Author Spotlight: LV Lewis

May 9, 2016 • News

1)      How did you get started as an author and what made you want to pursue that field?

When I was a teenager, I wrote a story that was picked up by a teen magazine. I was hooked then, but I was advised to go to college and pursue a “real” career. After college, marriage, babies, and a whole host of other things that kept me from pursuing my passion, I finally decided to get back into writing after reading a series of YA books recommended to me by my daughter. I haven’t looked back since.

2)      What hurdles have your overcome while striving towards your goals?

Besides those mentioned above, I’ve struggled with the changing dynamic of the publishing industry most. Each time you think you’ve mastered something that helps you grow your brand and to hopefully move to the next level, there’s a paradigm shift. I always tend to be just behind the wave when this occurs, because I work full time and my family dynamic is quite demanding right now.

Self-publishing is difficult, because prolific writers and algorithms created by the company that monopolizes the industry (and voracious readers demanding more product); make it hard for authors who aren’t full time to keep up with the demand. That being said, I have enjoyed a modicum of success that many have not. By the publishing industry’s standards, I am a successful author because I’ve sold x number of books, however, it’s not by any means my primary source of income. Therefore, I still have hurdles to overcome, but I won’t give up. I don’t particularly want fame, but I would like to become comfortable enough in my writing career to make it my primary career.

3)      Which novel has been your favorite to write and why?

I should probably say European Tour, because it bears a cover from a photo by CJC Photography featuring the gorgeous Myles S. Tann and Tayla Fernandez, however, I have to be honest and say Redeeming The Amazon was my favorite to write because it dealt with two characters who had serious issues with body image, which is something I’ve struggled with myself.

4)      For those looking to become an author, what advice would you give them?

My advice to anyone looking to become an author is to study craft, practice it daily, and study the industry for best practices, particularly if you’re going to self-publish. Gone are the days when authors only wrote books and handed them off to publishers to do the rest of it. Even traditionally published authors are encouraged to be more proactive in the marketing, promoting and selling of their books these days.

5)      Favorite motto?

From the inimitable Maya Angelou, “When someone shows you who they really are, believe them the first time.”

6)      In one word, how would you describe your writing style?

Sex-Eccentric.

I know that’s cheating because I hyphenated a word, but yeah. That’s me.

7)      Which author inspires you the most and why?

Toni Morrison, because her style is so very poetic, and she evokes so much emotion in her stories that delve into the lives of the African American characters she writes about, and their struggles. I know her work is a great departure from the erotic romance I currently write, but there are books in me that I know will eventually speak to people of all walks of life, just as hers does.

8)      What is your writing process like?

I’m what many in the industry call a “pantser.” I tend to fly by the seat of my pants and just let her rip when I’m writing. It’s not that I don’t have a plot, or loose outline of where the story is going, it’s just that I found early on that if I’m held within the confines of an outline, I will sit and watch the cursor blink more often than not. Most authors are the opposite of me and have elaborate outlines, storyboards, and software so they can lay their whole story out. I wish I could be these people, but alas, I’m not. LOL

9)      Goals for the remainder of the year?

I’d like to do a second Rocking the Pop Star book in the fall featuring my current hero and heroine, Brody Kent and Skylar Samuelson. Then in 2017, finish up the series.

I have a short novella box set coming up around the end of the summer which features the Olympics.

I am also collaborating with a writing partner, LaVie EnRose who is finishing up the Jungle Fever Series for me.

All these projects’ completion hinge on my work and personal life staying the course, of course.

10)   What new projects are you currently working on?

I just finished a novella for the “Be Witched,” Box Set which is my first foray into paranormal as a published author.

I’m currently working on the Olympic Novellas.

11)   Any final thoughts you would like to share with the CJC Photography readers?

It’s been awesome sharing with the CJC Photography readers, and I hope you will pick up a copy of European Tour, which is just $0.99 right now on Pre-Order for a limited time. The price will go up shortly after it releases, so don’t miss out.

Christopher, Myles and Tayla brought Brody and Skylar to life beyond my wildest dreams. I can’t wait to work with CJC Photography again on upcoming projects.

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