Author Interview With L.A. Weatherly
Today, we have an interview with the bestselling author, L.A. Weatherly. 
Her novel ‘Angel’ (which is the first title in her Angel trilogy) is absolutely one of my favourite books and I found it very inspirational to read.
Firstly, I’d just like to say that I’m honoured to interview you as I absolutely adore your Angel trilogy. I seriously can’t wait to read Angel Fever.
Thank you! I’m glad you’re enjoying the series. I’m honoured to be on your blog!
So, how would you describe yourself in a short third-person bio?
So, how would you describe yourself in a short third-person bio?
Lee Weatherly obsesses too much and drinks too much coffee, but somehow manages to write books anyway.
What made you initially want to write? Has your motivation changed since then?
My initial motivation was a love of stories and wanting to tell my own – I’ve always loved to read. No, I don’t think my motivation has really changed since then, though of course there are always shifts when you start doing what you most enjoy for a job.
Tell us an interesting fact about you.
Only one? 😉 I have a passion for vintage/antique jewellery. I love wearing pieces that come to me with a history and a story of their own.
What do you think is the most important part of writing?
Hmm, tough one! All the different elements are essential, from the initial spark of an idea, to developing it, to writing a first draft, to honing it into something that works. If I had to choose, I’d say the ability to bring characters to life, coupled with the ability to self-edit your work and see its flaws (and be able to fix them!).
Tell us a little about the first book in your Angel trilogy.
Tell us a little about the first book in your Angel trilogy.
Angels are not the kind creatures we think they are; they’re here with a deadly agenda. Alex is an Angel Killer, one of the few who know the truth. Willow, a half-angel, is his sworn enemy … but the hunter falls in love with the hunted.
I really like how you alternated between first and third-person; in fact, it was one of the things that made me pick up Angel in the first place! What made you decide to do this?
Oh, thank you, I’m glad you liked it! It wasn’t really a deliberate choice; that’s just how I heard the characters in my head. I’ve tried to write Alex’s pov in first person before, and completely wasn’t able to. He WANTS to be third person. So I don’t argue.
At first, when Seb was introduced into Angel Fire, I must admit that I was a bit sceptical… after all, I didn’t want anything–or anyone–to get between Willow and Alex. What made you introduce Seb?
Well, probably because of that exact reaction that you had, since it adds up to story tension! Reading about a blissful couple whose relationship faces no challenges would get pretty boring after a while, even for the most ardent fan. When I had the idea to bring another half-angel into the mix, I knew immediately that it would cause lots of sparks to fly. And we writers kind of have a thing for making sparks fly.
And can we expect any new major characters in Angel Fever?
And can we expect any new major characters in Angel Fever?
Yes, there’s one: a girl named Meghan. There may also be the return of a character or two from the first two books.
Talking of Angel Fever, can you give us any hints as to what might happen?
Talking of Angel Fever, can you give us any hints as to what might happen?
The situation with the angels is worse than ever. Alex breaks a promise with dire repercussions. And as the final battle with the angels looms, his and Willow’s love is threatened like never before.
So, on average, how long does it take you to write a first draft? And how many drafts do you write until you’ve got the completed manuscript?
So, on average, how long does it take you to write a first draft? And how many drafts do you write until you’ve got the completed manuscript?
For a story as long as the Angel books it can take up to a year, though much of that time is spent thinking things out. (Lots of long walks muttering to myself!) My first draft is always fairly polished as I tend to rewrite a great deal as I go. I do at least two drafts; the second one incorporates my editors’ input.
Do you use any special writing software, like Scrivener?
Do you use any special writing software, like Scrivener?
No, I don’t. I know many people find it helpful, though.
Which projects are you working on at the moment?
Currently I’m working on a short paranormal romance for Barrington Stoke. It’ll be around 15,000 words (Angel was 115,000!), so it’s really only a short story rather than a novel – but I hope readers enjoy it! I also have plans for the next full-length novel.How do you come up with the titles for your books? And do you have the final title before completing your book or after?
With the Angel series, it was with the help of my publishers. I originally called the first book Angel Heart, which my agent firmly vetoed (“Sounds like a Mills and Boon novel!”). Usborne suggested just Angel, and then in the US Candlewick called it Angel Burn. I think both are great titles.
Yes, I always have at least a working title in place; I find it difficult to work on something without knowing what it’s called.How has writing changed your life?
The glib answer would be that writing is my life, though that’s not quite true; my marriage and my health are just as important to me. But I’ve been a writer for so long – long before I was published – that I can’t think in terms of writing changing my life. It’s always been there, right from the start.
Favourite book and/or author(s)?
I always find this a tough question to answer; there are far too many to choose from! So here’s a book that changed me instead: The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton. I read it at fifteen, and it was the first book that ever made me cry. I was in awe of a writer who could do that. So I’m always thrilled now when readers say that my books made them cry. (Well, not thrilled that I made them cry. But you know what I mean!)
I always find this a tough question to answer; there are far too many to choose from! So here’s a book that changed me instead: The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton. I read it at fifteen, and it was the first book that ever made me cry. I was in awe of a writer who could do that. So I’m always thrilled now when readers say that my books made them cry. (Well, not thrilled that I made them cry. But you know what I mean!)
Do you think it’s necessary to have a high-level qualification in English, such as a degree, to be a writer?
No, definitely not. Personally, I never finished university and don’t have a degree. Writing is one of the few fields where all that matters is talent and determination. And a bit of luck.What would you say to those who want to become a writer? Any advice?
Read a lot, write a lot, and keep going! Keep an eye on the market, but don’t write to the market – write what you love, and write it with passion.
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Visit L.A Weatherly’s website
