Get to know author Leanne Malloy
by Patience Bramlett
CKN Christian Publishing: When did you first call yourself a writer?
Leanne Malloy: I’ve always written, beginning with a journal I’ve had since I was a little girl. In college and grad school I enjoyed writing papers. After that, my professional life also used my writing skills in clinical notes and testing reports. Then in 2013, I took a creative writing class to offset some personal and work stress and found I loved it! That’s when I began to think of myself as a writer of fiction.
CKN: How has God influenced you as a writer?
LM: God has always been with me in good times and bad. His presence therefore influenced my plots and characters. As with most folks, my faith can waiver during tough times, and my characters reflect that as well. But God always helps them, sometimes saying “no” or “not yet,” but with love and compassion.
CKN: Every author has a process, and we’re curious about yours—what first kindled your idea to write the Indiana Romance series?
LM: The writing class offered me prompts and opportunities to think about different plots for stories, both short and long. We even did some flash fiction! (Which I decided was NOT my strength!!) The Indiana Romance series reflects my belief in solid values along with tolerance and understanding. The heroines in the series work hard and give their friends and families their best. Life isn’t fair, but they’re strong women. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by similar women in my life – my mother, daughter, sisters, and countless friends.
At a broader level, I’ve always enjoyed reading romance. It’s provided me with escape, an introduction to other parts of the country and world, and a belief that things can work out for the good of all. That’s a powerful message!
CKN: What came first for you — the plot or the characters — and why?
LM: My interests in sewing, food pantries, and counseling combined to guide the plot for Sewing Up Some Love. Once the plot was sketched out, the characters evolved from there. After that book, Kristen’s story had to be told in Crafted with Love. And of course, Annie Dolce couldn’t be ignored, and Prescription for True Love was born. Courtney will also have a book soon!
CKN: What was the hardest scene in your Indian Romance series to write?
LM: There were a few. Probably the scene in which Lauren’s father discusses the challenges of her being an only child, which was the result of her parents’ fertility issues. It’s only a few sentences, but my husband and I had those problems also, so that scene was tough for me.
On a lighter note, the scene at the Grand Cayman pool in CWL was based on fact. The Italian man was trying to hit on my daughter, totally ignoring his wife and children. I wrote the episode as wish fulfillment – confronting him with his obnoxious behavior and having the crowd at the beach applaud!
CKN: What is a significant way your book has changed since the first draft?
LM: The first draft of each of my books is largely episodic. Then I edit and add more descriptions of time, place, and emotions. Another edit follows, with care given to timing, consistency in characters, and so on. My daughter was my first beta reader, helpfully pointing out that in the first draft of SUSL, December had six weeks! My husband’s input (reflecting his preference for the thriller genre) was that there I included too few explosions and car crashes. Too few as in zero.
CKN: If you could meet your characters, what would you say to them?
LM: I would probably say that trying hard is enough. That perfection isn’t doable or required. That life works out in ways you’d never expect.
CKN: What have you discovered to be your writing Kryptonite? How did you overcome it?
LM: Factors like being overextended (both physically and emotionally), lack of sleep, trying to solve unsolvable problems, and a robust dash of self-doubt will result in my feeling stuck and sitting on top of a pile of Kryptonite.
I know myself well enough to address the factors I mentioned above. I try to figure out a way to share the load, to rest better, and to remember my own advice about the pitfalls of perfection. I try to remind myself this is an imperfect world and despite all my efforts at control, it will remain imperfect. I know that taking a writing “vacation” works in my favor. My imagination starts to bubble up when I read other genres, connect with old hobbies, and venture out into the world.
CKN: Last but not least—if you could tell your younger writing-self anything, what would it be?
LM: I’d tell myself to follow the advice of seasoned writers: write even when you’re not inspired, read a lot, explore your city or town, and stockpile experiences. Don’t let doubt take over – if you’re inspired to write, then write.