Interview with Leslie Scott, Author of Two Hearts, One Stone.

What made you decide to be an author? I’ve always been a writer. I decided about three years ago I wanted to make it a career and here I am.

What do you like best about being a writer? What do you like the least? I dislike the stress. There’s a point once you’re published where writing becomes work and with that work comes deadlines, bad reviews, author events, marketing, etc. Then I have moments where I lose myself in the imaginary world I’ve created and I forget all of that stuff. My favorite part about being a writer—creating stories that other people enjoy. I don’t really care about being told my story was good. What I like is when someone gets excited, tells me that the characters feel real to them. Things like that make everything else worth it.

How do you think your life experiences have prepared you for writing? So, I draw inspiration from everything. Things I see, things I do, things I read. What is it Chaucer says in A Knight’s Tale—"All human activity lies within the artist’s scope.” For instance, at dinner my friend’s husband told us a story about something that happened to him when he was a teenager. On it’s own, the story was hilarious. But in my head I started asking “What if?” Those two words are what start the vast majority of my novels. “What if this happened…”

Have you ever felt as if you were being dictated to while you wrote a book--as if the words came of their own accord? If yes, which book did that happen with? Every. Single. One. Though not consistently. Some sections/acts/chapters are more difficult than others. My first finished manuscript seemed to write itself. I haven’t looked at it in years, I’m sure it’s awful, but it seemed to open the flood gates and all the other stories flowed from that one (as I’d never finished a novel before that point).

You’ve written four novels and are working on a fifth novel. What’s your favorite time management tip? Just do it. Get of Twitter and write.  I should probably follow my own advice. But if you want to help me not do that, follow me and become a part of my distraction.

Are you a plotter or a pantser, i.e., do you outline your books ahead of time or are you an “organic” writer? Both. I’m actually working on a workshop for plotting pantsers, because we are out there and we need to unite! There are times when the words flow, the story comes out of nowhere. And there are times when I have to stop and plan what’s next. Also, I’ve found that outlining lets me get an idea out, while I’m working on a different project, and doesn’t distract me from the unfinished project.

If you had one take away piece of advice for authors, what would it be? Don’t stop. Writing makes you happy, which makes everyone around you happy. It’s the gift that keeps on giving, so why quit? Write on.

Did music help you find your muse with this book? If yes, which song did you find yourself going back to over and over again as you wrote? Well… funny you ask, I’ll drop my Youtube channel in the links and such, but I have playlists for each novel that I listen to on repeat. My editor sometimes listens to them when she’s editing my novels—which amuses me.

Tell me more about Two Hearts, One Stone. Horse trainer Stone Dempsey’s life is all about the ride—with horses and women. He uses his equine talents to impress the country club set and earn money for Smoky Mountain Reining Horses. When his drug-addicted sister deposits her sick baby on his doorstep, he’s suddenly saddled with real responsibility.

Dr. Emmersyn Cole’s goal of starting a practice in her favorite place on earth is finally coming to fruition and she is not going to be sidetracked. Everything is going great until Stone swaggers into her life, half-dressed with a smile that could melt her insides. She's determined to keep her distance…until he rushes into her grandfather’s home, clutching a feverish baby, terrified and vulnerable, and her heart’s hard shell begins to crack.

In only a few short weeks, Stone’s wayward heart suddenly relies on two women—one who needs him—and one that he might not be able to live without.

How about an excerpt from Two Hearts, One Stone?

His upper lip curled into a snarl, but it did little to dampen her flourishing attraction. She took a step forward and sucked her bottom lip between her teeth. Ready to do just about anything to wipe the forlorn look from his face.

That’s how he does it.

Without even trying, he’d reined her in like his horses. She stood closer, at ease, and far too eager to please him. When she lifted her gaze to his, the slow burn of tension-laced desire beckoned her.

“Oh no you don’t.” Emmy took two dramatic steps backward.

His laugh in response wrought a heat in her cheeks. Annoyed with her behavior, she fisted her hands on her hips and spun away. She was an intelligent, highly educated, independent woman. Absolutely not the sort to get sucked into the Stone Dempsey tractor beam of sex and debauchery.

She only managed half the length of the barn when, abruptly, he stopped laughing.

“Emmersyn.”

Had the sound of her name ever held such a heated promise?

Where can readers find more about your stories, books and you on the Internet?

Website:  http://lesliescottromance.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lesliescottwrites/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/leslieSwrites

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lesliescottwrites/

Youtube Playlists: http://bit.ly/2O6IDea

Buy Links:

Kindle:  https://amzn.to/2McJvS5

Nook:  http://bit.ly/2MtQkPA

 

Leslie, thank you so much for being with us here today. I know my readers will enjoy your work and your interview.