An Interview With Ohio Author and Speaker, Steph Loughman

 

An Interview With Ohio Author and Speaker, Steph Loughman

 

Residing in Newark, Ohio, USA, Steph Loughman is the author of three books. Her writing combines “authentic, personable writing style, with real-life experiences that her readers can relate to. She provides a perspective that offers hope and redemption for those who have dealt with similar situations.”

 

From Steph Loughman’s website: “Steph is happily married with eight children and seven grandchildren. They live in central Ohio, but dream of one day living in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Although her books are fictional, she writes most of her books from personal perspectives. In her first book, The Journey, Steph uses her own personal pain to tell the story of little Joshua who died of an abortion when she was seventeen weeks pregnant. Through an emotional journey between Heaven and Earth, Joshua and his mommy find each other in a dream when she experiences forgiveness and healing. The second of Steph’s published work is a Bible study companion to The Journey.

 

“Steph’s newest project is a novel series where Joshua is joined with two of his siblings (who passed away as a result of miscarriages) and their uncle Robb (Steph’s brother who died in 2004) as they go on a cross-country adventure after the death of their parents. Turning her pain into beauty, Steph gives life once again to these precious souls in her books. Book one of this series launched in 2021. Steph loves telling her story showing the amazing grace of God through the hardships of life.”

 

Welcome, Steph!

 

GM: Can you share the initial spark that ignited your journey into writing?

SL: I wrote my first book to share my story of post-abortion, post-miscarriage healing. I just enjoyed it so much I decided not to stop.

 

GM: What is your favorite part of the writing process and why?

SL: Writing! Just like when I’m reading, I mentally put myself in my stories and I have so much fun.

 

GM: How do you handle writer's block if it ever strikes?

SL: When I can’t think, I usually put myself in a new atmosphere. For example, I’ll go to a café or the library, put earbuds in and I tend to be able to concentrate better and can get more writing done.

 

GM: What are your research methods?

SL: My books are to show healing so most of my research is getting out and talking to people or using my own hurts of life.

 

GM: How do personal experiences influence your storytelling?

SL: Hugely! In my books I take the pains of my life and show how things can still be good, even in the biggest hurts.

 

GM: What themes or messages do you most aspire to convey in your work?

SL: Healing.

 

GM: Who are some authors or works that have significantly inspired you?

SL: Karen Kingsbury!

 

GM: Can you discuss any challenges you've faced in the publishing industry?

SL: I have self-published my books, so I’m not sure, but I’d like to know more about traditional publishing.

 

GM: How do you develop your characters to ensure they resonate with readers?

SL: I do character sketches before writing my books. I create their entire lives and really get to know them before I ever start the book.

 

GM: What do you hope readers take away after finishing one of your books?

SL: That life can be hard, but it can be amazingly good as well.

 

GM: What advice would you give aspiring authors trying to break into the industry?

SL: Just keep writing! Give yourself grace and have faith in yourself. You got this!

 

GM: What are you currently reading?

SL: I am currently reading Home to the Outer Banks by Diann Ducharme.

 

Connect with Steph…

www. stephloughman.com