Indie Author Interview with Janet Leigh - Author of the Romantic Comedy The Shoes Come First.
Janet Leigh is a practicing Chiropractor and Acupuncturist. She has three kids, a mean cat and a dog that has allergies. After working all day and chauffeuring kids around at night she likes to relax with a funny romance or mystery novel.
Janet works part time with her chiropractor husband and writes at every opportunity. She hopes her readers enjoy her debut, The Shoes Come First: A Jennifer Cloud Novel.
Interview with Janet Leigh
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| Author Janet Leigh |
Janet Leigh: I have always enjoyed writing short stories for fun. When a friend read one and suggested I try to get it published I decided to take a few writing courses with Gotham Writers to brush up on my writing skills. The Shoes Come First is my first published novel.
Who are your favorite writers, your favorite books, and who or what are your writing influences?
I love stories that make me laugh. Janet Evanovich and Beth Ciotta are two of my favorites. I like the way Nora Roberts and Diana Gabaldon weave their stories to involve the reader. When I get stuck in my writing I always ask WWND or what would Nora do?
I am also a fan of James Patterson and Nicholas Sparks.
When did you first know that you wanted to be a writer?
I wrote stories when I was young and then discovered science. My interest in healing people took precedence over my writing. I have worked in the medical field for over twenty years and my writing bug has begun to surface again.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
Yes, it was about a cupid that was having trouble getting people to fall in love.
Tell us about your writing process. Do you have a writing routine?
Since I still work full time I try to write every morning from 6-7am and sometimes at night after my family has gone to bed and my house is quiet.
"I keep my writing on a flash drive so I can work anywhere."
Please, describe your desk/workplace.
I keep my writing on a flash drive so I can work anywhere. I have a study where I do most of my writing, but if I am at one of my kid’s games I will whip out my laptop and work.
What do you find easiest about writing? What the hardest?
Creating the story is the easiest part. The hardest part is the marketing. I had no idea what was involved to get my book out there. It has been an interesting journey.
"Having someone tell me how much they loved my book [...]"
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Having someone tell me how much they loved my book and that it made them laugh.
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| Click to Read an Excerpt |
Janet, please tell us a little about your Romantic Comedy The Shoes Come First.
The Shoes Come First is a romantic comedy about a girl who inherits the gift of time travel. Most romances have one or two romantic interests for the main character. I thought it would be fun if mine had three men who try to win her heart. Jennifer Cloud is a funny, girl next door that inadvertently teams up with her cousin, Gertrude, to fight crime in the past and the present. She enlists a cast of dysfunctional characters to help her learn the art of time travel. Jennifer finds herself in a race against time to save herself, her friends and retrieve what was stolen from her family.
What inspired you to write the book?
My crazy family has so many stories. I picked a few of them for this book. For example, the time my great uncle sold mules he had juiced up with Alka-Seltzer to Pancho Villa. Luckily, Villa was not able to get across the border. If he had, I might have been short a few cousins.
Who do you see as your target audience and where can we buy the book?
Since I consider my book a form of Chick-lit, my target audience is female ages 18+. Although I have a few reviews from males that enjoyed the book. Right now the book is on Amazon.com and Amazon Kindle.
"There are a few surprises and twists to keep the reader engaged [...]"
What makes your book special?
It’s a different way to mix time travel and romance. I try to tap into historical facts without sounding like a history teacher. There are a few surprises and twists to keep the reader engaged and hoping for a sequel.
How would you describe the success of your book so far?
It’s exciting to see the sales spikes and to get the reviews.
How long did it take it to write the book?
It took me three years to write the book because I was working full time and just writing for fun. Sometimes I would go three months without writing. My next book (book 2 in The Jennifer Cloud Series) will be ready much sooner.
"Write every day or schedule time to write."
Can you give some advice for other Authors regarding the writing process?
Write every day or schedule time to write. When you have big gaps, like I did, it takes much longer to accomplish your goals.
Are you working on another book project? Can you tell us a little about it?
I am currently writing book 2 in The Jennifer Cloud Series. She is back in Scotland chasing after the bad guy that tries to intercept Mary, Queen of Scots. Then she is off to the year 1985, to save one of her favorite fellas from the world of Hair Bands, a flirtatious rock star and a serial killer.
"[...] there is nothing like the smell of a leather bound classic."
Where do you see the book market in 5 or 10 years? Will there be only eBooks and will book stores disappear like record stores disappeared?
I would like to think book stores will always be a part of our society. I enjoy the convenience of my Kindle but there is nothing like the smell of a leather bound classic and the feel of a good book in my hand.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
I have the old style Kindle for reading outdoors because my favorite reading spot is at the beach or around the pool. I use my IPad with the Kindle app for reading when I travel or at home.
Do you write full-time or do you have a day job? When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I am a full time Doctor of Chiropractic and Acupuncturist. I have recently cut down my hours at the office to spend more time writing. I also have three children that keep me very busy with school and sports activities.
How can readers connect with you?
I can be reached at my website www.janetleighbooks.com. Or on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/Janetleighbooks and Twitter @janetleighbooks
Thank you very much for the Interview, Janet.
About the Book The Shoes Come First
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| Click to Read an Excerpt |
But when villains who will stop at nothing to acquire every last time traveling key for themselves, start messing with Jennifer’s family, she finds herself in a race against time to retrieve her key and save herself and her family.
Time traveling to Scotland, New York City and even pre-indoor plumbing Texas. The Shoes Come First has a little sex, a little violence, and a whole bunch of drama that sees its fearless heroine chasing after villains and the men chasing after her.
"Great story with interesting and funny characters. Combines history with romance and mystery and a little magical sci fi. Can't wait to read Jennifer Cloud's next adventure." - Reader Review
Link to the Book
Link to the Paperback The Shoes Come First on Amazon
Link to the eBook The Shoes Come First on Amazon
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