MEET THE AUTHOR
FEATURED AUTHOR: LEXI LEFEVRE
Clubs here. Today I had the pleasure of sitting down with a young and mega talented author LEXI LEFEVRE. She is definitely an author to watch!
Let's here what she had to say:
Let's here what she had to say:
Hi Lexi, let’s start by GETTING TO KNOW YOU. WHAT GENRE DO YOU WRITE?
I write multiple genres: Fantasy, Dystopian, Science Fiction, Contemporary, and Horror. Those are the genres I enjoy reading. I guess my tastes as a bookworm had tranferred to my writing.
Outside of writing what are SOME OF YOUR OTHER INTERESTS?
I love music. It was my previous career choice. After a short while, my heart just wasn't in band management anymore, and I decided to switch to literature. I do hope to open a record label in the future, as I would still love to be a part of the music industry in some way.
Where do YOU DRAW YOUR INSPIRATION FROM?
I can draw inspiration from anything. I always get story ideas whilst going about my life. A lot of the times, they'll have nothing to do with whatever I'm doing, but will likely stem from the colour of a nearby object or a trinket from a movie I'm watching.
Okay Lexi, Let’s talk more ABOUT THE BOOKS. What should someone EXPECT WHEN READING THIS BOOK or any of your titles?
Expect silly moments and dark encounters around every corner.
Where did you draw YOUR INSPIRATION from FOR YOUR CURRENT WORK?
I was reading a lot of YA Fantasy novels where angels and nephilim were the main characters, and I began to think of certain scenarios I'd like to see these supernatural beings in. Then, I started to wonder how my friends and I would've reacted to them if we were these characters. In the end, I decided to model most of the more significant characters after my group of friends, and put them in situations I'm glad we never had to put up with.
Any TRACES OF YOUR PERSONALITY IN YOUR MAIN CHARACTER?
Of course. I took some of my high school self and sprinkled that into my central main character, Aria.
What is one of YOUR FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT THIS SERIES?
It would have to be the angels' wings. All of them are different. All are so majestic. I get chills, thinking about it.
Who is ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTERS and why?
Aria is my favourite character, but that could be the biased part of me speaking.
Okay, let’s switch gears here for a moment and talk about SOMETHING SPECIFIC TO YOU AS AN AUTHOR.
Okay Lexi, here we go.
Do you currently have a WEBSITE?
I currently don't have an author's site, but will create one in the future.
What DRIVES YOU TO CREATE A NEW STORY?
If I get a new idea that strongly affects me, I'll begin writing a new story.
What KIND OF STORIES DRAW YOU IN?
I mostly read YA. I'm not very picky. I just start a book that appears to have the kind of story I'm currently craving—so it's less about what draws me in, and more about what keeps me.
That’s so very true, when a story can hold you that is one of the good ones Lexi. Can I ask you, do you LIKE BRIGHT OR DARK STORIES and why?
I like a good mixture of both. Stories need both bright and dark moments. The bright scenes give the reader some breathing room and time to relax for a bit. That way, they can get more immersed in the dark scenes. To have a story that's always dark or always bright is too much of one thing. Variety is more entertaining to me.
What is your PROCESS AS YOU CREATE A CHARACTER?
I have a character outline. I list their physical appearance, age, quirks, fears, talents, etc. Then I make sure they fit into the story I'm writing. What kind of attitude do they start off with, in the beginning? What's going to change that? Do I want them to be seen as a good person in a bad situation, or someone who refuses to change their negative ways? How will they gradually get to where I want them, by the end of the book? Etc. I answer those questions in note form.
That is a smart approach to writing a story. It allows your characters to make maximum impact on the audience.
Before I stray too far off topic, let’s move on to what is ONE THING THAT WE COULD EXPECT TO FIND YOU DOING AS YOU WRITE?
You're most likely to catch me drinking coffee, tea, or just water. Sometimes, juice. I don't like to eat while I write. If I'm hungry, I won't be able to concentrate anyway, so I'll take a break to have a meal. There will be no crumbs or other food bits near my writing stations. Other than that, I do lone readings for my central main characters as I write. I don't want my dialogue to sound forced or wordy (unless that particular character is a wordy person).
