Allyn Lesley - Interview

Author Name: allyn lesley 

Fiction or Non-Fiction: fiction

Genre(s): romantic suspense/contemporary romance

Number of books published: one full length (romantic suspense) and one short (new adult) in a box set

Links to published work (Amazon, Smashwords, etc):

US (romantic suspense & new adult) - http://amzn.to/1JNz5QU

UK (romantic suspense) - http://amzn.to/1ThTTmq

US (box set) - http://amzn.to/1HGUJ7r

WYLABWYW: Author Bio

allyn lesley writes real stories about real people. 

As a teen, allyn lost herself in the pages of some of Romance's heavyweights, trusting that a happy ever after was just around the corner. In allyn's own writing journey, as in life, she's learned that people don't always experience recovery and restoration after a fall. Her stories speak to the gritty side of life where the right choice isn't always easily identified and happiness not quickly gained.

WYLABWYW: Tell us a little bit about yourself. Something we won’t find in you author bio on your website (do you work, hobbies, what do you like to do when not writing/working, etc.).

I’m quirky, lover of hot, Alpha males, as well as a meme stealer and a Cheetos eater. When I’m not writing, I’m with my hubby and two daughters or turning assignments toward my Masters program.

WYLABWYW:  Are you self-published, with an agency, or a combination of the two?

I’m self-published at the moment.

WYLABWYW: What inspired you to become a writer?

Life inspired me. One of my favorite songs is Stacy Barthe’s Falwed Beautiful Creatures (you can listen here à https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJ5UqwEmoXU) and the lyrics are the kinds of characters I attempt to portray in my novels.

WYLABWYW: Do you have a mentor or mentors?

I have no mentor, per say, but there are writers/story tellers whom I admire because of their versatility to weave tales that’s enjoyable. A few are Jessa Kaye, LC Morgan, and Daphne Watson.

WYLABWYW:  What do you do to prepare for a story?

Nothing really. I just need access to WiFi and a writing instrument, preferably Gdocs or Word J.

WYLABWYW: What do you find to be your biggest obstacle in the writing process?

Procrastination and social media.

WYLABWYW:  Where do you do your writing?

We’ve recently moved, and my hubby set up an office that I never use. I still write in the living room on my couch.

WYLABWYW: Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what do you typically listen to?

I don’t typically listen to music. I have a young daughter so normally whatever she’s listening plays in the background.

WYLABWYW: How much of your book(s), if any, is taken from real life events?

I think bits and pieces will always be reflected in any writing I published. How much, and what they are...well, those will remain a mystery J

WYLABWYW:   Who is/was your biggest support for your writing career?

My family.

WYLABWYW:  Tell us about your book(s).

My debut is a romantic suspense about a small-town girl who moves to New York City and meets a group of tightly knit friends. They’re not what they seem, but then again neither is this small-town heroine. My debut is called Deeper (Book One of The Deeper Chronicles) and can be read on Kindle Unlimited for free or for purchase for $2.99.

My short is called Liar, and it’s part of the anthology, Once: A Night of Sinfully Sexy and Twisted Tales. Liar is a new adult set in New York City where the three main characters have all lied to each other in the name of love. This box set also features seven other novelists and their stories about first time lovers, second chance loves, and friends who have one night of explosive connections. Once can be read on Kindle Unlimited for free or for purchase for $0.99.

WYLABWYW:  Do you have muses you used for your characters?

Yes, I do. Follow me on pinterest à https://www.pinterest.com/allynlesley/

WYLABWYW: Time to give your support a shout out! Tell us about your crew (cover designer, photographer, editor, videographer, proofreader, swag designer, etc.)

Yay. My husband does all my graphic designing from teasers, covers, logos, to trailers. My developmental editor is THE best, and her name is Daphne Watson. Her company is called My Passion’s Pen (http://mypassionspen.com/). For line editing I used Hot Tree Editing (http://www.hottreeediting.com/), and was assigned to the fabulous Kayla Robichaux.  

WYLABWYW: What are you working on now, and when can we expect your next release?

I’m currently working on a soon-to-be released secret novel. I’m shooting for a September release. All I can say is it’s an angsty new adult romance novel. After that one, I’m doing another secret project that’ll be around a novelette length, and have touch on aspects of family betrayal, mistaken identities, and some criminal elements. There’s no set release date for this mature adult romantic suspense novel. Finally, in queue is the sequel to my debut, Deeper Still (Book Two of The Deeper Chronicles). Again, no release date in mind as yet.

WYLABWYW: Can you share an excerpt from a work in progress?

Sorry, I cannot J.

WYLABWYW:  Do you have any upcoming signing events or appearances scheduled later this year or in 2016?

I do, but I prefer to share those details once everything is in place.

WYLABWYW: Which new authors have caught your attention?

Unfortunately, my reading time has dwindled since I began writing. I’ve been reading, when I can, novels I’ve owned since forever that’s on my Kindle.

Thank you so much for taking the time to share with us all.