Interview with Lea Mishell
Published 2016-08-05.
What topics do you discuss in your books?
My books revolve around various types of relationships: parent/child, friendships, boyfriend/girlfriend, same sex couples and polyamory.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
Knowing that I can go back to work on my book while plotting and planning to divorce Corporate America inspires me to get out of bed everyday!
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
The greatest joy of writing for me is simply expressing my ideas. Once the book is in the hands of the reader, I anticipate their review of my work!
What do your fans mean to you?
My fans mean the WORLD to me! I live for their feedback and look forward to creating more for them to enjoy!
What are you working on next?
Currently, I'm working on "SistaGirlz Book #4 Unexpected Detours: Meeka's Story", the fourth book in my SistaGirlz Urban Fairy Tale book series. This is the one my readers have been waiting for since Meeka has been in the background since Book #1! Now we get to read HER story!!
What's the story behind your latest book?
TRICK QUESTION!!! My "latest" published book was "SistaGirlz Book #3 Neva Saw It Comin': Raven & Imani's Story", the third tale in my SistaGirlz Urban Fairy Tale book series, is a story about twins Raven and Imani Powers as they handle the ups and downs of relationships. My "latest" books in progress are "SistaGirlz Book #4 Unexpected Detours: Meeka's Story", "SistaGirlz Book #7 JaShel's Trilogy", and my first erotica title, "You Me Him Her."
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I was born and raised in St. Louis, MO but my life wasn't always stable. I've attended two elementary schools, one junior high school and THREE different high schools in two different states. This instability was one of the causes of my daily anxiety so I chose something stable, like my writing, to keep me focused and positive.
When did you first start writing?
I began writing when my older sister gave me a journal for my 16th birthday. At the time, I was living with my sister and nephew, separated for the first time ever from my mother. Dealing with anger and abandonment issues, I turned to my journal when I didn't want to talk to humans.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
Lack of funds to pay a publisher and the emphatic desire to cut out all middlemen prompted me to self-publish. However, once I get the hang of publishing my own works, I plan to teach other authors to do the same!
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
Smashwords has helped me distribute my works to a larger audience outside of Amazon Kindle readers.
Who are your favorite authors?
My favorite authors are E. Lynn Harris and Zane.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
When I'm not writing, I like to travel, go shopping, laugh, EAT and SLEEP (a la Garfield)
Describe your writing area.
I write wherever I am via pen and paper or an app on my smartphone. Imagine paper and books all over a desk and you will see my organized chaos!
What is your writing process?
I can't really say I have a process when it comes to my writing. I don't outline or pre-plan my books. I just write them, sometimes out of order but I put it all together before publication.
How do you approach cover design?
For book covers, my designer and I discuss what I want for each story and together we come up with an image perfect for the storyline and series.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
The first story I ever wrote was called "Jayson and JaShel". They were the very first book characters I ever created and their story is told in "SistaGirlz Book #7 JaShel's Trilogy".
What is your e-reading device of choice?
My smartphone and my Kindle are where I read my ebooks.
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