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Saturday, November 11, 2017

Conservation of Luck



For every good fortune, there's an equal and opposite misfortune.

As a brilliant young computer scientist working on her master's degree, Ella Hote doesn't believe in luck. But when bizarre accidents, insane coincidences, and weird encounters with improbably handsome strangers start to happen all around her, even hardheaded Ella has to change her mind.

She comes to realize she's inadvertently created a luck generating computer that can make even the longest of long shots pay off.

Unfortunately, for every stroke of good luck, someone else pays the price in bad luck.

Ultimately, when lives are on the line, how far will she go?
    Available at:
    Amazon
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    Kobo
    Audio book
Book Details: Conservation of Luck
Release Date: June 14, 2017
Genre:  Science Fiction.
Age: Adult
Page Length: 315
Note on book content: No violence, sex or drugs. Allowed on TV swearing with a couple "f-bombs". PG-13 rating. 

About the Author:

By day, Lesley is a scientist at a major research university, but by night, she's a science fiction author. She has a Ph.D. in physics and an M.F.A. in creative writing. She's published seven science fiction novels, including Conservation of Luck, Quantum Cop, and Kat Cubed. Her short fiction has appeared in various venues including Analog Science Fiction and Fact and Daily Science Fiction. She's an active member of the Science Fiction/Fantasy Writers of America.




Blog/website: www.lesleylsmith.com

Interview
Welcome to my blog Lesley please tell my readers and I about yourself and your latest book.

Q:Tell us about your latest work—title, genre, etc. — and why you wrote it?

A: My new book is Conservation of Luck, a science fiction adventure with romantic elements. I was motivated to write it by thinking about the question: what is luck?  Set in the future, it’s the story of Ella Hote, who just graduated and starts a new job at a quantum computing firm in Kansas City. She’s quite surprised when her quantum computer seems to affect luck. Adventures ensue…

Q:What draws you to your genre(s)? Why is this type of story compelling to you?

A: I must admit I do love science fiction because it enables the reader’s imagination to run wild. Virtually anything is possible. You can explore new ideas, planets, creatures—all while learning new things about the human condition.

Q:What is your writing process like? Do you map the whole thing out or do
you just let it unfold?

A: I am what’s called a pantser—I write by the seat of my pants. I do not plan things out. I’ve tried a lot of planning but that just sucks the fun out of writing for me.

Q:What kind of research was involved?

A: I did have to investigate what’s involved in creating a quantum computer. Some readers seem to love all these specific details, while some tell me they skip over them!

Q:How much of YOU makes it into your characters?

A: Ella is much nicer than me. In my opinion though, characters share a lot with their authors. I don’t think you can write characters that you don’t at least empathize with.

Q:How do you balance the need to have time to write with the needs of
family, society, etc.?

A: I don’t have a family except for my cats and they’re pretty low maintenance. Like many writers and readers, I enjoy writing and reading, so it’s not difficult to find time to do it.

Q:Have there been any authors in particular, that inspired your writing?

A: Janet Evanovich and Connie Willis both influenced me a lot with their humor and fun female characters. If I could write a fraction as well as them I’d be happy.

Q:Is there a story you want to tell behind or about your work(s)?

A: Since I am a physicist in my day job, I’m passionate about creating fun female characters that have STEM skills. I hope I inspire some female readers to think: Hey, women can be kick-ass in STEM! I should try that!

Q:What other projects are you currently working on or about to start?

A: Right now, I’m writing Quantum Mayhem, the third book in my Quantum Cop series. Madison Martin is a physicist that learns how to use quantum physics to control reality. Adventures ensue…

Q:Could you share some of your marketing strategies?  Which ones are the
most effective in your opinion?

A: I find marketing quite challenging. I actually consulted a marketing professional and she said the key is to get your name out there. Authors usually do this via blog tours, social media, pod-casts and webpages—all good ideas!  A new idea she gave me was to write nonfiction articles related to your novel. I’ve actually gotten some articles published that encourage women to go into STEM as well as a few other topics.
A secret marketing weapon is HARO, Help A Reporter Out at  https://www.helpareporter.com Authors can sign up to be possible sources for reporters’ articles.

Q:What would be the top five, (or 3 or 1 or however many) things you would
tell aspiring authors?

A: I think the most important thing is to interact with other authors. I have an awesome critique group that reads all my books after I’ve finished the first draft. Their input is invaluable in making my books better. Plus, we chat and commiserate and exchange ideas on writing, publishing, marketing. Feeling like I’m part of a community is lovely. Many towns have local writers groups; check at your local library. If your town doesn’t have a group, and you can’t find enough writers to form a group, there are quite a few online groups.

Another tip is: write. Yes, I know this is obvious, but I know some writers that seem to be waiting for the perfect time and place to write. This will never happen. You just have to scrounge out writing time whenever and wherever you can find it.

Good questions, Dee! Thanks for the opportunity!
Again, thanks Lesley for taking the time to share your knowledge with us. We appreciate you and your work.

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