Today I am so pleased to welcome Leigh Jarrett to Joyfully Jay. Leigh has come to talk to us about her latest release, Age of Mycea. She has also brought along a great giveaway. Please join me in giving Leigh a big welcome!
Leigh has written some questions and answers to share with us today!
How would you describe your writing style/genre?
My first love when it comes to reading fiction is fantasy. I tend to follow the path of fantasy novels in a lot of my work. I have also written some contemporary fiction, which I’ve found I enjoy more than I thought I would.
What was your first published work? Tell us a little about it.
My first published work was ‘Simply Marvelous’. Here’s the blurb:
“Annie Luka has always been home-schooled, but she’s convinced her mother to let her attend public school for her graduating year. When it is learned that Annie Luka is actually Attila Luka, a beautiful cross-gender guy struggling with his identity, it tears a small group of friends apart. Only when they all reunite ten years later is the full extent of Attila’s deception revealed, bringing some of the group closer together, and pushing others even further away.
What transpires over the next few years after the reunion leaves Attila wondering if he’ll ever find true love.”
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever done in the name of research?
For some of my erotica work, I have spent significant time looking up sex toys and apparatus. Spent a fair amount of time on porn sites as well, getting ideas for sex positions. Strictly research, of course.
What do you do when you get writer’s block?
I change my scenery. Move from my desk, to my bed, to the sofa, and back again. During non-COVID times, I’ll also spend time at coffee shops.
Do you use a pseudonym? If so, why? If not, why not?
I have three pseudonyms to split my work into different genres. Leigh Jarrett for my LGBTQ Romantic Fiction, Gavin E. Black for my Gay Erotica, and Sara J. Miller for my one attempt at writing Young/New Adult Gay Romance.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Just keep at it. You’ll get there.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
Depends on the size. Anywhere from 3 – 9 months.
What do you do if you get a brilliant idea at a bad time?
Quickly find a piece of paper or open the notes feature on my phone. Jot that stuff down; fast.
Why did you choose to write in your particular field or genre? If you write more than one, how do you balance them?
I am mainly focusing on LGBTQ Romantic Fiction now, likely sticking with fantasy. It is what makes my heart happiest.
How long have you been writing?
All my life, but professionally for 10 years.
Are you a full-time or part-time writer? How does that affect your writing?
Part-time. I’m also the Community Engagement Advisor for Rebellious Unicorns, the Managing Editor for thehub.lgbt, and the Drag Liaison for a gay bar here in Victoria, BC, Friends of Dorothy Lounge.
Do your books spring to life from a character first or an idea?
Characters first and basic trope. The characters take me from there. Tell me their story.
What tools do you feel are must-haves for writers?
Books on writing skills. There’s always s something new to learn.
What helps you with your creative process?
Music. A playlist is crucial. Here’s the playlist for Age of Mycea https://open.spotify.com/playlist/64c7a8JdFv8d4BVS4Q3bMW
Blurb
The Marjar attack on Mycea sets in motion a series of changes in the ruling structure of the empire that will forever impact the lives of three powerful men. King Meshia, supreme ruler of the empire, Sebastian of Cardin, Commander of the Third Empirical battalion, and Sebastian’s Cardinian lover, a gifted healer beyond any that have come before him.
King Meshia has a secret, one that might lose him his crown. One that would certainly diminish his capacity to rule and lead the empire’s forces into battle. One night of unbridled passion, one weakness, one longing that could bring the monarchy to its knees.
Sebastian of Cardin, Commander of the Third Empirical Battalion knows that love comes in many forms. He lives it, he breathes it. He is unapologetic. The military and his home in the Entertainment District in the Neter Colony on Mycea suit every aspect of his life.
Leo of Cardin, a conjuring Cardinian, an anomaly of nature. Skilled in his craft. A force to be reckoned with in his own right. His relationship with Sebastian does not define every aspect of his life. He too has a secret, his family heritage placing him in a position of incredible power.
Their world in turmoil, they will be called upon to embrace the love in their lives and abandon their long-held prejudices against one another in order to preserve the survival of their people.
Buy Link: Amazon US
Bio
Leigh Jarrett is an unabashedly queer, quirky, and passionate author of LGBTQ+ Romantic Fiction, her books embracing the full spectrum of the rainbow. Her published contemporary works include gritty and angst-filled romances featuring Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Lesbian characters. And her fantasy series, “Drakkar Coven”, which is brimming with lust driven vampires, werewolves, and shapeshifters.
Having been bullied as a child for being “different,” writing, and publishing LGBTQ+ Romantic Fiction has given Leigh an opportunity to express her uniqueness, inspired by the LGBTQ+ community she calls home, her books highlighting their struggles, while celebrating their diversity, and affirming their most basic of human rights … to love and be loved.
In her hometown of Victoria, BC, in Canada, Leigh can be found nestled up with her fabulously supportive wife and her trusty laptop, or enjoying the wonderous outdoors that is Vancouver Island.
- Author Website: www.leighjarrett.com
- Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/leighjarrett.author/
- Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/author.leighjarrett
- Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/LeighJarrett
- Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author.leighjarrett/
- Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5418139.Leigh_Jarrett
- Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Leigh-Jarrett/e/B006RA2I0W/
Giveaway
Leigh is giving away a $20 Amazon gift card with this tour. Follow the Rafflecopter below to enter.
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- Void where prohibited by law.
Welcome, Leigh, and thanks for the Q and A! Best wishes for the success of Age of Mycea.