Leigh Wyndfield Interview

Today I would like to welcome Leigh Wyndfield to Fallen Angel Reviews. Good Morning Leigh.

Oh, Leigh, I absolutely adore your website. Wow. You also have garnished some great rewards for your works, too. Hot Visions sounds fascinating. I love the premise about the character of Susan having this special touch, not to mention how it will affect Jake when he comes to see her. The blurb alone drew me into the story.

We would love to hear more about it, please enlighten the readers.
Hot Visions is the first of a trilogy about three girl friends with hidden paranormal powers. Susan's touch steals memories from people. You'll have to wait to see what powers her friends have, but their stories promise to be hot, sexy adventures!

I notice you also have another release coming soon, Secret Obsession. You are a busy person. You even have three more coming out in April, June and September.
SECRET OBSESSION is one of those books that comes along once in a lifetime. My agent asked if I could write a non-paranormal story. I told her I'd try, but didn't really think I had it in me. Some personal stuff was going on in my life, so I forgot about it for a week or so, then BAM! The story spilled into my head and I had the first ten chapters to my agent within days. I couldn't be more thrilled to finally see this story come out. I know everyone who reads it will fall in love with this couple. Check out an excerpt at my website!

Do you get along well with your editors?
My Samhain editor is amazing. I worship her. For the most part, I've been very lucky. My Red Sage editors were both fantastic. My last couple editors at Liquid Silver were fantastic also. I'll be honest, I've had a few issues in the past. It's a sticky process made stickier if you end up with an editor who didn't originally buy your work or someone who is brand new to editing and goes crazy on your manuscript. So many authors have horror stories. I'm lucky in that my bumps have been small and quickly solved.

What is the best time for you to do your writing?
Late at night. But sadly that doesn't fit any more with my life. My husband works 8am to 6pm, so I've had to shift into morning writing to make things easier for both of us. It's been harder than it should have been (okay, I'll fess up, I'm grumpy in the morning!). I feel at my best when the clock strikes 10pm.

When your books are finished do you hate saying goodbye to the characters?
By the time I turn a book in, I'm done with it. In fact, often I'll have that feeling of "I never want to look at you again." But that's after many revisions. When I'm producing the first draft, I'll write the majority of the book within a few weeks, then stall with the last fifteen or twenty pages unwritten. I'll then embark on a period of avoidance, which is when my house finally gets cleaned and that half-painted room must be finished. I've come to accept this is part of my process, one that annoys me but separation from these people I've spent so much time with is hard. I have to be ready to say goodbye and I guess I'm not ready until my house is clean - LOL!

What is the hardest part of creating a book? Surviving the editor? Promoting? The last chapter?
Hmmm… this job is tough, so much tougher than I though at first. I think the hardest part for me is dealing with the business that goes along with this career. I'll often spend hours a day doing paperwork or promotion that has nothing to do with creating the book itself. It's no fun.

In your opinion, what are the three most essential ingredients of an excellent novel?
First and foremost, an excellent novel has to have heart. What I mean by this is that I have to have an emotional connection with the characters and the situation. I also need a fast pace. Too much lollygagging around drives me crazy. No tea parties please unless it furthers the plot! Finally, I need to have a hero who is vulnerable and yet still yummy and strong. No wimpy heroes allowed!

What intrigues you about writing?
I've been a storyteller all my life. I love watching stories unfurl in my mind. There is nothing more amazing than lying in bed half asleep and watching the next scene of your book play out in your mind. I can't describe the feeling of euphoria that rides over me. How cool is it to make your living using your imagination?

Is there a particular author that you must run out and grab their next release to read?
I love a good story by any author, but my definition of "good" usually has paranormal in it. Or Spicy! I love some spicy reads too. I just finished Jasmine Haynes' Somebody's Lover. Wow, she really has a great ability to deal with tough issues, while still being hot, hot, hot! I just also read my first JD Robb book. Futuristic romance might be hard to find, but it's so much fun to read!

Is there something in your closet that you just hate to part with, a particular pair of shoes, or an outfit?
I love my cowboy boots. LOVE them! No matter what I weigh, they still fit and look good. In fact, the older they are, the better they feel on my feet. How could I ever part with that?

Rain, sleet, snow, which do you prefer on a cloudy day?
If I'm inside, give me rain. I love listening to the rain on the roof. But if I'm outside, give me snow.

If you had to cook a meal for 100 guests and could have a chef to come and help with the menu, what TV Cook would you choose?
Bobby Flay. Hands down. He's hot. I sat next to him at a bourbon tasting class once (I didn't know until I went to a grilling glass right after and there he was, drunk as he could be, teaching). I can only say he looks better up close and has a kind of alpha aura about him that I find yummy.

You are at Barnes and Noble for a book signing and you look up to see Donald Trump standing in line for your autograph. What is your reaction?
Scream in horror? I have to admit, I find him ewwwy. He might be rich, but he's weird and full of himself. Two thumbs down on that.

Do you have a pet peeve you would like to share?
I hate when I watch someone walk out of the restroom without washing their hands - especially if I just ate their seven-layer dip at the company potluck.

Leigh why not share your website with us and any other links to your books.
Check out my backlist at www.leighwyndfield.com and my latest release, SECRET OBSESSION, at http://samhainpublishing.com/authors/leigh-wyndfield .

I have enjoyed this time, Leigh. I wish you success in your writing. We look forward to more of your great books.
Linda this has been so much fun! Thanks for giving me questions that made me think!


Interviewed by: Linda L.


Linda L.