Lorisa grew up in WV, the heart of the Appalachian mountains. With a B.A. in Special Education and an M.Ed. as a Reading Specialist, her background is in working with children and adults with developmental disabilities.
When she became a mother, she decided to leave that career for a while. In the interim, she realized her true dream was to be a writer and author. She began sorting through and compiling poems she’d written over the years. Love Complications, her first book, was born out of those efforts. A year later, she self-published Reflections which showcases poetry about her family, childhood, Appalachia, relationships, and life in general.
She then embarked on a journey to become a children’s author, spending the next few years learning about writing and the publishing industry. After many months of writing, critiquing, editing, and querying, she signed a contract with Orange Hat Publishing. The Oasis, a middle grade verse novel, launched on May 16, 2025.
Lorisa is a member of the following literary associations: WWA, SCBWI, and ACFW. Her poetry has been published in Creative Wisconsin, Bramble, Gilded Weathervane, and Remington Review.
Lorisa lives in Wauwatosa, WI. She enjoys music, books, art, long walks, and any chance to be near water. She loves spending time with her family and exploring the local area.
Lorisa D. Wiedenheft 