MEET THE AUTHOR
FEATURED AUTHOR: JEWEL E. LEONARD
Hello to all of you readers out there. It’s Royal here with a new interview with an author I’m sure you guys are going to fall in love with. We here at SBC were lucky to be able to sit down recently with JEWEL E. LEONARD. Here’s what Jewel had to say.
Can you tell our Readers at SBC a little about the GENRE YOU WRITE IN?
I write romance with hints of many other genres (from adventure to mystery, drama to horror, and almost always some element of paranormal).
WHY do you write in THIS GENRE?
I write romance for many reasons, the most significant being that I love to read it (and I’d better love to read what I’m writing considering how many times I have to read it before I’m satisfied it’s “done”) and I write romance for escapism; the world is filled with enough misery and hate that I feel compelled to contribute love and hope however I can.
That’s sweet Jewel that you want to do that for everyone. (Royal)
What are the TITLES OF YOU WORK?
My current titles include Tales by Rails (on sale now), Smiles by Trials (on sale soon), and Alight (currently being queried to agents).
Thanks for telling us that. I’m sure the SBC readers will be getting your works. (Royal)
So JEWEL, how long have you been WRITING?
I’ve been writing since I was very young. Despite being in a family of five, I had an isolated childhood--so thank goodness for imaginary friends who let me join in their lives and document their adventures.
Have you always been driven to SHARE YOUR WORK?
I’ve always been driven to share my work even when I didn’t have anyone to share it with (is nothing more frustrating?) and despite that, my daydreams turned to publication as early as elementary school. It’s been such a significant part of my life that I never considered it a calling--the part of me who is a writer is inseparable from the rest of me. Writing is one of the only things that defines me. Without it, I am lost. Because many aspects of this career make me unbelievably miserable, there was a time I thought I was better off not writing so I “quit” and spiraled into an existential crisis of epic proportions.
As miserable as writing may sometimes make me, I’m so much worse off without it.
If you have any young friends who aspire to become writers, the second greatest favor you can do them is to present them with copies of The Elements of Style. The first greatest, of course, is to shoot them now, while they’re happy. – Dorothy Parker
Interesting quote. It gives us all an inside look at the dark side of writing which is a side not always seen. Thanks for sharing it. (Royal)
What is ONE THING THAT YOU WANT US TO KNOW about you JEWEL?
The thing I want most is to make others happy.
Again such a sweet sentiment. I love it. I am sure our readers do too. (Royal)
Outside of writing what are some of YOUR OTHER INTERESTS?
I love music! I make beaded jewelry, I knit and crochet. I dabble in an assortment of other crafts as time and children allow.
They all sound like such fun things. (Royal)
Now let me ask you this, where do you DRAW YOUR INSPIRATION from?
I draw inspiration from everywhere. I’ve been inspired by stories I’ve heard in the news, by snippets of conversation I overhear in passing at the store. I’m inspired by my dreams (both waking and sleeping). I’m inspired by books, by movies, by music, by television shows (TV and music are probably my biggest inspirations of those four). Research is hugely inspirational. My family (and especially my spouse) is a significant source of inspiration.
If it’s of interest, it’s inspirational. :)
That’s great that you find inspiration like that. (Royal)
Could you provide us with a little something ABOUT YOUR BOOK TALES BY RAILS?
BLURB:
Fresh from a failed marriage, Rhea hops on a train going from Los Angeles to Chicago. It's the perfect escape from her troubles with the added bonus of meeting a sexy stranger. What begins as innocent flirtation and awkward banter with a man Rhea nicknames "Surfer Boy" swiftly escalates to sexual encounters beyond her wildest dreams.
After a 43 hour romp on the rails, Rhea has to decide between leaving Surfer Boy at the station platform or letting this encounter become something more than anonymous sex.
Can you tell our Readers at SBC a little about the GENRE YOU WRITE IN?
I write romance with hints of many other genres (from adventure to mystery, drama to horror, and almost always some element of paranormal).
WHY do you write in THIS GENRE?
I write romance for many reasons, the most significant being that I love to read it (and I’d better love to read what I’m writing considering how many times I have to read it before I’m satisfied it’s “done”) and I write romance for escapism; the world is filled with enough misery and hate that I feel compelled to contribute love and hope however I can.
That’s sweet Jewel that you want to do that for everyone. (Royal)
What are the TITLES OF YOU WORK?
My current titles include Tales by Rails (on sale now), Smiles by Trials (on sale soon), and Alight (currently being queried to agents).
Thanks for telling us that. I’m sure the SBC readers will be getting your works. (Royal)
So JEWEL, how long have you been WRITING?
I’ve been writing since I was very young. Despite being in a family of five, I had an isolated childhood--so thank goodness for imaginary friends who let me join in their lives and document their adventures.
Have you always been driven to SHARE YOUR WORK?
I’ve always been driven to share my work even when I didn’t have anyone to share it with (is nothing more frustrating?) and despite that, my daydreams turned to publication as early as elementary school. It’s been such a significant part of my life that I never considered it a calling--the part of me who is a writer is inseparable from the rest of me. Writing is one of the only things that defines me. Without it, I am lost. Because many aspects of this career make me unbelievably miserable, there was a time I thought I was better off not writing so I “quit” and spiraled into an existential crisis of epic proportions.
As miserable as writing may sometimes make me, I’m so much worse off without it.
If you have any young friends who aspire to become writers, the second greatest favor you can do them is to present them with copies of The Elements of Style. The first greatest, of course, is to shoot them now, while they’re happy. – Dorothy Parker
Interesting quote. It gives us all an inside look at the dark side of writing which is a side not always seen. Thanks for sharing it. (Royal)
What is ONE THING THAT YOU WANT US TO KNOW about you JEWEL?
The thing I want most is to make others happy.
Again such a sweet sentiment. I love it. I am sure our readers do too. (Royal)
Outside of writing what are some of YOUR OTHER INTERESTS?
I love music! I make beaded jewelry, I knit and crochet. I dabble in an assortment of other crafts as time and children allow.
They all sound like such fun things. (Royal)
Now let me ask you this, where do you DRAW YOUR INSPIRATION from?
I draw inspiration from everywhere. I’ve been inspired by stories I’ve heard in the news, by snippets of conversation I overhear in passing at the store. I’m inspired by my dreams (both waking and sleeping). I’m inspired by books, by movies, by music, by television shows (TV and music are probably my biggest inspirations of those four). Research is hugely inspirational. My family (and especially my spouse) is a significant source of inspiration.
If it’s of interest, it’s inspirational. :)
That’s great that you find inspiration like that. (Royal)
Could you provide us with a little something ABOUT YOUR BOOK TALES BY RAILS?
BLURB:
Fresh from a failed marriage, Rhea hops on a train going from Los Angeles to Chicago. It's the perfect escape from her troubles with the added bonus of meeting a sexy stranger. What begins as innocent flirtation and awkward banter with a man Rhea nicknames "Surfer Boy" swiftly escalates to sexual encounters beyond her wildest dreams.
After a 43 hour romp on the rails, Rhea has to decide between leaving Surfer Boy at the station platform or letting this encounter become something more than anonymous sex.
Thank you for that pulse-quickening blurb Jewel. (Royal)
What should SOMEONE EXPECT WHEN READING THIS BOOK or any of YOUR TITLES?
Sex. If sex makes you squeamish, these books are not for you. I don’t shy away from detail and I’m not above reflecting reality in these scenes. Sex is intimate, messy, and fantastic. It can be disappointing, it can have unexpected repercussions. I find it can be revealing (ha!), serious, funny. So I like to touch upon all those things and more (not necessarily in one act).
The sex scenes in my historical romances tend to have “nicer” language and more vague descriptions of action than the sex scenes in my contemporary works.
In my contemporary books, there’s also a lot of harsh language (I am more willing to write these words than I am to say them in real life, strangely enough).
Lastly, expect a touch of magic. (What is love if not magical?!) Some of my stories have much more magic than others, but it manages to show up in some capacity in pretty much everything I write.
I myself love steamy romances that have yummy sex scenes. I believe our romance readers here at SBC would agree with me. (Royal)
Where did you draw your INSPIRATION FROM FOR YOUR CURRENT WORK?
My current work started off as a daydream of running away from my responsibilities during an especially difficult time in my life. I thought it would be great fun to leave everyone and everything behind, hop a train and take it wherever. Now of course I’m not abandoning my family no matter what but that’s no reason my imagination couldn’t. The next thing I know, I’ve got 20,000 of the fastest words I’ve ever written ... and an awful lot of anonymous sex on those pages.
Mmm… I think we all feel this way at some point in our lives. So I’m sure like me, the SBC readers will want to read about the things we all fantasize about. (Royal)
Can I ask you Jewel if there are any TRACES OF YOUR PERSONALITY in your MAIN CHARACTER?
Oh my, oh dear, can I plead the fifth? :-o
*blush* Rhea is an awful lot like me, fears, flaws, history and all. And the traits that aren’t like mine are ones I wish I possessed.
Love your refreshing honesty with this one. *winks* (Royal)
Okay can you tell us, what is one of your FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT THIS SERIES?
I’ve spent so much of the last three years steeped in a slightly more technologically advanced version of the 1880s that it was great fun for me to be able to make blatant references to modern things: from Facebook to smart phones, birth control to antidepressants. It is a challenge and a joy to write in the 1880s (I love it or I wouldn’t be doing it) but it was great to have a breather and to be able to do things like shamelessly quoting Star Wars.
Who is one of your FAVORITE CHARACTERS and why?
If you're asking for a favorite character I didn't create, it's Sparkle Stardust. If you're asking for my favorite of my own creations it is, hands down, no contest, far and away, undoubtedly Rafaele Forino. My sexy Italian bandit. He's spiritual, he's religious and of course he attracts the paranormal—Including the witch he falls head over heels in love with. I envision him played by Colin O'Donoghue (Hook from Once Upon a Time).
I’m fanning myself over here. I will have to pick that one up. I’m an Oncer myself and I absolutely love Hook, YUM. Okay I guess I’ll return from my daydreams and ask the next question. *blushing* (Royal)
Let’s get into a more in depth look at you Jewel. Here are SOMETHINGS SPECIFIC TO AUTHOR:
Starting with your WEBSITE:
Well, I’ll start by announcing that my website will be undergoing an overhaul in the coming weeks in preparation for my next book release. I haven’t picked a new theme yet (OMG please don’t make me!) and I need to redo my book info pages (one down, many to go).
Don’t worry about it. We will be anxiously awaiting the re-launch. *winks* (Royal)
Can you tell us more about MILTON MONDAY?
Milton Monday was originally supposed to be for showcasing art related to the era in which my historical book series (The Witches’ Rede) takes place. But as I got more invested in my contemporary series (Rays of Sunshine), I wanted to expand what I could share on Mondays. So with the overhaul of my site, Mondays will continue to be semi-random updates featuring anything from my writing method (they will never be how-to’s, more like how-don’ts) to snippets of my works-in-progress. And maybe even still some art every now and then.
How about WILD WEST WEDNESDAYS?
I share old newspaper articles on Wild West Wednesdays (and often attempt to make them relevant to current events or events that take place during the course of my story, between May and September).
Now let’s talk about FRIDAY FRIVOLITY.
On my Friday Frivolity posts, I interview fellow writers. I hit a snag in doing that weekly when I suffered a particularly bad bout of depression. I’m still trying to get back on schedule with them but it’s been difficult between being wrapped up in finishing Smiles by Trials and having both kids at home during the summertime.
And the BOUDOIR?
The Boudoir section has taken a backseat to all other projects but I hope to add content there before the end of 2016. I created that section to share (free!) romantic/erotic content, mostly short scenes based on writing prompts… all with a naughty twist. I began a scene with a sexy pirate that maybe someday I’ll expand. But generally my goal was to post flash fiction or very short stories there several times a month. Alas, time gets away from me.
Favorite part of writing?
My favorite part of writing is far and away the sexy times and I believe they are my forte. If I’m struggling to get into a project, I’ll write a sex scene with the characters. The most interesting details are revealed and I find that people are at their most genuine when they’re vulnerable--like during the act. Sometimes those scenes are filed away for my own reading enjoyment but more often than not, they wind up in the finished story.
And we want to read everyone that you do share with us. (Royal)
What about your Characters you write about, what are they like? And how does this effect your stories?
I have always been a sucker for a man who falls in love hard—I ended up with one, myself! My female characters tend to be the temperamental spitfires that I am not. They’re also kind-hearted, which is something I find lacking in a great-many headstrong heroine.
So... one is a reflection of my reality, and the other is half reality, half imagination. I find that pairing a man who falls crazy in love with a woman who is more concerned with her own interests creates dynamic relationships and a refreshing take on romance.
Sounds like a spicy combo. One that is definitely worth a read. (Royal)
I want to give the readers a little BIO BACKGROUND on you. Do you mind sharing something about your personal life Jewel?
As for my family: I’m happily married to a man who is stupid in love with me (I say stupid because he puts up with my ridiculous shenanigans) and we have two children. My nearly eight-year-old son is heading into 2nd grade, is enrolled in the accelerated program and is obsessed with Sonic the Hedgehog, all things space, froggies, and a little bit of Doctor Who.
My two-year-old daughter has severe microcephaly caused by a genetic mutation that is undocumented (meaning she is the only person on the face of the planet known to have this mutation--she is 1 in 7.3 billion). Her genetic condition has no name, only a number.
Where my son is leading the charge scholastically, my daughter is substantially developmentally delayed.
As doctors have no case studies to refer us to, we have no prognosis for her and no way of knowing what her future holds. I can tell her doctors have no expectations for her development when we tell them what she does and it’s always met with looks of unabashed shock. (She sits unassisted, feeds herself solid foods, crawls, pulls to standing, cruises and is beginning to take independent steps! Verbally she’s much further behind but still making progress. I don’t have unrealistic expectations for her speech capabilities but . . . They say James Earl Jones was functionally mute for 8 years--and look at him now!)
We added a smoke cat (named Pandora) to our family back in January of this year. She has become “my cat” and only recently started snuggling with me in bed. She has little interest in my daughter but likes to race through the house and terrorize my son (I think she thinks she’s playing with him but one can never know for sure). All the little ones keep me on my toes!
Thank you for sharing with us. You’re quite the strong person Jewel. Definitely someone to admire in my opinion. (Royal)
Switching gears, a little, where did your INTEREST IN THE PARANORMAL start?
My affinity for the mystical started the fateful day one of my few friends at school gave me a book to borrow. It was the first of the Vampire Diaries trilogy (it was a trilogy at the time) by LJ Smith (and yes these are the books the TV show came from) and I devoured it. I’m more interested in the “lives” and loves of paranormal creatures than I am about the blood and gore but frankly, you can’t really have one (the paranormal) without the other (the gore). For instance: My vampires may have moral conflicts about what they need to do to exist, but they’ll do it all the same and without any sparkle.
Got to love those Vamps. I know I do. (leans head to the side and exposes neck *giggles*) (Royal)
I’ve noticed a shift in your paranormal creatures, can you tell us about this?
Over the years, my favorite paranormal creatures have changed. For a very long time I was all about those vamps, ‘bout those vamps, no werewolves. Now it’s an obsession with werewolves (reflected in my male main character, Rafaele, in The Witches’ Rede series). Closely following is a deep-rooted love for a good witch (hence my female main character, Maeve).
Do you mind sharing some of PHOTOS OF YOUR FUN PROJECTS with us here at SBC?
I used to share my knitting on my blog but I deleted those posts in favor of writing-related topics when I began the querying process. I’m happy to share some photos of my projects here though!
What should SOMEONE EXPECT WHEN READING THIS BOOK or any of YOUR TITLES?
Sex. If sex makes you squeamish, these books are not for you. I don’t shy away from detail and I’m not above reflecting reality in these scenes. Sex is intimate, messy, and fantastic. It can be disappointing, it can have unexpected repercussions. I find it can be revealing (ha!), serious, funny. So I like to touch upon all those things and more (not necessarily in one act).
The sex scenes in my historical romances tend to have “nicer” language and more vague descriptions of action than the sex scenes in my contemporary works.
In my contemporary books, there’s also a lot of harsh language (I am more willing to write these words than I am to say them in real life, strangely enough).
Lastly, expect a touch of magic. (What is love if not magical?!) Some of my stories have much more magic than others, but it manages to show up in some capacity in pretty much everything I write.
I myself love steamy romances that have yummy sex scenes. I believe our romance readers here at SBC would agree with me. (Royal)
Where did you draw your INSPIRATION FROM FOR YOUR CURRENT WORK?
My current work started off as a daydream of running away from my responsibilities during an especially difficult time in my life. I thought it would be great fun to leave everyone and everything behind, hop a train and take it wherever. Now of course I’m not abandoning my family no matter what but that’s no reason my imagination couldn’t. The next thing I know, I’ve got 20,000 of the fastest words I’ve ever written ... and an awful lot of anonymous sex on those pages.
Mmm… I think we all feel this way at some point in our lives. So I’m sure like me, the SBC readers will want to read about the things we all fantasize about. (Royal)
Can I ask you Jewel if there are any TRACES OF YOUR PERSONALITY in your MAIN CHARACTER?
Oh my, oh dear, can I plead the fifth? :-o
*blush* Rhea is an awful lot like me, fears, flaws, history and all. And the traits that aren’t like mine are ones I wish I possessed.
Love your refreshing honesty with this one. *winks* (Royal)
Okay can you tell us, what is one of your FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT THIS SERIES?
I’ve spent so much of the last three years steeped in a slightly more technologically advanced version of the 1880s that it was great fun for me to be able to make blatant references to modern things: from Facebook to smart phones, birth control to antidepressants. It is a challenge and a joy to write in the 1880s (I love it or I wouldn’t be doing it) but it was great to have a breather and to be able to do things like shamelessly quoting Star Wars.
Who is one of your FAVORITE CHARACTERS and why?
If you're asking for a favorite character I didn't create, it's Sparkle Stardust. If you're asking for my favorite of my own creations it is, hands down, no contest, far and away, undoubtedly Rafaele Forino. My sexy Italian bandit. He's spiritual, he's religious and of course he attracts the paranormal—Including the witch he falls head over heels in love with. I envision him played by Colin O'Donoghue (Hook from Once Upon a Time).
I’m fanning myself over here. I will have to pick that one up. I’m an Oncer myself and I absolutely love Hook, YUM. Okay I guess I’ll return from my daydreams and ask the next question. *blushing* (Royal)
Let’s get into a more in depth look at you Jewel. Here are SOMETHINGS SPECIFIC TO AUTHOR:
Starting with your WEBSITE:
Well, I’ll start by announcing that my website will be undergoing an overhaul in the coming weeks in preparation for my next book release. I haven’t picked a new theme yet (OMG please don’t make me!) and I need to redo my book info pages (one down, many to go).
Don’t worry about it. We will be anxiously awaiting the re-launch. *winks* (Royal)
Can you tell us more about MILTON MONDAY?
