We are talking with MFRW Author L.A. Sartor today. Leslie Ann Sartor (aka L.A. Sartor) began telling stories around the age of 4 when her mother, at Leslie’s insistence, wrote them down and Leslie illustrated them. As an adult she writes suspense and action adventure novels with a dash of romance, and screenplays—she's had a contracted adaptation! She lives in Colorado with her husband whom she met on a blind date. Leslie loves to travel and thinks life is an adventure and we should embrace the journey.
MFRW: If money were not an object, where would you most like to live?
Hawaii. I went to school there, and would love to have a house with a pool overlooking the ocean. And still live in Colorado with the mountains as a backdrop and back bone.
MFRW: How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?
Leslie: Wow, I write from experience. Some people say write what you know, but I think that's too narrow or intrepreted to narrowly. We've all experienced the major turning points in life. If you haven't lost a loved one, I'll bet you've lost a pet, or a goldfish. Not quite the same, but so close. Or fallen in love, to have it be requited or unrequited. That's writing what you know. That's writing from experience. I may not be a nurse, but I can research that and I know my emotions from either being sick or dealing with a sick person.
MFRW: What kind of research do you do for a book?
Leslie: Good segue from last question. A huge amount. Right now I'm researching the Vikings and just a tiny bit of my new book, the 2nd in the Carswell Adventures will deal directly with that, but I have to know what I'm talking about. And SCUBA diving in cold water up to 1l2 mile deep. Possible, yes, but you'd die trying.
MFRW: Do you feel humor is important in fiction and why?
I'm a screenwriter as well as novelist, and have learned that humor gives one respite from drama. Humor, be it black or bald is vital. We all need to laugh or snort, or even cry at humor because it touches something you're familiar with.
MFRW: What are your thoughts on love scenes in romance novels?
I used to write love scenes that made me blush, now I even wonder if they're necessary. So many love scenes are repetitive and boring. I often skip over them. Sad but true, and honestly, I'm not a prude, but the lead up is often more exciting that the real "action."
MFRW: Have you always wanted to be a writer?
I've been writing since I was 4. Really. I used to tell stories and my Mom would write them down. Then in Jr. High I had a young teacher who told me along with my parents that I would never be a writer, because all I wanted to do was tell stories, not learn grammar. Okay Ms. Teacher, I'm now a Best Selling Author! Grammar can be learned at any age and with a great editor which I have. Story telling not so much.
L.A. Sartor self-published a holiday romance in November 2013.
The Children's Author …
Annie Hamilton's children's series Star Light~Star Bright is a mega hit. She loves kids and wants nothing more than a family of her own, but twice burned, thrice shy. When a gorgeous man with two young boys moves next door, Annie can't help but dream her impossible dream.
And The Widower Who Moved Next Door …
Cole Evans is a brilliant scientist, but finds fatherhood a challenge. When his son develops a bond with their enchanting neighbor, the boy’s favorite author, Cole discovers just how much he's lost—and how much he needs.
Will Their Wish Come True This Christmas Night?
Can Cole overcome family meddling and alleviate Annie's fears so they can be a ready-made family?
AMAZON eBOOK BUY LINK
MFRW: List two authors we would find you reading when taking a break from your own writing.
J.D Robb and Audra Harders. Totally different, both wonderful.
Talk to Leslie Ann
What authors do you enjoy reading?
Welcome to a another week of Book Hooks, the weekly meme hosted by the MFRW Authors Blog.
