Leila Brown Interview

Today I am speaking with Leila Brown. Hello Leila and welcome to Fallen Angel Reviews! It is really great to have you with us today. Thank you for taking time to answer some questions for us.

I know you love to write, especially mouthwatering romance, why not start off by telling everyone something about Leila.
I'm an avid reader. I've read almost every genre out there. Romance in all its different forms will always be my first love. But fantasy and sci-fi aren't far behind. And of course I love fast paced action books. When I write I try to incorporate things I love about other genres in my stories.

Why not tell us about your latest book, The Diamond Heartstone?
I came up with the story a week before I took a trip out to San Francisco. I wanted to do a cat shifter book but didn't want it to be the same as anything else out there. I love the idea of there being another dimension inhabited by beings that are compatible with us. A girl's got to have options. Here's a short blurb for the book:

Alycia's always possessed an affinity for cats, big and small. But when she's kidnapped by a being more feline than human it turns from an asset to an issue. A six-foot five sexy one.

Barrick never dreamed when he paid the best matchmaker in the galaxy to find his mate she would choose one so... different. Alycia is a headstrong, opinionated, melt in your mouth delicious distraction. She's nothing he wanted and everything he needs.

Are there any new works you would like to share with us?
Sure. I recently finished my contribution to The Vampire Oracle coming for Cobblestone Press. My story 'Sacrifice' is centered and the vampire, Elias, who's cursed with the need for blood from one family. He's found the last of the original line, Sienna James. When trouble threatens her he's got to decide which is more important breaking the curse or saving Sienna.

I have also just finished a ménage book involving two Fae brothers, Julian and Lucian. They turn a chance encounter into a lasting bond.

What do you think about the e-book industry and its progress for the future?
I love e-books. I love print books also. But I think that e-books have an advantage over print books. They are more portable. I can store hundreds of books on my computer. No need for more boxes in my basement. No more clutter.

Also I can carry well over twenty books on my e-book reader. That means that wherever I go I'll have something to read.

My husband loves the fact that it's backlit. There is no need for an extra light when I want to read late into the night.

As far as where the industry is going, I think the sky's the limit. The e-book arena has opened up the playing field. And it's just going to get better with the introduction of new e-readers by Sony and Amazon.

Have you ever written a screenplay or considered doing so?
No. But I have been asked this question before. If I did it would have to be an epic dark fantasy filled with murder, mayhem and magick.

Do you get a toasty feeling all over to see your book published?
Yes. I've been seriously pursuing this goal since 2001. I learned a lot in those years. Watched sex scenes heat up, paranormals get smoking hot, and watched genres fall and rise. This led me to the most important lesson of all. Write what inspires me. If the market's not ready just wait a year or two. :)

What were some of the greatest joys after the release of your first book?
Getting my first royalty check. Nothing screams validation like money.

Do you have problems promoting yourself?
Actually no. I read a short article by Emma Petersen in which she explained what she does to promote her own work. I followed her instructions then started thinking outside the box. You just have to put yourself out there. People who want to read you will and others won't. I learned not to take it personal.

Do you find promotion hard work?
Actually, I find it more time consuming than hard. I have to limit my time. I could spend forever promoting one book and never get another written. I'm a writer first. (I have to keep reminding myself of that because promoting comes natural to me.) If I don't write I won't have anything to promote.

If you were to sit in front of a blazing fire in the fireplace, what other things would you like to have around you, especially if it is snowing or raining outside?
A good ultra sexy book, a radio playing low slow music, a nice soft rug and my husband. Let's not forget a nice bottle of chilled white wine.

Who would you say is your favorite actor and favorite movie?
My favorite movie is the new adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. As far as actors go it changes constantly. I like a sexy brooding man. I go for the quieter types.

Leila, why not share your website, myspace or any links to your books with us?
Website: http://www.leilabrown.com
Blog: http://www.leilabrown.blogspot.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/leilabrown
Book Link: http://www.cobblestone-press.com/catalog/books/heartstone.htm

For Fun: Of all the cities to visit in the U.S. which would you say would be the best to take a trip?
Phoenix, AZ. Don't ask me why, I've just always wanted to visit the city.

Which do you like best, sunsets, or sunrises?
Sunsets. I'm nocturnal.

Do you have a favorite pair of shoes that you cannot do without?
I love my boots and dressy heels because they are sexy but I can't do without my tennis shoes.

Which do you think is more romantic, a walk in the country or along the beach?
A walk along the beach. The sound of waves coming on shore. The reflection of the sun or moon off the water. Yeah…way more romantic. (You did say this was a private beach, right?)

Leila, thank you so much for chatting with us today. Good luck to you and your writing.

Interviewed by: Linda L.


Linda L.