Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome first time guest Leanna Ellis to the blog.
Leanna, can you please share with us a little about yourself
LE: Hi, y’all! First, thanks so much for having me here today! I love books and words and the written language. Nothing thrills my soul like a well-turned phrase or an amazing story that takes me on a journey. I simply love to read and write. I’m a total book-aholic. I have been ever since I was a little girl and read Charlotte’s Web. There is something about reading that opens our imaginations and helps us to soar.
Have you always wanted to be an author?
LE: I actually never dreamed of the possibility. It wasn’t until I was a teacher, searching for something else to do (LOL!) that my sister said, “You’re always writing in that journal of yours. Why don’t you write a book?” When I was a kid, I thought all writers were dead. Not true! We’re alive and well (some of us anyway) and busy writing. Anyway, when my sister planted that seed, I quit teaching and struck out on this crazy path of writing. And I love it!
Can you share with us your typical writing day. Is there anything you have to have while writing?
LE: There is no typical writing day. Not for me anyway. I’m in that very busy season of life with two young teenagers who are very active. So I stay busy running them from place to place. Much of my time writing is sitting in a car, waiting for my kids to get out of their rehearsal or practice. Have laptop will write. I suppose I could say that I need my laptop but even at times when I don’t have it, I can write the old fashioned way: pen and paper. Peanut M&Ms are always useful too.
Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?
LE: The first draft is always the most challenging part of writing for me. Staring at a blank page and conjuring up something to say is never easy. I love when I have the first draft down and can then begin massaging the story and fine tuning it. The most rewarding part of writing is hearing from readers, especially when a book has really meant something to them, helped them over a hurdle, or touched them. That is what its all about!
Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
LE: FORBIDDEN is the second book of my Plain Fear series. Rachel Schmidt Nussbaum, a young Amish widow, is now seven-and-a-half months pregnant with her first child. She blames herself for her husband Josef’s death and believes she is being punished by God for her past sins. So when a stranger arrives claiming to be an old friend from her wilder years, saying only she can fix things for him, for Josef, and for herself, she makes an impulsive decision to follow him. It is a decision that will send Rachel on a dangerous journey—one that will lead her to the depths of ultimate danger, the potential for new love, and a battle that will decide both the fate of her soul and the life of her unborn child.
How did you come up with the idea for this story?
LE: I was sitting in church one weekend and had been struggling with my agent’s request to turn my one book idea into a trilogy. After the sermon, my church always has a time for folks to come down and pray if they have something they need to pray about. Folks pray for their jobs or about troubled relationships or whatever, and so I went down to pray, because at the time I was praying for guidance about whether God wanted me to write this story. So I met with someone, quickly told them my prayer request, and we prayed. The man who prayed for me said, “I just know ideas are going to pour down on you.” Sure enough, before I reached the parking lot, the whole plot for book #2 Forbidden came to me and I sat in the parking lot scribbling down the plot. I must say that does not always happen.
Can you share with us your current work in progress?
LE: I am working on book #3 of the Plain Fear series called FORGIVEN. In fact, I just reached the end of a very rough draft, and so I can’t wait to start getting it ready to send to my editor.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
LE: Oh, my! That is such a hard question. There are so many wonderful current authors, some I am blessed to know and call friends. Reading gets me so jazzed! There are so many authors who have passed on who inspire me with their work. One is Ray Bradbury, who recently passed away, and he was truly a master.
Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style?
LE: Absolutely! Amazing writing pushes me to be better and work harder at my own craft. Stories with heart that move me to tears remind me of the power of story and inspire me to be a better person and writer.
What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
LE: My To Read pile is very high as I am always way behind, but I have a couple of upcoming trips and so I’m hoping to be able to relax and read until my brain is saturated with words. One book that I am going to reread is Gone With the Wind. Its been a long time since I read it and I am wanting to read it again.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
LE: Thanks so much for having me today! I hope all of your readers have a great summer, with plenty of sunscreen and lots of fabulous books!
PLAIN FEAR: FORBIDDEN BY LEANNA ELLIS – IN STORES AUGUST 2012
How Long Must We Pay for the Sins of Our Past?
She blames herself for her husband’s death. But for Rachel Schmidt Nussbaum, redemption may only lie in the ultimate sacrifice.
When a stranger arrives claiming only she can save him, Rachel’s impulsive instincts lead her on a perilous journey, one that leads her to a battle that will decide both the fate of her soul and the life of her unborn child.
A far–from–ordinary story of love and desperation, sin and sacrifice, Amish faith and vampire lore, Plain Fear: Forbidden is an imaginative thrill ride that’s like nothing you’ve ever read before.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Leanna Ellis is the winner of the National Readers’ Choice Award and Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart Award. She has written numerous books for Harlequin/Silhouette and has published four books with B&H Publishing. With her husband, two children, and wide assortment of pets, she lives in Texas. For more information, please visit www.leannaellis.com, follow her on Twitter, @LeannaEllis, and “like” her on Facebook.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I love this series. I can’t wait to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
This sounds like an interesting story. Do the books need to be read in order, or are they pretty much able to stand alone? I think I would enjoy this (it is different from my usually reads).
It sounds like a suspenseful story where you are not sure who can be trusted.
