INTERVIEW & GIVEAWAY 2 WINNERS (INTERNATIONAL): A Marked Past by Leslie Deaton

 Author: Leslie Deaton

Today I'm really excited to have a chance to interview author Leslie Deaton. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to ask you a few questions about your new book, A Marked Past.

     Thanks for having me! The last year has been one of the most exciting of my life; I finished and released my first young adult novel A Marked Past. You can’t see me right now but I’m definitely smiling because publishing A Marked Past was a dream of mine that came true. I’ll be honest, it wasn’t an easy one to achieve. The journey was a tireless, gut wrenching, emotional, rollercoaster but it was all worth it when the first printed copy of my book arrived. When I opened the book I could feel A Marked Past finally come to life for me.

How long have you been writing?

     This personal success was a long time coming. I’ve been writing since I was about 10 years old, poems, short stories, essays, anything creative that piqued my interest. So for the last 20 years I’ve been quietly practicing my skills and forming the characters and storyline in my head. I paid attention to everything around me. 

What inspired you?

 

      I grew up in a creaky old farm house that scared me, so I put Lyla in one too. I listened to old stories about my grandma making salt circles to ward off dark spirits so I researched Wicca and made it a part of the book too.

How did you get the idea for this book/setting?

     As for a setting, I grew up in Ohio but I was always fascinated by the Salem Witch Trials, so I drove to Salem and wandered the streets. I let the cold wind threaten to steal all my warmth and listened as the trees creaked in the wind. The place haunted me. I gazed up at all the old houses, walked the cobblestone streets, and watched the quirky people move about the little town. And when I left, it all stayed with me, so I created Lyla’s history there, among the cobblestoned streets and the eerie past that still lives in the haunted alleyways. It’s always these kinds of things that inspire me, a history of a place that haunts me, or the memory of a person that brings a smile to my face, those things linger in my memory and inspire me to create a new life for them in the form of a story.

Is there any advice you might have for new writers?

     If you want to get published write your story and have people read it, comment on it, critique it, then revise revise revise. I know you’ll think, but I’ve read it, I love it, but trust me, it can and will always get better with each revision. When you’re ready to query an agent check out my Blog (www.lesliedeaton.blogspot.com) and use the links. Agents like Kristen Nelson provide great examples of query letters. Or, if you choose to go out on your own, check out Createspace. Whatever you choose keep an open mind, keep working at it, and try not to get too discouraged along the way. The road is long but the smile you’ll get when your first copy arrives is worth it! A Marked Past is available in ebook and paperback copies at www.amarkedpast.com

Also, be sure to watch for the sequel A History Renewed coming in the fall of 2012.

Once again I'd like to thank you for such a great interview and wish you the best on any and all upcoming work. 

After such a great interview, comes a great GIVEAWAY! Leslie has been more then generous and is giving one lucky winner a physical copy of her book "A Marked Past" and another lucky winner an ebook. Thats right, this giveaway is INTERNATIONAL! (YAY)

There are no super complicated rules in order to enter, all you have to do is comment on what you thought about the interview, GFC Follow, and follow Leslie Deaton on Goodreads. Thats it! See? Easy! 

(Please leave your email as well, I forgot to mention that one...)

And there is also another giveaway of the book December Moon by Suzy Turner and 2 more lucky winners will be choosen (international as well). Both giveaways will end 1.18.12 The lucky winners will be drawn randomly be myself and will be contacted asap. HAVE FUN AND GO NUTS!!