After publishing two romance novels, I decided to start a series for plus-size sisters like myself called “Voluptuously Curvy and Loving It Series.”

Leanora Moore – 25 April 2013

The Back Flap

Angela Patterson’s life has been to hell and back and she thought she was living her dream of singing as a career till she was introduced to Gary McNeil, who owns McNeil Records. Where he offered her the deal of a lifetime. Gary McNeil runs his record label with his five siblings and one night they went to meet a new singer, and after meeting Angela, Gary had to decide whether to offer her the position as artist or wife. Follow Angela and Gary as the learn that everything happens for a reason.

About the book

What is the book about?

Angela Patterson has had a hard life from being put in foster care at ten years old when her mother was killed and also being separated from her only living relative, her older brother. Now Angela is living her life to the fullest and making a living doing the one thing that makes her happy and that’s singing. Angela sings at a nightclub called Olivia’s, where she hopes to be offered the deal of a lifetime to boost her singing career.

Gary McNeil runs McNeil Records with his twin brother Barry, and their other siblings. Gary has always focused on work and his family till he laid eyes on Angela Patterson across the room in a crowded restaurant and he couldn’t stop thinking about her. Fate steps in when his cousin, Mitch tells him about an amazing singer at his club and when Gary and his sibling check out this new singer, it turns out to be his mystery lady from the restaurant.

Will they be able to keep it strictly business or will the passion building between them bring them together?

When did you start writing the book?

I started writing Smooth as Silk during the summer of 2012.

How long did it take you to write it?

To complete the writing process and editing, it took me seven months to complete Smooth as Silk.

Where did you get the idea from?        

I sit down and think about the stories I would love to read about, then I let the characters tell the story

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

I think the hardest part for me is the intimate scenes because at that point I have to use all of my senses not just my eyes.

What came easily?

What comes easy for me it the emotions of my characters because they are the ones telling the story so it just flows.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

All my characters are totally fictional, but I may use some of my friend and families character traits sometimes. For example the way they talk or act.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

The authors that have influenced me the most are Carmen Green, Altonya Washington, and Brenda Jackson. When I first started out in my writing career, they offered me some very useful advice. I was overjoyed that they took the time out of their busy schedule to even talk with me.

Do you have a target reader?

My target readers are people that love to read about love, passion and an amazing happy ending.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

Yes, I have a writing process that I follow with each of my novels. First I come up with my idea and plot for the book. Then I outline the whole novel from chapter one till I reach the end. Then I complete all my research, such as the location of the novel, my characters’ profession, or even the clothes that my characters wear. After doing all my research, I sit down and let my characters lead the story and only use my outline as a guide to keep the story on track.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

Yes, I do a detailed outline. I start by doing a chapter outline, and then I go back and break the chapters down to four or five scenes per chapter.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I find it easier to edit after I have finished the novel. I tried to do it as I went along and I kept having cases of writers block because I couldn’t get back into the flow of the story.

Did you hire a professional editor?

I have used a professional editor and I also use critique groups and editing software.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

Yes I do listen to music while I write. To get me into my writing mood, I like to listen to old school R&B such as Keith Sweat, Barry White and Marvin Gaye.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

Yes, I did submit my work to agents but I never found one that believed in my work as much as I do.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I decided to go indie after I tried the whole publishing process with a publisher and decided I wanted more freedom with my work, plus I wanted to keep all my rights to my work.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

For Smooth As Silk, I did the cover myself and I plan to learn more about cover designing.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I do have a marketing plan for this book and my main focus is the media so that my readers can learn about me and my books.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

I would tell them to keep learning about you craft as a writer and also continue to learn about the whole publishing process and royalties.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Raleigh, NC

Where do you live now?

My family and I currently live in Garner NC, which is just outside of Raleigh.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I’m a wife and mother to five beautiful kids and I enjoy reading and writing romance novels. I think that’s what led me to write my first novel The Caress of a Younger Man. After publishing two romance novels, I decided to start a series for plus-size sisters like myself called Voluptuously Curvy and Loving It Series.

What are you working on now?

Right now, I’m working on my second volume of my Voluptuously Curvy and Loving It Series called Finding Love Within.

End of Interview:

For more, visit Leanora’s website.

Get your copy of Smooth as Silk from Amazon US (paper or ebook), Amazon UK (paper or ebook), or Barnes & Noble.