How long have you known you wanted to be an author?
Since I was 8 years old. I used to make up plays and make my little girlfriends act them out with me in my back yard. We’d go around the neighborhood knocking on doors and selling tickets for .05 cents. My poor mom was roped into making popcorn and slushies in the freezer for us to serve. But we never had an ending, so the play just kind of petered out. I was young and didn’t think about needing a gratifying ending to tie up the loose ends. J
Later in high school, I wrote my first full-length book…all 44 pages of it. HAHAHA! At the time, that seemed like a long book to me. It was a Nancy Drew-type of mystery. I was mortified when one of the cute boys in my class picked it up and started reading it. I snatched it away so fast, but he told me it was “pretty good.” Didn’t matter. I was still embarrassed to have someone read my work. I’ve gotten much more tough skinned since those days.
Can you tell me a little bit about your newest book?
Can you tell me a little bit about your newest book?
The Forest Ranger’s Husband will officially be released October 18th from Harlequin Love Inspired. It’s the second in a series on forest rangers. My father is a retired forest ranger and has been consulting me on this new series. This is a poignant story about a hotshot wildfire fighter who loses one of his men and almost loses his own life in a wildfire. Tortured by survivor’s guilt, the experience changes his priorities and he returns home to the wife he abandoned for his high adrenaline career years earlier…and discovers he has a five year old son. You can imagine how his wife must feel. She’s a forest ranger who’s forced to work with her estranged husband, but she has trouble letting go of her anger and hurt and moving on in life. This book is about forgiving yourself, forgiving others, and putting your life back together after a traumatic event. It’s based on very real situations and I hope you like it.
When a reader gets done with your book, what do you want them to come away with?
When a reader gets done with your book, what do you want them to come away with?
First, I hope my readers feel good when they close my books. I hope they feel uplifted and gratified. And entertained by the fun story. Some of my books are real tear-jerkers, but I hope my readers come away from the experience believing in God and knowing that He loves them. And if the story hits close to home, I hope my readers are inspired never to give up on themselves or their family members. To keep working at their problems. To keep trying to be a better person.
Is there a place you have always wanted to visit? A vacation spot, historical monument, overseas, etc?
Is there a place you have always wanted to visit? A vacation spot, historical monument, overseas, etc?
I always wanted to visit Europe…my husband and I finally did that for our 25th anniversary. Now, I want to go to South America. I wrote my Senior Thesis on the prestige of Aztec women, so I’d LOVE to go to Mexico and visit the Aztec ruins in the area. Someday, I’d like to do research on women’s issues in the libraries there, but I’d need to become more fluent in Spanish and get rid of my book deadlines first. I just don’t have time right now for that dream. But perhaps one day I will.
If you could have dinner with 2 people, who would they be?
If you could have dinner with 2 people, who would they be?
Oh, it’s gonna have to be 3 people for me. My husband and parents. And then, you’re gonna have to let me add on a few more. My kids and their spouses and my grandkids, my brother and sister and their spouses and families, my grandmothers and Aunt Shirley, who are gone now, my other aunt and cousins. My husband’s sister and her family….maybe this isn’t what you expected. But seriously, there’s no one in this world I’d love to spend time with more than my family members. Yeah, it’d be fun to have dinner with the President of the United States, so I can advise him how to fix some of the problems in our nation. And I’d like to sit down and chat one-on-one with Susan Elizabeth Phillips (she is such a hoot), or Margaret Daley, Debbie Clopton, Missy Tippens, or any of the wonderful Harlequin Love Inspired authors (who are already my good friends), but family comes first for me. Period.
What one event would you love to be at? Historical or future?
What one event would you love to be at? Historical or future?
I would love to have been a fly on the wall during the Treaty of Versailles. As the leaders of the world at the time carved up Europe, I wonder how many of them wondered about the actual every-day people their decisions would impact. I’d love to hear their discussion on Napoleon and the troubles of the day.
And then I’d like to attend a Thing meeting of the Vikings in the Danelaw. I’d like to hear some of their grievances and find out what Harald Grayhair was really like. And I’d like to discover the truth about why Rollo, the First Duke of Normandy (also called Grolf), really started raiding along the Vik. I’m thinking it was because he was a fourth son and had no lands to inherit, so he started raiding his own people to earn a living and King Harald banished him (which meant he’d be killed if he returned to Norway), so he went over to the beaches of Normandy where he made a deal with the French King to hold that area. And of course, William the Conqueror came through this line.
Sorry if you don’t have a clue what I’m talking about. I have a degree in history and love the topic. Some day, I hope to publish a historical on the national market.
Do you have a favorite hobby?
Do you have a favorite hobby?
I’m a gardener. Any time I don’t spend working, writing, tending to my family and church responsibilities, you can find me out in my back yard. My husband and I have worked hard and we have a Better Homes and Garden back yard. Our daughter held her wedding reception there. It was beautiful. A very peaceful, quiet place to be by myself, even if my little dog Sophie and my hubby are with me.
Is there something about you most people wouldn't know?
Is there something about you most people wouldn't know?
I was a voracious Tom Boy up until I turned about age fifteen. I was the fastest runner in the school and no one but me could kick the ball off the black top at school. You know how when they’re choosing up sides for teams? Well, I was always picked first. Because they knew they’d win if they had me on their side. Although I’m short and getting old now, I was a natural athlete. I came by it honestly…it’s in my genes. (I won’t go into details here, but my father still to this day has records he set at his high school that have yet to be broken by any one else.)