What is ONE THING THAT YOU MUST HAVE INCLUDED WITHIN SOMETHING THAT YOU WRITE?
I must have silliness in my stories. It's hard for me to be too serious.
What is the MOST REWARDING KIND OF ENDING to you and why?
The most rewarding ending is one that ties the entire story together. Everything has to work up to that final moment. If it doesn't make any sense, it's not right for that story. It doesn't have to be a “happily ever after”. It could be bittersweet, tragic, or open-ended. What I mean by 'open-ended' is that the story could end in a way that makes the characters more 'real'. It appears as though their lives are still moving forward, even though we're on the very last page.
What KIND OF CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE AS A WRITER and HOW DO YOU OVERCOME THEM?
The biggest challenges for me are finances and, more recently, staying consistently excited and focused on a single project. Money is a factor in a bulk of this career. People are adamant about hiring multiple editors, hiring an expensive book artist because “you get what you pay for”, and then getting marketing and promotional help. A lot of kids my age are either furthering their post-secondary education or trying to get into our dream career fields—on top of student debt. Making a good living in your 20s just isn't realistic. I can't afford all the services that people (who are already doing well in this business) keep mentioning. As for keeping to one project, I try. I just get too many ideas that don't fit into one story. I could be writing Fantasy one day, but wake up feeling inspired to finish a SciFi.
Lexi, what INSPIRES YOU?
Life inspires me. The way different people react to different situations, how similar 'enemies' are to one another. Even how different types of cats have different voices when they meow.
Anyone is inspired just reading that! Thank you for sharing that Lexi.
Please TELL US SOMETHING THAT PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU as far as a quirky habit, clumsiness, just something that is unique to you and someone might never guess as they read your novels?
I'm not sure. My writing voice isn't my speaking voice, so I imagine the only thing people would pick up from my stories is that I love Rock music and can be quite quirky.
What is the BEST PART OF WRITING IN YOUR GENRE of YA, Fantasy, Contemporary?
The best thing about writing SFF and Dystopian is that anything is possible. Although the worlds still need realistic elements that readers can relate to at some level (government-wise, etc.), you can mess with the electronic technology or eliminate it, put your own twist on popular supernatural beings, create a new language, etc. It's magical. For Horror, you can terrorize characters while creating this atmosphere with psychologically disturbing suspense that makes people afraid to use the toilet at night. What writer doesn't have fun keeping people on edge? Then, there's Contemporary. It's more realistic. People read it and wonder if someone they know is going/has gone through the character's toils. They see the possibility of it happening to them. It could be the most refreshing escape from the real world, because it feels like you could be reading a real person's story. Therefore, the reader can feel less alone as they're immersed in someone else's life. Overall, writing for a YA audience is a nostalgiac experience. It hasn't been long since I've left my teen years. I still remember how I felt in high school and how I reacted to certain things. They say “write what you know”. This is one of those things. I'd write Adult if I knew what that felt like. I can't honestly write an entire story in the voice of a 40-year-old yet. I can't even write one for people who've been through their mid-20s yet. I can, however, match the voice of a high school kid, and one who's just started the terrifying yet exciting journey into post-secondary. It's fun and inexplicably rewarding to sprinkle in bits of my experiences and emotions into those characters.
What should someone walk away with AFTER HAVING READ YOUR NOVEL?
I mostly want readers to be entertained until the last page. Apart from that, I'd love if they closed the book—thinking about how much they related to at least one character and how someone reminded them of a kid they know/knew. Also, I hope they walk away thinking my novel isn't like others they've read in the genre. In a good way, of course. We writers want our stories to be memorable.
Can you tell us more about WHY READERS, in your words, WILL CONNECT WITH THE BOOKS YOU WRITE?
People will connect with my books through the characters' vision. I mainly write in first-person and present tense because it feels like the story's being told through a primary source. You're experiencing everything with them, as they occur. All the sights, smells, textures, noises, and tasty/disgusting 'edibles'.
IN WHAT WAY DO YOU WRITE, are you a panster or plan out with outline?