I’m really intrigued by the paranormal nature of this series – especially since it’s in an Amish setting. I’d like to ask Leanna what inspired her to add that twist to the books?
Thanks for the giveaway!
Hi, y’all! Thanks so much for having me here and for the interest in Plain Fear series. June, a review of Forbidden said that it could be read and understood easily without the first book, Forsaken. But of course it is a series, so reading them in order is always a plus. Maria, the image we have of the Amish is of a simple, innocent, wholesome way of life, which is a perfect environment to place a dark, frightening, evil entity. In fact, part of my inspiration for this story came from The Phantom of the Opera, and how innocent Christine is and how trusting of this voice she hears in her head—the angel of music. So an Amish heroine, sheltered by the world we know, seemed perfect. Except the Amish world isn’t always as sheltered as we think. Doors can be opened to evil forces. The Plain Fear series is a story of good versus evil. So often we just think of evil as being dark and scary…well, it is that but it’s also alluring and appealing and attractive. If you just saw the dark, ugly, scary side of evil, who would go there? Each of the main characters in Forsaken and now Forbidden have to make tough choices.
Thanks again! If you have any more questions, I’ll stop back by later today. Blessings, Leanna
I read several authors that write about the Amish and just love their books. I am from Pennsylvania and have Pa “Dutch” ancestors. Reading these type of books reminds me of home and family and mostly of family values!
would love to win.
Would love to win thanks for the contest
This is a new to me series but I just love the idea of combining two such varying ideas ie Amish and vampires. Thanks for the interview. Carin
mawmom(at)gmail(dot)com
Great interview. It’s interesting how writing the first draft is hardest for you. That is the easiest for me, but the editing demolishes me. I find I get tired of my story the longer I work on it. Does that happen to you?
I love how you got your plot line for book two! Wow!
I have never heard of your books before, what an interesting mix to throw in with an Amish story. Makes me wonder what book one is about, I will have to go check it out.
Great interview, and book cover. Thx for giveaway.
blinkysthebest at aol dot com
This book sounds fantastic. Can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the great interview.
Interesting subject. hope to win a copy of the book.
The book sounds so interesting and wonderful, and thank you Leanna for always being so upbeat and sharing your unique talent as an author!!
I was a little unsure of the mix between the Amish and vampires, but I’m always looking for something new and exciting to read. I’m glad I gave Plain Fear: Forsaken a try!! It was exciting,mysterous, and unpredictable. Thanks for writting something fresh and new 🙂 I’ve recommended it to many friends. I’m looking forward to getting my hands on book 2!! I know it’ll be awesome 🙂
I would love to win your new book thank,Leanna
Hi again, y’all! Love all the comments and interest! Thanks so much! Jennifer, I too get tired of my books but I’ve learned to take little breaks between read throughs. After I write the no-good horrible first draft, I usually take at least 2 weeks away from the manuscript before tackling revisions. It helps me gain distance from the story so I can look at it more objectively. Depends on how much time I have before a deadline, but then for each consecutive draft I take at least a couple of days, work on something else or refill my ‘well.’ Then usually I don’t take a look at it again for a few months when I get my publisher’s revision letter. Then more time before the line edits. And finally a little more time before the last and final read through. By then I’m usually really sick of the story and don’t want to read it again. And by then I’m usually very deep into another book and other characters.
Lexi, Forsaken, the first book in the Plain Fear series is about Hannah Schmidt, a young Amish woman mourning the mysterious death of her beloved Jacob. She must decide between two brothers, between good and evil. When she learns her first love is now the vampire Akiva, she must forsake him and cling to a new love, a lasting love, one that will save her soul.
Paula, that’s so great to know! I love it when I surprise readers. Thanks for letting me know. Hope you enjoy Forbidden!
Everything about this book sounds so enticing, from the plot to the interesting story about its genesis. Definitely in my TBR list.
minadecaro@hotmail.com
I would love to win your novel “Forbidden”, I read “Forksaken” and it was wonderful! So, please enter me in your contest and thanks for writing such great stories! Take Care!
This looks like a great read! Thank so much for the chance to win this in the giveaway!!!
Interesting interview! Book sounds great too…really want to read it!
I liked your amazon page, #14.This book most definitely is intriguing. I’d love to read it.
Thanks for a chance to win.
luvfuzzzeeefaces at yahoo dot com
thanks for the giveaway! I love your blog!
I WOULD LOVE TO WIN ANY OF YOUR BOOKS SO i WILL KEEP MY FINGERS CROSSED THANK YOU AN KEEP THE BOOKS COMING.
Very nice interview and cover.
Great interview… I’ve not read any of Leanna’s books but will be sure to check them out. Thanks for the giveaway.
When I read the first book, Forsaken, I wasn’t sure what to make of it. I struggled at first to get hooked. About half way through, I decided I really wanted to know how it would work out. When I realized that it was clearly only part of the arc I knew that I would read the next book. By the end of the story, when it was revealed what had happened to Rachel’s husband, I was sad and just wanted her to find happiness. I am looking forward to reading Forbidden.
Another book to add to my wish list. Thanks for the nice give away.
nice interview books looks very interesting 1 for my tbr list. wish leanna well with the book thanks for the giveaway