Her book The Hand (Amazon link) is a captivating supernatural novel that explores love, loyalty, and the unbreakable bond of family. Beneath its elements of mystery and fantasy lies a deeper message about unity, perseverance, and the spiritual strength that holds people together through adversity. For Lora, every word is personal, shaped by a life rooted in faith, family, and the unending will to keep moving forward.
From Manhattan to the Bookshelf
“I grew up in NYC, and my parents migrated from the Dominican Republic,” Lora recalls. “I have two brothers, and I’m the only girl.” Her story begins in the lively neighborhoods of Manhattan, where immigrant families like hers worked tirelessly to build a better future. For Lora, those early years were filled with lessons about hard work, compassion, and identity.
“Growing up as the daughter of immigrants taught me strength,” she says. “We didn’t have everything, but we had each other, and that made me value family above all.”
Her inspiration to write came from a deeply personal source, her son, Rafael Cortes. “He started writing a book himself,” she explains. “Watching him put his thoughts on paper lit something in me. I wanted to write too, to tell stories that reflected my heart.”
What began as an act of creative curiosity soon became a calling. Writing gave her a way to process emotions, preserve memories, and share wisdom. It allowed her to look back on her struggles not as wounds but as sources of light.
“I went through a lot in my life,” she says. “But instead of letting pain define me, I chose to take a positive path. I went to college, studied psychology, and began working in human services helping people.”
Motherhood, Grandmotherhood, and Grace
For Lora, family was always going to be the bedrock. “It was through my children that I was given the opportunity to choose a positive path and become the woman and mother I am today,” she reflects. “I also love being a grandmother, which is surely one of the greatest joys of my life. With the grandchildren in my world, he has shaped me to become a positive person.” That spirit of love and devotion permeates everything she writes. Her books are not only stories; they are expressions of her belief in the importance of family and community. To her, persevering is more than a word, it is an act.
“Being surrounded by my children and my grandson reminds me every day that hope is never lost,” she shares. “No matter what we go through, family keeps us strong.“
The Origin of The Hand
A story behind The Hand is as interesting as the title itself. Lora laughs while recounting the moment of inspiration. “There was a cop who liked me. He would always keep his hand outside the car window. That image just haunted me and that was the spark for the story.” From such a small seed grew a story about love, danger, and loyalty, where real life and the supernatural mix to describe what it really means to protect your own.”The message of The Hand,” she says, “is that family sticks together. No matter what. Even when challenges arise or life feels uncertain, love will find a way to hold us together.” Lora had no problems writing the novel, just delight. “There were no challenges writing The Hand,” she explained. “I enjoyed every part of it. When I write, it’s passion I write with. It comes naturally.” The sequel continues and furthers the same creative journey. “It doesn’t connect to my earlier works,” she says. “I just love to write. That’s who I am. Writing gives me peace.“
A Healer’s Calling
Lora works healing minds and hearts outside the world of fiction. She is a therapist who is doing her PhD in psychology and sees writing as being parallel to the mental health work she does. “Since I was nine years old, I’ve loved helping people,” she says, “It’s part of who I am. I believe that we’re all called to use our talents to heal others; for me, writing and counseling go hand in hand.” Her first book, A Short Story of Women’s Self-Esteem, My Life, & Positive Motivation (PRLeap feature), was a truly heartfelt memoir of trauma, recovery, and empowerment. She looked at the causes of low self-esteem in the book and how faith and self-worth come into an individual’s ability to overcome it. “At 18, I converted to Jesus,” Lora tells. “From there on, my life has been full of positivity and happiness. Faith changed everything.” Her daily life is simple but deeply fulfilling. “I go to church on Sundays,” she explains. “I spend time with my children and grandson, and sometimes we just relax and watch movies. Those little moments mean the most.“
Faith, Determination, and the Pursuit of Purpose
Lora has been on a really rough road to success, but her determination is steadily pushing her ahead. “The goal was always to get that PhD,” she explains. “I pursue it because I want to keep growing, keep learning, and keep serving. Writing is my passion, and psychology helps me understand people’s pain and strength.” To people battling fear or self-doubt, she shares the message that she has lived by: “No matter what happens, never give up. Keep moving forward.” Thus glamour and sophistication are absent from this formula of success, which instead puts an emphasis on faith, family, and busyness. “My books are in a better place now,” she said with a smile. “That makes me happy. But what matters more is knowing that my story might help someone else keep going.“
Empowering Women Through Words
In terms of her core values, Lora strongly believes that the first book remains the cornerstone of her mission. A Short Story of Women’s Self-Esteem is not merely a reflection from the author herself; it is a guide for women who want to seek strength and confidence when faced with hardship. “I wrote it to inspire women to move forward in life,” she says. “I wanted to show that no matter where you start, you can rise.” She shares this desire of giving strength with her family and readers. “My legacy,” she says softly, “is for my children, my grandson, and anyone who reads my books. I want them to keep moving forward in life no matter what happens, because life is precious.” She credits her mentors for imparting her with a sense of purpose. “My pastors have always guided me,” she says. “And I’ll never forget the social worker who helped me when I was 14. She showed me what compassion looks like, and that’s what made me want to help others as an adult.” If she had to sum up her journey in one sentence, here is what she would say: “My journey is to mark people’s lives in a positive way and help them understand that there are struggles in life, but we must be strong and keep walking forward.“
New Chapters Ahead
In the present day, Lora continues juggling work, her studies, writing, family, and matters of faith. She has several projects in the works but is not yet ready to share details about them. “I’ll talk about them when the time comes,” she says with a smile. “Probably around October 2026.” Her life, like her books, is a series of courageous and transformative statements. From a Manhattan girl to a published author and mental health advocate, she turned her trials into healing and her faith into fuel. In fact, what makes Lora’s story so special is not simply creativity but also humility. She herself does not see anything extraordinary about her, yet her very journey stands for the very things that comprise the American spirit: hope born out of struggle, resolve forged from pain, and quiet persistence in the belief that each life has the potential to inspire another.
The Hand That Holds It All Together
To Chislene Lora, The Hand is much more than a mere title; it is rather the name of a deity she believes granted her favor through each trial and triumph. Faith, here, is her concept of an invisible hand that holds myriad things together. “Writing is my peace,” she says. “It is where my voice and purpose lie.” Her story reminds us that not every inspiration is birthed by showy gestures or fame. Inspiration is also brought to life by the steadfast quietude of a woman who simply refuses to give up, loves with all her heart, serves with utmost dedication, and writes passionately to keep across that healing and hope are always accessible.
In every sense of the word, Chislene Lora is a living celebration of the spirit of America Inspire Magazine, which seeks to celebrate individuals whose lives and works are an illumination for others.
Her story makes utter proof that in a city that never goes to sleep, grace never to gets leg weary.
Where to Find Her Work
- The Hand – Amazon
- A Short Story of Women’s Self-Esteem, My Life, & Positive Motivation – PRLeap Feature
