BACK
BACK
BACK
BACK
1. How did you get started?
I started to write stories at the age of ten, I would probably have to say I started to write the stories myself because I had already read all the books that sparked an interest for me. It was rare to see me without a pencil and a pad of paper.
As I got older I stopped writing, then after having my first son, nine years ago, I started to write again, but that was mainly just to write stories for him. I wasn't writing to get published. Then a friend of mine read them, and suggested that I try. So I tried, and luckily the first book I wrote after he was born, was also the first book to get published.
2. What type of writer are you?
I write children's books mostly, but I've also written erotica. I know that's a BIG difference, but many genres interest me. I've even written a paranormal romance short story that will be included in an anthology, which will be published this winter at Wordbeams. I am now writing paranormal romance novel, and women's fiction.
Do you plan ahead/plot or do you simply fly by the seat of your pants?
I'm definitely the kind of writer who writes by the seat of my pants...:) Now that I've started writing a novel, I've started to plan ahead, but I've noticed that is much more difficult for me, since I've always written without an outline.
3. Do you write best at a certain time of the day?
Yes, mainly I like to write at night, but sometimes I have written during the day.
4. What type of writing schedule do you have?
I have found that with three children, and one day care child, having a writing schedule just doesn't work! I write when everything around me is calm enough for me to write. However, I do write for at least 10 to 15 minutes a day.
5. How do you handle life interruptions?
I just figure I'm not supposed to be writing at this particular moment, and I just put everything away and write when things around me have calmed down. Life interruptions happen a lot when you work from home with children and dogs around you daily!...:)
6. Do you get blocked? Any hints how to stave it off?
No, so far I've been fortunate enough that I have not had to deal with writer's block yet, and I sure hope that I never do. Almost every day I have an idea for a story, so I write the "idea" down in a journal and get to it when I have finished the current project(s).
7. What authors do you look to as a role model and inspiration?
Edgar Allen Poe is one, he is phenomenal. I admire his writing because he is a man who wrote wonderful literature before his time and his readers time. V.C. Andrews is another. She really knew how to make her readers feel that they were living the characters lives in her books.
8. What's the best advice you ever received?
Well that would be from one of my books on creative writing, "The dishes can wait, and the dust isn't going anywhere!"
9. What sparks a story?
Just about anything and everything. I can hear a sentence that will spark a story idea, even a picture, or just one single word! I've often had dreams of a story idea.
10. What was it about your genre that interested you enough to choose to
write in it and not in another genre?
Honestly, just one genre doesn't interest me. I write for children, because I have children around me constantly, and the ideas for those stories just keep coming to me. Children's stories would interest me, I'm sure, even if I didn't have children or day care children. There's just something about a story for children that keeps me feeling young. There are many other genre's that interest me, and I plan to write in those, if I haven't already!
11. Have you seen an evolution in your writing? What steps did it take?
With my publishers help, the characters in my stories seem very life-like. Everyday there is something new to write about, something new to learn, and I'm fortunate enough to be in the position to take advantage of these precious opportunities.
12. What have you always dreamed of writing, but haven't yet?
I've always dreamed of writing, and I've always taken full advantage from my dreams.
13. What one thing do you like most about writing? Least?
Most? Is that I can turn a simple sentence into a whole story. When I read I love the idea that I can step into someone else's world for awhile, and being a writer allows me to give the same to my readers.
14. What is your next project?
Right now, I'm editing several children's stories so I can send them to publishers soon, but I've started a paranormal romance novel as well as jotting down information for my next novel...women's fiction.
15. What advice would you pass along at this point in your career?
First, never think that you've learned it all...because there's no way that you've learned everything there is to know about the writing and book industry. Also to keep writing what you know...and don't get too discouraged when you receive rejections from publishers. Dr. Seuss received over 70 rejections before his first book was published.
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Wordbeams: Jennifer, you write such charming stories for children. What prompted you to write children's books?
Wordbeams: You're an extraordinarily busy woman. Aside from raising three youngsters, you work as a day-care provider, write, operate a couple of businesses, and even put out a newsletter. Tell us a little about your average day and your businesses.
Wordbeams: Readers love Poppy and Hue in the Beetle Bug Adventures. They reminded me of those wonderful old Technicolor cartoons with little animated insects that I used to watch on TV as a kid. How did you come up with the idea for this series and those adorable characters?
Wordbeams: Have you always wanted to be a writer? Did you write stories when you were a kid?
Wordbeams: Your husband and brother designed Poppy and Hue for your book cover, so this was a real family project. How does the rest of your family feel about your writing? Are they supportive?
Wordbeams: We have one of your short stories coming out in one of our romance. Do you enjoy writing in different genres? Why?
Wordbeams: Your personal website at http://i.am/AStoryWeaver is filled with all kinds of things to see. Can you tell us about it?
Wordbeams: You and another author, Valerie Hardin, have developed a line of services for writers, as well as a wonderful newsletter called, The Write Charm. Why did you two decide to team up and do this?
Wordbeams: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Wordbeams: Thanks, Jennifer!
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Interview by LISA
Lisa: What inspired you to write children's novels?...did your children have anything to do with it? :)
Jennifer: Of course...:) Each and every story that I write and every idea that I come up with is inspired by my children. I wish I had time to write on all the ideas I come up with daily. For now, I jot the idea down in hopes of getting to it soon.
Lisa: How do you find the time to write when you have your own on-line business, you write newsletters, and take care of your three children?
Jennifer: I wish "I" knew. I want to do all that I do, so I just do it. If I spent my time worrying about how, when, and why...I'd never get anything done. I just do it!
Lisa: Do you write anything else besides children's books?
Jennifer: Yes, I do. I write poetry, various articles, romance, women's fiction and erotica. Yes...I said, erotica! :)
Lisa: What does your family think of your writing career?
Jennifer: My family couldn't be happier. They are extremely proud of me and what I've accomplished in such a short time. I have been writing since I was ten years old, but last September in 1999 was when I really started to get serious and decided that I'd try to make a career out of my writing. My first publication was a self-indulgent article in a print magazine based in Florida. I've sure come a long way.
Lisa: Are there any books you're working on right now?
Jennifer: Yes, currently I have been working on a paranormal romance novel titled, Notes on the Windowsill, which I hope to have done and ready to publish by the end of next year. Besides that, I have tons of "ideas" saved for future writing.
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AUTHOR NETWORK: Do writers pay you?
AUTHOR NETWORK: How did you get started with Story Weaver?
AUTHOR NETWORK: Have any of your reviews propelled a writer into hardcopy success?
AUTHOR NETWORK: When you read and review books, don't you have an urge to edit?
AUTHOR NETWORK: Could you tell us a little about yourself -- where you live where you grew up and went to school, where you've traveled, the kinds of jobs or careers you've had.
I have been writing children's short stories since I was only ten years old. I'm a volunteer judge for the EPIC EPPIE Awards and recently found out that I'm also a finalist in the children's e-book category for my book, Sounds I Hear, which is published by Wordbeams. I have several children's books e-published, adult content books e-published, poetry, as well as articles in various topics--all can be found on my writer's web page at www.oocities.org/ladyjiraff.
I'm a member of SCBWI, Society of Children's BookWriters, and Illustrators since the beginning of 2000, and I'm a member of EPIC, Electronically Published Internet Connection since the beginning of 2000. I recently started a newsletter for individuals interested in knowing more about me, and my writing. It is called, aMUSEing and can be found at: www.egroups.com/group/aMUSEing
I am always open-minded and ready to learn more about the art and business of writing. I always knew that writing was just something I had to do. The creating, crafting, and construction of words are a deep passion of mine and I am always available to anyone who may have questions, comments, or similar interests. I've also had the privilege of having several ofmy poetry published with the International Library of Poetry. In addition, I'm listed with Valerie Hardin's "Children's e-Book Writer's Hall of Fame."
JENNIFER L. B. LEESE, www.oocities.org/ladyjiraff/books.html
If you would like to contribute an article please email: karen@author-network.com
BACK
I¡¦d like to welcome Jennifer LB Leese. Jennifer is a 31 year-old full-time mom from Hagerstown, Maryland, who is striving to be a successful writer in every genre. From the looks of things, she¡¦s well on her way.
***********
Jennifer, you¡¦ve been writing children¡¦s stories since your were ten. What person or incident do you feel urged you into that direction?
Tell us a little bit about your book, Sounds I Hear, which was nominated for the EPIC Eppie Award in the children¡¦s category.
It is my understanding you participated as judge for the Young Adult Category for the Epic Eppie Awards. Is being a judge difficult? What are some of the elements you search for in a story when you are judging?
Do ideas come for your Beetle Bug Adventures come fairly easy to you, or do you search for them while you¡¦re out and about running errands or analyzing situations?
You have written several other children's books such as Michael's Drawing and Mason Goes to the Doctor and Mason Goes to the Dentist. Are these characters fictitious or did you create them from children you know?
