tell me about yourself, and your writing. I am a stay at home mother of three boys who are all at school as of this year, so technically I should be writing full time now. My first book is called Flirting with Magick and is a fairly light, chick lit story.
How long have you been writing? How many published books do you have, and what genres? I started writing around eight years ago but only started taking it seriously in the last five years or so. I have one published chick lit book which was released in February 2013.
Do you write in multiple genres or just one? If just one, do you ever consider straying outside your genre? I think my main and preferred genre will always be chick lit / women's contemporary fiction. I have completed a first draft of a YA urban fantasy novel which I'M looking forward to working on, and as a horror / mystery fan I'M currently outlining one in that genre too.
Are you a plotter or do you write from the seat of your pants? I tend to do a bit of both. Having participated in National Novel Writing Month twice now, I completely understand now the benefits of 'pantsing'. However I do prefer to write to an outline, however loose it may be just to give myself some guidance and structure.
What is a typical writing day like for you? Right now my children are on school holidays so I'M not getting much writing done at all and am still trying to get into some kind of routine. I tend to work around my other commitments, housework and school voluntary work, which often means I sometimes only write when inspired, but I do try and get something down every day, even if it's not much.
Who do you love to read? Favorite authors, favorite books? Marian Keyes would be my favourite author. I go out and buy her books without even bothering to read the blurb. In a different genre I really enjoy the horror atmosphere that Susan Hill creates.
What is something you'd like to accomplish in your writing career next year? I'M hoping to have my second book out by next year, and be a little more cluey about the industry.
If you could have one paranormal ability, what would it be? Shapeshifting would be cool. Imagine how many different perspectives you could get if you could pretend to be someone or something else for a small time.
If you could keep a mythical/ paranormal creature as a pet, what would you have? Oh, tough question! I loved the Hippogryph in Harry Potter. Would need a bigger back yard though. And it might eat my chickens. And probably my dog.
Tell us a little about your latest release. It's about a young woman who decides to take control of her life by doing a love spell, after having successfully managed a career change through magick. Her boyfriend left suddenly and it's her way of moving on. It appears the spell worked very well as she soon meets a gorgeous musician and they begin a casual relationship which can't go any further due to his work commitments and in her mind, she's living a more independent life. However her feelings get in the way and knowing his stand on relationships, she decides to instead take a chance with a guy at work who had been flirting with her since she started. On top of that her boyfriend has realised he's made a mistake and wants her back. So of course many things go wrong until they can go right and she can have her happy ever after. There are spells in between the chapters and overall it was just a fun story to write. I hope it's a fun story to read too.
What is something that you absolutely can't live without? (Other than family members). My laptop. My handwriting is terrible so there would be no way I could write by hand.
Could you ever co author a book with someone? If so, who would you choose, and what would you write? I'Ve been thinking about that lately actually and I'M wondering what the process would be. I think I'D like to work with someone who was good at mystery and twists.
If you could spend a day with anyone from history, dead or alive, who would it be, and what would you do? What would you ask them? I can never answer these questions as my mind suddenly goes blank.
What are some of your other hobbies outside of writing? At the moment I'M really enjoying working on my house and garden. I have absolutely no design skills whatsoever but get so inspired by reading house related magazines and blogs. I also love cooking shows and getting into the kitchen to experiment. I have a bookshelf that is filled with just cookbooks!
If you were on the staff to have a book adapted to movie, what would you pick? I think many of the books I like have already been done. In all honesty I can't think of one a movie will do justice to. Might have to get back to you on that.
What is a talent you wish you had, but don't? I wish I had more musical talent. I tried really, really hard but it just didn't happen.
Favorite color? Dark teal.
Weather: Hot or cold? Hot. We've just come out of summer here in Australia and I don't cope well in the cold. My back tenses up from shivering, I just want to sleep and I think I get a little bit depressed.
Favorite place to read? I have a couch that sits by the window and is in front of a fireplace. It is a beautiful spot to read in both summer and winter. Unfortunately, right now it's covered in laundry I have to fold.
Favorite meal. Seriously, I love all sort of food so this question is really hard. I would have to say, as much as I enjoy cooking, anything I don't have to cook myself would be a favourite.
Favorite non-alcoholic drink. Coffee. Definitely coffee. I even named my dog, Latte.
