Interview with Author Jeanne Marie Leach

Sorry for the delay in getting this interview posted. Jeanne had some problems getting back to me, but the weight was well worth it. She has some valuable information to offer. Read on!

Welcome, Jeanne. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to interview you and give you a chance to talk about your book, The Plight of Mattie Gordon. As you know, I could not wait to read your book because it is a western! What prompted you to write in this genre?


Actually, I have always been drawn to westerns. Having grown up in Deadwood, South Dakota, I became interested in American history, particularly that of the west, from an early age. It’s what I know and who I am. I’ve never been to either coast, so large cities and the cultural events they offer remain foreign to me. The west suits me.

I understand the book has recently been contracted to come out in audio form with a spring or summer release. Congratulations! Is this an indication that there has been considerable success in print or downloadable copies sold?


Thank you, Pat. I am still in shock. I’m not certain that I’ve seen “considerable” success in book sales, but my publisher loves my book and my writing style. She submitted it on my behalf to the Eppie Writing awards, and she sent a copy to Books in Motion. They read it and loved it, so they sent her a contract to do an audio version.

There have been many discussions surrounding the belief that “the western is dead”. Did you have a difficult time getting your story published?


No more difficulties than anyone else trying to get published. I initially wrote it with a specific publisher in mind. They rejected it. Because it was a shorter word count, and I didn’t feel like expanding the book would make it any better, I had to look for publishers who accepted short novels. So, the field was limited, which actually worked to my advantage.

What kind of future do you see for this genre?


I see this genre doing what it’s always done. It has ups and downs, but in the end, there will always be people who want to read it and write it. I think Hollywood sets the pace for westerns. They may go several years without putting out a good western movie. During that time, those who’ve always loved westerns will continue to read them. The newer readers may go more for the lits during that time. Then along comes another excellent movie that depicts the strength and fortitude of the early pioneers who settled the west by sheer will and grit. Then western book sales suddenly go back up because people are intrigued by the stories of those who carved the west with little more than their two hands, a few tools, and true character that often seems to be lacking in the world today. Their courage and ability to rise above all odds inspire people of all ages. I still believe in the code of the west. J

Are there any particular books you would recommend as “must have” references for the author with stories set in the 19th century?


Obviously there will be as many references as there are stories. It will depend upon whether you are writing about settlers, farmers, ranchers, cowboys, sheriffs, Native Americans, outlaws, loggers, miners, flatlanders or mountain men. Each requires a different set of references.

That said, there are a few books than can be helpful to anyone writing about the west:

· The Writer’s Guide to Everyday Life in the 1800’s, by Marc McCutcheon – from Writer’s Digest Books
· The Writer’s Guide to Everyday Life in the Wild West: From 1840 – 1900, by Candy Moulton – from Writer’s Digest Books
· The Antique Hunter’s Guide: American Furniture: Tables, chairs, sofas & beds, by Marvin D. Schwartz, copyright 2000 by Chanticleer Press, Inc. and distributed by Workman Publishing Company (This book gives pictures, full descriptions and what the furniture was called, as well as the dates they were introduced and used in the USA)
· The Antique Hunter’s Guide: American Furniture: Chests, cupboards, desks & other pieces, by William C. Ketchum, Jr., copyright 2000 by Chanticleer Press, Inc. and distributed by Workman Publishing Company (This book gives pictures, full descriptions and what the furniture was called, as well as the dates they were introduced and used in the USA)
· Holy Bible, King James version
· Hymns of Glorious Praise, copyright 1969 by Gospel Publishing House (I suggest looking for the oldest hymn book you can find on eBay. Each hymn has the year it was written or arranged, and many have the birth and death dates of the writer. This helps you to know whether it is in public domain.)
· Time Life series – The Old West – you can still find some of these on eBay. I used these as definitive books about the west.
· Story of the GREAT AMERICAN WEST, by Reader’s Digest, copyright 1977 – there are a couple of these on eBay right now, and would be well worth the investment.
· I also have purchased the following paper doll books from Borders. The clothes are amazingly true-to-life in color, prints, and styles. You will have to go to the library to look up the fabrics, though. But once you know the types of fabrics that were used back then, it will be very easy to look at the pictures of the paper doll clothes and give an accurate description.
1. Victorian Family Paper Dolls, by Brenda Sneathen Mattox
2. Victorian Children Paper Dolls, by Evelyn Gathings
3. American Pioneer Family Paper Dolls, by Tom Tierney
4. A New Century, by Lynette C. Ross

Do you have plans to write any other westerns? (I’m always looking for good western writers!)


Yup! I’m working on my galleys right now for my next book, Shadow of Danger, which will be released in early March. It takes place during the gold rush days in Leadville, Colorado in 1879. Rachel Ringhold is sent away from home because of an undisclosed danger. She reaches Colorado and locates her old friend, Seb. Will she find the love she hopes for, or will the danger get her first?

I also have a series about early western loggers that I’m shopping around to various publishers.

Tell us a little bit about what you have to offer writers through your editorial service.


I offer several services to my clients.

My favorite is coaching/mentoring new writers. My book, WRITING BASICS FOR BEGINNERS, was released in January, and is available from http://www.booklocker.com/books/3274.html.

I guess it would be easiest to tell you who would benefit from my freelance editing services:

· Authors being subsidy published
· Aspiring writers – those who have written much and need guidance on the steps to becoming a writer
· Beginning writers – those who have begun writing, but need to understand the “ins and outs” of writing in order to better their craft
· Intermediate authors – already understands how to write, but needs their work polished before sending it to a publisher
· Authors who are ready to send their manuscript to an agent or publisher, but need help with their novel proposal

You can visit my website for pricing structure and further information.
http://www.jeannemarieleach.com/

Jeanne, thank you for such an informative interview. I wish you much success with all facets of your writing career.


I am holding a drawing for a copy of The Plight of Mattie Gordon this month. Anyone who responds to one of my posts with a comment will be automatically entered. Good luck! Please be sure and leave some form of contact information so I can get back with you if you win.

Thanks for reading my blog!