Hello everyone! I hope you are all doing amazing! Today, I am ecstatic to present an author’s interview of Leah Brunner, a new author who recently published her Romance Book – A Love Unexpected.
Ps. She’s also one of my favorites and her eyes are really (really) pretty! Anyway, I hope you enjoy this fun interview.
Shreya Vijay: Hello, Leah! It is a pleasure to have you here with us today! First of all, congratulations on releasing your book and thank you for being here with us today.
Leah Brunner: Thank you so much, Shreya. I am happy to be here too.
Shreya: So, Leah! Let’s start with the basics. Please tell us something about yourself.
Leah: I am extremely sarcastic and enjoy having fun and making people smile. So, processing big and/or negative feelings is difficult for me.
Shreya: Sarcasm? Ahh, you speak my favorite language, haha. Well, coming to your book, when did you decide that you want to become an author?
Leah: When I was a kid I wanted to write children’s books, but I never really enjoyed reading until I became an adult. My husband deployed to Afghanistan and his deployment was extended because of the pandemic. The kids and I were devastated he’d be gone an extra 3 months. I was in a really dark place emotionally, so I started reading, like constantly. I wanted an escape from reality. The more I read, the more I thought “I could do this, I could write a story!”
Shreya: That’s inspiring. I am so glad you decided to take that plunge and write such a beautiful novel. Though, I am curious. Where did you get the idea for your book?
Leah: This past year the youngest congressman in history was elected and he is engaged. I just thought it would make a super interesting story!
Shreya: I totally agree with you. A Love Unexpected in an amazing story! Though, given that your novel has a political base, you could’ve written a Political Novel of sorts. But, out of all the genres, why did your venture into Romance?
Leah: I am such a romantic! My husband knows this so he writes love notes to me in a special journal. I also only ever read romance. I think the most non-romantic series I have read is “The Hunger Games.”
Shreya: Ahaha! Seems fair. Also, love notes! *cue the swooning* That’s super sweet! What is your favorite Romance trope and why?
Leah: I adore marriage of convenience/arranged marriage. I just love that they start out as strangers or enemies and the forced proximity makes them pay attention to each other and eventually give in to their feelings!
Shreya: Did you come across any sorts of difficulties while writing your novel?
Leah: Yes! I did so many developmental edits. My editor is a godsend. I struggled to give depth to the characters and make them process their feelings. Probably because I’m not great at processing my own feelings LOL.
Shreya: Haha, after having read your book, I definitely wouldn’t have guessed that. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Leah: I cannot listen to music with words while I’m writing! I really like listening to instrumental/cello music while writing. I’m too easily distracted for music with words.
Shreya: Oh, I totally agree with you. Honestly, even I don’t listen to music with words when I’m writing or reading. Too distracting! Anyway, coming back, what is one of the most surprising things you learned in the course of writing this book?
Leah: The most surprising thing I learned is that I’m not very good at accepting criticism! And when you write a book you are forced to accept critique and criticism. But that criticism is what turns your manuscript into a real book! So it was a wonderful growing experience for me.
Shreya: Since criticism is one aspect of writing and publishing a novel, I am so happy you leant to take it well. What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Leah: I love reading. I’m always reading. I also enjoy watercolors and drawing with chalk with my Kiddos!
Shreya: That’s really sweet. What is some off-the-screen tid-bits about you that might surprise your readers?
Leah: I get really grouchy before a deadline. Like really grouchy. We live on a military base! Even though I will likely never write a military romance, the Air Force is a huge part of our life. Which is both good and bad.
Shreya: Living at a Military base? That sounds fun. Which author would you say inspired you to write your own book?
Leah: Sophie Lark️! She was one of the first indie-authors I ever read, and I am obsessed with her steamy mafia books.
Shreya: Oooo, sounds amazing. I’ll make sure to check out her books. Which is your all-time favorite book?
Leah: Jane Eyre. Someday I hope to write as much depth into my characters as the Brontë sisters.
Shreya: Well, like they always say, Leah – Never Say Never. What sort of work can we expect from you in the future?
Leah: You can continue expecting clean or closed-door romances from me! I’m sure they will always have plenty of humor as well.
Shreya: Aha! That sounds like something I might be really interested in! Before we wrap up with today’s interview, is there something you’d like to say to your readers?
Leah: Thank you to everyone who has read my book or added it to your TBR! I know with all the books out there it is difficult to pick up a brand new author. But I appreciate it so much!
Shreya: Thank you so much for being here with us today, Leah! It was wonderful to get to know you. It was a really fun session. I wish you all the very best for your future.
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Read my review of A Love Unexpected HERE
