Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written the first volume of my Construction Tales series. My first book is entitled, Construction Tales: Volume I: A Woman’s Journey to Become an Electrician. Nine months later I edited my teen version of the book. It is entitled, Construction Tales: A Young Person’s Guide to Accomplish Anything in Life. These books will cover my journey to becoming an electrician in New York.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first book is entitled, Construction Tales: Volume I: A Woman’s Journey to Become an Electrician. Nine months later I edited my teen version of the book. It is entitled, Construction Tales: A Young Person’s Guide to Accomplish Anything in Life. My life as a female electrician in New York had inspired me to write about it. Few women enter the trades so writing about being a part of history is important to me.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I will think of a funny story and write a short story and post on my Facebook book page. I will then go back and expand on the moment in time with more details and feelings during that snapshot in time. I then carve out a small block of time and then go back to other tasks.
No I do not write every day. I do write short stories on my lunch break or while walking on the treadmill during the first 15 minutes of my cardio routine. I must then find a nice quiet time to write more in-depth.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I enjoyed reading V.C. Andrews and Stephen King as a teen and young adult. I have not been able to find time to dig more deeper into writers since I am usually very busy. I do have a tendancy to read and assortment of work that is thought provoking and maybe controversial.
What are you working on now?
I have been very busy promoting my first (teen and adult version) book. I started writing Volume 2 that is entitled, Construction Tales: My Illuminated Path Continues… I need to carve out more time to write the book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I make it happen through TONS of social media exposure. I abuse hashtags for many big book fair events. I reach out to as many libraries, book clubs, and people accepting interviews as I can. My best vehicle for promoting is on my Facebook book page since I can reach many book related venues to target my book. I chose these routes since it is the cheapest way to promote my book. I must keep my costs down.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would say don’t pay to get published when you have the marketing world of Amazon already at your fingertips. It gets printed, shipped, and funds are collected while you carry on with your life. A royalty check just pops up in your bank account. I would also say pick up some mentors in the business and ask alot of questions. If you don’t know about something, find out by asking around until you find someone who knows. Then make yourself available to help others.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I think going to a book venue and giving away copies of the book. I hear that is the best way to spread the word around to other readers.
What are you reading now?
I have dived into the first chapter of the book entitled, The Joy of Plumbing by Hattie Hasan. It is about a group of women plumbers in business together in England. I am trying to read more books by women in the trades to enrich my writing in subsequent volumes.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am trying to promote the first volume. I am trying to work on my goal and get at least 3-4 books written in the Construction Tales series in the next 10 years. I would like to see the book as a film so learn how to develop a screenplay. I would also like to write a fiction story about a young woman growning up in a tough environment to become successful and secure.
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?
If I was stranded, that means I don’t have to go to work. I would then have big blocks of tme to read. It would be a vacation to me. I would have to choose the last 4 Stephen King novels so I can catch up. I have read a few in my younger years so enjoy his work tremendously. I have a couple of copies kicking around my house I have not read yet.
Author Websites and Profiles
Leslie M Jasper Website
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