Blogfest 2009 » LeFlore Lyah

Lyah LeFlore on “Who are your favorite authors/what are your favorite books?”

LeFlore Lyah — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 17:00:14 +0000

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.

Lyah LeFlore on “Is it difficult to get a book published?”

LeFlore Lyah — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 13:00:58 +0000

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?”

LeFlore Lyah — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:00:42 +0000

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?”

LeFlore Lyah — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0000

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?”

LeFlore Lyah — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:00:44 +0000

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.

Lyah LeFlore on “When you’re writing a book and making up characters, do you feel like you become that character, as well as that character becomes a part of you?”

LeFlore Lyah — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:30:29 +0000

I definitely feel like the characters come alive and speak through me. I remember one day writing a chapter in Book Two of The Come Up, entitled Can’t Hold Me Down, and I literally started crying as the character Jade was talking to her mother and thinking about her own dreams in life. It was amazing!

Lyah LeFlore on “Do you feel that you stick to a certain theme (if you have written more than one book?)”

LeFlore Lyah — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:30:15 +0000

Yeah in a way I do. I’m all about the powerful heroine who comes from a solid family background, typically in the Midwest, who dreams big and ventures to cosmopolitan cities like LA , New York, or Washington, DC. Also, my characters tend to have positive relationships with older characters and they listen to their advice. All of my characters have flaws, but that makes them likeable and real.

Lyah LeFlore on “How often do you have to edit and rewrite while working on a piece?”

LeFlore Lyah — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 15:00:27 +0000

I have to admit my biggest flaw as a writer is that I hate to proofread and edit. It’s like once I get it out I want it out of my face, but that can’t work when you have to turn your work in to your editor. You must rewrite at least once before turning in a piece. I what you call “lazy” when it comes to jumpstarting the editing process, but once I get pass chapter one then I’m on a roll. It’s just getting motivated to jump in so to speak. So when it’s all said and done, I usually do two rewrites when I’m working on a piece.

Lyah LeFlore on “What hobbies do you have?”

LeFlore Lyah — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 18:00:04 +0000

I love watching classic movies from the past. I have a great DVD collection. Breakfast at Tiffanys, Imitation of Life, Mahoghany starring Diana Ross, Cooley High. I’ve also recently gotten interested in scrapbooking. I haven’t done my first one yet, but I think it’s totally cool. So wish me luck!

Lyah LeFlore on “Have you ever just wanted to give up?”

LeFlore Lyah — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:00:24 +0000

Who hasn’t ever wanted to give up? But I know that I have a gift just like each of us does and even in my most frustrating moments, even when there are days and the words just aren’t flowing, I can’t stop. Like Diddy says: “Can’t stop! Won’t stop!” God gave me a gift to create. You don’t throw a gift back in God’s face.