|
|
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for your valued comments