One Word That Describes Luanne Rice as a Writer is . . .
Detective
noun
“Delve into secrets . . . and find out truths that a lot of times people don’t want to tell.”
Luanne Rice resists being confined to a single genre; she makes it clear that her work is rooted in one simple idea: “I think of a story as a story.” While the publishing world may label her current work as “thrillers” or “suspense,” Luanne emphasizes that these are just categories imposed by the marketplace, not by the writer herself. For her, what matters most is “what’s between the covers… what’s inside that really counts.”
Luanne's perspective on storytelling extends beyond traditional books. Reflecting on forms like zines and comics, she notes that a “book is a very general term,” reinforcing her belief that storytelling transcends format. Whether prose, graphic novels, or short fiction, the essence lies in the narrative itself.
When asked to describe herself as a writer, Luanne offers two revealing metaphors: “a detective” and “a cat.” As a detective, she explains, writers must “delve into secrets and find out truths that a lot of times people don’t want to tell.” At the same time a writer must be a cat; “independent and curious,” even “invisible,” observing the world closely without always being seen.
Luanne's journey began with her first poem published at age 11, sparking a lifelong pursuit of writing. Her advice to emerging writers is both practical and encouraging: “be steady, do it every day, and don’t be afraid of submitting.” Above all, she stresses the importance of supportive communities, reminding writers that “we’re our worst critics.”
Luanne Rice is a bestselling author of more than 30 novels, including Beach Girls and Follow the Stars Home. Known for her stories of love, family, and resilience set along the Connecticut shore, her work has frequently appeared on the New York Times bestseller list.
Interview by Jessica Eaton