L.L. Vandermate

"Writing the truths of the human spirit, from the ruins of the past to the paradise of faith."

View Current Works

Works of Fiction

Book cover for Ruins to Paradise
Women's Historical Fiction / Grit Lit

Ruins to Paradise

"The frigid air of that 1924 winter night had New York City in its icy grip, a cold not felt in years. A wave of nausea washed over me as the familiar, deep ache in my spine. Soon another mouth to feed."

A raw look at survival and motherhood amidst the cold stone ruins of early 20th-century New York.

Word Count: 90,000 - Book 1/4
Book cover for Tenderloin to Trinity
Coming-of-Age / Grit Lit / Women's Historical Fiction

Tenderloin to Trinity

"In April 1927, thirteen-year-old Betty Parker is arrested after a night of drinking with older teens in the Bronx... a sobering court scene lays bare her father's alcoholism and her future."

The journey of Betty Parker from a state institution and the predatory streets of the Tenderloin to a life of faith and leadership.

Word Count: 107,000 - Book 2/4
Book cover for upcoming works
Future Projects

Upcoming Works

Currently developing a series of poignant narratives including:

  • • Son of a Preacher Cop (Memoir)
  • • Sinister Sisters "Synical Plots"
  • • Sea to Sand-Book 3/4
  • • Poverty to Pot-Book 4/4

The Journey of the Author

Raised in adversity, I grew up as the son of a preacher and police officer, whose tragic murder on my 10th birthday altered the course of my life. Enduring the hardships of over 30 foster homes, I faced abuse and isolation, but remained determined to forge my path.

"From cleaning cattle trucks to serving as a retired professor and director of technology at a major university."

Marrying Lisa later in life was God's blessing and my encouragement. Together, we accomplish the impossible.

After years of hesitating, she reignited my passion for storytelling. I no longer set the notion aside; I am now fully immersed in chronicling these journeys.