Meet Author Lu Clifton
Meet Author Lu Clifton
Lutricia “Lu” Clifton writes captivating adult and mystery novels as well as acclaimed books for young readers, combining engaging storytelling with a strong sense of place. Her stories blend mystery, folklore, and character-driven narratives, often set in the landscapes and communities of southeastern Oklahoma. Drawing inspiration from her mother’s Choctaw heritage, many of her novels incorporate Native American cultural traditions and mythology, adding depth and authenticity to the worlds she creates.
Lu is best known for the Sam Chitto mystery series, which follows Lieutenant Sam Chitto, an investigator with the Choctaw Tribal Police. Beginning with Scalp Dance, the series brings together suspense, atmosphere, and cultural insight, inviting readers into the communities and traditions of southeastern Oklahoma. Several titles in the series, including Scalp Dance, The Bone Picker, and The Horned Owl, have been recognized as finalists for the Oklahoma Book Award for Fiction.
In addition to her mystery fiction, Lu has written adult novels including Seeking Grace in Beulah Land and Liquid Grace. These novels explore family history, identity, and the enduring relationship between people and the land, continuing her tradition of character-driven storytelling rooted in the south-central United States.
Lu has also written acclaimed books for young readers. Her middle-grade novel Freaky Fast Frankie Joe received the Friends of American Writers Award for Juvenile Fiction and has been widely recognized by educators and readers. Her children’s novels, including Immortal Max and Seeking Cassandra, reflect the same warmth, resilience, and emotional depth that characterize her adult fiction.
Born in southeastern Oklahoma, Lu spent part of her childhood traveling between Oklahoma and California before her family eventually settled in the Texas Panhandle. She later earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English from Colorado State University. Before turning to fiction, she led marketing communications for companies including Hewlett Packard and Hyundai, wrote and edited for newspapers and magazines, and taught nonfiction writing at multiple universities.
Lu remains active in the writing community as a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Mystery Writers of America, American Crime Writers League, and the Oklahoma Writers Federation.
Readers can explore her books and latest releases on her Amazon author page:
Stories of suspense rooted in southeastern Oklahoma featuring Lieutenant Sam Chitto of the Choctaw Tribal Police.
Scalp DanceView on Amazon
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The Bone PickerView on Amazon
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Five-Dollar IndianView on Amazon
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The Horned OwlView on Amazon
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No TrespassingView on Amazon
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Novels that explore family history, identity, and the enduring relationship between people and the land.
Seeking Grace in Beulah LandView on Amazon
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Liquid GraceView on Amazon
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Acclaimed fiction for younger readers marked by warmth, resilience, and emotional depth.
Freaky Fast Frankie JoeView on Amazon
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Immortal MaxView on Amazon
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Seeking CassandraView on Amazon
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“A tightly crafted novel… full of surprises… Clifton has a way of helping the reader discover elements of her characters’ souls.”
— The Oklahoman on Seeking Grace in Beulah Land
“A satisfyingly engrossing examination of family, land, and community… an immersive story of rural Oklahoma and the secrets that shape people’s lives.”
— D. Donovan, Midwest Book Review
“Highly recommended for its unique voice, strong sense of time and place, and compelling portrayal of memory and history.”
— Diane Donovan, Midwest Book Review, on Liquid Grace
“A book of remarkable merit… readers will be rooting for Frankie Joe.”
— Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review) on Freaky Fast Frankie Joe
“Readers who enjoy graceful, understated humor in realistic fiction will find this right up their alley.”
— Booklist
“A story that tugs at readers’ heartstrings… children in blended families will relate to Frankie Joe’s journey.”
— School Library Journal
Lu Clifton’s books for young readers are widely used in classrooms and reading programs. The following resources provide discussion questions, activity guides, and writing prompts that support classroom learning and book group discussions.
Listen to Lu Clifton discuss her writing, creative process, and early work on the Sam Chitto mysteries and Seeking Cassandra in this interview originally recorded for InPrint Radio.
Watch the interview on YouTube
In the interview, Lu talks about writing in general and shares insights about the novels she was developing at the time, including Scalp Dance and Seeking Cassandra.
This is a question all writers hear, and the answer is simple: stories are everywhere. All you have to do is let them in.
In my children’s books, the protagonists are often kids from blended families or young people dealing with disruptions in their lives. If I’m honest, that probably traces back to my own childhood, so in many ways I’m writing from experience.
My adult mystery series, set in Oklahoma and featuring Native American characters, is also inspired by my past—particularly my family history. I have Native American ancestry on both sides of my family, and I’ve long been fascinated with learning about the lifestyles, customs, and mythologies of my ancestors.
Always! I’m either writing something new or revising a manuscript. I also have several completed books for both adults and children that are still waiting to find the right publishing home.
I’ve always loved mystery and science fiction. Two of my favorite mystery writers are Tony Hillerman and Robert B. Parker. I’m also drawn to stories that explore myth and legend, such as The Dark Is Rising by Susan Cooper.
I especially enjoy books about young people overcoming difficult situations. A few favorites include Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo and Bounce by Keith McFarland.
I’ve wanted to write for as long as I can remember. Like many writers, I worked at it when I could—around raising children, working, and managing everyday life.
I was able to pursue writing more seriously after leaving my role as Director of Corporate Communications for a high-tech company in Colorado. A couple of cross-country moves slowed the process a bit, but the goal remained the same: to keep writing.