Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a new author although the desire to write has been burning in me, ignored, for a long time. I have written eight of the nine books in my first series: Wrak-Ayya: The Age of Shadows. I have always had a vivid imagination, and as a child, spent a great deal of time in my imaginary worlds rather than in reality which served well as a means for me to escape a difficult childhood.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The first book in the series is called Khon’Tor’s Wrath. Gracious, I have found that trying to title a book before it is written is a challenge. It is almost like getting that new puppy and having to get to know him or her before deciding on a name. I think this is one aspect of writing that many authors struggle with – that and trying to write those book descriptions! I would rather write 100 books than try to write ONE book description!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wish I could report that I do, indeed, have unusual writing habits-such as dictating all my books in Klingon. When I do write, I can sit for hours and hours. There is nothing I would rather do, than write. If someone would just open the door and toss in food and an occasional beverage, I could happily stay at the desk for weeks.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I grew up in a rich era of the sci-fi giants – Arthur C. Clark, Isaac Asimov. When I was not reading a book I had my nose poked in a superhero comic book. Okay, so yes I read an occasional Richie Rich – but my favorites were the DC superheros. Loved the original Star Trek. Yes I know, it seems hoakie now – but in its day it was the most forward-thinking show there was. I lived for Sunday nights when it came on NBC!
What are you working on now?
I have written the first eight books. Books one, two, and three will be launched by the end of October 2019 (hopefully) and Book Four by Thanksgiving. Books five, six, seven, and eight will follow thereafter-once they survive the editing process! I have been blessed to have a fantastic editor.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website is www.leighrobertsauthor.com I have some video trailers on this site also. You can also sign up to be notified of new releases on this site – or just follow my author page on Amazon.com.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My best advise for new authors is 1) Take a long-term perspective and hang on for the ride. 2) Never try to write and edit/research at the same time. They are conflicting activities and you cannot engage your right-brain (creativity) when you are doing left-brain tasks (editing, research). 3) Hire the best editor you can find but also one you can work with. You do not just want something who will tell you what you want to hear – but you also do not want the truth delivered through your heart on the tip of a spear. If you cannot give you constructive feedback without breaking your spirit, find another. The author’s journey has enough challenges and your editor should not be one of them.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advise I have ever heard is that, “Just because something is not important to you doesn’t mean it is not important to someone else.” You don’t want balloons at your party? That is great. Just don’t let that stop you from bringing balloons to someone else’s if they like them.
What are you reading now?
Mostly I am now reading about my craft (how to market my series) and books for other authors. I am blessed to be in a tight-knit authors community and we help each other out by reading each other’s manuscripts as Beta Readers!
What’s next for you as a writer?
My goal is to get my first four books on their way and then get books five through nine published so I can start on Series Two. Ultimately there will be three series in the Etera Chronicles: Series One: Wrak-Ayya The Age of Shadows / Series Two: Wrak-Wavarra The Age of Darkness / Series Three: Wrak-Ashwea The Age of Light.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would bring three blank books so I could capture all my new ideas until I was rescued. I do not mean this to sound arrogant, because to try to only select three from the number of incredible books ever written is nearly impossible. Now that I have recognized what I believe is my calling, if I could no longer write, I think my soul would wither.
Author Websites and Profiles
Leigh Roberts Website
Leigh Roberts Amazon Profile
Leigh Roberts’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile