About author, Leigh Bennett: Leigh Bennett is an Australian author who lives in Melbourne’s Dandenong Ranges with her husband and three sons. Her first chick lit novel, Flirting with Magick and was released in February 2013. She is currently working on the next novel in the series, as well as a YA/Urban Fantasy, a mystery, and further chick lit stories. Her books all feature real characters, drama, humour and always with a happy ending.
INTERVIEW
You’re a stay-at-home mom of three boys, how do you do it? I’m still trying to work it out actually. Of course my role as a mother has to come first while my kids are still so young (10, 8, 6) but they are all in school this year so I’m trying to work out some sort of routine.
How do you come up with the ideas for your books? I think sometimes I’ll get a picture in my head, or a feeling, like a specific atmosphere and I will want to write something around that. Other times I’ll get an idea through something that happens, for example I’m outlining a novel now that came from an idea after I got tailgated one night.
Describe what a typical day is like for you: I’m really not particularly good at self motivation or routine so I haven’t quite gotten the typical day thing down just yet. After I’ve sent the kids to school, I will sit at the computer and try and get a couple of hours of work done, which may not necessarily involve just writing. It could often be to do with promotion, networking or learning (that’s actually probably code for ‘facebooking and websurfing LOL). I always have housework to do so a large majority of the day is taken up with that as well, until the kids come home then it’s time for homework and getting dinner ready.
Coffee or tea? Coffee. We have two machines at home. I even named my dog “Latte” I do like tea too and try to drink a lot of rooibos (red bush) tea as it’s good for you, apparently 🙂 – just not as much as coffee.
How did you celebrate the publication of your first book? I think I was so overwhelmed by the whole experience I kind of forgot. I think we got takeaway (takeout) and I had a glass of wine, but that was it.
If you could be on any reality TV show what would it be? I do enjoy cooking so probably something like Masterchef, except I think I would have trouble with making up a recipe on a whim. I usually need longer than a couple of seconds.
Who is your favorite author? Marian Keyes. I love how she manages to inject darkness and serious subjects into a humourous book. Or is it that she injects humour into a serious book?
Where is your ideal writing location? I do wish I had my own room for writing. But we do have a ‘grown up’ living room where my husband and I hang out so I have my desk there and he either watches TV or plays console games.
Facebook or Twitter? Facebook. I do have twitter but I don’t really know how to use it properly.
What’s the one thing that a writer must have? Music. Or sometimes peace and quiet. And coffee.
If you weren’t a writer you’d be a…: Stay at home mum, which I already am. But if I wasn’t writing I’m sure my house would be a lot tidier.
Can you tell us about any upcoming projects? I’m writing the second book in the Flirting with Magick series which is called Flirting with Secrets. It’s about a young woman coping with grief and moves into her own apartment, which she discovers is haunted. The heroine is a new character but a couple of minor characters from the first book are featured. It can be read as a standalone book.
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Blurb of “Flirting with Magick”
When a new-age remedy fixes Abby Williams’ career rut, the twenty-five year old figures a spell could heal her broken heart too…
Suddenly, she’s having hot sex with an even hotter musician, which might work as long as she doesn’t get in the way of his rock stardom. Her work colleague is flirty and fun, but could he be keeping something from her? And now, the guy who broke her heart wants to rekindle their relationship. Can she trust him enough to give it another shot?
So far, it seems Abby’s spell hasn’t worked. Or then again, perhaps it has?
**Buy “Flirting with Magick”: Amazon – USA Amazon – UK Smashwords
Leigh, I just discovered that we have a whole lot in common. Fantastic interview, and I can’t wait to read “Flirting with Magick”! From music and kids to coffee and Marian Keyes, I think I love you.
Samantha Stroh Bailey