Lora L. Crombez

Lora L. Crombez (1958 - ) was born in Monroe, Michigan - a city her father's family helped settle. This gave her a great love of history and place. Lora grew up in Dundee, Michigan, a small village west of Monroe. Her small-town upbringing, close neighbor, family, and church connections inform her life and writing. She studied vocal music, education, and government, which finally culminated in a Masters of Public Administration degree. Even though her education and career took her many places from public service to the classroom and from recording studio to healthcare, in every situation she told stories. Finally, when leaving the workforce when her parents became ill, she decided to write down one of the longer stories.

How did I come to write this book?

In late July of 2010, I spent a weekend at the mid-Michigan, Horse Head Lake “Brother’s Cabin.” During that visit I spent almost all of my time in the company of my niece Amy Dornan who was totally enthralled with pink princesses and cats. Upon my return home I went to sleep and dreamed of all things “pink princess.” In the morning I told my husband about my dream, which he encouraged me to write down. Three years later the book was completed.

How did I come to publish the book?

The process of going the traditional route of finding an agent and then a publisher seemed an insurmountable task. So I decided to self-publish. But then I needed to decide whether to do it on-line alone, or find a company to assist me. I decided that with this first attempt, I’d like help. But then which company? Horror stories abound! I chose Xulon. (My project manager held my hand throughout the entire process.) Then, I actually had to finish the book and submit it for publisher’s feedback. After receiving the publisher’s review, I made suggested changes and did more proofing. (Of course Xulon would do it for a fee.) I did the best I could by myself. (Readers have informed me of at least 26 typos that I missed!) Then you’ve got more decisions to make! Desired size of the book, typeface, size of text, cover/back page, illustrations, on which page you’d like chapter starts, how you’d chapter starts to look . . . more things to think about than one could ever imagine!!! I had one other chance to review the final copy of the book and make up to 100 changes. Finally, I got the book back with my changes and I checked to make sure corrections were done correctly. I approved everything, and then the book went to print. Please note, there are still mistakes, So, next book, I will hire an editor.

Why did I write the book?

I believe we are surrounded by wounded people – survivors of broken relationships, natural disasters, and other tragic events beyond their control. We are all living in a fallen world at a very fear-filled and uncertain time for which I believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ contains what we need. It was my desire to creatively present that hope in this book.

The Season is the story of a fictional young princess, Onareel Elé, affectionately known as The Pink Princess (or "Nari" to friends), who escapes her palace for a day to experience life outside the palace walls.

The book goes from innocent to exciting as the young princess is changed through the people she meets and the ordeals that she endures.

“Receive and remember. Share and remind. All for the Kingdom” The toast of The Season storyteller, as well as the author, as she tells of a princess, a family, and a kingdom in crisis.

Soberly Queen Katherine stated, “In such times in which we now live, to be prepared, we must think the unimaginable to combat those who imagine the unthinkable.”

The Season is 314 pages of adventure as two young friends attempt to find a way home, while protecting The Princess’ identity, avoiding The Scholars of The Golden Age conspiracy, saving the life of a trusted friend, and learning to rely on “The Voice.”

Lora and her husband, René, make their home in Adrian, Michigan. Mrs. Crombez is busily working on Book II in the Pink Princess Series, Chronicles of The Golden Age called The Journey.