You have also published a collection of poems and adult books. You are a reviewer fro ASTORYWEAVER'S Book Reviews and recently started a newsletter called aMUSEing, which can be found at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aMUSEing. How do you find the time do participate in all these activities?
What is your writing schedule every day?
When you were a novice writer, what was a major obstacle in getting your foot in the door of the publishing world?
What piece of advice would you share with a new writer just starting out?
What kind of future do you foresee in the ebook industry?
Do you hope to see any of your books printed in hardback and placed on bookshelves in major bookstores?
In closing Jennifer, what you believe sets an exceptional writer apart from a good writer?
Thank you Jennifer.
RAG SOUP'S "SOUP'S ON" INTERVIEWS
INTERVIEW WITH JENNIFER LB LEESE
VH: How long have you been writing children¡¦s fiction?
VH: What was your favorite experience with one of your fans?
VH: What is your favorite fruit or vegetable?
VH: Name some of the children¡¦s books, ebooks you¡¦ve written and published?
JENNIFER: Coming soon with the same publisher is: Sounds I Can Hear: In my Bedroom, Sounds I Can Hear: In the Park, Sounds I Can Hear: In a Store, Sounds I Can Hear: In an Airplane, and Sounds I Can Hear: In my Backyard. Also from them will be Bows for Pigel's Nose and I Am Me!
JENNIFER: Lastly, I have a young adult novel that I co-wrote with interviewer Valerie Hardin titled Gargoyle Tears with Tarbutton Press.com, and a paranormal romance novel for adults titled Notes on the Windowsill.
VH: Name an idea on how readers can be a friend to someone else?
VH: If you were a cartoon what cartoon would you be?
JENNIFER: Great questions, thanks.
1. Writers are told to write daily and find their voice. Do you feel you have more than one voice in your writing?
2. When did your passion for writing began?
3. What inspired you to keep writing while getting rejection letters or struggling with writers block?
4. How do you come up with ideas for your writings and why do you feel you choose some over others?
5. Are you a daily disciplined writer? Do you find it difficult to stick to your schedule? Do you have certain tricks you use so that you don't stray from your writing?
6.How much time do you devote to marketing your book/s and what kind of marketing do you recommend?
7.How do you prepare for a writing idea for fiction? Do you outline the characters, setting, plot, etc. before you begin writing?
8.How many rewrites do you usually write before submitting it to a publisher?
9.Have you had any bad experiences in working with a publisher/agent or failed publication/payment of writings done? If so, how did you handle it?
10.Who are your favorite authors, and why do they inspire you?
1. Why did you start writing books containing Paranormal elements/aspects/themes?
2. For how long have you been writing?
3. For how long have you been interested in the Paranormal?
4. Which came first for you, an interest in the Paranormal or an interest in writing?
5. Why did you become a writer?
6. Do you have a set schedule for writing?
7. Do you use outlines or notes?
8. How do you research, and how long does the research take you?
9. What are some of your favorite sites/books for research?
Websites: Rochester Paranormal, http://www.rochesterparanormal.com/
Maryland Ghosts & Spirit Association, http://www.marylandghosts.com/index.php
Scary Screaming Ghosts of Maryland, http://www.scaryscreaming.com/
10. How do you think of your ideas for books?
11. Do you have any pets? If so, are they cats or dogs? What are their names? What do they do when you are writing?
12. How do you promote your books? How much time do you spend promoting?
I promote by sending flyers, press releases, online business cards, online cards and postcards, to all areas of media and promotional websites such as PrWeb.com. I also distribute these items whenever I am out and about. Word of mouth is also a powerful tool. Reviewing books and writing articles is also a way of getting my name out there. It's hard work, but well worth it.
13. What are your hobbies? What do you do when not writing?
14. Do you have a day job or do you write full-time?
15. Are you a member of any professional writing organizations, and if so, which ones, and what do you see as the advantages of belonging to such organizations?
16. We all agree that education is essential to whatever one's goals are in life. However, education means different things to different people. What type of educational experience do you bring/incorporate/that has helped you in your writing?
17. Are you primarily a day or night person? At what time do you feel most
creative? Why do you think that is?
18. What advice would you give aspiring writers?
19. What would you be doing now if you couldn't write?
20. What would you like people to know about you? Why?
1. What inspired you to write for young adults?
2. Do you find writing for young adults more challenging than writing for
adults?
3. You've published books in multiple genres, is there one you prefer over
the other?
4. What advantages do you think e-publishing has over print? Will any of
your current titles be available in trade paperback form?
With children's books...it helps introduce children to computers and what these machines have to offer. Some of my children's books come with sound...which is very helpful in keeping the attention of a little one.
My young adult novel, Gargoyle Tears, and paranormal romance novel, Notes on the Windowsill, are both--electronic and trade paperback. Hopefully soon, my children's books will be available in print, as well.
5. Many of the RDCP readers are pursuing publication for the first time; can
you share your first published experience with them?
6. What advice can you offer the young writers and parents about writing for
publication? And rejection letters?
7. Besides Gargoyle Tears and Notes on the Windowsill, do you have any other
projects in the works? Where can the RDCP readers find them?
I am currently writing another paranormal romance novel that I call "The Room in the House on Eleanor Street," and I'm working on several children's picture books--some are almost finished, and some haven't even left my head yet.
8. Any additional advice or comments for the RDCP readers?
Jennifer, thank you for taking the time to talk with RDCP. We wish you much
success with your books.
Thank you for inviting me to talk to your readers. I enjoyed it.
Name: Jennifer LB Leese
1. When did you start e-publishing?*
2. How do you feel publishers and writers should promote e-publishing as a whole?*
3. What was your favorite reaction from a fan?*
4. What should every new writer know about e-publishing that you wish you knew when you started out?*
5. What is your favorite part about e-publishing?*
6. Your children have been a great influence on your writing, can you explain?*
7. What is the weirdest job you¡¦ve ever had?*
8. You had a book signing with the famed author Nora Roberts tell us about that?*
Bio:
Jennifer LB Leese is a 33-year-old mother of three from Maryland. She is a published author of several children's fiction books, one young adult fantasy book, and a paranormal romance novel. Leese also freelances children's non-fiction books for book distribution and packaging companies.
She reviews children's books for several online magazines, including her own AStoryWeaver's Book Reviews, as well as for Fiction Forum, Preschool Entertainment, and Midwest Book.
Leese is a volunteer judge in the children's/young adult category for the EPIC Eppie Award and for The Florida Writer's Association. She has been an active member of SCBWI, and EPIC since the beginning of 2000, and EPPRO since 2001.
Jennifer is also a freelance copyeditor for Writer's Exchange E-Publishing, as well as for individual authors. Leese's experience comes from the above as well as from her published books, numerous articles, and professional book reviews and columns.
Jennifer's paranormal romance novel "Notes on the Windowsill", published by Zumaya Publications, has been recommended for the James Tiptree Award (October 2002).
As half of JV Harlee, Leese writes gothic, fantasy novels for teenagers with published author Valerie Hardin. Their first book is "Gargoyle Tears".
Leese lives in Maryland with her three children, Nicholas, Cameron, and Jordan. Married twelve years to the love of her life, Jennifer knew she'd marry Thom the moment she laid eyes on him.
Hi Jennifer, and welcome. I am so glad you could join us here at RomanceJunkies. To start, will you please tell us a little bit about your current projects?
I have several paranormal novel ideas just waiting for me to get to them.
I am also working on several children's picture books at one time. It is hard for me to keep to just one at a time. I jump from book to book. The children's books I am currently working on include: HOW CAMERON’S TOOTH LOST HIM, WHEN THE LIGHT GOES OUT, WHERE DOES IT GO and I am in the editing process of READING WITH MAMA and THE MUDDY, SANDY, DUSTRY, DIRTY, STICKY, SMEARED-UP KID.
I hope to get these finished and out to publishers soon.
Just to let you know, my recently published children's books include:
Currently in the illustration stage at Writers Exchange EPublishing are:
Writing in so many different genres, for both children and adults, do you ever have trouble-switching gears? Do you work on more than one project at a time? Which is your favorite to write?
Name the one thing about your computer you wish you could change with just a wave of your hand.
When you first started writing, what was the most uplifting comment you received; the one that still gives you pleasant feelings today?
What does your writing space look like? Do you eat at it? Do you have filing cabinets?
No, I do not eat at my computer. If I started that, then it would become too much of a habit and I would end up being as big as a house!
To describe the look and setting of where I write I would have to say: it sits in a small recessed section off my dining room. Recently my husband and I remodeled our dining area, so I actually have a little writing room now, which is separated from beautiful sage-green vertical blinds. Four large windows surround me—two in front and one on each side; beside that, there is a three-drawer wooden filing cabinet stuffed with manuscripts, research papers, and the dreadful rejection pile. My printer/fax/copier/scan machine sits on top of that.
