Today you have a very special opportunity: to learn about the writing process of an award winning contemporary romance author, then check out one of her books for free to see it in action.
Please give Lizzie T. Leaf a warm welcome, and don’t forget to grab your free copy of DEAD Awake here.
1. Can you tell us a bit about your most recent novel?
For Musa Publishing, my most recent is DEAD Santa. Santa and Mrs. Santa like you probably never thought of them. The one prior was DEAD Hot. They are the last two books in the DEAD series at Musa that deals with vampires and the unusual beings that hang out in their club. There are a total of six books in the series as of now, with a seventh in the planning stage.
My most recent release is Nordic Heat, a self-published book that I received rights back on and reworked as well as expanded. That one is available at Amazon and features Galvin, a son of Thor who has come to earth to find a mate. The mortal woman that interests him happens to be the Chief Meteorologist at a New York City television station.
2. When did you decide you wanted to pursue writing as more than a hobby?
Shortly after my current marriage when my husband read something, I’d played with for my own amusement, looked at me and said, “Why are you wasting your time on a dead-end job when you should be writing?”
3. If you could attribute your writing success to one turning point in your life, what would it be and why?
The one above when my husband encouraged me to focus on writing. When the rest of my family (my adult children and in-laws) discovered my new endeavor, they jumped on board with their support. My family is an important part of my life and their support means the world to me.
4. Can you give us a brief rundown of your writing process?
Some days I’m not sure there is a process…LOL When an idea comes to me, I open a word document file and make notes on the project until I am able to start the book. Once I’m working on a book, I do a character development for the main characters and an outline of high points by chapter. The direction the book takes can change these, so I go with the flow. Sometimes, I may only have the opening and ending ideas and the rest develops as I write. Other times, the book jumps out and the outline flows, as does the chapters when in the writing.
5. What’s the hardest part of the writing process for you and how do you make it easier for yourself?
Discipline. The placing of one’s bottom in a chair and fingers on the keyboard when other things in life call. Most days I do well, but there are those times when temptation lures me away. There is no making it easier…just a matter of doing. Once writing becomes a career choice, in a way it becomes work.
6. How much planning do you do before you start a new book?
Pretty much the same as the writing process stated above. I need a basic outline so I have an idea on where the story is going. Of course, that outline is like a road map, one can always take a different route, which happens often. Amazing how characters develop a mind of their own!
7. You specialize in erotic fiction. How can writers in other genres spice up their own sex scenes?
There are books out on the subject and I read several when I started my journey. The main thing is don’t close the bedroom door when the characters reach that point of intimacy.
8. What methods have you found most successful for marketing your work?
Connecting with readers, some to the point they are now friends. A fan email deserves a response or at the very least a thank you.
9. If you could give an aspiring writer only one piece of advice, what would it be?
Keep writing and learning. Strive to improve. I continue to read and take classes in hopes of making my writing better.
10. What are you working on now that readers can look forward to?
Right now I have three projects in process, all in new genres for me. One is a Cozy Mystery I’m collaborating on with another author who lives in another state. We work via email and phone.
I also have a Women’s Fiction outlined and the first draft on three chapters done. The other book is a YA dealing with the pain of losing someone through death.
Award winning author, Lizzie T. Leaf writes spicy to erotic Paranormal and Contemporary Romance with a twist of humor.
When not writing, Lizzie loves to read, spend time with her family and travel with her best friend husband.
From now until August 10th you can pick up a free copy of DEAD Awake here and purchase every book in the series for just $1.99 each here.
Links:
http://lizzietleaf.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/lizzie.t.leaf
Love the interview, ladies! And Lizzie, you’re right – discipline is the key to getting the book written. Authors need boundaries and focus if we want to succeed in this digital publishing age. Kudos, gals!
A women’s fiction and a cozy mystery as well, Lizzie! You sure are spreading your wings, girl. Best of luck with sales.
Thanks for sharing, Lizzie. I could definitely relate to what you said about the writing process; mine’s about the same. Best of luck.
Hi Guys,
Thanks for all your kind comments! I’m always happy to hear that people enjoy reading these interviews as much as I enjoy doing them.
~Dianna
Diversification is a great thing, Lizzie! Based on the writing in your current books, you should have no difficulty with other genres, too.
Dianna, as always, you ask the questions that make an author open up. Nice interview!