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It’s A Book Thing Presents: An Interview with Lea Whitney, author of Built to Last: A Love Connection Novel

Author’s Bio: Lea Whitney is a graduate of Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas and spends her days working her day job as a REALTOR®. She can always be found with a book in tow, and after reading thousands of love stories, she decided to put her fingers to the keyboard and let the love flow out. 

Her debut novel, titled Running: A Love Connection Novel was published in 2017. Afterward, she immediately dove into several stories in her mind, writing loves she would want to read. After begging from a friend, she released her second novel, Built to Last: A Love Connection Novel. When she’s not working, writing, or reading, Lea is playing golf, traveling, spending time being the coolest aunt ever, and drinking wine! 

Deliah Lawrence: What do you think makes a good story?

Lea Whitney: Strong characters. Without deep and enthralling characters, no matter how good the story idea is, the final story will fall flat. The characters make or break the success of the story. 

DL: What were some of the challenges when writing this book?

LW: Doing Mark, the hero, justice. When I wrote the first book in the series, Mark was a side character that I knew would have his own story. He held onto a piece of my heart throughout that writing process. He is so complex but has such a huge heart. I didn’t want to fail him. I needed him to have his happily ever after and trying to build the perfect woman for him was tough. There were a LOT of drafts of Kennedy. At one point she was a single mom who was a waitress just trying to get by. I didn’t love that idea as it felt so similar to so many single-mom romances out there. The mother struggling to provide for her kiddo. I finally settled on the final version of Kennedy, and I love her. 

She and Mark meshed so well together that as I wrote, their story just fell together through my fingers. But I struggled with the meat of the story. I had many scenes that I pieced together slowly. Finally, a friend of mine asked where the second book in the series was, that she couldn’t wait to read it. That really lit a fire in me, and I hunkered down. The words were finally just there. I think I needed that encouragement from my friend, but I didn’t even know it! I’m very happy with where it ended up. 

DL: What was the best writing advice you’ve ever been given?

LW:  Don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek advice. Other authors, whether new to it or seasoned, love to help newbies. There are plenty of readers to go around and having someone to bounce ideas off of or critique and edit your writings can be really good help. 

DL: If you could choose a super power, what would it be and why?

LW: Teleportation! Think about how many places you could go and how much time you’d save on travel! 

DL: What tips would you give to aspiring writers?

LW: Write a story you would want to read. If you’re interested in the content and invested in the characters, it will be a motivator in and of itself to complete it and put it out there for everyone to read. Never give up! 

DL: What do you like to do when you are not writing?

LW: I love to travel. Exploring new places or going to a familiar place to just relax and check out. I always, always, always have a Kindle or book nearby. Reading frees my mind and hugs my soul. Books allow me to escape the reality of my day job and whatever crazy day I’ve had. And cooking. I love food!

DL: What are three things you can’t live without?

LW: My Kindle, wine, and coffee! Basically, the fuel for my reading! Lol! 

DL: Would you like to share an excerpt from Built to Last: A Love Connection Novel?

LW:  Sure!  Here you go:

 

“Hi,” she says with a big smile. “You must be Mr. Heathman?”

I can only nod at her, and her smile grows a bit bigger.

“Gloria, from your office, called to let me know you’d be the one coming today instead of Tony.”

I just nod again.

What is wrong with you! Speak, idiot! Speak!

I have to clear my throat before I can make words, but I stick my hand out in greeting with a smile.

“Yes, ma’am. I’m Mark Heathman, but please call me Mark, Mrs. Sterling,” I tell her.

“Okay, but none of that Mrs. Sterling for me either. One, I’m not married, and two, I’m not that old yet,” she tells me with a chuckle. “Just call me Kennedy.”

“Okay, Kennedy, it’s nice to meet you,” I say as she shakes my hand and I feel it. Not just her slender hand in mine, but a rush of something. Like a bolt of lightning from my fingers to my toes. I can feel the hairs on my arms raise to attention and all I can think is that this is not what I was expecting.

            I didn’t plan for her and I’m not ready, I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready. But, she’s here, standing in front of me and all I can think about is that Casey was right, I’m about to be knocked on my ass. 

DL: What new projects are you currently working on?

LW: I have the ideas for the third book in the Love Connection series written out. I keep notes on my phone with anything that pops into my head at any given moment that I could use in the story. Especially dates! Lordy, do I have some whoppers! I write down any dialogue I think of or if I’m out and an idea strikes because of someone or something I see, I jot it down to review when I pull my laptop back out. 

I also do have another book 85-ish % complete. It is a motorcycle club (“MC”) romance book. The characters are smart and compelling and sexy as hell. This is another story where I love my main characters, but there are a couple of side characters that I adore. It’s still missing something though, so it’s a work in progress. 

DL: Where can readers learn more about you and purchase your book(s)?

LW: They can learn more about me and my books here:

 DL: Thanks so much for being here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.

LW: Thanks for having me!




Comments

  1. TAGreads!August 17, 2021 at 6:11 PM

    Great interview! Love the author's enthusiasm... The excerpt made me feel excited for the romance that's about to unfold... Mmm... biker-club romance; sounds interesting...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Deliah LawrenceAugust 23, 2021 at 5:48 PM

      Hello and thanks for checking out my blog and reading Lea's interview. I love her enthusiasm too. Check her out online!

      Delete

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