Do you still have your online gift basket and craft business? How did this come about? Do you pack the orders yourself?
I can still answer your questions, however. I started the business out of the love of making crafts and gift baskets. When the paperwork and such kept me busy, and too tired to write at night, I stopped. When I did have the business running, I did pack the orders by myself while sitting at my dining room table.
With three children who are no doubt very active, and a happy marriage, which always takes “some work”, your busy writing and business careers, do you have time to pursue any other passions or hobbies? Any cute kid tidbits you can share?
My children and my dogs Lily (Basset Hound) and Daisy (German Shepard mix) keep me laughing and give me plenty to put in my children's stories.
Living in Maryland, right in the thick of things, do you have any Hurricane Isabel stories? Did you lose your power for very long? the storm. Even as a writer, I still find it hard to put into words. Trees everywhere bent and swayed in the 80-mile an hour wind. Many limbs were broken, including a few from the tree in our own backyard. Numerous large, building-sized trees were pulled up from the ground. Everywhere we looked trash, branches, leaves, even lawn furniture could be seen. The wind whipped angrily all around us. From inside it howled and moaned as if squeezed in through every crack and crevice in the house. By morning, it was over, but there was a huge mess to clean up.
How did you and your husband meet? Was it love at first sight for him, too?
…yes, it was love at first sight. (Well, when he was able to look me in the eyes :)
What is more romantic: A walk on the beach at sunset and then a quiet dinner, just you and your husband, at a local seaside restaurant, or a stroll on the deck of a cruise ship and then enjoying the midnight buffet?
How do you describe Jennifer Leese? How does Jennifer Leese’s husband describe her?
I am not sure exactly how my husband would describe me, but I would like to think that he would say that I am a caring and attentive mother, supportive and devoted wife, awesome friend and lover who can handle just about anything that is thrown her way.
MORE FUN…
What is the best present your husband ever bought you? What about the most practical?
As for a most practical gift, I would have to say the year he bought me
Kitchen Aid appliances—a toaster, coffee machine, mixer, and blender. Every year, I make Santa bread and candy cane bread as gifts…so they come in handy often.
Horrors! Beetles are invading your clothes closet, attacking everything…they are very, very hungry. Which item would you rescue above all others?
What does this romance writer wear at night?
And lastly, no interview of a writer would be complete without this question: what is your favorite comfort food?
Thanks for the fun and interesting questions. I had a blast answering them.
Oh, thank you Jennifer to taking some time with us! This has been great. Best of luck with all of your projects.
By Brooke Wills
INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR JENNIFER LB LEESE, AND
ILLUSTRATOR C. IANNACCONE
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jennifer LB Leese is a 34-year-old mother of three from Maryland. She is a published author of several children’s fiction books, one young adult fantasy book, and a paranormal romance novel. Leese also freelances children's non-fiction books for book distribution and packaging companies.
Char: Jennifer, 'I Am Me" is a wonderful story. My grand children love it. Tell us about Nica Jolee and how she came to be.
Char: This story teaches children to value their own special quality as well as associate with family. Is it more difficult to impart these important lessons in the short form of children's fiction?
Char: You published "I Am Me" in E-book format. Do you feel the children's market is more open to this type of reading?
Char: This story was illustrated by C. Iannaccone. Tell us about working with an illustrator. How did the two of you get together? Did you have any problems deciding on the illustrations and what are some of the issues writers and illustrators for the children's market need to be aware of?
Char: What or who influenced your interest in children's writing?
Char: What challenges does the children's author/illustrator face that the adult fiction writer does not?
Char: What advice or tips do you have for writers interested in writing for children?
Char: Jennifer and Cynthia thank you so much for sharing your wonderful story "I Am Me" and for taking the time to talk with us. Where can those interested obtain a copy of "I Am Me"?
{HOME}{Map}{Books for Kids}{YA Books}{Paranormal Books}{JV Harlee}{New News}{Newsletter}{Leese's Links}{Contact}
The Write Charm very Short Interview with Writer and Thewritecharm web guru
(when you want to read a interview real fast)
by Valerie Hardin
Name: Jennifer L. B. Leese
Name some of your books or ebooks or audio books?
CHILDRENS: Beetle Bug Adventures, The Boy that lived in Cameron's
Pocket, Jason's Messy Room, Michael's Drawings, Sounds I Hear (6
stories in all), and Where Jordan Lives...much more.
NOVELS IN PROGRESS: Swept Away, Daughter to Be, Lavender Memories, The
Everything Loop, A Sign From Above, and Jessica.
Do you have any unusual or wacky talents? Well not to be a take off
from "The Breakfast Club" but, I can put my lipstick on without using
my hands, by placing it in my bra and out my shirt..:)
Name something you love? My Family: Thom, Nicholas, Cameron, Jordan,
Michael, Jason, Content, and Mom.
Name some cool event in your life? Having Wordbeams accept my
children's chapter book...Beetle Bug Adventures for publication.
Any projects you'd like to tell us? Well, all of the novels,
children's stories that I mentioned above...and that I also make my own
handmade country crafts for sale on the web..www.basketsanbows.com
SharpWriter Interview
By June De Long
with Jennifer L. B. Leese
1. Please give us your backlist and your url.
I assume you mean my books for sale...I have two books coming out with Wordbeams.com, one is a children's chapter book titled, "Beetle Bug Adventures," which is geared for children 2nd grade and up.
The second book is titled, "Sounds I Hear." It's a collection of children's rhyming stories about the sounds children hear everyday.
I also write in "adult" genre. I have an erotic book titled, "Sweet Erotica~Anthology of Erotic Short Stories," which was published with Erotic-ebooks.com (Booklocker) in January of this year.
And lastly, I have five books, which were published at M-PRO Bookstore in February of this year. They are sold individually or as a collection. Their titled, "Crafty Friends, Handmade Country Collection."
2. When did you start writing?
I started writing at the age of ten, but just last summer I started writing competitively and started looking for publishers.
3. What is your favorite genre to write? To read?
To write...children's. To read...Mainstream and horror.
4. Would you please give our readers a quick glimpse into your book(s).
Sure. "Beetle Bug Adventures" is the story of two best friends, Poppy and Hue, who just happen to be beetle bug boys. Like human boys, their adventures often lead to some very sticky, and sometimes even scary, situations.
One day they decide to venture out of the main gates, which enclose them in their garden town and they end up traveling a lot farther then they had planned.
The beetle bug boys realize during the course of their unplanned adventure that, even though they had seen and done a lot, they still had a great deal more to learn.
The "Sounds I Hear," book is a collection of six short rhyming stories. They are stories that will enlighten any child's imagination and are filled with sounds, descriptions and fun that every child can relate to. These stories will get a child's mind working and I believe that they will always think of these books when sitting somewhere quiet. They, too, will try to find and describe all the sounds that they can hear.
"Sweet Erotica~Anthology of Erotic Short Stories," is a collection of erotic short stories. They are lustful, passionate, loving and full of plot and plently of descriptions. ;)
And, "Crafty Friends, Handmade Country Collection," is five books sold individually or as one package with M-PRO Bookstore.
The collection is: Gift Baskets, with this Homemade Country Collection e-book you will learn how to assemble easy, and fast gift baskets. For the babysitter, For a Writer, For a Sports Fan, lots more included in the book.......everyday items that you can use for a "gift basket."
Country Gift Ideas, with this Homemade Country Collection e-book you will learn interesting country gift giving ideas, as well as a few simple craft projects. Wreaths, Hats, Name Tags, Ornaments...the possibilities are endless!
Country Kids Stuff~Recipes & Crafts, with this Homemade Country Collection e-book you will learn interesting country kids' recipes and country kids' crafts.
Apple Crisp, Elephant Ears, Lemon Squares, Raisin-Apple Muffins, Sock Puppets, Craft Stick Puzzles, Fabric Fruit and much much more!
Country Recipes, with this Homemade Country Collection e-book you will learn interesting country recipes and tasty beverages. Strawberry Bread, Maple Nut Pie, Onion Soup, Sesame Shrimp...the list goes on!
and Everyday Household Tips & Tricks, with this Homemade Country Collection e-book you will learn interesting tips that you can use everyday. Kitchen tips, Headache tips, Gardening tips, and many household tips all in one easy to open e-book.
5. How did you come up with the idea for your book(s)?
Well to be honest, each one just comes to me. Everyday I have a new story idea. Actually I have to keep the ideas written down so I can finish one story at a time. I have over 150 stories and novels that I have just "ideas" for and have not been able to get to them yet.
6. What was the hardest part of writing this story?
Writing any story for me, is easy...I mean, coming up with the idea of it and actually sitting down and writing it is great. It's the rewriting, editing, etc. that becomes the hardest part.
