What
has led you to writing?
I’ve been writing since I was a
child. I loved making up stories and
reading them aloud. I began as a songwriter in my mid-teens and wrote a lot of
poetry as well. It’s only been in the
last few years that I branched out and began writing a novel.
What
inspired you to undertake the journey of writing?
My parents both loved to write, although
they never pursued it. I had a teacher
who encouraged me to put my thoughts on paper and the librarian in our small
town supplied me with mature reading material that exercised my mind. Being around other writers is also inspiring.
What
is the difference between being an author and a writer?
I think a lot of people are effective
writers and probably even have the flair for authoring. However, in my mind an author is one who acts
upon his or her writing skills and grooms their work to be read and enjoyed by
others.
Poor
editing seems to be a big issue in the Indie scene. What is your take on the
subject?
I believe editing is as important to a
book as the writing. No one wants to
read a poorly edited or formatted book.
While we all realize that slip-ups can occur, even with editing, an
author should take every precaution to make sure their novel is as professional
as it can be before they publish. One of
my pet peeves is a misspelled word. The
public expects more of an author and Indie Authors have to be even more
careful, I think.
The
writing community can be its own worst enemy at times. What are some of the
issues you see cropping up in the Indie world? Solutions?
I have had nothing but encouragement and
help from the Indie world and groups I belong to. However, I do see a trend in backbiting and I
dislike it very much. Opinions should be
taken off line, not exposed to everyone.
Backlash, anger over reviews and remarks and sniping should never be
public, in my estimation. We are
professionals and should act like it.
The
social media is…
Necessary and frustrating. While I understand the need to use the tools
available to us today, interacting in this way strips an author of valuable
writing time. However, it gives the
public a chance to interact with authors and get to know them better. A catch-22 if there ever was one!
Share
some information about your work with us:
Perhaps my favorite part of the writing
process is research. I spend a lot of
time researching facts and I love learning new things. Although I have always been fascinated with
the circus I realized there was much I didn’t know. And, I was totally clueless about Gypsies and
their way of life and the care and feeding of elephants. Lucky for me, there are people who know all
those things and were willing to share their knowledge. I have learned a lot writing INZARED, Queen of the Elephant Riders,
and I’m sure I’ll gain a lot more information as I continue to write the
series.
What
is one question you are sick of being asked—not in interviews, but by
individuals who know you write?
Is it hard to write a book? Of course it’s hard. Authors work long hours to get their thoughts
on paper while trying to lead normal lives at the same time. Many a night I have gone to bed well after my
husband has retired for the night, only to wake up at 5:00 am and begin all
over again. But, it’s extremely
rewarding. Why else would we bother?
How
will you deal with negative reviews?
As a songwriter I have had my share of negative
reviews. I hope I have developed a thick
enough skin to not let them bother me too much.
While I believe an author should take every review into consideration to
help make his or her writing better, the trick is not to personalize it. Move on.
How
much reading do you get in, and can a writer excel at his or her craft if they
do not read?
I have always been a voracious reader and writing
hasn’t changed that—in fact it has enhanced it.
I read between 1-7 books a week depending on my writing schedule. I don’t believe any author can be successful
without reading. How else will you know what is current? What readers want? How to identify poor content or editing? Plus, it’s a welcome relief from writing to
lose yourself in someone else’s work!
Define
“Indie Writer” and defend or attack their position in the book market.
An Indie Writer is one who chooses to travel the
non-traditional path of publishing his or her works. This author retains all rights and is willing
to do the work necessary to advertise, print, and publish. The Internet has spawned this type of author
and has given writers a chance to circumvent the “old school” thought of
publishing. It allows authors to get
their books out to more people in a shorter period of time, rather than wait
for agents and publishers to accept and promote their novel. The invention of e-readers has necessitated
this type of author, I think, as the new generation of readers has demanded
more books, free books, and faster service than has been previously available. That having been said, most authors still
“dream” of a traditional writing contract and seeing their book in print.
What
projects are you currently working on?
I am currently editing the second book in the series
INZARED, Queen of the Elephant Riders. It is scheduled to be released in the fall of
2012. I am also authoring a series of
self-help books that I plan to have published in early 2013. When time allows I am writing new songs for
my upcoming music CD, also being released in 2013.
What
is one thing about you that would surprise the readers who do not know you
personally?
Inside this mild mannered, middle-aged woman lies
the heart of a true daredevil! I love
roller coasters, dune buggies, riding motorcycles, horses—I’ll try anything
once!
Is
there a genre that you don’t currently write that you would secretly love to
dip your toes into?
I would probably have to say Fantasy. I have read the Harry Potter books over and
over and as a child loved to read Hans Christian Anderson. Who knows? Maybe some day I’ll try writing that type of
story!
Is
there anyone you’d like to give a mention?
Can I say this here?
Thank you God, for planting me where I could bloom the most. And thank you Ralph, my wonderful husband,
for the long hours you put in helping me with household chores and keeping me
sane on this “insane” publishing journey!
What
is in your “to be read” pile right now?
I am currently reviewing other Indie Authors. On my Kindle right now I’m reading
Leaving Lukens by Laura S. Wharton, Mohawk Moon (Mohawk Series) by N. Kuhn, and Transformative Travel by Kate Benzin. They are all different genres and I enjoy
that. I snuck in a book on photography I
picked up at the local library last week (a guilty pleasure) and I am revisiting
some favorites by Jennifer Weiner and Stephanie Plum.
Links:
Video Trailer: http://youtu.be/lQHtsFQGAP0
Website:
www.lleander.com
FB Author Page: http://facebook.com/lleanderbooks
L.Leander Blog: http://lleander11.wordpress.com/
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