If you could travel anywhere and do anything, no limits or money holding you back, where would you go? Without those limits where wouldn't I go? There is just so much to see and experience I would want to travel the world. I think my first stop would be Europe. Hmm, now I want to read a book set somewhere in Europe.
BLURB:
When a new-age remedy fixes Abby Williams' career rut, the twenty-five year old figures a spell could heal her broken heart too...
Suddenly, she’s having hot sex with an even hotter musician, which might work as long as she doesn’t get in the way of his rock stardom. Her work colleague is flirty and fun, but could he be keeping something from her? And now, the guy who broke her heart wants to rekindle their relationship. Can she trust him enough to give it another shot?
So far, it seems Abby’s spell hasn’t worked. Or then again, perhaps it has?
His familiar silhouette was in the window. Typical, just like Josh to sit where he could see me coming. As I had expected, and before I could change my mind, he looked up and saw me, giving me a wave. I felt his eyes on me as I entered the cafe, his gaze turning to trepid- ation as I approached the table. He stood up, placing an awkward kiss on my cheek, and politely offered me the other seat.
“Thanks for coming, Abs.” He said shyly, now hardly looking at me, before clearing his throat. “How are you?”
“I'm fine.” I caught my voice losing the confident abruptness I’d been practicing. I signaled to the waiter and ordered a latte – something that could be finished quickly so I could get out of there. I wasn’t about to indulge in any long, friendly breakfasts with Josh.
His eyes were red rimmed with grey bags underneath, as though he hadn't had much sleep in some time. He took a deep breath and I prepared myself for his speech.
“I'm really sorry, Abby, for leaving like that.” He swallowed. “I'm not going to expect you to take me back, but I will do anything to make it up to you.”
I quickly took his pause to speak. “You never told me why you left.”
He looked down into his cup before meeting my eyes again. “I got scared. And this opportunity came up and I just took it.”
“Scared?” I didn’t understand. “Scared of what? Of me? Of us?”
“All that.” He took a sip of his espresso and appeared to relax, now that it was clear I wasn’t going to cause a scene or throw my drink in his face.
I sucked in my breath. Here he was right in front of me and I was beginning to feel the way I had been dreading. I’d missed the way he looked at me; the way his hair stood up, reminding me of how I used to run my hand along it; his broad shoulders carrying his muscular arms, which used to hold me as we lay in bed together. One look at him and, frustratingly, all my fantasies about yelling at him and telling him I never wanted to see him again had dissipated into the electrically charged air between us. I tried not to look at him, as each time I stole a glance all my emotions were in danger of brimming to the surface. Thankfully he took my lack of eye contact for contempt.
“I meant it when I said I still loved you.” His voice was as low as his gaze.
“I'm seeing someone.” I blurted out.
“I was wondering about that.” He said calmly, though a wounded expression flashed briefly across his face. “I kind of expected that you probably were by now, and that I’d be too late.”
Review Rating: 4 LIGHTNING BOLTS
Review: Magic and spells are a force not to be reckoned with. They aren't for novices....
Flirting with Magic is a romance, chick lit, and comical story all rolled into one. Despite the title, this story isn't really all that much on the paranormal side. It's a fun story, filled with moments that made me laugh out loud. It's light and refreshing. A nice story about relationships gone right and wrong.
All of a sudden, Abby has choices when it comes to men, and she's not sure which way to go about it. Is it the hot and hunky musician? Or a man with secrets? Well, I wont't reveal my sources. What I will say is that this book was enjoyable and I'm glad I had a chance to read it. I'll be looking for more works from Ms. Bennett
Leigh Bennett is an Australian author who lives in Melbourne’s hilly and rugged outer east with her husband, three sons, a beagle x cavalier dog and five chickens.
Currently a stay at home mother, she has worked in the public service, education, road and music industries.
She enjoys reading, cooking and writing stories full of fun, drama, love and always with a happy ever after.
Currently a stay at home mother, she has worked in the public service, education, road and music industries.
She enjoys reading, cooking and writing stories full of fun, drama, love and always with a happy ever after.
Connect with Leigh!
Twitter: @LeightaBennett
Buy the Book!
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/285976
Really enjoyed this book!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Samantha :)
DeleteThank you so much for being part of my tour and for your lovely review. I'm so pleased you enjoyed it.
ReplyDelete