7. What do you think about ebooks and e-publishing?
I love it. I love print books, don't get me wrong, but e-books are so convenient and you can get some of them animated...like my Beetle Bug Adventures chapter book. ;)
8. Have you written anything else? Non fiction?
Short stories?
Articles?
My first publishing was an article actually. I've had several articles published, but my erotic short story book was the first "book" to be published, then came Wordbeams and M-Pro. I write in all genres, basically. I like to expand my writing and explore all the genres out there. Although, I am not too good, yet at writing horror and mystery...:)
9. What comes first...a character or a scene?
A character usually always comes first for me, but there have been several books I've written where the scene or an object brought on the story. Sometimes I like a certain phrase or sentence I hear, or I something that I think would make a wonderful title. Then I kind of go from there.
10. Are you an outline writer or by?the?seat?of?your?pants writer?
I'm definitely a "write by the seat of my pants" kind of gal. I'm not too keen on outlining, that's probably because I can't sit still long enough to organize a story in that manner. I just have to write it right then and there.
11. How do you deal with the dreaded rejection?
Oh I read it, then stare at the wall for awhile, then I read it again and again. Then I tear it up and play with my kids!
12. Many authors have a dual identity in the writing world.
They're an editor or publisher or perhaps a book reviewer. Do you have an alternate
ego?
Yes, I'm a book reviewer for "Just Views." It's great to read other writer's works and to be able to give my opinion.
13. Do you have a day job/another career besides writing?
Yes, I'm a full time Childcare Mom, as well as a full time Mom to my eight year old, three year old and two year old all day long! :)
I also own my own handmade craft and gift basket business online, called, "Baskets and Bows," Whew! That's a lot of jobs, I'm tired from just writing them.
14. Tell us about your family. Do you have children? Can you tell us about them?
Sure...they are my favorite subject to talk and write about. I have three beautiful children, Nicholas is eight years old, he is acting too old for his age, and he's putting Mom in the "tear my hair out" stage a little too early.
Then there's Cameron, he's my three year old red haired, brown-eyed beauty. He's three years old and is definitely a Mama's Boy. Everywhere I go...oops, there's Cameron!
And my beautiful two year old daughter Jordan, she's the apple of her daddies eye, as well as Mommies little stinker. She definitely knows how to work us.
Then there's my gorgeous husband, Thom. This year will make ten years of marriage, and life couldn't be any better for me than it is right now! (Well..;)
15. Do you have any other hobbies or interests that you'd like to share with your readers?
Well I think I've about read their eyes sore as it is, but no, I don't, other than...just kidding. My life is full in a positive way!
16. Where did you grow up? Where do you live now? Do these places have any bearing on the locations of your books?
I was born in Virginia in a town that is now booming, called, Manassas. I moved here, to Hagerstown, Maryland when I was ten years old and have been here ever since.
And yes, I am writing a novel now called, "Summers on Brooks Lane," this is sort of about when I was a child and spent my time on Brooks Lane, although A LOT of it is made up, Mom!..:)
17. Are you working on any novels now? Would you like to tell us about them?
Oh my yes, well I just described one above, and I've got the "idea" of six of them down on paper and saved on the computer for when I have time to write them. But other than the mentioned novel above, I'm also working on another novel called, "Swept Away," it is a romance/paranormal story.
It's hard for me to write just one story, edit it, rewrite that same story without starting twenty others, too many ideas, and not enough time!
18. How do you see your future? Where would you like to be in five years? In ten?
I see myself as a well-known published author with many novels, and children's stories under my belt. Same for the five year and ten year limit you mention above.
Oh and a very happy Mother and Wife!
19. Do you have a website where we can visit you?
As a matter of fact I do...:)
What is your url?
My writer's webiste is: http://www.oocities.org/EnchantedForest/Meadow/5012/writers.html and my craft and basket business is: http://www.basketsanbows.com
20. What is your publisher's url?
One publisher is http://www.wordbeams.com, another is: http://www.erotic-ebooks.com/bookpages/blynn.html and then there's http://www.m-pro.demon.co.uk/bookstore.html
Please tell us about your wonderful publishers.
Sure, Wordbeams is a wonderful place to go if you are considering publishing your books in e-book format. Susan Bodendorfer, has been the most thoughtful, understanding and polite publisher that I've dealt with thus far, other than Angela Aadair at Booklocker and the publisher at M-Pro.
21. Where and in what format can we buy your book?
PDF and HTML are available at all my publisher sites.
NetAuthor Interview
By Robert
with Jennifer L. B. Leese
NA
Hi Jennifer, Thanks for chatting with us. You are published in a variety
of areas. Would you like to share a little bit of your journey as a writer
with us?
JENNIFER:
Hi Robert, Thanks for having me. Well to start I've been writing for 20 years, I started at the age of ten, but since the summer of last year I decided to write competively and much more seriously. I had never searched for a publisher of my work, and in doing so last September, I've had several publishings in just a few short months. Mostly they were articles, but May 1, 2000 Wordbeams (www.wordbeams.com) is publishing two of my children's story books. One is called, "Beetle Bug Adventures," which is a children's chapter book, geared for 2nd grade and up and it is about two beetle bug boys who always find an adventure to get into, this is a new series and I'm almost finished with the third chapter book. Wordbeams is also publishing a collection of rhyming stories called, "Sounds I Hear." It tells a story at the same time as describing a child's surroundings by sound. I currently have six books at M-PRO Bookstore (www.m-pro.demon.co.uk/bookstore.html) and one erotic novel at Booklocker. (www.erotic-ebooks.com/bookpages/blynn.html)
Thanks for letting me ramble on...:)
NA
You also run an e-business. Tell us about a little about Baskets and Bows.
JENNIFER:
Well we handcraft Mug Candles, which are beautifully decorated with bows, buttons, beads and of the like trimmings. As well as Herb-Filled Pillows, these are our most popular item, as everyone is looking for relaxing and refreshing items to place throughout their house. We also sell Custom Gift Baskets, such as Bachelor Survival Basket, Honeymoon Baskets and much more for any occasion or no occasion at all!
NA
I see you have published in a variety of markets, including a series of
childrens' books, and an erotic novel. Has that presented any problems for
you?
JENNIFER:
No not at all. In the erotic books, I use a pen name, Brooks Lynn, but I've talked with many writers who are dabbling in all genres of books. I also write poetry of all kinds and romance.
NA
Tell us your thoughts on the future of publishing. Do you think print
books will ever become obsolete?
JENNIFER:
No I don't think they will become obsolete. However, they are growing more popular everyday! Stephan King, did a wonderful thing for us e-book authors by having his latest book sold as an electronic book.
NA
Do you have any projects coming up you'd like to tell us about?
JENNIFER:
Everyday I have a new story idea. Actually I have to keep the ideas written down so I can finish one story at a time. I have over 150 stories and novels that I have just "ideas" for and have not been able to get to them yet.
As for a project that I am working on now...it's a romance novel titled, "Swept Away," as well as reworking a few of my children's stories in hopes of sending them to publishers soon. One of those is a book titled, "Wiggley Giggely," it's a collection of children's silly short stories and poems.
NA
Thanks for talking with us, Jennifer. Is there anything you'd like to
share with the new writers at Net Author, in parting?
JENNIFER:
Yes...Keep writing what you know...and don't get too discouraged when you receive rejections from publishers. Dr. Seuss received over 70 rejections before his first book was published.
NA
Who has had the biggest influence on your writing?
JENNIFER:
Basically everyone that I meet. Everyone has a story and I search to find it. My family and my friends have a huge impact on me and my writing.
NA:
Who are you favorite authors and why?
JENNIFER:
Edgar Allen Poe is one, he is phenomenal. I admire his writing because he is a man who wrote wonderful literature before his time and his readers time. V.C. Andrews is another. She really knew how to make her readers feel that they were living the characters lives in her books.
NA:
What inspires you while writing? Do you listen to music? Light candles?
JENNIFER:
My kids. While writing, I listen to them play and laugh and that helps me make my stories fun and childlike.
NA:
What writing goals do you set for yourself?
JENNIFER:
To write at least for a full half hour every day, but usually it ends up being way more than that.
Word Weaving Interview
By Cindy Penn
with Jennifer L. B. Leese
CP: BEETLE BUG ADVENTURES is a fun children's book. Tell me what inspired
it?
Jennifer: Well, my husband brought home a huge rhinoceros beetle that he had found at work in the parking lot, for my oldest son about two years ago. As I watched my son play, feed, and talk with the beetle, I thought, now what can I write so that Nicholas will always remember this beetle he loved so much. And that's when Poppy and Hue began their adventure.
CP: How long have you been writing children's books? Tell me a little about
how you got started?
Jennifer: I've been writing stories for kids since I was only ten years old. I remember that I always carried a pad of paper and had a pencil tucked behind my ear wherever I went. I wish I still had those stories that I wrote then, but in the many moves we made when I was a child, they got lost. I stopped writing for quite sometime, but the ideas were just building. Then when my son, Nicholas was born, I decided to write again. Beetle Bug Adventures is the first story I completed and was satisfied with. I always had a feeling that it would be the first of my children's stories to be published.
