Seven Story Publishing

Written Author Interview

1. Tell me about yourself. What do you like to do outside of writing. What is a day in the life like for you?
   I am foodie by heart and love to try all types of new food. When I’m not being super Type A++ at work and within my writing, I am a wife and a mom of two. I enjoy chasing them around and watching them grow into little independent humans. Outside of that you can catch me shopping on line or catching up with friends.

2. What inspired your first novel? What was the thing that got you into writing in the first place?
   My kids inspired my first Children’s book. When I was pregnant with my son, my bonus daughter had a lot of questions about our evolving family dynamic. I tried to find a book that talked through these topics and couldn’t find any, so I took it upon myself to write about it. From there additional books were born and I have been writing books ever since. I have always had a love for reading and now I feel like that love has officially come full circle.
3. How do you come up with characters? Are they spontaneous or meticulously planned?
   Characters are developed based on topic of books. The blended family series is the only book that has consistent characters. All the other books are based on educational topics; stock market, HBCUs, and the Negro Baseball league.
4. What are some of your favorite genres to read? Are there any books you’d recommend to first time readers or people looking for something new?
   I alternate between my genres. I go from self-help/non-fiction to fiction. As of late I have not found any fiction that has really peaked my interest at the moment so I have been stuck in the world of non-fiction lately. The most recent book I have read that I would recommend is the “Six Thinking Hats.”
5. What’s the most difficult thing about being a writer?
   I think the most difficult thing about being a writer is starting and then ending a story. The middle always seems to come the easiest for me. I also stress so much about how I start because that is what captures the readers attention and then the ending is what keeps them coming back for more.
6. What is your process to completing a novel from outline to final product?
   As I mentioned before, I am pretty Type A so I have a fully fleshed out process that I like to start with and it is slightly easier I think because my focus is on children’s books. I first like to decide if I want to go they rhyming route or not because that is super important and once that is decided on then I can start with the content. From there I try to envision what each illustration will look like and write notes to assist the illustrator. Then it’s off to editing and formation and then finally publication.

7. What’s one thing about being a writer that absolutely drives you up the wall?
   Not sure if its something that drives me up the wall but the amount of marketing that is needed as a self-published author. I work full-time so that funds and fuels this passion so with that is sometimes limited amount of time to devote to my books to ensure they reach their target reader. Especially since we don’t have the same backing and monetary support if working with an established well-known publisher.
8. What does being a successful writer look like for you? What type of life do you want to live as a writer?
   Being a successful writer to me is solely based on the impact that books I write provide. I have had people come up and say their kid loves my book and it is their favorite bedtime story. I have adults read my book and state that it reminded them of a happy moment during their child hood. That is what matters the most to me. Money and fame for the books is great but hearing that my book is someone’s favorite is my own mini Pulitzer prize right there.
9. Describe your writing journey. If you had to write a story centered around it, do you think you could pull it off?
   I think my book today would be called, “It’s only just the beginning.” I know that I am just getting started and know that the desire to write these specific type of books was planted for a reason so it is my goal to continue to nurture my gift and ensure that I complete this race.

Want More From Leslie Clark?

Leslie’s Most Popular Works

Grandma’s Magical Kisses: https://a.co/d/3ZfufQe

Grandpa’s Magical Hugs: https://a.co/d/454ekBN

O is for Ownership: https://a.co/d/3KGbg4H

About Leslie Clark

Leslie Clark is a wife, mother, engineer, entrepreneur, and author. Her love for children and volunteering in her community sparked her desire to write books that reflect on issues as well as topics she believed were not being discussed. Clark is a native of Bradenton, Florida but currently resides in Buford, Georgia with her husband and kids. Leslie is super excited to share all of the content she has been dreaming of putting to paper for some time; she recently found the spark needed to turn those ideas into reality. Her goal is to reach as many children of all backgrounds as she can and instill in them a spirit of love, ownership, and lifelong learning.