Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a science nerd and a philosopher, so of course I started writing science fiction romance to make a living. It’s the logical progression, right? 🙂 Born in London, I came up to Scotland to study and never left! I’ve been lucky enough to have a wide variety of experiences, from working with the elderly to studying sword fighting to teaching tai chi. I’m also, of course, reading a lot – and when I get the chance, I love to go and explore strange places like ruined castles.
I’ve written around 30 books so far, depending on how you count the serialised stories and the box sets.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I’ve just released Her Alien Rebel, the second in my Salvaged Hearts series of science fiction romance. It’s inspired by a lot of things, but one inspiration stands out – I really wanted to write a romance with a female lead who kicks ass. So that’s Michaela, a veteran and martial artist, able to hold her own against anyone… even Mykor, the male lead.
Which also gave me the opportunity to write a fight scene between the leads, which is almost a sex scene. And a sex scene that’s almost a fight. I loved writing that!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to skip the first few chapters, starting with chapter 4 or so. Before I did that, I would get to the end of the book and realise the first chapters needed to be rewritten so thoroughly I might as well be starting from scratch.
So instead I just don’t write the star until I’ve seen the end 🙂
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to say, so forgive me for all the influences I miss…
Mercedes Lackey got me started on fantstic romances
Robert Heinlein, my mother’s favourite author, and one I read voraciously.
Ruby Dixon pulled me into the world of scifi romance.
And Tamsyn Muir wrote Gideon the Nineth. The influence is new, but it’s there.
What are you working on now?
I’m just starting the second novel in my Crashland Castaway Romance series, title still in development. This will be the fifth book set on Crashland, and it’s a tricky one, but I just know it’s going to be a good one 🙂
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Bookbub – it’s hard to get into one of their promos, but the results are fantastic!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write about things that matter to you. Without that inspiration to pull you onward, it becomes a slog
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
As long as you keep moving faster than the stream, you’re in control. So keep paddling, no matter how slowly.
(It was about canoeing, but the philosophy has a lot to recomend it!)
What are you reading now?
Harrow the Ninth. I loved Gideon the Ninth (romance! Necromancy! Gothic castles in space! How could I not love it) and I’m hoping that the sequel lives up to it!
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?
The Idiot’s Guide to Island Survival
How to escape a desert island for fun and profit.
Harrow the Ninth.
A technical encyclopedia, full of useful ideas on boatmaking
Author Websites and Profiles
Leslie Chase Website
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