I'm both a pantster and a planner. It starts when I get an idea or wake up from an interesting dream. I always know how I want the story to end when I get ideas, and I go with that. Certain points just pop up in my head, so I make sure to take notes. I then put them in order, based on how I want the story to progress. After that, I fill in the missing details as I go along. Everything else is added and altered in revisions and edits.
What is your BEST TIP TO FIGHT OFF the dreaded WRITER’S BLOCK?
I don't really believe in writer's block, but I will joke about it from time to time. I think that non-belief stems from my often restless imagination. I get ideas every day and have multiple projects. If I'm not getting anything I deem as useful for what I'm currently writing, it likely fits in with a story I have on the side. So, I guess my best advice for conquering the dreaded, questionable writer's block is to either work on another project, or go about your day until you get the ding that comes along with the proverbial light bulb above your head.
What is one fun FACT THAT SOMEONE MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU?
Nothing's coming to mind. I don't see myself as a very mysterious person, so those closest to me probably have me figured out pretty well, I think.
Lexi, is there ANYTHING ELSE THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?
My novel was scheduled for an August publication, but I've been having a lot of book cover issues. I'm not sure when it'll be available. All I know is I'm fighting to have it up soon.
Who is ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE AUTHORS Lexi?
I grew up reading the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. She's been one of my favourite authors since I read the first book. It's one of those stories I had to take my time reading, afraid to miss even the smallest detail. You could say it's what got me to believe in magic. John Green is one of my more recent favourites. I love his characters. His writing voice is very easy to read. I zip through his books as hungrily as Homer Simpson devours pink doughnuts.
What is one of the BEST PIECES OF ADVICE that you received or a quote that you live by?
I actually haven't gotten advice for anything I haven't already done or plan to do. However, the best things I've received as a writer have been encouraging words. There's a lot of motivating, between writers.
What is ONE TIP you would like to share FOR ASPIRING AUTHORS?
Don't give up on your book. Only you can write it. Make sure you're writing it for you. If it's not something you'd read, it can't be very enjoyable to write, can it? I once tweeted something that helped at least one fellow writer. “There's a market for everyone's writing. Don't let one person's distaste deter you from getting your book out there.” I still stand by what I wrote. Don't worry about the people who won't like it. Everyone has their own taste in books. Focus on writing that story for yourself, and it'll fall into the hands of the right readers. When you're done, remember to revise and edit. It doesn't stop there. You need to promote promote promote promote. Research ways to get your book out there. Build your online platform (author's page on Twitter, Facebook, tumblr, etc.). Stick with what works for you. Remember the 'social' part of social media. Don't be afraid to interact with other writers and potential readers. Make friends. Have fun. Not all of marketing and promotions is serious.
So Lexi, let’s talk about what’s next for you. What is the name of your UPCOMING RELEASE?
My upcoming novel is titled 'UNEARTHED'.
What should people EXPECT TO SEE from you IN THE FUTURE?
They should expect books that touch serious subjects (bullying, eating disorder, suicide, sexual harassment/assault), but mostly more SFF, Horror, and Dystopian.
Any EVENTS you want to share that you will be appearing at IN THE NEAR FUTURE?
I wish I had blog tours planned, but I don't want to schedule those with the likely chance I'd have to cancel. I still need that perfect, affordable book cover artist before I can move forward with this series.
What are you MOST EXCITED ABOUT?
I'm anxious for people to finally read my book! I'm looking forward to their feedback.
HOW CAN WE:
BUY YOUR BOOK
For now, I'm leaning more towards Kobo. There's a good chance it will also be on Amazon, amongst many other platforms.
CONTACT YOU
I can be contacted on Twitter, Facebook, and tumblr. It's best to inbox me.
KEEP UP TO DATE ON NEW RELEASES
The best places for updates are Twitter and Facebook. For sole news on my books: Facebook.
Thanks Again.
No, thank you Lexi. It was such a pleasure getting to know you. We cannot wait to read UNEARTHED and anything that you release in the future! Please do stop back in for an interview in the near future to let us know an update.
I am Clubs, for SBC, and I hope that you have had a fun time reading about this amazing author!
I write multiple genres: Fantasy, Dystopian, Science Fiction, Contemporary, and Horror. Those are the genres I enjoy reading. I guess my tastes as a bookworm had tranferred to my writing.
