Garden Interview with L. A. Kelley

Hello L. A.

Welcome. Tell us about you and your books

Do you plot or let the story unfold as you write?

I wish I could plot, that sounds lovely. You take a bunch of notes, outline each chapter and bam! The novel is finished. I start at the beginning with a vague idea of where I want to go and hope by the end it’s not a hot mess.

Are your characters based on real people?

Every villain I’ve ever created has some aspect of a boss I once had. I’ve changed the name, physical characteristics, and mannerisms so the person is unrecognizable, but you’re there, you soul sucker, and I kill you off in every book. 

When did you decide to become an author?

I’ve written since I was a child, but never the courage to submit anything for publication until a few years ago. I didn’t think anything would come of it, but, bless you, Wild Rose Press. I went from scribbler to author in one contract.

Do you have set times during the day that you write?

I’m a morning person, so I try to finish my work by noon, or early afternoon at the latest. I rarely write at night. My brain shuts down after 6 pm and I no thinkee good after big ball of fire fall from sky (I wrote this at night.)

How much of the book is realistic?

My latest novel, Shadow of the Eclipse, is a time-traveling adventure. The heroine and hero are thrust into three very different worlds; ancient Babylon, Medieval Germany, and 1906 San Francisco. I wanted these places to feel as real as possible, so had to do research to make them come alive for the reader.

And for a little fun...

If you were going to commit the perfect murder, how would you go about it?

I have a plan I keep on the back burner, but if I told you, I’d have to kill you.

Do you ever wish that you had an entirely uncreative job, like data entry or working in a factory?

I’ve done both. I wouldn’t wish them on my soul-sucking ex-boss. (Well, maybe I would.)

Do you have a favorite quote?

“If Moses were alive today he’d come down from the mountain with the Ten Commandments and spend the next five years trying to get them published.”

— Anonymous

Do you laugh at your own jokes?

Unfortunately, yes, and it’s usually when I’m in public and wandering a store aisle, so I look like a poor soul who’s gone off her meds.

If you came with a warning label, what would it say?

May be sassy, proceed with caution.

Where can we find you online?

WWW.LAKELLEY.COM

https://www.facebook.com/l.a.kelley.author

https://twitter.com/AuthorLAKelley

Email at l.a.kelley.author@gmail.com

Download Shadow of the Eclipse on Amazon and other online retailers

https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Eclipse-L-Kelley-ebook/dp/B08635CHWS