Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Yes, I write novels, but I hate being pigeon-holed into any specific genre, so I’m a multi-genre author. My first book, the science fiction novel Tigra, was followed by its sequel, Tigra II: for the Sins of Rothra Orr. It is, in a general sense, a space opera, though the phrase has never set right with me. It is also an alien romance story, though again, it is not a romance novel per-se.
Wanting to stretch my writing wings, I then wrote the humorous mystery novel, Fat Chance, about a New York private eye who is forced to help solve a missing persons case in rural new Mexico. This is a light, breezy read, something to take to the beach and hopefully make you laugh loud enough to disturb those near you.
Diving back into science fiction, I next tackled a dark, dystopian, tale of the the last city on Earth, a city on the edge of ruin, being torn apart by ancient, ethnic hatreds. Angel of the City is told from the viewpoint of a brain-damaged thief, hired to rescue a political prisoner from an authoritarian police state.
My latest novel, Neverworld: The Other Side of the Map, again changes genre. It is a middle grade/ young fantasy adult novel of a girl searching for the mother who abandoned her at birth. Her search takes her to a place of myth and legend, of pirates and vampires and ogres. The sequel is almost finished.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel, Neverworld: The Other Side of the Map, again changes genre. It is a middle grade/ young fantasy adult novel of a girl searching for the mother who abandoned her at birth. Her search takes her to a place of myth and legend, of pirates and vampires and ogres. The sequel is almost finished.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
While I try to keep a regular schedule of writing, I often find myself writing at odd hours, often waking up in the middle of the night to scribble a few lines on the notepad I keep at my bedside. My wife’s patience and understanding, are legendary.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The list is to long.
What are you working on now?
Finishing up the sequel to Neverworld, after which I’ll begin the follow-up novel to Fat Chance, tentatively titled, White on Rice.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Nothing beats word of mouth. Short of that, I try to to the title names out there as much as possible. The usual social media as well as Amazon Ads.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
1). Read
2). Write daily.
3). Take the time to learn your craft as you would any other.
4). Read Stephen King’s, On Writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When you find yourself in a room full of intelligent, accomplished people, listen. Do that and before long, you’ll be the one talking.
What are you reading now?
Killing Commendatore, by Haruki Murakami
What’s next for you as a writer?
Just to 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?
1). The collected works of William Shakespeare
2). Don Quixote
3). The Idiot’s Guide to Surviving on a Desert Island.
Author Websites and Profiles
RJ Leahy Amazon Profile
RJ Leahy’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account