Do you have any suggestions for the aspiring writer?
Do you have any suggestions for the aspiring writer?
Write! Write! Write! Until your fingers are nubs. And then use your toes. Getting a website is okay. And even a Facebook account. But if you have no books written, you have nothing to sell. So what does the website and Facebook account matter then? Go to conferences if you can, even if it’s an inexpensive online workshop. Join a writer’s group and get involved with *nice* critique partners. (Notice I said nice, not wimpy. You don’t want a critique partner who will be mean or cruel, but neither do you want one who won’t bleed all over your manuscript. If they don’t do it, you might send it off to an editor, who won’t bother to tell you why it’s junk.)
And how can they connect with you?
And how can they connect with you?
You can reach me on my website at: www.LeighBale.com
My email: Leigh@LeighBale.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/leigh.bale
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/
The Craftie Ladies of Romance Blog: http://craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com/
The Love Inspired Authors Blog: http://loveinspiredauthors.blogspot.com/
My Newsletter Book Giveaway: You can sign up to receive my newsletter by going to my website “contact” page. Each month, I give away one autographed copy of my Golden Heart winning book The Healing Place to one of my brand new subscribers. Be sure to include your mailing address.
I’m also holding a book giveaway over at Goodreads beginning Oct. 22nd, so be sure to check that out!
Readers, what did I tell you! She has a lot of great information:) And her book sounds great! Please enter below.
MANDATORY ENTRY-
Leave an encouraging comment for Leigh. I don't think we seriously understand what these authors go through to write a book. And then to put their baby out there and have people critique it and criticize it. I can't even imagine.
US ONLY!!
Leave an encouraging comment for Leigh. I don't think we seriously understand what these authors go through to write a book. And then to put their baby out there and have people critique it and criticize it. I can't even imagine.
US ONLY!!
EXTRA ENTRIES!!
1.Blog or post about this on Facebook. Get 3 entries for each.
2.Follow my blog via GFC, subscribe through RSS Feed or email or follow me on Twitter. Get one entry for each you do.
3.Enter any of my other currently running giveaways. Let me know which ones.
4.Leave a comment on any of my review only posts. This must be for reviews only! Leave a comment for each.
5.Tweet about this giveaway. Can be done three times a day.
This giveaway will end 10/31. Winner will be chosen through Random.org and they will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.
47 comments:
love looking at Better Homes and Garden's Homes and Gardens. would love to see your garden.
thanks for the interview.
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
email subscriber
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
Oh I love me some Love Inspired books. Would love to read this one.I know it will be great!
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net
I am an email subscriber
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net
I entered the Marrying the Major contest.
Would love to see that Better Homes and Gardens back yard! I bet it's so pretty.
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net
I've only recently discover Leigh Bale and I'm so happy I did! I can't wait to get started on her books!
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
#1 Shared on fb-mamabunny shelor
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#2 Shared on fb-mamabunny shelor
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#3 Shared on fb-mamabunny shelor
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mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
I follow via gfc - mamabunny13
mamabunny13 at mail dot com
email subscriber
mamabunny13 at mail dot com
I follow on twitter @mamabunny13
mamabunny13 at mail dot com
I entered Marrying the Major giveaway.
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
I entered Freschetta Prize Pack giveaway.
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
I entered Unlawfully Wedded Bride
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
I imagine its like living that life for awhile as your writing the book. You will always have someone who disagrees. Just feel good about what you wrote.
amhengst at verizon dot net
GFC follower
amhengst
amhengst at verizon dot net
email subscriber
amhengst at verizon dot net
entered marrying the major giveaway
amhengst at verizon dot net
i entered unlawfully wedded bride giveaway
amhengst at verizon dot net
Thanks for this giveaway of your new book. I love how you said you'd love to be with your family more than anyone. Me too! Keep up the good work on your books.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
GFC Follower
email subscriber
Entered Unlawfully Wedded Bride
Entered Marrying the Major
Entered Bar Method DVD
Hi, Folks! I've loved reading all your comments. I can hardly wait to see which of you gets the giveaway book. And some of you asked about my garden. I've posted some fun pictures over at my Facebook page. Check my website for the link at: www.LeighBale.com
Enjoy this fall weather! Winter is a'coming! :)
Love that you still make time for gardening and are following your dreams! Way to go! Love it!
I am an e-mail subscriber.
I would love to win a book that has a positive message. Please enter me.
Leigh your book looks fantastic. Keep up the good work. Have never read any of your books, but would love to.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Many blessings,
Trinity Rose
wandaelaine at gmail dot com
I'm a GFC follower.
wandaelaine at gmail dot com
I'm an email subscriber.
wandaelaine at gmail dot com
posted a blog post about the giveaway
http://myheartbelongs2books.blogspot.com/2011/10/love-inspired-book-giveaway.html
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
I entered Falling To Pieces giveaway.
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
I entered Book Of Dreams giveaway.
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
I entered the 6 Beauty Products giveaway
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
I commented on your review of Attracted to Fire
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
I commented on your review of The Measure of Katie Calloway.
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
I commented on your review of Wonderland Creek.
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
I commented on your review of Sunrise on the Battery.
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
I comment on your review of Necessary Deception.
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
Leigh, I'm glad that you stuck with writing and can glorify God that way. Talk about making a difference. Wow! kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.
Subscribe with Google Reader. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.
Follow you on Twitter. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.
Entered Vanetta Chapman giveaway. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.
And the winner was #10, Mamabunny!!
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