Russell J. Fellows

This interview first appeared on my Substack on January 15, 2024

Interview with Lori Keating

Author Lori Keating’s book “The Memory Quilt” is an exceptional example of how one small act of love can have a big impact. It is a truly wonderful example of community and one that your kids (and you) will treasure always.

Lori was gracious enough to agree to this interview. As with all my interviews, I ask five questions. I hope that you get to know Lori a bit more and that you go and grab a copy of her book. You will love it!

What is the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Memory Quilt?

The story behind The Memory Quilt started during Christmas 2018 when we were invited to a friend’s house for dinner. Although we hadn’t known them for long, we were aware of their son’s passing. It was during this dinner that his twin brother brought out a memory quilt he had made from his deceased brother’s clothes, which he had given to his parents the previous year. I was struck by the beauty and sentiment of the quilt and knew this story needed to be shared with others who were grieving.

When I first had the idea of this children’s story, I wasn’t actively pursuing that genre. I tucked the idea away in my mind until 2021 when I decided to start writing for a younger audience. The Memory Quilt was one of the first I wrote, and I submitted it in its initial form to a writing contest. Although it didn’t win, I saved it in my stories folder and continued writing. Fast-forward to 2023, when I revisited the story and began making revisions. I submitted it to Caterpillar Books, and they loved it and decided to publish it.

What do you hope readers will gain from reading The Memory Quilt?

My hope for The Memory Quilt is that it will be seen as more than just a children’s book—It will be a catalyst for a meaningful conversation about death. The soft colors and gentle storytelling of this book create a welcoming atmosphere, drawing readers into a world where sorrow and laughter intertwine. As you follow Grace and Jason’s journey, you’ll encounter the bittersweet memories they shared, which offer comfort and hope for those experiencing grief.

You live in Florida now – did you grow up there or are you a northern transplant? If the latter, where did you grow up, and do you visit sometimes?

As a northern transplant, I’ve lived in many places throughout my life. I was born in Massachusetts and spent my early years there until the age of eight. My family then moved to New Hampshire before we finally settled on the East Coast of Florida. Seven years later, we moved to Maryland, which is where I met my husband. Together, we’ve lived up and down the East Coast before heading west to Arkansas, and now we’re back in Florida.

It’s been quite some time since I last visited Massachusetts as a young girl. I hope one day I can return with my husband and daughter to show them the Cape Cod home where I used to live.

You have another book coming this year, Butterfly Ink, can you tell us anything about it?

BUTTERFLY INK is a young adult novel that follows the story of Calli, an eighteen-year-old girl who is trying to figure out her future after graduation. After her best friend Becca moves away, Calli spends her summer after graduating on the private resort island where Becca currently lives. It is here that Calli meets a mysterious man who offers her a magical tattoo that promises beauty and fame. Everything seems perfect until Calli finds herself at a crossroads that forces her to make a difficult decision. She must choose between a life of magic and the people she loves the most. This novel takes readers on a captivating journey, exploring the themes of self-discovery, first love, and inner beauty growth in a unique and magical way.

And the most important question: What is the greatest dessert ever created and why do you feel so strongly about it?

Without a doubt, the ultimate dessert in my book is cinnamon buns. The warm, gooey cinnamon filling that oozes out when you take a bite, combined with a generous heap of cream cheese frosting, is a special indulgence that I can’t resist. My favorite cinnamon bun of all time is Cinnaholic’s Old Skool. It’s so good that I even chose it over cake for my birthday celebration! And, I love it so much that I included it in my novel, BUTTERFLY INK.

Thank you Lori for the interview, and for “The Memory Quilt!” And now, I want a cinnamon bun!

Since the first time this interview was published, Lori has released 2 new books! Of course Butterfly Ink as mentioned above, but also Angels in the Sand.

Learn more by visiting: https://www.lorikeating.com/