An Interview with Dottie Lee Lander
Thank you for inviting this little ole lady to participate in an author bio! Since I have had a lifetime of ‘wanting to write,’ but only began at the tender age of eighty-one (after some amazing coincidences and challenges) I do have a few stories to tell. One of my biggest hopes is to encourage other senior citizens to write their stories, and books, and keep writing!
Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
In The Mountain was a gift, really. For years, I had wanted to write a novel about Cheyenne Mountain, just South of Colorado Springs, Colorado. I knew that would be the title!
How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?
Excited! Happy! And a bit amazed as well … because my cover is a photo which my eldest son, Rus, had taken the summer before while camping in the Rocky Mountains. That photo was a go from the first efforts!
When I held my first copy of my book … I cried, because I was so happy to be holding it!
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
My mother said I was born with pencil and paper in my hands; she called me a scribbler! Having journaled for years, I first extracted a book of poems, Cups of Grace, in 2024, and then with the help of a dear friend, produced my memoir, The Children Within, in 2025, then came In The Mountain! I have two other books completed, but in need of guidance, and I plan for them to be published soon. I am getting older by the day! P.S. I read books all the time!
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
I could say none but that’s not really true, because being a wife and mother, grandmother, and now great-grandmother IS a lifelong profession! Because my husband was a pilot for one of the big airlines for thirty years, I inherited part of his parenting time! We have three amazing sons. I managed to return to complete my college education when the boys were all in school, in my forties. An English major with two minors: business and creative writing. Graduating with honors, I had big plans, but life caught up with me, and I had to slow down. Let’s see … my readers might not know that I am at heart a ‘Southern Belle,’ born in Georgia. Growing up in the South does make a person a bit different, I have decided. Also, that I accepted Jesus as my Savior when I was fifteen — in the hospital, recovering from what was thought to be viruses that would end my life.
What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?
Oh, my gracious! I would have a hard time picking one thing. I have been thankful and amazed by the people who make up Atmosphere Press! Each was knowledgeable, pleasant, informative, patient (that’s a big one!) and kind. All of that piece of getting my book published was meaningful and rewarding. Publishing a book is a big step and I did have concerns, but each was handled well. Of course, getting to that ‘final step’ of publication was most rewarding, but I will not soon forget those folks who took my hand (especially when I was overwhelmed), and led me there!
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
You’ll Never Walk Alone and too many more. I love music!
What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?
One thing: to never stop hoping, and in that, to not be afraid. Hope denies fear, you see. My characters were caught in a dark, dark place, fighting to live, to take their next step. They needed courage and hope.
What creative projects are you currently working on?
Two books and another book of poems; one is almost finished, one needs a few revisions, and the last is in the baby-stage! Being a twenty-four-hour caregiver for my husband and all else that is required in living, plus fighting daily against FND, is difficult. I make the time to ‘be the creative dreamer’ that I am. Sometimes I just DO IT in spite of all the rest! I say that with a smile …
How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?
Working with Atmo — WOW! Surprisingly easier than I anticipated. Filled with gracious folks whose interest was to do their best for me. They helped me and guided me. Each one had a clear picture of the ‘task at hand’ and led me through the winding path or thick forest until we reached our goal. I would positively recommend Atmosphere Press to all writers, no matter what genre or category. Guidance is their key. They care about unlocking the doors of your writings, your books, showing you the how and where and when to make the next move! And that’s this little ole lady’s certain opinion!
Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.
Atmosphere Press is a selective hybrid publisher founded in 2015 on the principles of Honesty, Transparency, Professionalism, Kindness, and Making Your Book Awesome. Our books have won dozens of awards and sold tens of thousands of copies. If you’re interested in learning more, or seeking publication for your own work, please explore the links below.