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.
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
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.
