Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Only one so far, but hoping to change that in the near future!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My debut novel is titled, “Falling for Boston”.
As a frequent traveler, I discovered Kindle books because I didn’t want to lug multiple paperback books with me around the world. Don’t judge, I still prefer paperback. Every time I travel I download three or four books to read. As I read, I was inspired by the stories and started to formulate my own book idea in my head, while adding in my love for sports.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a perfectionist so I tend to re-write things over and over again until it’s just right. That’s not always the best way to go about things because you’re not necessarily moving forward, but I can’t help it! I save all my prior drafts and sometimes I’ll remember something I wrote that I omitted, and find I can add it back in later.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Weirdly, I’ve always been a murder mystery fan, so it’s funny that I ended up writing a romantic comedy. One of the first books I ever remember reading and loving was “Body Farm” by Patricia Cornwell. That book really spurred my love for the genre. I read all of the James Patterson books I could find in my high school library and a few years ago I spent three months of the summer reading all 50+ books in the JD Robb “In Death” series.
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m starting to plot a follow-up to “Falling for Boston”. It will follow the characters Rosie and Carter. I haven’t written anything but I know where I want to go with the story.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m so new to the game so I kind of went about this the wrong way. I published the book and then I started trying to find ways to promote the book, so everything is going backwards! I recently just ran a countdown deal and ran a promotion through Just Kindle Books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up! There were so many times when I was burned out, or couldn’t come up with anything to write. But don’t let that stop you. Maybe back away for a few days, read a book and let your mind relax for a bit. You’ll be amazed what you’ll think of when you stop thinking.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Same as above: don’t give up. I didn’t really tell anyone but my mom that I was writing a book because I didn’t want to tell the world and then not finish. But my mom was my biggest supporter and cheerleader, and she was always asking for more pages to read. She always told me, it doesn’t matter how many books you sell, just know that you wrote a book and that’s something you’ll carry with you forever.
What are you reading now?
Harry Potter, haha! I have to say that series is probably one of my favorites of all time and I’ve read all seven books over ten times a piece. I re-read the series every few years. The last time I read them was the first time I lived on my own. I have to say, the last three books are scary when you’re reading at night and there’s nobody there with you! I kept freaking out that Voldemort was staring at me through my front window…and these are childrens books!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Just like Dory says, Just keep writing!
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?
Oh jeez, this is the hardest question yet! Probably Harry Potter #3, #6 and #7, and Wallbanger by Alice Clayton for some humor.
Author Websites and Profiles
Leslie Kate Amazon Profile
Leslie Kate’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile