Lesley E. Hal resides in Dallas, Texas where she continues to write and create independent, but beautifully flawed heroines in her stories. She’s a firm believer in the power of women, the true rulers of this world. Lesley E. Hal is the author of Blind Temptations: The Seduction of Sex, Lies & Betrayal, Pleasure Principles and is a contributing author of New York Times bestselling author Zane’s Succulent: Chocolate Flava II. She’s currently putting the finishing touches on Blind Temptations: The Seduction of Sex, Lies & Betrayal II and her fourth novel, Deception.
BPM: Tell us about your most recent work. Available on Nook and Kindle?
My most recent work is Sexpionage and yes, it is available on both Kindle and Nook.
BPM: Give us some insight into your main characters or speakers. What makes each one so special?
Bianca Brooks narrates her time of being with the infamous Jordan Lei aka The Tarantula, to the FBI and readers. She delves into her and Jordan’s whirlwind affair and just how they were able to pull off some of the most intricate, yet lucrative scams that has left many baffled. She’s a beautifully flawed individual, and wants to do the right thing, but distractions, like Jordan Lei, keeps popping up.
Jordan Lei knows that he’s Bianca’s Achilles heel and uses that fact to his advantage to further his own agenda. He’s self-important, an alpha male, uses sex as a weapon and is all-consuming. When it comes to getting what he wants, he’ll stop at nothing even if it means taking you out.
BPM: What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
Initially, and since my first novel, Blind Temptations, was released years ago, I was attempting to finish the sequel for that book. However, Bianca Brooks from Pleasure Principles wasn’t done with me yet and had another story that she wanted me to tell which is how Sexpionage came about.
BPM: Can you share one topic or scene from your book that will touch most readers?
When Bianca realizes that the “relationship” has always been one-sided and that Jordan Lei really only cares about Jordan Lei.
BPM: Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot-driven or character-driven?
My book ideas don’t come from one specific place, they can be formed by an idea, a song, a picture, something that I’ve seen in passing or believe it or not, a dream. My books come from a combination of the two, but mostly from the character’s input.
BPM: Is writing easy for you? Do you feel lonely being a writer?
I would say about ninety-five percent of the time, writing is very easy for me. I never feel lonely when writing because my characters are great company to have. LOL!
BPM: What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
The research I did about the subject matters in this book and the places my characters traveled to.
BPM: How long does it take to complete one of your books?
That depends, because I’m my own worst critic. If I’m not enjoying the flow of the story, then I’ll keep going over it until I am which can really add up to a lot of time.
BPM: Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer?
If so, what are they? Stay true to who you are. Take creative writing classes. Don’t follow a trend. Write what you know and if you don’t know RESEARCH! Don’t rush it. Be passionate about your work and try to make it the best that it can be.
BPM: What period of life do you find you write about most often?
Adult life is my lane. I’m not opposed to young adult or even children, but it’s all about staying true to what I’m passionate about.
BPM: How do you feel when someone disagrees with something you have written?
In the beginning it was hard, but I’ve learned that not everyone is going to like what I’ve written and that’s OK. Constructive and not destructive criticism, goes a long way because then and only then, will your issues be taken into consideration with most authors.
BPM: Are there under-represented groups or ideas featured in your book? If so, discuss them.
Umm … I would have to say stepping outside of my box and exploring different places and cultures around the world. The Chinese wedding traditions piece was another fascinating learning experience for me.
BPM: Share one specific point in your book that resonated with your present situation or journey.
Having people in my life that have my back no matter what.
BPM: Did you learn anything personal from writing your book?
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” -Maya Angelou
BPM: Can you share some stories about people you met while researching this book?
Personally, I didn’t meet anyone in the flesh, it was all done on my trusty computer. Unless, you want to include the people at Starbucks LOL!
BPM: How has writing this book impacted your life as a published author?
Oh wow, this book took a lot of maneuvering because it was really different for me. It let me know that I can write anything that I put my mind too.
BPM: What does literary success look like to you?
Literary success to me will be the day that I don’t have to work a 9 to 5 and be able to actually afford to travel to the places I want to write about.
BPM: What are the 3 most effective tools for sharing your book with the world?
Interacting with people about more than just my books. Entice the readers, make them hunger for what I’m offering. Instead of doing a traditional book trailer, I’m going a different route that I hope will be a success.
BPM: What projects are you working on at the present?
Deception and Blind Temptations II.
BPM: How can readers discover more about you and your work?
http://www.lesleyhal.com
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