Today's guest author is R. Leigh, author of the romantic fantasy novel, The Winds of Asharra.Author R. Leigh is a mystery to local neighbors, appearing enigmatic and ageless, and wearing an ever present red crystal pendant. Some have guessed this author's secret other worldly origin, speculating that the tales of Asharra might somehow be true. Outskirts Press does not confirm this and will not comment on rumors that the manuscript for this novel appeared in their offices out of nowhere. We urge you to read this book and decide for yourself.
You can visit R. Leigh's website at www.thewindsofasharra.com.
Welcome to Pump Up Your Online Book Promotion, R. Leigh. Can we begin by having you tell us what The Winds of Asharra is about and why you wrote it?
Our current novel ,The Winds of Asharra is 600+ pages of fantasy, romance and New Age Fantasy. It’s a story of self discovery as well as the adventure of two teenagers from Earth who find themselves on a strange journey in a wonderous and sensual land. In short, it is a crossover work, appealing to fans of multiple genres. In addition to being a fantasy story, set in an alien world, and having quite a bit of sensuality, it also explores the complex mystical culture and philosophy of the Asharrans in great detail. So, in short, it’s something for the head and the heart. If hard pressed, we would call it a “New Age epic fantasy romance adventure”.
Why did you choose this combination of genres to write? Did you choose it or did it choose you?
The Winds of Asharra is difficult to classify and quite honestly, it was more a case of creating the product first and then attempting to determine exactly what had been created. That was both a happy and curious discovery as well as a challenge, since the Winds of Asharra almost defies classification. The musical dragons and dreegins, the telepathic trees and the evolved felines make Asharra a fantasical place, the true essence of the fantasy definition. However, the overt sensuality and sexuality, so evident on Asharra also more than qualifies the story of Victor, Zoe and Ionera as a romance, although it makes no attempt to follow the too-often cliche conventions of that genre. Lastly, it is definitely accurate to say that there is a considerable amount of New Age philosophy embedded into the story within the definitions of Asharran culture, appealing to yet a third demographic. So, yes, in a sense, the particulars of Asharra chose us, rather than the reverse. We did not set out to create such a complicated hybrid, appealing to three different target audiences, but in a sense, it found us.
In regards to promotion, what have you been doing to promote your book online?
We've already dabbled in virtually all of the standard elements of promotion ranging from advertising, interviews, book trailers, contests and of course virtual book tours like this one, and the larger one we are planning for July. It's kept us very busy so far and there is more to come.
Of all the promotional items (bookmarks, press kits, etc…) you have used to promote your book, which one was used most effectively?
Ask the question again in six months and we'd be happy to reply. We're enjoying the results of all of them and still sorting out the particulars. It will be very interesting for us to learn which avenues of promotion ultimately attracted the most potential readers and which were just entertaining endeavors for their own sake.
Do you feel that the Internet has opened doors for authors who never dreamed they’d ever see a publishing contract and how has it influenced you in regards to your own publishing journey?
Unquestionably, the Internet allows a much faster transmission of information and news about items when the readers know where to look. The potential is enormous but so is the challenge to actually reach that world wide audience. There is an old story comparing the internet to a giant library into which a small child is brought. The child does not know who wrote all of the books or even what they are about, but the sheer scope and size of the library is overwhelming. Even if the child can not yet read, it knows that it is surrounded by something that evokes awe. That’s where we are with the internet, so much potential and vast in scope. The challenge is to enjoy the enormous library and not become lost in it.
If you were in the middle of Manhattan (or any busy thoroughfare) and you wanted to call attention to your book, what would you do and what would you say?
Given the risks we've taken in the Winds of Asharra including various plot threads and philosophical points, the answer is clear. We would simply have to bring a folding chair and start reading the book aloud. The unique elements would bounce off of the skyscrapers, reverberate off of the folliage in Central Park and encourage the curious to start to gather around. Sure, a few might shake their heads and maybe one might even make silly faces. Yet, there among the growing crowd, would be some expressions of surprise and wonder. That’s what books can do if they stretch your conventional thinking in new ways or into new realms.
If you could trade places with any author just for a day, who would it be and why?
That is a difficult question but we'd have to say we would be honored to walk the path of authors Rod Serling or Harlan Ellison. Both pushed the limits of their writing, sometimes surprising their audiences and occasionally even irritating them. Yet, in all cases, both of these authors made their audiences think and feel in different ways and consider different possibilities. They made them grow, whether they wanted to or not.
Lastly, how do you determine your book’s success?
The cliche practical answer is usually some variation on the old chestnut, when it enables the author to spend enough time to concentrate on sequels. Yet, that is far too Western for us, and quite honestly a very un-Asharran answer. Since we actually follow a philosophy that parallels that in the book, it's more accurate for us to say that the Winds of Asharra was a success when the last letter and article of punctuation was completed and when the book took physical form, enabling it to be shared with readers. The very creation of such a complicated hybrid, spanning several genres, and challenging the readers to stretch their definitions of entertainment was the moment of success for us. Or, if you prefer, our characters repeatedly say in the book, the only way you can fail is is you give up. By, that definition, there is no need to determine the success of the book. We're happy to report that we are already there.
Thank you for coming, R. Leigh Can you tell us where everyone can pick up a copy of The Winds of Asharra?
It’s been a pleasure. Interested readers can find copies of the WInds of Asharra at a variety of online book retailers including Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Powells and Books a Million.
Technorati Tags:
virtual book tour, virtual blog tour, author interview, romantic fantasy novel, romantic fantasy author, R. Leigh, The Winds of Asharra
1 comment:
I always love these kinds of interviews that ask atypical questions.
Cheryl
Post a Comment