Outside of writing what are SOME OF YOUR OTHER INTERESTS?
I love music. It was my previous career choice. After a short while, my heart just wasn't in band management anymore, and I decided to switch to literature. I do hope to open a record label in the future, as I would still love to be a part of the music industry in some way.
Where do YOU DRAW YOUR INSPIRATION FROM?
I can draw inspiration from anything. I always get story ideas whilst going about my life. A lot of the times, they'll have nothing to do with whatever I'm doing, but will likely stem from the colour of a nearby object or a trinket from a movie I'm watching.
Okay Lexi, Let’s talk more ABOUT THE BOOKS. What should someone EXPECT WHEN READING THIS BOOK or any of your titles?
Expect silly moments and dark encounters around every corner.
Where did you draw YOUR INSPIRATION from FOR YOUR CURRENT WORK?
I was reading a lot of YA Fantasy novels where angels and nephilim were the main characters, and I began to think of certain scenarios I'd like to see these supernatural beings in. Then, I started to wonder how my friends and I would've reacted to them if we were these characters. In the end, I decided to model most of the more significant characters after my group of friends, and put them in situations I'm glad we never had to put up with.
Any TRACES OF YOUR PERSONALITY IN YOUR MAIN CHARACTER?
Of course. I took some of my high school self and sprinkled that into my central main character, Aria.
What is one of YOUR FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT THIS SERIES?
It would have to be the angels' wings. All of them are different. All are so majestic. I get chills, thinking about it.
Who is ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTERS and why?
Aria is my favourite character, but that could be the biased part of me speaking.
Okay, let’s switch gears here for a moment and talk about SOMETHING SPECIFIC TO YOU AS AN AUTHOR.
Okay Lexi, here we go.
Do you currently have a WEBSITE?
I currently don't have an author's site, but will create one in the future.
What DRIVES YOU TO CREATE A NEW STORY?
If I get a new idea that strongly affects me, I'll begin writing a new story.
What KIND OF STORIES DRAW YOU IN?
I mostly read YA. I'm not very picky. I just start a book that appears to have the kind of story I'm currently craving—so it's less about what draws me in, and more about what keeps me.
That’s so very true, when a story can hold you that is one of the good ones Lexi. Can I ask you, do you LIKE BRIGHT OR DARK STORIES and why?
I like a good mixture of both. Stories need both bright and dark moments. The bright scenes give the reader some breathing room and time to relax for a bit. That way, they can get more immersed in the dark scenes. To have a story that's always dark or always bright is too much of one thing. Variety is more entertaining to me.
What is your PROCESS AS YOU CREATE A CHARACTER?
I have a character outline. I list their physical appearance, age, quirks, fears, talents, etc. Then I make sure they fit into the story I'm writing. What kind of attitude do they start off with, in the beginning? What's going to change that? Do I want them to be seen as a good person in a bad situation, or someone who refuses to change their negative ways? How will they gradually get to where I want them, by the end of the book? Etc. I answer those questions in note form.
That is a smart approach to writing a story. It allows your characters to make maximum impact on the audience.
Before I stray too far off topic, let’s move on to what is ONE THING THAT WE COULD EXPECT TO FIND YOU DOING AS YOU WRITE?
You're most likely to catch me drinking coffee, tea, or just water. Sometimes, juice. I don't like to eat while I write. If I'm hungry, I won't be able to concentrate anyway, so I'll take a break to have a meal. There will be no crumbs or other food bits near my writing stations. Other than that, I do lone readings for my central main characters as I write. I don't want my dialogue to sound forced or wordy (unless that particular character is a wordy person).
What is ONE THING THAT YOU MUST HAVE INCLUDED WITHIN SOMETHING THAT YOU WRITE?
I must have silliness in my stories. It's hard for me to be too serious.
What is the MOST REWARDING KIND OF ENDING to you and why?
The most rewarding ending is one that ties the entire story together. Everything has to work up to that final moment. If it doesn't make any sense, it's not right for that story. It doesn't have to be a “happily ever after”. It could be bittersweet, tragic, or open-ended. What I mean by 'open-ended' is that the story could end in a way that makes the characters more 'real'. It appears as though their lives are still moving forward, even though we're on the very last page.