CP: What do you enjoy most about writing children's books? What do you find
the most challenging?
Jennifer: The fact that I can be a kid again through my stories.
The most challenging part of writing children's books I think, is being able to hear my children say, "read it again, Mommy."
CP: How would you answer people who say writing children's books in much
easier than adult books?
Jennifer: Well then I'd say, you need to write a book for a child, and write one for an adult...see which one YOU thought was easier. I guarantee that when you start to write it, finding the right words in as few words as you can, will be much harder than you thought it would be.
CP: So you write in other genres? If so, tell me about your other
publications.
Jennifer: Yes I write women's fiction, romance, erotica and have dabbled in poetry. I have a romance short story coming out with Wordbeams, which is due out this December. Erotic-Ebooks.com published, "Sweet Erotica, Anthology of Erotic Short Stories," on January 23, 2000.
CP: Tell me about the artwork/cover that accompanies your books. Do you
have any control over that artwork?
Jennifer: Yes, I do. I can draw them myself, have them drawn by someone I know or choose to hire or just leave it up to Wordbeams. Beetle Bug Adventures was drawn however, by my husband, Thom and my older brother, Mike, in collaboration with Wordbeam illustrators.
CP: Describe your most rewarding writing related accomplishment.
Jennifer: Well we're talking of that now, Beetle Bug Adventures, and all my children's stories. I've started writing a novel, which is definitely in the "beginning" stages, but I'm proud of it so far, as it's just flowing out of me so easily it's scary.
CP: What advice to you have for other children's authors?
Jennifer: Get out there, meet other writers, take your time in finding the right publisher and don't panic when you receive the dreaded rejection letter.
CP: You have chosen to epublish BEETLE BUG ADVENTURES with Wordbeams. How
did you reach the conclusion to try epublication, and why, specifically,
Wordbeams.
Jennifer: The name Wordbeams is what drew me to them first, it's a very catchy name. Honestly, Wordbeams was the first publisher that I had sent Beetle Bug Adventures to, and I was mainly set on working with them after the first initial letter that I received from Susan. She's so unlike a lot of other publishers I've come across, she cares.
CP: What else would you care to share that we haven't yet touched upon?
Jennifer: Only, buy an e-book. I'm positive you will love it.
Scribes World Author Interview
With Jennifer L. B. Leese
Least? The only thing I don't like about writing, is that I don't do it enough.
Interview with Jennifer L.B. Leese, author of children's books: Beetle Bug Adventures; Sounds I Hear; Mason Goes to the Doctor; Beetle Bug Adventures: The Cave; Mason Goes to the Dentist
Jennifer: Since I started to write stories at the age of ten, I would probably have to say I started to write the stories myself because I had already read all the books that sparked an interest for me. As I got older I stopped writing, then after having my first son, nine years ago, I started to write again, but that was mainly just to write stories for him. I wasn't writing to get published. Then a friend of mine read them, and suggested that I try. So I tried, and luckily the first book I wrote after he was born, was also the first book to get published.
Jennifer: My average day is really not as many would picture it...me running around like a chicken with its head cut off! My first prerogative throughout my day is the kids. I am the kind of person who loves to stay busy; I have a hard time sitting still.
Usually I stay up at night past my kids and my husband, and write. Then throughout the day it's play time, reading time, regular house and wife duties while making crafts for my Baskets and Bows business (and getting ready for a craft show here in town on the 5th and 6th of August), as well as conversing back and forth with individuals who are interested in my making promotional material for them. And once a month I write up my newsletter for Baskets and Bows, and my newsletter for aMUSEing, and send it out on the first day of each month. Oh did I mention that I review books for Just Views? ;) (Just one more thing to add to my busy schedule)
I'm plesantly surprised at myself for how well I manage all that I do. I don't really know to explain HOW I do it, I just do it because I no-one lives forever, and I'm doing everything that I've always wanted to do...NOW!
Jennifer: Well when my son was born, I began a story about Poppy and Hue. It didn't get very far, in fact their names were Stanley and Simon to begin with, but one day my husband came home with a rhinosaurus beetle he had found walking across the parking lot where he works. Together he and my son, at two years old, built this beetle a home in one of our glass aquariums. As I watched my son take care of the beetle that he had named Poppy, I just knew that this beetle was to be the base of my story. It took me awhile to actually finish the story itself, and by then it had become a chapter book instead of a picture book. That was fine though, because by the time I finished, my son was also at the age where he loved to read longer stories. He helped me add in some of the details, and now that he's nine years old, he's very proud that I wrote a story about him and his beetle.
Jennifer: Yes I've always wanted to be a writer, it was rare to see me as a child without a small pad and pencil. I wrote every free minute I had. With us moving as much as we did when I was growing up, somehow my pile of notebooks and folders full of stories got lost. Often I think of that, and I wish I still had those stories I wrote when I was ten years old.
As I mentioned in a previous question, I never wrote with the intentions to get published, that was something that I explored only last year in August. I have a long way to go in my writing, but I don't think there is any writer out there who is perfect or that doesn't make mistakes. I write because I have to write. By that I mean, everyday I have a new idea for a story, and I have to write them down, and file them until I have time to work on finishing them. (I have a file cabinet full, and some "ideas" on the computer that I haven't even printed out yet.)
Jennifer: Yes, everyone in my family is very supportive. I'm very fortunate to have them. My oldest son, Nicholas, who is a character in the story Beetle Bug Adventures, is always asking me to write him a story about this or about that. So of course I write down the idea and add it to the pile of stories to be worked on. My other two children, Cameron and Jordan, love it when I read them my stories, but at their ages, four and three, they are mainly interested in the pictures.
My Grandparents and Parents are so proud sometimes they look as though they may just pop! Honestly, at first, my Grandmother didn't think that I could handle all that I do, but she's also pleasantly surprised that I have managed my career(s) so well.
Jennifer: Yes I enjoy it, because I love to read in different genres. Recently I've been dreaming of stories for adults. So there again, I've been having to write them down, describing what it is that I dreamt. A month ago, I started a paranormal romance novel.
Jennifer: Yes, I thought it would be a good idea to inform people about my books, then as I wrote more and took care of the website more, I decided it would be more interesting for my visitors if I included such things as other author's pages, publishers pages, reviewers and writer's resources. This coming weekend I plan to add more subjects to my website such as links for kids and free stuff.
Jennifer: Valerie is just the greatest. We became friends while conversing privately after meeting in the egroup: e-authors. We started to exchange promotional ideas, and then from there she asked me if I would be interested in desiging and controlling a web page for The Write Charm. Honored, I said yes. We came up with The Simply Charming Awards, GiveMeTalk (a radio station online), and together we enter our websites into search engines. Once a month we take turns in supplying postage, and I make, and then send out our author brochures and flyers. We make a great team!
Jennifer: Just one thing, I hope everyone comes across a publisher, whether e-book or print, who is as wonderful, understanding, passionate, and caring as Susan Bodendorfer. >G<
Interview with Jennifer L. B. Leese
Author of
Beetle Bug Adventures
For instance, Beetle Bug Adventures, this book was inspired by my first born son, Nicholas, who is a character in the story, while he was playing with a pet rhino beetle that his father brought home for him a few summers back. As I watched him play with, and care for this bug, I came up with the two mischievous beetle bug boys: Poppy and Hue.
I love to write. I write just about anything that comes to mind, I do not limit myself, or put restrictions on myself and my writing.
JENNIFER: Well, my role is to let readers know about all the wonderful authors that are sometimes overlooked by the "big names." AND my role is to help authors get noticed!
JENNIFER: No. As long as I maintain a FREE website to post my reviews on...I do this as a fellow struggling author...reviewer and friend.
JENNIFER: Well, in reading articles how to better promote yourself as a writer, I read that it would be helpful, fun, relaxing, and a way to better my own writing is to review books. Since I first posted that I review books in my spare time, I have been swamped by authors and publishers asking that I review their books. I do my best to get the reviews out to them in a reasonable time frame. I know as an author, how hard it can be to wait and wait and wait for a review...plus hoping that it will be a positive review.
JENNIFER: Honestly, I don't know, but I sure hope I have.
JENNIFER: Yes. It's hard for me to read ANYTHING without wanting to correct it...:) It's always easier to see everyone else's writing errors, but it's sooooo difficult to see my own. Why is that? :) To be honest with you...I don't see very many errors in the books I've reviewed so far, but I have seen some.
