Send to KindleToday we are speaking with Leslie Ann McDaniel. Thank you Leslie for being here today and for agreeing to do this interview.
What genres do you most like to write in? Why?
I started out being “genre-less”, not really sure where my writing fit in. Was it chick lit? Women’s fiction? Cozy mystery? That was a good sign that I needed to fine-tune my plotting. I fell into romance, honestly because that’s the best-selling genre out there, but my passion falls more in line with women’s fiction. I like romance as a plot thread, with more going on than just the how-will-they-wind-up-together question. I also write YA, although I haven’t released any to the world yet.
So far, what has been your favorite book that you’ve written and why?
You have to know that’s like asking me which one of my kids I like the best.
I have a special place in my heart for PURE HOLLYWOOD, which is the first of my YA books that I hope to be releasing soon. It’s the first book I ever wrote, and really the story that sat in my head for years before I started writing.
What’s your new book about?
OCEANS APART is a romance about a woman who owns an inn on the Oregon coast. She’s hosting a wedding, and one of her key employees up and quits. Just when she thinks everything is going to fall apart, the handsome best man steps in to save the day.
This one is part of a collection of books. What can you tell us about the collection?
I’m so excited to be a part of WHISPERS OF LOVE, a boxed set of 12 full-length romance novels by 12 different authors. It’s fun to be a part of a project like this, and I really appreciate the opportunity to get to know some new readers. It’s going to be a limited release for the amazing price of just $.99. After that limited time, each of the books will be available individually. I can’t wait for the set to launch this summer!
Who would you say has been your biggest writing inspiration? Why?
That’s a tough question, because there have been so many. I would say my biggest inspiration is Lisa Wingate, because I love her writing so much. I think her style is similar to mine, and her quality is what I aspire to.
Who has been your biggest personal inspiration? Why?
Personal inspiration is even harder to nail down. I’ve been inspired by so many people who face obstacles and choose to overcome them rather than giving up or trying to take an easier route.
What is one thing about being an author that people would be surprised about?
The one surprising thing would probably be that writers don’t always love writing. In fact there are times when we flat out hate it.
What’s “next” for Lesley Ann McDaniel?
I have several projects in the works. I’m finishing up the last book in my “Crescent Cove” series (OCEANS APART is book 2 in that series); I’m working on book 2 of my “Madison Falls” series; and I’m writing a pilot episode for a TV show. We’ll see where that leads me!
Where can people find out more about you and your books?
People can visit me in numerous places:
Website: www.lesleyannmcdaniel.com
Facebook: facebook.com/LesleyAnnMcDaniel
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/lesleyannmcdaniel
Twitter: @LesleyMcDaniel www.twitter.com/LesleyMcDaniel
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/lesleyannmc/boards/
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About the Author:
LESLEY ANN MCDANIEL is a lifelong lover of words, animals, and musical theatre.
While earning a degree in acting at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, she fell in love with theatrical costuming, and pursued that as a career while nurturing her passion for writing on the side. Through God’s guidance, she has shifted her focus to honing her skills as a writer of romance and young adult fiction.
Between working as a homeschooling mom and as a professional theatre costumer, Lesley has completed several novels. She would have done more by now if she didn’t also occasionally stop to clean the house and fold the laundry. Fortunately she loves to cook, so no one in her family has starved yet.
She is a member of the Northwest Christian Writers Association, American Christian Fiction Writers, and a wonderful critique group. A native Montanan and a Big Sky girl at heart, Lesley now resides in the Seattle area with her husband, two daughters, three cats and a big loud dog. In her spare time (ha!) she chips away at her goal of reading every book ever written.
