Author Spotlight!
Leighton Riley
Author Interview
What prompted you to
write your first book?
To be honest,
I was curious to see if I could really do it.
Growing up, I wasn’t an avid reader or writer and it was only 2 years
ago that I really got started in reading.
I thought I’d get a page or two in and call it quits. Writing has become part of my daily routine
and it feels amazing when I hit my word count goal for the day. I’m very numbers oriented, so calculating
progress is fun for me.
Is there anything or
anyone in particular that you draw inspiration from?
Reading good
books. I love when I’m reading a book
and am drawn completely into the story.
It inspires me to dig deeper into my writing.
Which story has been
your favorite to write?
So far, I’m
loving Tate’s story! Ryder was your
typical alpha male in a way, Tristen was the emotional one, and Tate is just
downright sex on a stick. I can break
rules and push boundaries with him and it’s been a hell of a ride so far. ;)
Is there a book concept
you’re just dying to write?
I want to do
something darker that is a standalone. I
enjoy writing with plot twists and bringing readers the unexpected. With each book I write, I try to make it more
complex and new for everyone.
Which character of
yours, is your favorite?
Tate. He’s got
a special place in my heart and if I ever meet a real life Tate, I’m in
trouble. He’s the perfect mix of
sweetness, badass-ness?, sex appeal, with a touch of boy next door (who bulked
up over the summer)
Do you have a favorite
book?
I have
many! Real by Katy Evans got me started
in the indie world so I always go back to Remy.
I feel bad only naming one though!
Thoughtless trilogy by SC Stephens, Falling into you by Jasinda Wilder,
Collide by Gail McHugh, Black Lies by Alessandra Torre are a few others.
Who is your favorite
Disney character?
Simba and Nala
from Lion King or Dori from Finding Nemo.
Do you have a method to
your writing process? Outlining, etc.
I outline in
my head. I know points I want to hit and
the general direction it needs to go but nothing really written on paper. I’ve tried outlining and end up going so far
in the opposite direction that it was useless.
I let me characters take me through their journey. There’s some character’s (cough cough McKenna
cough cough) who I thought would be a main character but it just wasn’t meant
to be after I began writing her. Poor
girl never had a chance.
Have you ever gone back
to book you’ve published and wished you could have changed the ending or some
other major aspect of the story?
Not
really. I’m happy with how each of them
ended. There can always be a “what if” but I wrote them as I envisioned. Everyone has their opinions but I really try
to wrap up each character before the story is over.
What is the one piece
of advice you’d give to new writers?
One piece?
Hmm. Try setting mini goals. How many words
do you want to get done by the end of the week? Month? Also, plan ahead and
secure your editor, formatter, and cover designer. Some book out months in advance. Do your research on them too! Take
recommendations from other authors.
About Leighton Riley
Texas born and raised,
I found my love for dirty books rather recently. I work in real estate for my
normal job and I write contemporary romance. I plan on having Sinfully be the
first of three in its series. I would like to do a standalone after, but we’ll
see! I love sweet tea (made right!), cookie cake, and anything with chocolate
and peanut butter. I have a few guys at my gym that are my TDF’s (tall, dark,
and fuckable) but also have a HSB (Hot Sauna Boy), because let’s be honest,
they’re my motivation while I’m there! I go to Las Vegas often but I swear I
don’t have as much fun as Payton does. Although, if I found myself a Tate
there, I might change my opinion!
Authors such as Katy Evans, SE Hall, Angela Graham, Jasinda Wilder, and Jillian Dodd have been a large influence on me and I’m forever grateful. I decided to write Sinfully on Black Friday in November 2013, on a whim. I thought I’d get bored after a few pages but was captivated by the characters and it developed into something I am truly proud of. When it comes to book boyfriends, I love those who are strong but with a little imperfection or tragedy in their past (Remy, Kellan, Q, Twitch are just a few of my favorites). I LOVE talking to my readers so feel free to message me on Facebook. <3
Authors such as Katy Evans, SE Hall, Angela Graham, Jasinda Wilder, and Jillian Dodd have been a large influence on me and I’m forever grateful. I decided to write Sinfully on Black Friday in November 2013, on a whim. I thought I’d get bored after a few pages but was captivated by the characters and it developed into something I am truly proud of. When it comes to book boyfriends, I love those who are strong but with a little imperfection or tragedy in their past (Remy, Kellan, Q, Twitch are just a few of my favorites). I LOVE talking to my readers so feel free to message me on Facebook. <3
Stalk Her
Books by Leighton Riley
Sinfully
(Sinfully #1)
By Leighton Riley
Released: June 8th
2014
Genre: Contemporary
Romance
294 pages
Payton wrote
a self-published book regaling her encounters with men while visiting Las
Vegas. To her horror, life changes in more ways than one when someone finds out
her true identity.
Ryder, a successful publisher, is determined to find and sign Reece Edwards. Using what little information he can find on her, he sets out to find her, feeling it will definitely be worth the chase.
While on his search for Reece, Ryder meets Payton and the chemistry is explosive. Payton has done well with not allowing anyone to get close to her, but something is different with Ryder. Ryder can’t get Payton out of his head, but he is still on his mission to locate Reece.
With two tragic pasts, Payton and Ryder each have demons to overcome. Will they be able to put those demons to rest or will it be all for nothing?
Ryder, a successful publisher, is determined to find and sign Reece Edwards. Using what little information he can find on her, he sets out to find her, feeling it will definitely be worth the chase.
While on his search for Reece, Ryder meets Payton and the chemistry is explosive. Payton has done well with not allowing anyone to get close to her, but something is different with Ryder. Ryder can’t get Payton out of his head, but he is still on his mission to locate Reece.
With two tragic pasts, Payton and Ryder each have demons to overcome. Will they be able to put those demons to rest or will it be all for nothing?
***Warning
18+ only due to mature subject matter and strong sexual content***
Buy Links
Regretfully
(Sinfully #2)
By Leighton Riley
Released: October 16,
2014
Genre: Contemporary
Romance
214 pages
How do you
heal after everything has been ripped away from you?
Completely devastated and alone, Tristen cannot fathom life after losing Cami and his unborn child. He attempts to find normality in his broken world but everything seems wrong.
Aria is compelled to help Tristen and cannot escape the undeniable connection she feels for him, even though Cami was one of her closest friends. She tries to help him move forward by befriending him but quickly realizes that there is more.
Tristen and Aria are both struggling to deal with these confusing emotions. Can they find happiness even when they feel utterly broken?
Completely devastated and alone, Tristen cannot fathom life after losing Cami and his unborn child. He attempts to find normality in his broken world but everything seems wrong.
Aria is compelled to help Tristen and cannot escape the undeniable connection she feels for him, even though Cami was one of her closest friends. She tries to help him move forward by befriending him but quickly realizes that there is more.
Tristen and Aria are both struggling to deal with these confusing emotions. Can they find happiness even when they feel utterly broken?
***Warning
18+ only due to mature subject matter and strong sexual content***
Buy Links
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