This is a tough one. My favorite adult fiction writer is Pearl Cleage. I love her book, “What Looks Like Crazy On An Ordinary Day.” As a teen I was a Judy Bloom fanatic and the classic book “Are You There God It’s Me Margaret” is still relevant. I also love Terry McMillan.
Blogfest 2009
You are viewing posts written by Lyah LeFlore
Lyah LeFlore on “Is it difficult to get a book published?”
It actually wasn’t so difficult for me to get my foot in the door with major publishers because I had a strong track record as a television producer and there had been a lot of major press on me in magazines. The hardest part was once I got in the door, getting the editors to like my work. I feel I was very lucky. However, I had put in major time and hard work on my writing. I think if you have a compelling and powerful story to tell someone will listen!
Lyah LeFlore on “If one of your books got banned from somewhere, how would you feel?”
I’d be really disappointed because although there are some edgy and somewhat controversial moments in The Come Up, it’s “real”. Hello! Can I say that again…it’s real. I think the content of the book series as a whole has to be considered before banning it. So I hope that’s never an issue I have to face.
Lyah LeFlore on “How do you feel about stuff like sex scenes in books? Inappropriate or okay?”
I think that the reality of sex in the lives of teenagers is again real and true. I have a problem when writers write those sex scenes irresponsibly. Meaning, safe sex is key if you’re going to write about sex. I personally feel you can tell a great story and it reflect the intimacy of two people without necessarily “showing” the actual “act” of sex. A kiss or a soft touch can be just as powerful. I personally believe that characters who aren’t afraid to abstain or are proud of their virginity is just as cool. So when it’s appropriate is when the moment of a sexual encounter is “key” to that time or place in the story. Otherwise, just to write a sex scene for the sake of writing sex doesn’t say a lot about creativity.
Lyah LeFlore on “Is it harder to write the first book as opposed to the second (or third, or fourth) or does it depend on the content of what you are writing?”
Writing the first book I think is the hardest after that, for me, it was like the flood gates were opened. Now when and idea comes to me I have to get to my computer asap. Sometimes I can even be in a restaurant and I have to grab the waiter or waitresses pen and a napkin and write down dialogue or an idea on a character.
The World is MineBuy Now
