My guest today is quite an accomplished author in many ways. Let’s take a peek at author Leslie Hachtel’s bio and then dive right into the interview, shall we?
Leslie Hachtel has been working since she was fifteen and her various jobs have included licensed veterinary technician, caterer, horseback riding instructor for the disabled, and advertising media buyer, which have all given her a wealth of experiences.
However, it has been writing that has consistently been her passion. She is an Amazon bestselling author who has written fifteen romance novels, including eleven historicals and four romantic suspense.
Leslie now lives in Florida with her very supportive husband, and her new writing buddy, Josie, the poodle mix. She loves to hear from readers!
Author Social Links: Website * Facebook * Twitter
Betty: What inspired you to write the story you’re sharing with us today?
Leslie: I have always been fascinated by the idea that people with similar experiences can reach across time and offer help.
Betty: Which character arrived fully or mostly developed?
Leslie: Definitely Evelyn. She was running from an abusive husband and had to find herself again. It isn’t easy when you’ve been oppressed. And she lived in fear for a long time.
Betty: Which story element sparked the idea for this story: setting, situation, character, or something else?
Leslie: Setting and character. Evelyn needed a place to go where she could hide and find sanctuary and there are places near where I live in Florida that fit the bill. Secluded areas along the river can hide many secrets.
Betty: Which character(s) were the hardest to get to know? Why do you think?
Leslie: Donovan was the hardest to know because he was so completely focused on Evelyn much of the time.
Betty: What kind of research did you need to do to write this story?
Leslie: Anytime I write about the Civil War, I am meticulous in my research. There are scholars out there that can put me to shame, so I never want to make an obvious error. It takes the reader out of the story if that happens, so I am very careful.
Betty: How many drafts of the story did you write before you felt the story was complete?
Leslie: This was actually two stories combined, so I reworked them each several times.
Betty: How long did it take for you to write the story you’re sharing with us? Is that a typical length of time for you? Why or why not?
Leslie: This book actually took about three months. That’s usual for me since I write about 1000 words a day on average and then have to edit.
Betty: What rituals or habits do you have while writing?
Leslie: I really don’t have any rituals. I just need time and a quiet place. And a computer, of course.
Betty: Every author has a tendency to overuse certain words or phrases in drafts, such as just, once, smile, nod, etc. What are yours?
Leslie: I had a real problem with ‘began’ for a while and ‘rose’ as in get up. Thank heavens for the ‘find’ key so I can check that I’m not overusing words. Oh and I have a fabulous editor who never lets me get away with that.
Betty: Do you have any role models? If so, why do you look up to them?
Leslie: I love Kathleen Woodiwiss. She is the reason I wanted to write romance. And Stephen King is the reason I wanted to write. They both inspired me.
Betty: Do you have a special place to write? Revise? Read?
Leslie: I work mostly in my upstairs office with my dog at my feet. That’s the best.
Betty: Many authors have a day job. Do you? If so, what is it and do you enjoy it?
Leslie: I had a day job for years when I wrote and was able to quit several years ago to write full time. I loved working, but I like writing better.
Betty: As an author, what do you feel is your greatest achievement?
Leslie: Actually writing books that people read and enjoy.
Betty: What other author would you like to sit down over dinner and talk to? Why?
Leslie: Nora Roberts. She is amazing! Not only in her work, but also in her stated philosophies. I would love to spend one-on-one time with her.
Betty: Success looks different to different people. It could be wealth, or fame, or an inner joy at reaching a certain level. How do you define success in terms of your writing career?
Leslie: Fame is a double-edged sword and I have no problem remaining anonymous. And I have enough money – how much do you need? But I would really like it if I could mentor new authors on a regular basis.
Two women. Years apart. Linked by common experience and a cottage that has survived since the Civil War.
Evelyn Smith has changed her name and is running from an abusive husband. She buys a cottage in Florida that has its own history, only to experience an attraction to the previous owner.
Rebecca Faber has rescued a Yankee soldier and fallen in love, but circumstances have forced her to marry an evil man who killed her father.
When Rebecca reaches out from the past, Evelyn finds it life changing.
And in their own times, each must discover strength and fight to find and keep true love.
Buy Links: Amazon
Oh, I do love a good time travel romance! Thanks for sharing this one with us, Leslie!
Happy reading!
Betty
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