Milton Monday was originally supposed to be for showcasing art related to the era in which my historical book series (The Witches’ Rede) takes place. But as I got more invested in my contemporary series (Rays of Sunshine), I wanted to expand what I could share on Mondays. So with the overhaul of my site, Mondays will continue to be semi-random updates featuring anything from my writing method (they will never be how-to’s, more like how-don’ts) to snippets of my works-in-progress. And maybe even still some art every now and then.
How about WILD WEST WEDNESDAYS?
I share old newspaper articles on Wild West Wednesdays (and often attempt to make them relevant to current events or events that take place during the course of my story, between May and September).
Now let’s talk about FRIDAY FRIVOLITY.
On my Friday Frivolity posts, I interview fellow writers. I hit a snag in doing that weekly when I suffered a particularly bad bout of depression. I’m still trying to get back on schedule with them but it’s been difficult between being wrapped up in finishing Smiles by Trials and having both kids at home during the summertime.
And the BOUDOIR?
The Boudoir section has taken a backseat to all other projects but I hope to add content there before the end of 2016. I created that section to share (free!) romantic/erotic content, mostly short scenes based on writing prompts… all with a naughty twist. I began a scene with a sexy pirate that maybe someday I’ll expand. But generally my goal was to post flash fiction or very short stories there several times a month. Alas, time gets away from me.
Favorite part of writing?
My favorite part of writing is far and away the sexy times and I believe they are my forte. If I’m struggling to get into a project, I’ll write a sex scene with the characters. The most interesting details are revealed and I find that people are at their most genuine when they’re vulnerable--like during the act. Sometimes those scenes are filed away for my own reading enjoyment but more often than not, they wind up in the finished story.
And we want to read everyone that you do share with us. (Royal)
What about your Characters you write about, what are they like? And how does this effect your stories?
I have always been a sucker for a man who falls in love hard—I ended up with one, myself! My female characters tend to be the temperamental spitfires that I am not. They’re also kind-hearted, which is something I find lacking in a great-many headstrong heroine.
So... one is a reflection of my reality, and the other is half reality, half imagination. I find that pairing a man who falls crazy in love with a woman who is more concerned with her own interests creates dynamic relationships and a refreshing take on romance.
Sounds like a spicy combo. One that is definitely worth a read. (Royal)
I want to give the readers a little BIO BACKGROUND on you. Do you mind sharing something about your personal life Jewel?
As for my family: I’m happily married to a man who is stupid in love with me (I say stupid because he puts up with my ridiculous shenanigans) and we have two children. My nearly eight-year-old son is heading into 2nd grade, is enrolled in the accelerated program and is obsessed with Sonic the Hedgehog, all things space, froggies, and a little bit of Doctor Who.
My two-year-old daughter has severe microcephaly caused by a genetic mutation that is undocumented (meaning she is the only person on the face of the planet known to have this mutation--she is 1 in 7.3 billion). Her genetic condition has no name, only a number.
Where my son is leading the charge scholastically, my daughter is substantially developmentally delayed.
As doctors have no case studies to refer us to, we have no prognosis for her and no way of knowing what her future holds. I can tell her doctors have no expectations for her development when we tell them what she does and it’s always met with looks of unabashed shock. (She sits unassisted, feeds herself solid foods, crawls, pulls to standing, cruises and is beginning to take independent steps! Verbally she’s much further behind but still making progress. I don’t have unrealistic expectations for her speech capabilities but . . . They say James Earl Jones was functionally mute for 8 years--and look at him now!)
We added a smoke cat (named Pandora) to our family back in January of this year. She has become “my cat” and only recently started snuggling with me in bed. She has little interest in my daughter but likes to race through the house and terrorize my son (I think she thinks she’s playing with him but one can never know for sure). All the little ones keep me on my toes!
Thank you for sharing with us. You’re quite the strong person Jewel. Definitely someone to admire in my opinion. (Royal)
Switching gears, a little, where did your INTEREST IN THE PARANORMAL start?
My affinity for the mystical started the fateful day one of my few friends at school gave me a book to borrow. It was the first of the Vampire Diaries trilogy (it was a trilogy at the time) by LJ Smith (and yes these are the books the TV show came from) and I devoured it. I’m more interested in the “lives” and loves of paranormal creatures than I am about the blood and gore but frankly, you can’t really have one (the paranormal) without the other (the gore). For instance: My vampires may have moral conflicts about what they need to do to exist, but they’ll do it all the same and without any sparkle.
Got to love those Vamps. I know I do. (leans head to the side and exposes neck *giggles*) (Royal)
I’ve noticed a shift in your paranormal creatures, can you tell us about this?
Over the years, my favorite paranormal creatures have changed. For a very long time I was all about those vamps, ‘bout those vamps, no werewolves. Now it’s an obsession with werewolves (reflected in my male main character, Rafaele, in The Witches’ Rede series). Closely following is a deep-rooted love for a good witch (hence my female main character, Maeve).