What KIND OF CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE AS A WRITER and HOW DO YOU OVERCOME THEM?
The biggest challenges for me are finances and, more recently, staying consistently excited and focused on a single project. Money is a factor in a bulk of this career. People are adamant about hiring multiple editors, hiring an expensive book artist because “you get what you pay for”, and then getting marketing and promotional help. A lot of kids my age are either furthering their post-secondary education or trying to get into our dream career fields—on top of student debt. Making a good living in your 20s just isn't realistic. I can't afford all the services that people (who are already doing well in this business) keep mentioning. As for keeping to one project, I try. I just get too many ideas that don't fit into one story. I could be writing Fantasy one day, but wake up feeling inspired to finish a SciFi.
Lexi, what INSPIRES YOU?
Life inspires me. The way different people react to different situations, how similar 'enemies' are to one another. Even how different types of cats have different voices when they meow.
Anyone is inspired just reading that! Thank you for sharing that Lexi.
Please TELL US SOMETHING THAT PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU as far as a quirky habit, clumsiness, just something that is unique to you and someone might never guess as they read your novels?
I'm not sure. My writing voice isn't my speaking voice, so I imagine the only thing people would pick up from my stories is that I love Rock music and can be quite quirky.
What is the BEST PART OF WRITING IN YOUR GENRE of YA, Fantasy, Contemporary?
The best thing about writing SFF and Dystopian is that anything is possible. Although the worlds still need realistic elements that readers can relate to at some level (government-wise, etc.), you can mess with the electronic technology or eliminate it, put your own twist on popular supernatural beings, create a new language, etc. It's magical. For Horror, you can terrorize characters while creating this atmosphere with psychologically disturbing suspense that makes people afraid to use the toilet at night. What writer doesn't have fun keeping people on edge? Then, there's Contemporary. It's more realistic. People read it and wonder if someone they know is going/has gone through the character's toils. They see the possibility of it happening to them. It could be the most refreshing escape from the real world, because it feels like you could be reading a real person's story. Therefore, the reader can feel less alone as they're immersed in someone else's life. Overall, writing for a YA audience is a nostalgiac experience. It hasn't been long since I've left my teen years. I still remember how I felt in high school and how I reacted to certain things. They say “write what you know”. This is one of those things. I'd write Adult if I knew what that felt like. I can't honestly write an entire story in the voice of a 40-year-old yet. I can't even write one for people who've been through their mid-20s yet. I can, however, match the voice of a high school kid, and one who's just started the terrifying yet exciting journey into post-secondary. It's fun and inexplicably rewarding to sprinkle in bits of my experiences and emotions into those characters.
What should someone walk away with AFTER HAVING READ YOUR NOVEL?
I mostly want readers to be entertained until the last page. Apart from that, I'd love if they closed the book—thinking about how much they related to at least one character and how someone reminded them of a kid they know/knew. Also, I hope they walk away thinking my novel isn't like others they've read in the genre. In a good way, of course. We writers want our stories to be memorable.
Can you tell us more about WHY READERS, in your words, WILL CONNECT WITH THE BOOKS YOU WRITE?
People will connect with my books through the characters' vision. I mainly write in first-person and present tense because it feels like the story's being told through a primary source. You're experiencing everything with them, as they occur. All the sights, smells, textures, noises, and tasty/disgusting 'edibles'.
IN WHAT WAY DO YOU WRITE, are you a panster or plan out with outline?
I'm both a pantster and a planner. It starts when I get an idea or wake up from an interesting dream. I always know how I want the story to end when I get ideas, and I go with that. Certain points just pop up in my head, so I make sure to take notes. I then put them in order, based on how I want the story to progress. After that, I fill in the missing details as I go along. Everything else is added and altered in revisions and edits.
What is your BEST TIP TO FIGHT OFF the dreaded WRITER’S BLOCK?
I don't really believe in writer's block, but I will joke about it from time to time. I think that non-belief stems from my often restless imagination. I get ideas every day and have multiple projects. If I'm not getting anything I deem as useful for what I'm currently writing, it likely fits in with a story I have on the side. So, I guess my best advice for conquering the dreaded, questionable writer's block is to either work on another project, or go about your day until you get the ding that comes along with the proverbial light bulb above your head.