JENNIFER: Sure. I'm a mom from Maryland to three beautiful children...Nicholas who is nine, Cameron who is four and Jordan Annie who is three. I'm also a Childcare Mom to a little 4-year-old girl named Angela, a gift basket and craft entrepreneur working on becoming a successful writer in all genres. Recently I've expanded my business into printing books and binding them from my home. Mind you, I can't compare to major printers, but I do and have done a pretty good job at keeping up with them. :)
A STORY WEAVER'S BOOK REVIEWS, www.oocities.org/ladyjiraff/booksivereviewed.html
BASKETS AN BOWS, www.BasketsANBows.com
Gotta Write Network
I've always been fascinated with books and the person(s) who wrote them. Books were my way of stepping into someone else's life for a while. I love that I can read a book and feel as though I have become the character I am reading.
I've always had an over-active imagination, and since the age of ten, I've always had to put them into words. I can express myself clearly and more effectively with words.
Unfortunately, through many moves as a child, my stories were lost.
The first book I wrote was when my oldest son, Nicholas, now 10 years old, was only six, I wrote Beetle Bug Adventures for him. The story came about because of his pet beetle, Poppy, which was given to him by his father. At first, I had no intentions of trying to get it published, but as time went on, I decided to give it a try, and thankfully, Wordbeams wanted to publish it.
Oh I'd love to. Sounds I Hear is a collection of six short stories that I wrote while flying to Florida two years ago. Actually, the collection grew...starting with the airplane. The sounds on the airplane reminded me of a game that my children and I always play. Wherever we were at the moment, we'd sit and listen for a few minutes without making a sound of our own. Then when I asked them, we'd share the sounds we heard. Remarkably they were all quite different. The story was based from our game, and it just esculated from there...noises in the backyard, noises from in the car, noises we hear and don't usually pay attention to. I knew right away that children would love it.
In the book, published by Wordbeams, my publisher has added sound waves. The child can click on buttons and listen to "sounds" that are in the particular story they are reading.
Yes, it was very difficult to read as a judge, but with having a background in reviewing, I tried to look at it that way. There are some remarkable authors out there that don't get the attention they deserve.
When judging, I just read the story first. Then I look at the questionnaire form that is sent by EPIC to every judge, and then I reread the story, looking for the answers to the questions.
Oh no. I'm very fortunate. Stories just seem to pop into my head. I can be doing just about anything, washing dishes, giving the kids a bathe, having a conversation with them, watching TV, cleaning--anything, and a story will just come to me. Stories have often come to me in dreams as well. I have to keep a written log, and a log on the computer with all the story ideas I've come up with so far. There just isn't enough time now to work on them all, so I give them a title, and jot down the "idea," and when I have finished the story I was working on, I get a new one from the list.
Glad you asked. They are based from children I know...mine!
I wish I could answer that to benefit a struggling author, but I don't know how I do it. I just want to, so I do.
Nope, no set schedule. If I set a schedule for myself, I'd never get to write. I write when everything around the house is calm enough for me to concentrate...:) With summer here now, it's easier for me to find the time. While the kids are playing, I sit on the back porch with my laptop and write or read. I get at least one full hour of writing time a day, sometimes more, if I'm lucky.
First, I still consider myself novice, as in I'm still learning. Actually, I figure that I will always be learning about the publishing and book industry. As for overcoming a major obstacle--I'd have to say that would be finding the right publisher for me and my work, and showing that publisher that me and my writing was just what they were looking for.
Oh, that's easy...don't give up and don't take rejections personally!
I foresee that ebooks will be in the conversations of all when discussing books, authors and the like. With Palm Pilots and handheld devices, taking a book wherever you go keeps getting easier and easier.
I foresee them becoming extremely popular. I hear more and more about them when I read the newspaper, when I watch the news, or watch the TV Guide station (ads). It's taken a while, but it's growing.
Oh, of course. The Internet is great, I love being an electronic author, but I will never give up the dream of seeing my book(s) in print, published by a traditional publisher.
As for seeing my books on the bookshelves...I'm in the process now of getting Lighthouse Publishing Company to print one of my children's books...I WILL be in brick and mortar bookstores soon--so keep a lookout for "news" on my website, It's Only Ink! (www.oocities.org/ladyjiraff/writers.html)
Basically, by their characters and plot settings.
As a reviewer, I have read many books, many in different genres, age groups, etc. and I believe that each book I've read, whether they were missing a few commas, or quotation marks--they are ALL exceptional writers, but they just need a better proofreader.
I believe the quote I read a long time ago...A good book tells us about the characters, but a bad book tells us about the author!
Thank you!
RAG SOUP TM
Copyright 1996 Susan R. Higgins
INTERVIEW By Valerie Hardin
JENNIFER: Oh, since I was ten years old. I remember sitting in my mother's fabric store after school while she took care of paperwork, writing animal stories in my sparkly spiral notebook. I've always felt that writing was something I just had to do. I never tried to get published until I wrote a story for my son when he was two. The story was called Beetle Bug Adventures. I wrote it for him--just for fun--not with the intention of getting it published or anything. After an online friend read it, who happened to be an editor of a small magazine online, she encouraged me to send it off. So I did. And Wordbeams.com offered me a contract on my very first children's book two months after I sent it to them.
JENNIFER: My favorite fans would have to be my son's fifth grade class at his school last year. They were great. They had interesting questions about my books, and were extremely excited when I showed them one of my electronic books on the teacher's computer. A few days later, I received a handwritten letter from each student, including my son, thanking me for appearing, and for
teaching them about the process of publishing from the author's end.
JENNIFER: Well, I'm going to answer for each one. My favorite fruit is cantaloupe, and my favorite vegetable is corn.
JENNIFER: Well, I have five electronic books for children that are no longer in print. Wordbeams was the publisher, but they went out of business a while back. Here are my recent books, and some upcoming books.
Jordie's School Day Adventure, a children's picture book about my daughter's first day of kindergarten. It is available with Writers Exchange EPublishing.
Sounds I Can Hear: In a Car is also a children's picture book, but this one is interactive with sounds. It is also available with Writers Exchange EPublishing.
JENNIFER: Well, being honest is a good start. Listening to what your friend has to say, is another. Friends are always there for one another, even if the telephone or email is your only communication. Never give up on a friend.
JENNIFER: Hum, I never thought about it. Well, I think I'd be a character in Hey Arnold. I like that the show works on realistic issues that kids face daily, and that the characters are friends. The moral lessons and values taught on the show are great...and the fact that they are taught in a funny way, makes it stick with children of today longer.
Selling Writing Online
LEESE: Yes. As an author, I listen to what other authors have to say, but when I try to do as they do...I find that it gets overwhelming and confusing. So, I let my imagination run wild...as often as I can...without rules.
LEESE: It began when I was 10 years old. I used to sit in my mother's fabric store after school and on weekends, and write. I guess I'm pretty lucky that her store wasn't busy, as I would have never developed the love of writing at such a young age. Writing is something I feel I must do, so it eventually would have surfaced.
LEESE: I've never experienced writers block, but the rejections I have. At first, they bothered me, but then I told myself that big name publishing houses aren't willing to work with new writers...and rejections should be expected. So, I stopped getting upset. I grabbed a large manilla envelope, and started stuffing it with the rejections letters. I plan to wallpaper one side of my writing room with them this summer. Rejection letters show that I am trying, and I am proud of that.
LEESE: I mainly dream about what I want to write, so I keep a pad and pencil beside my bed and jot them down on when I wake. Somtimes they just pop into my head. I hope that I never have to struggle with finding a new idea to write about. But for the meantime, I have about five disks full of ideas.
LEESE: Yes. I write every single day. Most of the time it is when my children are in school, and I write when they are playing. Family is important to me and my husband, so I do not take family time away from them. As I stated in question number one, I have no rules, limits, or times that I put towards my writing. I just write when the mood hits me.
LEESE: I do this every day, as well, usually towards the evening hours, after the kids and hubby have gone to bed. I have found that by not having a specific schedule for my writing and promoting, I am able to get more accomplished. In addition, I am not setting myself up for any let-downs.
LEESE: I just jot it down the way I'm thinking about, and save it. When I am ready to write about it, I format it by characters, and setting first, then the ending...then I write. I try not to focus too much on outlines, because they just aggravate me. But most publishers want them when a writer submits a manuscript, because of this, I keep it as simple as I can when writing, and when the book is complete, I add whatever is necessary.
LEESE: A lot! I write and write and write, then it sits while I work on something else, and then after that one sits, I go back to the first one and edit. Then I start the process all over again until I am absolutely satisifed with the results.
LEESE: I've had one experience where the publisher went out of business without telling any of their authors. Of course, we never received payment. I wrote them and demanded my money, but I never heard anything. It's hard to know who will go out of business and who won't. I just hope that there are more good and honest people than bad ones.
LEESE: That's simple..Edgar Allan Poe is my all-time favorite writer. His mysterious lifestyle intrigues me. I find it admiring that he wrote such wonderfully in-depth works of art during some of the most difficult times of his life. He is amazing...I say "is," because he still lives in many of us.