Do you mind sharing some of PHOTOS OF YOUR FUN PROJECTS with us here at SBC?
I used to share my knitting on my blog but I deleted those posts in favor of writing-related topics when I began the querying process. I’m happy to share some photos of my projects here though!
I generally don’t work with clay as I can’t sculpt to save my life. But every now and then a miracle happens (like this Jack Skellington head).
Here’s an amethyst and citrine necklace/bracelet set I made for my niece’s sweet 16.
And probably my favorite knitting project to date are these gloves. I knit one of them while riding in the passenger seat of a 24 foot Budget truck--I was helping my father move from CA to AZ at the time. And no, that was no small feat (knitting in a truck like that, and the move!) ;)
We enjoy attending renaissance faires. Hubby’s and my outfits are “store bought” but hubby sewed the kids’ outfits! He’s also making my Victorian/Steampunk clothing but it’s in a state of being unfinished…
Victorian undies*: the scandal!
Love all of your projects and photos. Glad you shared them with us. (Royal)
We also noticed that you have a love for FLOWERS, what are your favorites?
I do love flowers! My favorites are masdevallia flowers (there are even kinds called Dracula!) -- Google them, they are so beautiful it’s well worth a brief image search. I also love succulent flowers. For less exotic flowers, my favorites are carnations and lilies.
That’s a hot flower. (I’m a closet flower lover myself. *giggles*) (Royal)
What’s this about PUMPKIN SPICE, can you tell us more about this borderline OBSESSION? *wink*
I’ve always adored pumpkin spice goodies and prior to discovering Starbuck’s PSL (soon, my tastebuds, SOON!) I used to go to craft and hobby stores to huff the potpourri. I mean, I used to go enjoy the smells. :) Can’t say what it is about it. Maybe it’s become a sensory memory for all things fall (my favorite season, Halloween, Thanksgiving, better weather, hubby’s and my birthdays, what’s not to love?!) but the obsession with it is very real.
I’m just laughing about this. I think it’s great, your love for pumpkin spice. (Royal)
Let’s move to something else now. What do you hope readers do/ feel when they READ YOUR BOOKS?
I hope that readers will connect with my books in a few ways. I aim for having imperfect but relatable characters (likability is a plus and I won’t lie, it’s euphoric to hear people tell me they like my characters).
I want readers to want to wrap themselves in my world-building (there’s the escapism I mentioned as a driving force for my writing).
And bit by bit, I find real life controversies creeping into my stories for an added sense of realism, time and place. You wouldn’t think what we’re experiencing here and now in the world applies to what people of the 1880s were going through but as they say, “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” And where they’re not the exact same, they’re similar: People fought for marriage rights (between races rather than same sex) and there were groups in America fighting to keep out immigrants (rather than Mexicans and Syrian refugees, they were fighting to keep out the Irish, the Italians, the Jews). These themes should, by all means, by antiquated now but sadly they’re not.
Let’s concentrate on your WEDNESDAY BLOG for a moment. What is a perk we can expect to find in them?
The perk to my Wednesday blog updates is seeing history told as current events and the similarities between then and now are staggering--and a bit sickening.
And your favorite part of the WRITING PROCESS?
That being said, my favorite part of the writing process is, has been, and always will be research. Good thing because with what I like to write, I spend a disproportionate amount of my time researching.
So Jewel, can you give us a tip on how to overcome WRITER’S BLOCK?
Since you asked for a tip to help with writer's block: research is it! If you don’t have the luxury to do other things while working through whatever’s blocking you (in my case it’s typically depression), dive into your research. Discovering things you didn’t know can be hugely inspirational and a great way to dislodge that block.
Great tip Jewel. (Royal)
Let me ask, who are some of your FAVORITE AUTHORS?
I read Ann M. Martin and LJ Smith when I was growing up. Nowadays I love Nina Bangs and Robert Heinlein. Suggested peers include Ashley Graham (Alyse Raines), Vania Rheault, and Lo-arna Green.
Amazing selection. Such an awesome group of writers. (Royal)
Jewel, what is one of the BEST PIECES OF ADVICE that you received OR A QUOTE that you live by?
You’re not going to make everyone happy so focus instead on making yourself happy. (Which flies in the face of the thing I want most… to make others happy.)
I write to appease myself (the only person I can guarantee who will like my work) and hope that there are others out there like me who will enjoy my work as much as I do.
Maybe even more.
I’m sure I can speak for all of us at SBC when I say, we are glad you do write because your work is fantastic. You definitely have a fan in me. *winks* (Royal)
Since I love your tips, can you give us ONE TIP YOU HAVE FOR ASPIRING AUTHORS?
Find yourself cheerleaders. Not “yes” men (or women), not people who will focus on all the things you’ve done wrong with the intentions of “helping” you.
Find those people who wait with bated breath to read your work. The ones who ask you regularly, “Have you got something new for me to read yet? I’m dying to know what happens to (your character name here)!”
