted with marketing and don’t really enjoy that piece of the publishing industry, although I love meeting people in person and talking books.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Discipline. I’m not good at making myself sit down and write on a schedule and therefore am not producing as much as I think I should. I also am prone to self doubt, which leads to procrastination. Being active in writing/critique groups helps a lot because it forces me to have something ready to review and provides that give and take all writers need.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I’ve written a short read prequel, DREAM HORSE, as well as the first book in the Maryland Equestrian series, FALSE GODS. HORSE GODS is the second in the series. Right now, I am working with an editor on something entirely new. It is a murder mystery set in the Jazz Age with a supernatural twist.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

The books in the Maryland Equestrian series are Indie published under Hippolyta Books. I am looking for agent representation for my next novel.