Interview Questions by Ayn Hunt
LEESE: First, when I speak of paranormal activity, I'm speaking of ghosts. I know paranormal is listed for vampires, monsters, and such, too. I started writing these types of books mainly because ghostly events intrigue me. I am a true believer in the paranormal, and have had several experiences myself. I constantly research the genre by reading books, watching movies, and visiting ghost-related websites.
LEESE: I started writing when I was about ten years old. I used to sit at my mom's clothing store and write animal short stories in my spiral notebook. Everywhere I went, I had a notebook. However, with trying to pursue modeling along with the busy life of a teenager, I stopped writing, except in journals until I had my first child, at age 21.
LEESE: ...since I was about four years old. The prologue in my novel "Notes on the Windowsill" comes from one of my ghostly experiences. On the day that my grandfather was buried¡Khe visited me. I don't recall ever NOT believing in or being interested in paranormal activity.
LEESE: Well, as I was only four when I had my first paranormal experience, with many following since that time, I'd have to say paranormal. But as I stated above, I wrote short stories about animals, not anything paranormal. When I grew older and started researching my experiences, I started to write paranormal-related books.
LEESE: Because I am fortunate enough to have been led in this direction. I feel that I am supposed to write whether I get published or not. Fiction is my favorite. I always add something from my life in it. I did not put a lot of thought into where I wanted to go with my writing until my first publishing, an article, in October 1999.
LEESE: No--because if I cannot write at that time, I am letting myself down, and I make it a habit never to let myself down.
LEESE: I use notes. As I write, I jot down what I am writing at that moment. An outline confuses me and jumbles up what my intentions are for the book. However, most of the time, I only have an idea, the words, flow, plot, etc. comes to me as I write.
LEESE: Most of what I write is from an experience I had lived such as feeling someone at the end of my bed touching my calf, music in the night, and writing at the computer and suddenly someone or something surrounds me, almost taking the air away, so that comes easy for me to describe in my writing. I read paranormal books of all kinds, true stories, romance, and factual books, and I visit websites online to read more stories. On these websites, I can also find information on what ghost hunters use when hunting a ghost. Watching movies such as my two favorites, "The Others," and "The Haunting of Hill House" inspire me.
LEESE: Oh, I have a lot, but here's a few:
Books: Nora Roberts' "Midnight Bayou" and
"Ghosts and Haunted Houses of Maryland" by Trish Gallagher
LEESE: Well, most of the time I get my ideas out of the blue¡Xwhile watching TV, reading a book, listening, but mainly while I sleep. I wake during the night to jot things down on my notepad, or I do it in the morning as soon as I wake.
LEESE: Ah, cute question, I've never been asked about my furry babies before. Yes, I have three dogs. The oldest is Jezzabel, she is a 12-year-old Golden Retriever, then there is Daisy, she is a 4-year-old Collie-German Shepard mix, and lastly there's Lily. She is a 1-year-old Basset Hound.
LEESE: I spend over half my time on the computer writing. I promote or research the rest of the time, and I am on the computer for about five to six hours a day--usually. Sometimes I stay up after everyone goes to bed, or sometimes I just don't bother getting on. No set writing rules for me. I write better that way.
LEESE: Well, when I'm not writing, I like to spend time with my children and husband. Usually the weekends and evenings after six are spent with my family. My hobbies include writing, reading, and just about anything to do with ladybugs and giraffes. I like to spend time outside in my yard during the warmer months, and going to the beach to camp with my family is one of my favorite pastimes.
LEESE: I work in the home doing all the unpaid jobs of a wife, and mother, while writing whenever possible.
LEESE: Yes, I belong to EPIC, SCBWI, and EPPRO, not to mention several writing groups through Yahoo Groups! When the subjects stick to writing and promotion, I feel that I get a lot out of these groups. The promotion ideas some people share are incredible. If I had more time, I'd belong to several more groups! But what writer has the time to read hundreds of emails a day? I sure don't.
LEESE: Life. I did not attend any kind of creative writing course, or college classes. The success that has happened for me as a writer comes from hard work and determination¡Xand thankfully that has gotten me far.
LEESE: I'm a day person, mainly because I have to get up so early in the morning with my children. But I am the kind of person that has no problem staying up late. I do that occasionally¡Kbut suffer for it in the morning. I tend to write better in the late evening hours when the house is quiet and my six senses come alive.
LEESE: To never give up. Use the criticism and rejections to better your writing. Do not let them destroy your dreams.
LEESE: I don't know. I can't see myself as doing anything else career-wise. I suppose I'd still be a day care provider or working in an elementary school.
LEESE: Well, I'd like them to know that I enjoy everything in my life--I wouldn't change a thing. I am the kind of person that will help you, if I can. If I can't, then I will try to find someone who can. I'd like people to know that I am a determined person who will make it someday. So keep your eye out for the name Jennifer LB Leese.
Interview questions by Linda Dupie @ Rainy Day Corner
LEESE: My children. My oldest son will be 12 this May and he loves to read chapter books. I write children's picture books because of my 5 and 6-year-olds, and the paranormal genre is because paranormal activity intrigues me. I am a true believer in the paranormal, and have had several experiences myself.
LEESE: Yes, because you have to be more careful with your words. Keeping a young adult's attention is hard work. Getting your point across has to be straightforward, and written clearly.
LEESE: Not really. I tend to get more ideas for children's picture books and for paranormal novels though. I enjoy writing in all fields...I also would like to write women's fiction and possibly more nonfiction books for children soon.
LEESE: I think the advantages are because it is easier to receive worldwide exposure--in seconds. Plus, not only can you get a hard copy of your favorite book, you can also get a copy for your laptop, for your most used computer, on a handheld reading device, and you can listen to it in your car, which enables you to read it anywhere you are at any given moment.
LEESE: Sure. My first publishing was with a small magazine in Florida called The Florida Villager in October 1999. I had submitted a children's book to three publishers several months before and had received one rejection. So when I received word of my article--with picture--would appear in this small magazine, I was estatic. Then on December 24th of that same year, I received a contract for my first children's book--"Beetle Bug Adventures," which I wrote about my son's pet rhino beetle. From there, my career as an electronic author sky-rocketed!
LEESE: Well, basically to never give up. When you receive criticism, use it to better your writing, don't take it to heart. As for rejections--they are never easy, but keep each one and decorate your trashcan with it in your writing room--that'll help.
LEESE: Yes, I have two children's picture books, and seven more still in the illustration-stage at Writers Exchange ePublishing. All my books are available at my publishers website or at your local bookstore by request. Go to my author webpage: http://www.oocities.org/ladyjiraff/books.html to find information, reviews, and purchasing links for ALL my books.
LEESE: Yes...never be afraid to try out a new book written by a new author--because they probably aren't as new as you think!
Simply Electric, Ebook Interviews by Valerie Hardin
Leese: I started electronic publishing in May of 2000 when my first children's book was published.
Leese: I think pubishers and writers already do a wonderful job in distributing their books and websites on the Internet, but I think everyone can do a little more on the outside, face-to-face type promotion.
Leese: That one of my books (my paranormal romance novel) was the best novel they have ever read. It made them laugh and cry, but left them feeling completely satisfied and happy at the end.
Leese: Mainly just that not everyone is so open to the idea of electronic books and authors. It takes a lot more leg work to get yourself noticed as a "real" author.
Leese: That my children's picture books come with sound...and they can be published in several different formats. Electronic books are great...they're not bulky in size--you can take them anywhere, they last forever, they're priced affordably, they introduce computer-newcomers and children to a whole new world, and they are available online worldwide!
Leese: Yes, I listen to my children play, talk to me and with each other, and I watch them closely...I take special care in watching every little facial expression when someone amuses them, or saddens them, and I watch how they interact with people they know, or don't know...I learn a lot from my children. They even give me ideas for books--by something they said, did, or didn't do...