The reason I say to find those people is because those are the ones who will help you through your writing when your own enthusiasm for it wanes.
The people who have done that for me (and they know who they are) are the ones who’ve gotten me through some very dark times recently. Sometimes you don’t need to have your ego stroked or deflated. What you need most is someone else’s enthusiasm for your words.
That’s extremely powerful. I myself will take this one to heart. (Royal)
So let’s do a quick power round featuring what’s up next for you Jewel?
What is the name of your UPCOMING RELEASE?
After grappling with it from the very beginning of the project, my upcoming release was given the name Smiles by Trials.
What should people EXPECT TO SEE FROM YOU IN THE FUTURE?
A lot more romance. Humor and adventure. Ghosts, wereshifters, wicked witches, loss, redemption. Forgiveness.
Love and life.
How about any EVENTS YOU want to share that you will be APPEARING AT in the near future? (Blog tours, Signings, etc.)
None planned at this time (subject to change).
That was a wonderful burst of information. That’s it for the quick round. (Royal)
But now I want to know, what are you MOST EXCITED ABOUT Jewel?
I have a couple projects I’m letting percolate in my head right now. I’m eager to get going on those and to resume work on both my current series--one is projected 3 or 4 books, the other is projected 9 books. :-o
Oh my gosh. We are excited about this news too. (Royal)
So I know by now everyone is asking the same question I am, how can we BUY YOUR BOOKS?
My book is currently being sold exclusively at Amazon
(It is available on Kindle Unlimited)
So Jewel, how can we CONTACT YOU?
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
Email
Website
Instagram
We also want to keep up to date on new releases do you have a newsletter?
I am ashamed to say I don’t yet have a newsletter (I’m working on it). People may, however, subscribe to updates on my website through wordpress. :)
Thanks so much for interviewing me! I enjoyed answering your questions and look forward to sharing the interview with everyone I know. :)
It was my pleasure Jewel. Thank you again for sitting down with us. I really enjoyed our talk as I’m sure the readers here at SBC did. I feel like we really got to know you. Thank you for that.
Now make sure to go and get her release Tales by Rails and look for her new release Smiles by Trials coming soon.
We here at SBC love to find talent authors to share with our readers. I feel that Jewel E. Leonard is definitely one of these authors. Thanks again for the interview Jewel. We would love to have you come back any time. If you have any updates you want to pass along to SBC readers feel free to give them to us at any time Jewel.
Until next time SBC readers,
Royal
LOOKING FORWARD TO READING MORE FROM YOU JEWEL!!!
Royal, Silver Beans Reviewer and Interviewer
Posting: CONTEMPORARY FICTION, ROMANCE , PARANORMAL, FANTASY
Posting Date: 8/23/2016
JEWEL E. LEONARD- THE WITCHES’ REDE , TALES BY RAILS, SMILES BY TRIALS, ALIGHT
What’s this about PUMPKIN SPICE, can you tell us more about this borderline OBSESSION? *wink*
I’ve always adored pumpkin spice goodies and prior to discovering Starbuck’s PSL (soon, my tastebuds, SOON!) I used to go to craft and hobby stores to huff the potpourri. I mean, I used to go enjoy the smells. :) Can’t say what it is about it. Maybe it’s become a sensory memory for all things fall (my favorite season, Halloween, Thanksgiving, better weather, hubby’s and my birthdays, what’s not to love?!) but the obsession with it is very real.
I’m just laughing about this. I think it’s great, your love for pumpkin spice. (Royal)
Let’s move to something else now. What do you hope readers do/ feel when they READ YOUR BOOKS?
I hope that readers will connect with my books in a few ways. I aim for having imperfect but relatable characters (likability is a plus and I won’t lie, it’s euphoric to hear people tell me they like my characters).
I want readers to want to wrap themselves in my world-building (there’s the escapism I mentioned as a driving force for my writing).
And bit by bit, I find real life controversies creeping into my stories for an added sense of realism, time and place. You wouldn’t think what we’re experiencing here and now in the world applies to what people of the 1880s were going through but as they say, “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” And where they’re not the exact same, they’re similar: People fought for marriage rights (between races rather than same sex) and there were groups in America fighting to keep out immigrants (rather than Mexicans and Syrian refugees, they were fighting to keep out the Irish, the Italians, the Jews). These themes should, by all means, by antiquated now but sadly they’re not.
Let’s concentrate on your WEDNESDAY BLOG for a moment. What is a perk we can expect to find in them?
The perk to my Wednesday blog updates is seeing history told as current events and the similarities between then and now are staggering--and a bit sickening.
And your favorite part of the WRITING PROCESS?
That being said, my favorite part of the writing process is, has been, and always will be research. Good thing because with what I like to write, I spend a disproportionate amount of my time researching.
So Jewel, can you give us a tip on how to overcome WRITER’S BLOCK?