What is one fun FACT THAT SOMEONE MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU?
Nothing's coming to mind. I don't see myself as a very mysterious person, so those closest to me probably have me figured out pretty well, I think.
Lexi, is there ANYTHING ELSE THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?
My novel was scheduled for an August publication, but I've been having a lot of book cover issues. I'm not sure when it'll be available. All I know is I'm fighting to have it up soon.
Who is ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE AUTHORS Lexi?
I grew up reading the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. She's been one of my favourite authors since I read the first book. It's one of those stories I had to take my time reading, afraid to miss even the smallest detail. You could say it's what got me to believe in magic. John Green is one of my more recent favourites. I love his characters. His writing voice is very easy to read. I zip through his books as hungrily as Homer Simpson devours pink doughnuts.
What is one of the BEST PIECES OF ADVICE that you received or a quote that you live by?
I actually haven't gotten advice for anything I haven't already done or plan to do. However, the best things I've received as a writer have been encouraging words. There's a lot of motivating, between writers.
What is ONE TIP you would like to share FOR ASPIRING AUTHORS?
Don't give up on your book. Only you can write it. Make sure you're writing it for you. If it's not something you'd read, it can't be very enjoyable to write, can it? I once tweeted something that helped at least one fellow writer. “There's a market for everyone's writing. Don't let one person's distaste deter you from getting your book out there.” I still stand by what I wrote. Don't worry about the people who won't like it. Everyone has their own taste in books. Focus on writing that story for yourself, and it'll fall into the hands of the right readers. When you're done, remember to revise and edit. It doesn't stop there. You need to promote promote promote promote. Research ways to get your book out there. Build your online platform (author's page on Twitter, Facebook, tumblr, etc.). Stick with what works for you. Remember the 'social' part of social media. Don't be afraid to interact with other writers and potential readers. Make friends. Have fun. Not all of marketing and promotions is serious.
So Lexi, let’s talk about what’s next for you. What is the name of your UPCOMING RELEASE?
My upcoming novel is titled 'UNEARTHED'.
What should people EXPECT TO SEE from you IN THE FUTURE?
They should expect books that touch serious subjects (bullying, eating disorder, suicide, sexual harassment/assault), but mostly more SFF, Horror, and Dystopian.
Any EVENTS you want to share that you will be appearing at IN THE NEAR FUTURE?
I wish I had blog tours planned, but I don't want to schedule those with the likely chance I'd have to cancel. I still need that perfect, affordable book cover artist before I can move forward with this series.
What are you MOST EXCITED ABOUT?
I'm anxious for people to finally read my book! I'm looking forward to their feedback.
HOW CAN WE:
BUY YOUR BOOK
For now, I'm leaning more towards Kobo. There's a good chance it will also be on Amazon, amongst many other platforms.
CONTACT YOU
I can be contacted on Twitter, Facebook, and tumblr. It's best to inbox me.
KEEP UP TO DATE ON NEW RELEASES
The best places for updates are Twitter and Facebook. For sole news on my books: Facebook.
Thanks Again.
No, thank you Lexi. It was such a pleasure getting to know you. We cannot wait to read UNEARTHED and anything that you release in the future! Please do stop back in for an interview in the near future to let us know an update.
I am Clubs, for SBC, and I hope that you have had a fun time reading about this amazing author!
Clubs, Silver Beans Reviewer and Interviewer
Posting: YA
Posting Date: 3-2-2017
Posting: YA
Posting Date: 3-2-2017
HUGE THANKS AGAIN...
LEXI LEFEVRE for popping in for a chat!
LEXI LEFEVRE for popping in for a chat!
Additional Fun Fact:
Lexi Lefevre loves coffee!
Lexi Lefevre loves coffee!
Looking...
for a really fun book readers. Lexi Lefevre's NOVELS COMING SOON.
for a really fun book readers. Lexi Lefevre's NOVELS COMING SOON.
Want more from this Author: LEXI LEFEVRE
LET US KNOW
LET US KNOW