H. L. Le Roy is the author of the short story anthology, Street Crimes, which saw the first appearance of the tough and principled private investigator, Jillian Varela. His YA novel, The Fountain of the Earth, is scheduled to be published in the summer of 2013. He is working on Juno, book two of The Fountain of the Earth saga and a Jillian Varela novel scheduled for publication in 2014. He lives with his family in California.
Do you plan everything or just let the story flow?
I know the basics. What the problem is, what’s at stake, who the characters are, any subplots, and what the resolution needs to be. I try to keep it as simple as possible because the more I get into it, the more the story pulls me along. That’s the fun part of writing.
Do your characters ever want to take over the story?
Some have tried. I just kill them off.
What is your favourite food?
New York Steak - or Mexican or Italian or...
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Absolutely morning, although I’ll write at any time.
Where do you dream of travelling to and why?
I haven’t been to Australia and would really love to go.
Do distant places feature in your books?
In Escape Route, a thriller I’ve nearly completed, Russia, Prague, England, and Hong Kong figure prominently.
Do you listen to music while writing?
I do. The Beatles mostly.
Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?
THE FOUNTAIN OF THE EARTH is a dystopian YA novel that takes place in a world where civilization had been destroyed by a massive solar flare. The main character, Terra Vonn, is seeking revenge on the murderers of her mother.
What have you learned about writing and publishing since you first started?
That self-publishing has all of the requirements of traditional publishing. And if you want to do it right, it will cost you. A good story, cleanly edited, and formatted in a professional manner plus a great cover are all required. And to paraphrase Elmore Leonard, don’t forget to edit out the parts that readers skip.
Is there anything you would do differently?
I would have published a novel first.
Who, or what, if anything has influenced your writing?
David Mamet’s Three Uses of the Knife, and Steven King’s On Writing.
Anything you would say to those just starting out in the craft?
Read absolutely everything you can get your hands on. Don’t write what you know, write what you love.
What are three words that describe you?
Stubborn, determined...and uh...forgetful.
What's your favourite book or who is your favourite writer?
Hard one. I read so much that I have a new favorite every week. I do enjoy Janet Evanovich and liked The Night Circus.
Blurb of your latest release or coming soon book
THE FOUNTAIN OF THE EARTH. Young Adult novel. After witnessing the brutal murder of her mother, TERRA VONN (14) has a singular focus – exacting revenge on the killers. But before she can complete her plans, savagery intervenes and she is cast alone into a brutal post-apocalyptic world. As she trails the men south through a land filled with cannibalistic criminals, the Ghóraz, slave traders, and lunatics, the hunter becomes the hunted. Terra quickly learns that she is neither as tough nor as brave as she thinks she is.
List of previous books if any
Street Crimes - $1.99 wherever EBooks are sold.
Any websites/places readers can find you on the web.
@hlleroy
hlleroy.blogspot.com
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