Interview With Author W.M. (William) Leesman
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in both Alberta and Oregon. The two divergent cultures led to a well-rounded view of the world.
Baseball was a passion with opportunity. I played in several national championships at different levels and pitched for Canada in a World Championship when I was 18.
I opened a bookstore in my early 20s. And was later drawn into the numismatics world by a friend and baseball colleague, where I worked for 10 years. During that time, I started writing and met the love of my life, Jacki.
The next several years included several career changes and added two very special individuals to our family. Our children brought a different perspective into our life goals and provided an opportunity for growth and significant change. Organizations like Special Olympics became a part of our life. You can find us volunteering as a Special Olympics coaches and referees.
All of these things have brought a breadth of experience to finish the novel I started in my 20s.
I currently lives in Calgary, AB with my family, where we enjoy events centered around movies and sports. I am also a full-time Calgary Realtor®.
I have one completed novel with three more in various stages of completion.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Judas Legacy is my debut and current novel. Working in the numismatic world, I was exposed to many old and rare coins. Dealing with those relics, I began to wonder who would have handled those coins over the years and what events they might have been a part of. That led me to conceive of a thriller based on ancient relic coins with a mystical power.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to put music on while I write. I have an eclectic taste in music and with the headphones on, I can escape into the mood of the music.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King, Robert Ludlum, Dan Brown, James Rollins, James Patterson and Michael Connelly are just a few of the authors who have had a large influence in my life. However, my taste in books are as eclectic as my taste in music so I get inspiration from many books and authors.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on several manuscripts. First and foremost is the sequel to The Judas Legacy and part of my Apocalypse Series. The title is Kayne’s Revenge.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Thus far we have focused on Amazon and Goodreads.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I build a timeline for each character using a day planner. That allows me to build out a rough idea of the storyline and then the individual chapters just need the details.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write everyday.
What are you reading now?
I have several books on the go – Corktown by Ty Hutchison, The Future is History by Masha Gessen, and The Brethren by John Grisham
What’s next for you as a writer?
To finish The Apocalypse Series, follow up with a fictional memoir of a family with special needs and a dystopian sci-fi thriller.
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?
5 Seasons by Roger Angell
The Stand by Stephen King
The Grapes of Wrath by Steinbeck
Author Websites and Profiles
W.M. (William) Leesman Website
W.M. (William) Leesman Amazon Profile
W.M. (William) Leesman’s Social Media Links