Interview with Leigh Ellwood, romance author

Please welcome fellow Loose Id and Phaze author Lehigh Ellwood, who has out a new release as the editor!

• Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I have been writing for the better part of twenty years. I sold my first short story when I was 19, and haven’t looked back. I enjoying writing romance and mystery, and even dabble in poetry on occasion. When I’m not writing or working (whenever that is) I like spending time with my family.

• Do you use a pseudonym and if so, why?

Leigh Ellwood is a pen name. I use it to set apart my spicier writing from other stories I offer. My real name is sort of an open secret, though I managed to keep Leigh from my husband for a whole year!

• What genre do you write in? Why did you pick that genre?

As mentioned before, romance and mystery mainly. As erotic romance gained popularity, I decided to try my hand at it when my then publisher announced they were launching an erotic imprint. Phaze Books has most of my works, but I am also pubbed with DLP Books, Samhain, and Loose ID.

• What inspires you to write the type of stories that you write?

What doesn’t? :D I find ideas in everyday life: news items, music…sometimes I’ll go for a drive and see something that inspires questions, and that becomes an idea for a story.

• How would you describe your writing style? Plotter or pantser? Why?

I vary. If I’m writing mystery, I plot out points to make sure the story makes sense. When writing romance, I go with a loose summary and let the writing take me to the end.

• What is your favorite genre to READ?

I love mysteries, and history and biographies. My Kindle is full of them.

• Do you have a specific place where you like to write? When, during the day, is your most creative time?

These days I have to adapt. I write when I can, where I can. Often that means a few sentences here and there on the iTouch while I’m in the passenger seat, or even after dinner. Because of this, I tend to do better at night as far as getting into a writing zone.

• What’s your typical writing day?

They are more atypical than anything else. :D I work full-time, then have extra freelance work to pay bills. When the paid work is done, I settle down to write what I can before moving on to the next project.

• Do you have critique partners or beta readers? Why?

I recently acquired one for my last mystery novel, to make sure there were no continuity errors or holes. I find it has helped me very much in getting the writing down to how I want it.

• Who give you the most support along in your writing?

Fellow authors are encouraging, as is my closest friend.

• Do you have another job (besides writing)? If so, what do you do?

I work as a social media specialist, assisting clients with their Twitter and Facebook presences. If only I had the time to work on my own!

• What’s your take on the future of ebooks and epublishing?

I believe we will see more attention given to digital rights. Authors may be more selective in contracting eBook rights, especially with so many options available. I think in the next ten years, too, we’ll see the under $99 ebook reader.

• Do you have a favorite quote -- yours or someone famous or even infamous?

I have always comfort in the words of St. Teresa:

Let nothing trouble you, let nothing frighten you.
All things are passing; God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
He who possesses God lacks nothing:
God alone suffices.

• What’s your favorite food?

I’m Italian. I can’t get through a week without a nice plate of spaghetti.

• What’s your favorite movie? Why?

Dr. Strangelove. I love dark humor, and there is something new in this movie every time I watch it.

• Do you have a favorite book or author?

I’ve been reading Dick Francis since college, and have read just about everything he’s done. Since he has passed on, I may try reading some of his son’s work.

• Tell me about your latest or upcoming release?

Silver Wings is an anthology of GLBT steampunk – three M/M and one MMF. I actually edited this work and handled most of the project, from commissioning the cover to selecting the stories. I’m very happy with the results and excited to have the first GLBT steampunk stories published at Phaze Books.

• Do you have any releases scheduled for 2011?

I expect to have a few stories with DLP Books out later in the year. I recently released a romance, Boone, with DLP earlier this month.

• What’s your next project?Right now I’m working on the fifth novel in my Dareville series, Dare’s Destiny, which is an MMF ménage.

• Where can readers find you on the web?

Web: http://www.leighellwood.com/
Twitter: @LeighEllwood
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/LeighEllwoodAuthor