About Lesley Ann McDaniel…
LESLEY ANN MCDANIEL is a lifelong lover of writing and musical theatre. While completing a degree in acting, she fell in love with theatrical costuming, and pursued that as a career while nurturing her passion for writing on the side. Through God’s guidance, she has shifted her focus to honing her skills as a writer of women’s and young adult fiction.
About “Pure Hollywood”, Lesley’s YA Novel Coming June 2015…
Can 15-year-old movie actress Jeralyn Rose avoid the fate of so many child stars— embitterment, rehab, and the inevitable tell-all? Only if she can figure out a way to stay true to her faith while remaining a hot Hollywood property.
When Variety questions whether Jeralyn’s new movie will prove her acting ability or end her career, she turns to her grandpa for advice. Once a major star himself, Grandpa suggests that God places beacons in the darkness.
Jeralyn decides her costar Ryan is her “assignment”. Her biggest stumbling block is mean-girl Rachel, a gorgeous blonde who has other plans for Ryan’s heart and soul.
With the help of her new BFF Mickey—a talented teen who hides a dark past—Jeralyn learns that leading someone to the Lord is even harder than making a movie.
If she doesn’t turn Ryan into a believer, what else would be worth all this trouble?
Ask Lesley Ann McDaniel…
Medea, age 13, asks “Which Disney princess are you most like”?
Well, this might not seem very original, but one of the things I love about Frozen is that both Anna and Kristoff are flawed. Wow…an imperfect princess. I can totally relate to her. At the same time, she has a lot going for her. She’s loyal and courageous, two qualities I admire and strive for. I’m not sure how I’d do trudging through all that snow, but for real love…who knows?
Danielle, age 12, asks “Do you like ebooks or real books better?”
If you’d asked me that a year or so ago, the answer would have been a serious thumbs-down to the e-book, but I’m starting to come around. I still prefer real books, but I definitely appreciate the convenience of having a book in my hands after just a couple of clicks. I think they both serve their purpose.
As an author, I definitely prefer real books. People see the covers of what other people are reading, and it registers with them that it must be good. You definitely lose that “I’m seeing it everywhere” marketing boost with e-books.
Katie, age 12, asks “What is your biggest pet peeve?”
Ugh. Do I have to pick just one?
I think my all-time biggest is when people don’t listen. I mean really listen. Then they assume they know what the other person said, but what they really heard was their own assumption. When I’m writing dialogue, I like to use misunderstandings and miscommunication because it helps to make it real. None of us is perfect when it comes to communicating.
Kylie, age 17, asks, “How young were you when you started writing? How long does it take to write a book?”
I can’t remember exactly when I started writing. I’ve loved doing it for as long as I can remember. I didn’t hit the point of realizing what it takes to actually write well until about eight years ago.
As for how long it takes to write a book, that really seems to vary. Some writers can crank books out much faster than I can. In fact, rumor has it that one best-selling and very well-known author can write a book in a week. I can only imagine that she’s put a lot of time into researching and outlining before she starts the actual writing, but still that seems phenomenal to me.
It takes me about a year to go through the whole process of writing a full length novel. My novella series that was published by Heartsong Presents took a few months because they are shorter, and I was up against a deadline. Ack…the dreaded deadline.
Sam, age 15, asks, “Do you ever judge a book by its cover?”
Oh boy, do I ever. Book covers are an extremely important element of the book. In my opinion, whoever coined that popular expression wasn’t actually talking about books. He was talking about people. Judging a person by their outward appearance is a totally different thing.
An opportunity to be one of the first to read “Pure Hollywood”…
Are you a young writer? Do you love to read? Do we have the place for you!
We are forming a brand new launch team for quality YA books and we need you. The purpose of the team is to get the word out about books we’re excited about, making them stand out. It takes a team to spread the word. There’s no cost to belong, and the benefits are plentiful.
Benefits of joining our YA Launch Team:
1. Get great books for Free!
2. Be among the first to discover new and exciting YA books and authors.
3. Give your input into what young adult readers want and how to reach them.
4. Learn how to launch and promote a book.
5. Be mentored by experienced, published authors and others in the industry.
Interested? Contact Lesley Ann McDaniel at lesleym3@gmail.com
The Giveaway…
Lesley Ann McDaniel has generously offered a reader’s choice copy of one of her current releases.
Leave a question for Lesley in the comments section along with your choice prize from the list below. Other entries available via the Rafflecopter. You must leave a blog comment to enter. Giveaway ends Monday, June 30th. One random winner will be chosen and announced in my July newsletter (subscribe via the form in the bottom right corner).
Lesley’s Books…
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Thank you for visiting the blog today, Lesley! It’s been a pleasure to have you!
Connect with Lesley Ann McDaniel
Website:
Facebook:
facebook.com/LesleyAnnMcDaniel
Twitter:
www.twitter.com/LesleyMcDaniel
Pinterest:
http://pinterest.com/lesleyannmc/boards/
Great blog Sarah. I especially loved the Q&A.
Thanks, Allison! I’m trying to get teen readers connected with the authors who write for them:)
Sara at what age was your first book published and how many do you have out now?
Hi Maxie, that’s a great question. I’m working on polishing off my first novel this summer with hopes to be agented and published within a year (by the time I turn 30). Your question really is one I’ve asked published authors many times and I’d like to feature it in an upcoming author interview along with your first name, if you don’t mind. My goal is to connect authors and readers in the interviews I feature. Thanks for entering!
I forgot to say which book I want if a winner. ( Rocky Mountain Romance )
Got you down, Maxie! Good luck!
Thank you for the give away opportunity. I think I would enjoy reading “Saving Grace.”
That’s the one I would pick too:) Good luck!
I grew up believing in princesses. This book sounds really good.
Me too, Joy! Thanks for entering!
This was a fun way to learn about the author. 🙂
Hi Doreen! Thanks so much. I really enjoyed featuring Lesley on the blog:) Good luck in the giveaway!