Since you asked for a tip to help with writer's block: research is it! If you don’t have the luxury to do other things while working through whatever’s blocking you (in my case it’s typically depression), dive into your research. Discovering things you didn’t know can be hugely inspirational and a great way to dislodge that block.
Great tip Jewel. (Royal)
Let me ask, who are some of your FAVORITE AUTHORS?
I read Ann M. Martin and LJ Smith when I was growing up. Nowadays I love Nina Bangs and Robert Heinlein. Suggested peers include Ashley Graham (Alyse Raines), Vania Rheault, and Lo-arna Green.
Amazing selection. Such an awesome group of writers. (Royal)
Jewel, what is one of the BEST PIECES OF ADVICE that you received OR A QUOTE that you live by?
You’re not going to make everyone happy so focus instead on making yourself happy. (Which flies in the face of the thing I want most… to make others happy.)
I write to appease myself (the only person I can guarantee who will like my work) and hope that there are others out there like me who will enjoy my work as much as I do.
Maybe even more.
I’m sure I can speak for all of us at SBC when I say, we are glad you do write because your work is fantastic. You definitely have a fan in me. *winks* (Royal)
Since I love your tips, can you give us ONE TIP YOU HAVE FOR ASPIRING AUTHORS?
Find yourself cheerleaders. Not “yes” men (or women), not people who will focus on all the things you’ve done wrong with the intentions of “helping” you.
Find those people who wait with bated breath to read your work. The ones who ask you regularly, “Have you got something new for me to read yet? I’m dying to know what happens to (your character name here)!”
The reason I say to find those people is because those are the ones who will help you through your writing when your own enthusiasm for it wanes.
The people who have done that for me (and they know who they are) are the ones who’ve gotten me through some very dark times recently. Sometimes you don’t need to have your ego stroked or deflated. What you need most is someone else’s enthusiasm for your words.
That’s extremely powerful. I myself will take this one to heart. (Royal)
So let’s do a quick power round featuring what’s up next for you Jewel?
What is the name of your UPCOMING RELEASE?
After grappling with it from the very beginning of the project, my upcoming release was given the name Smiles by Trials.
What should people EXPECT TO SEE FROM YOU IN THE FUTURE?
A lot more romance. Humor and adventure. Ghosts, wereshifters, wicked witches, loss, redemption. Forgiveness.
Love and life.
How about any EVENTS YOU want to share that you will be APPEARING AT in the near future? (Blog tours, Signings, etc.)
None planned at this time (subject to change).
That was a wonderful burst of information. That’s it for the quick round. (Royal)
But now I want to know, what are you MOST EXCITED ABOUT Jewel?
I have a couple projects I’m letting percolate in my head right now. I’m eager to get going on those and to resume work on both my current series--one is projected 3 or 4 books, the other is projected 9 books. :-o
Oh my gosh. We are excited about this news too. (Royal)
So I know by now everyone is asking the same question I am, how can we BUY YOUR BOOKS?
My book is currently being sold exclusively at Amazon
(It is available on Kindle Unlimited)
So Jewel, how can we CONTACT YOU?
Goodreads
Website
We also want to keep up to date on new releases do you have a newsletter?
I am ashamed to say I don’t yet have a newsletter (I’m working on it). People may, however, subscribe to updates on my website through wordpress. :)
Thanks so much for interviewing me! I enjoyed answering your questions and look forward to sharing the interview with everyone I know. :)
It was my pleasure Jewel. Thank you again for sitting down with us. I really enjoyed our talk as I’m sure the readers here at SBC did. I feel like we really got to know you. Thank you for that.
Now make sure to go and get her release Tales by Rails and look for her new release Smiles by Trials coming soon.
We here at SBC love to find talent authors to share with our readers. I feel that Jewel E. Leonard is definitely one of these authors. Thanks again for the interview Jewel. We would love to have you come back any time. If you have any updates you want to pass along to SBC readers feel free to give them to us at any time Jewel.
Until next time SBC readers,
Royal
LOOKING FORWARD TO READING MORE FROM YOU JEWEL!!!
Royal, Silver Beans Reviewer and Interviewer
Posting: CONTEMPORARY FICTION, ROMANCE , PARANORMAL, FANTASY
Posting Date: 8/23/2016
JEWEL E. LEONARD- THE WITCHES’ REDE , TALES BY RAILS, SMILES BY TRIALS, ALIGHT
HUGE THANKS AGAIN...
JEWEL E. LEONARD for chatting with us!
JEWEL E. LEONARD for chatting with us!
DID YOU KNOW:
TALES BY RAILS IS LISTED WITH KINDLE UNLIMITED! READ AND REVIEW IT NOW FOR FREE!
TALES BY RAILS IS LISTED WITH KINDLE UNLIMITED! READ AND REVIEW IT NOW FOR FREE!
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TALES BY RAILS
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