Interview with A.K. Leigh
Published 2015-12-09.
Describe your desk
Haha. My lap is my desk . . . so, nice ;-)
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in a suburban neighborhood (Sunnybank) in Queensland, Australia. I think this influenced my writing in that I set my stories in small town and suburban North Carolina.
When did you first start writing?
I have always had stories swirling around in my head, but I became serious about writing them down in my teens.
What's the story behind your latest book?
There isn't really a story! This one just came to me. I can't even remember what prompted it. Obviously something about breaking into a safe :-)
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Seeing the polished, finished product, and knowing I was able to get the story from my heart and into the world.
What are you working on next?
I am currently working on another romantic suspense novella. The working title is: "The Venus Cure".
Who are your favorite authors?
Ooh, there are a lot! My all time favorite author is Jane Austen. She was a brilliant writer; her character and plot development is an art form. George Eliot is another classic author I adore. The modern romance writers I love are: Susanna Kearsley, Rachael Johns, Nora Roberts, Nicholas Sparks and Mary Higgins Clark.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
The unknown, the possibilities, the magic. And my three beautiful children :-)
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I read, hang out with my kids, watch martial arts movies, listen to music (Michael Jackson is my favorite musician), catch up with friends, meditate, go for bush walks and hikes, stuff around on the internet, procrastinate and eat lots of chocolate!I
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
Mostly through my Kobo and Kindle searches. I always click on the "recommended for you" links.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
Yes. It was a love story about a boy I had a crush on at school. That boy is now a well-known Australian triathlete, Iron man and Olympian :-)
What is your writing process?
I write my first draft as fast as possible. Then I refine as I go through my second and third drafts. I have a type of tick sheet that I check off once the final draft is done, and usually run it through my Hemingway editor. Then, it is off to the real editor!
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
Yes. It was "Elmo's First Christmas". I was three years old, so I don't remember the impact it had on me, other than I really liked it :-)
How do you approach cover design?
I leave that to the cover designer. I am in awe of the talent to do that.
What do you read for pleasure?
Just about anything. Of course, romance is my favorite genre, but I also like mysteries, non-fiction, some crime, paranormal, thrillers and so forth.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
Kobo and Kindle.
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