Leese: I never had a "weird" job...but one that was completely out of character was a gas station attendant...:)
Leese: Oh, that was fabulous. She was so nice, and down-to-earth that I felt at ease the moment I stepped in the door. Tons of people came to see Nora, but I sold out because of it--so I'm not complaining. I received wonderful exposure, and now many people in my town know who I am...I couldn't have asked for a more successful first book signing. I hope to do it again with her soon. I just can't seem to pump out those books like she does. :)
Interview with Romance Junkies (Brooke Wills)
Hi Brooke, thanks for inviting me. I would love to tell you what I am currently working on. Actually I am working on several projects right now. The first one is my second paranormal novel titled THE ROOM IN THE HOUSE ON ELEANOR STREET. This book is actually about my house and certain little spiritual experiences I have personally experienced while living here. This one is more paranormal fiction than the first book I wrote titled NOTES ON THE WINDOWSILL (ISBN: 1-894869-61-3) published by Zumaya Publications. It is labeled paranormal romance. ROOM IN THE HOUSE ON ELEANOR STREET is just about finished. I have pitched it to several traditional publishing houses, but sadly haven't heard anything back as of yet. I'm taking that as a positive sign--they're REALLY thinking about my book. :)
• BOWS FOR PIGEL'S NOSE, September 9, 2003, Writers-Exchange EPublishing,
ISBN: 1 920741 60 7
• SOUNDS I CAN HEAR: IN A CAR, March 2003, Writer's Exchange E-Publishing,
ISBN: 1-920741-43-7
I AM ME
SOUNDS I CAN HEAR: IN AN AIRPLANE
SOUNDS I CAN HEAR: IN MY BEDROOM
SOUNDS I CAN HEAR: IN MY BACKYARD
SOUNDS I CAN HEAR: IN A STORE
SOUNDS I CAN HEAR: IN THE PARK
Yes, I write in three different genres—children's, young adult, and adult—all fiction. I have experimented with children's non-fiction when I was hired to write UNIQUELY MARYLAND for Heimann Library last year. To answer your question, no, I do not have difficulty switching between the genres. Actually, I find it challenging. Often I work on different books at the same time, some from the same genre and sometimes all three. I would have to say that I enjoy writing in all three genres, however, children's and paranormal are my favorites. They come easier for me to write.
Hum, interesting question. I would have to say making everything voice-activated—including bringing up documents and programs. For me, it would make it simpler to write, not to mention making the searching of a specific manuscript quicker.
Well, I have heard a lot of advice when I first started writing. The one that sticks with me is ‘to never give up’. Rejections happen to the best of us—so I write, read, edit, and write some more.
Ha! My writing space is pretty organized, unbelievably. I try to write daily, even it for an hour or so at a time, therefore, I have notes (with reminders), papers (for jotting ideas on), and paperclips lying beside the computer and keyboard at all times.
My computer rests on an oak rectangular-shaped table. Lastly, there is a 2 1/2 foot ceramic giraffe (I love giraffes) sitting beside the chair under the window on my left.
No, I do not have that business anymore. I enjoy making crafts and gift baskets, but it left no time for my writing, and that drove me crazy. Now I make those things for family and friends for special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and births.
I currently fulfill my passions—my children, my husband and writing. As for the little things, I like to ride on our three-wheeler, mini-bike, and I enjoy riding on the back of my husband's Harley Davidson. Between all that goes on in my life, I enjoy watching movies and anything that comes on the Discovery Channel.
Yes! My family and I slept in the living room so we could all be together. Because they were scared and had heard plenty of scary 'kid hurricane tales' from kids at school, the storm did not actually blow through hard until after they had fallen asleep. My husband and I could not sleep for more than an hour or so at a time. At one point, we went and sat out on our front porch to watch
Wow, I love these questions! My husband and I met through a mutual friend. While out with my best friend at a restaurant/bar called “Southwest”, he came in with our mutual friend, whom he worked with. They stood beside our (full) table and talked for a while. I could feel him staring at me, but every time I looked up to make eye contact, he looked away. "Not interested," I told myself. Two days later, I returned from a babysitting job and was told by my then 16-year old brother that I had about 20 calls from 'a guy named Thom and a guy named Vince'. Before having the chance to call him back, the phone rang. It was Thom. He told me that he was going out of town and wanted to know if I would go out with him next week. Of course, I said yes, I fell in love with his voice over the phone. Seconds after we hung up, he called back, telling me that he decided not to go out of town and wanted to go out with me that evening. At seven o'clock on the button, he showed up in his roaring red Mustang to take me to the town fair. That was over thirteen years ago.
I would have to say both, however I would prefer the cruise ship and the midnight buffet. In 1999, my husband and I took a cruise to the Bahamas, and I loved it. In the evening, we were surrounded by the blackest black I have ever seen. The sound of the waves, the smell of the salty air, and the moonlight dancing on the rolling water while my husband and I shared precious and hilarious moments, and loving whispers while in each other's arms was one of the most wonderful times of my life. I cannot wait to do it again!
Interesting. I describe myself as a loving, friendly, tolerant, and jovial woman, affectionate mother, and do-anything-for-ya kind of gal who knows just where she wants to go in her life. I am determined enough to get me there, however, it may takes some time.
Oh, that's easy. In January of this year, my husband put together a DVD. On it were the beginning pictures of my life, pictures from our wedding, my pregnancies, and the births and life of our children thus far—all playing to the beautiful touching song "Amazed" by Lonestar. It brought me to tears. It was one of the most precious, loving, and thoughtful gifts I had ever received.
Clothes…well, I don't really have that many clothes in my closet that I would save except for my Harley boots, mine and my daughter's ballet tutus, my black velvet dress and matching shoes, and an oversized box of my children's baby things, as well as my comfortable jogging suit.
Hum…not what you are thinking, I am sure. My eveningwear consists of my husband's twoX Big Dog shirt and sweat pants in the cold months and shorts in the warmer ones. Only on special "romantic" occasions do I ever wear anything silky smooth and shiny.
Good question. My favorite comfort food is sourdough pretzel nuggets. I love 'em. Wash them down with sweet iced tea and I am set. As for my favorite food,…the answer would have to be lasagna. My husband makes it every year for me on my birthday, which is coming up in January.
She reviews children’s books for several online magazines, including her own A StoryWeaver’s Book Reviews, as well as for Fiction Forum, Preschool Entertainment, and Midwest Book Review. Jennifer is also a freelance copyeditor for Writer’s Exchange E-Publishing, as well as for individual authors. Leese’s experience comes from the above as well as from her published books, numerous articles, and professional book reviews and columns.
Jennifer: First, I'm sure you are aware of the unique name--Nica Jolee. The spelling of her name is a combination of my three children's names--Nicholas, Cameron, and Jordan. Of course, Lee is part of our last name.
I decided to write Nica Jolee's story because whenever you see a child, especially at a family reunion, there is always someone that says, "Oh, you look like so-and-so and so-and-so." My oldest son always hated that. He got confused as to why he didn't look like himself. So, I wrote a story about his concerns.
Jennifer: I feel that it is. I know that children enjoy being told that they look like certain people in their family, but at the same time, they just want to be themselves. It is hard enough now a-days for children to feel that they possess their own special quality...I just thought I would let them, in a story, that they are one of a kind.
Jennifer: Not yet, but they will be is my thinking. HarperCollins, Warner, and a few other traditional publishers have gone the route of e-books. It is the way our society is headed. Of course, e-books will never replace the traditional print book, but the quality and illustrations e-book publishers produce is amazing. Not to mention that e-books can come with sound and animation such as my children's book "Sounds I Can Hear: In a Car" published with Writers-Exchange. I am very happy with the e-book industry.
Jennifer: I met Ms. Iannaccone through the publisher at Writers-Exchange. I was delighted that Ms. Iannaccone decided to make me part of the illustration process. She asked me questions such as did I have a certain look for the child, parents, etc. I didn't really, as they were all based on my three children, I just asked that she have dark hair--she had free reign over the illustrations. However, as she completed the pictures, she sent them to me to make sure that I liked them before she colored them. I thought that was a wonderful touch in an illustrator. As for your question about "issues," I would have to say that in the traditional book publishing industry, not many authors ever get to speak with the illustrator, let alone be included in the illustration process of their book. E-book publishers encourage this process, and that is another reason I am thrilled with e-books.
C. Iannaccone: After I read the manuscript, I Am Me!, I knew I'd really like to illustrate it.
To start the process I had to develop the main character visually. With a little tweaking here and there, Jennifer approved the character sketch and Nica Jolee was born on paper of paint and colors.
As I illustrated the rest of the story, my husband, a web expert, help me set up a special section attached to my website, so that Jennifer could see the completed illustrations and feel the flow of the work. We made a few changes and additions and soon it was finished.
I enjoyed illustrating I Am Me!I liked the story and enjoyed working with Jennifer.
Jennifer: My children. When watching, playing with, or listening to them play, I get all sorts of ideas from them. Every one of my stories is about one of my children in some way.
Jennifer: Well, as an adult fiction writer too, I can say there really isn't much of a difference, other than word usage and putting down exactly what you want to say in as less words as possible…that is, unless it is a children's novel such as my book "Gargoyle Tears" published by Tarbutton
Press (.com).
C. Iannaccone: Illustrating electronic picture books is so different from regular picture book publishing because the illustrator and author, in most cases, never communicate with each other.
Jennifer: Simplify as much as possible without cutting out what you want to say. Make sure you are using the proper words for the age group you are writing for, and keep trying if and when you get rejection letters.
Jennifer: Thank you, Char for interviewing me. "I Am Me!" is available through Writers-Exchange and Amazon.com. The direct link to this book at
Writers-Exchange is:
http://www.writers-exchange.com/epublishing/leese-book4.htm Don't forget to check out my other children's books with Writer's Exchange by going to:
http://www.writers-exchange.com/epublishing/leese.htm