Picture a Wisconsin storyteller who spun tales of werewolves, witches, and romance that captivated readers worldwide—meet Lori Handeland! A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Handeland has penned over 60 novels, blending paranormal thrills, historical romance, and women’s fiction with humor and heart. From her childhood dreams at a typewriter to her award-winning career, her journey is as enchanting as her stories.
The Making of Lori Handeland
Born in 1961, Lori Handeland grew up as an only child in Wisconsin, her summers filled with books, television, and a trusty typewriter. At just ten years old, she pecked out a space opera about a family’s cosmic adventures, already dreaming of a life where she’d never run out of stories. Life briefly sidetracked her—she worked as a waitress and studied to become a teacher—but her passion for writing never faded. While student teaching, she discovered How to Write a Romance and Get It Published by Kathryn Falk, a book that led her to join the Romance Writers of America. With only five pages of a romance novel, she won a contest that caught a Harlequin editor’s eye, and in 1993, she sold her first novel, a western historical romance.
Lori Handeland’s Unforgettable Stories
Handeland’s bibliography is a vibrant tapestry of genres, from paranormal romance to urban fantasy and women’s fiction. Her Nightcreature series, starting with the RITA Award-winning Blue Moon (2004), follows tough-as-nails characters like officer Jessie McQuade battling werewolves in a suspenseful, sexy world. The Phoenix Chronicles dives into urban fantasy with psychic heroine Liz Phoenix, while Sisters of the Craft introduces time-traveling witches. Handeland’s 2018 women’s fiction debut, Just Once, a poignant tale of love and loss, earned a starred review from Library Journal and was optioned for a feature film. Her style—gritty, humorous, and sensual—brings dark themes to life with a playful edge, earning her a devoted readership.
Under the pen name Lori Austin, she crafts gritty western romances like Beauty and the Bounty Hunter, blending historical detail with her signature wit. Handeland also co-wrote the fan-favorite Rock Creek Six series with Linda Winstead Jones, proving her versatility. Whether it’s vampires in Shakespeare Undead or family dramas in the Luchetti Brothers series, her stories balance heart-pounding action with emotional depth.
Why Lori Handeland Matters
Lori Handeland’s impact lies in her ability to transcend genres, creating stories that resonate with readers seeking both thrills and heartfelt moments. Her two RITA Awards—for Blue Moon (Best Paranormal Romance, 2005) and The Mommy Quest (Best Long Contemporary Romance, 2007)—highlight her skill in crafting compelling narratives. By weaving humor and humanity into dark, fantastical worlds, she’s carved a unique niche in romance and fantasy. Her transition to women’s fiction with Just Once shows her willingness to evolve, inspiring aspiring authors to embrace versatility.
- Born: 1961, Wisconsin
- Key Works: Blue Moon, Just Once, Sisters of the Craft
- Awards: Two RITA Awards, National Reader’s Choice Award
Ready to dive into a world of werewolves, romance, and wit? Grab Blue Moon and discover why Lori Handeland’s stories are impossible to put down!