Bonnie Leon Interview

Author bio.

Bonnie Leon is the author of nineteen novels, including the newly released Journey of Eleven Moons. She and her husband, Greg, live in Southern Oregon. They have three grown children and seven grandchildren.

WELCOME, Bonnie!!!! To start us off, give us a couple sentences describing what you write.

For twenty years I’ve been writing historical fiction romance. My stories are full of history and adventure always with a touch of romance.

How would you label the overall mood of your stories: dark, gritty, poignant, sensitive, heart-warming, raucous, light, fresh, tummy-tickler (funny), educational, adventurous, witty, passionate, reminiscent, sweet, forceful, eye-opening.

My books are spiritual and poignant and they are filled with adventure and passion of the spirit. Readers often say they learn a lot about the time and place, which makes me smile because I spend countless hours doing research so readers will feel as if they’ve been planted into the scenes. Occasionally there is a bit of grit to my tales, but I only include what is necessary.

What is the name of your latest book?

The Journey of Eleven Moons

Using any celebrity, past or present, who would you cast as your main characters?

This is not as easy as it sounds, but after a bit of thought I think I’ve come up with some good matches.

• • A young Clint Eastwood would work well for Erik—handsome, stoic and just a bit rugged.

• Irene Bedard (20 years younger)would be perfect as Anna. She’s an Inupiat woman who is a veteran actor.

What is the theme of your story and how did you come to it?

When I started writing I didn’t realize the similarity between this story and the Biblical tale of Ruth and Boaz her kinsman redeemer, but as I wrote it spilled out.

Oh, I love it when that happens! Ruth has always been one of my favorite biblical stories. Could you give us a sneak peek into what you're working on right now?

I’m working on a contemporary romance set in San Francisco and the wine country to the north. Mackenna Tillman is a dedicated city gal and ambitious advertising agent who is certain of her future. When she meets Adam McGregor, a man who spends his days fishing and working as a mechanic in a small town, the two personalities clash, and Mackenna’s well laid plans fall apart.

I’m still discovering the people in this story and having a great time. I can’t wait to see where they take me.

Describe your writing space.

My husband and I are presently living with my daughter and her husband while we build a new home. We all share the kitchen and the laundry room and Greg and I live in three rooms—a family room, a bedroom and another bedroom that I’m using as an office and extra storage. My husband has the desk and I use a recliner and my lap top. We’re a little crowded and sometimes it’s hard to find things because my files are being stored on the patio, but it is adequate for a temporary space.

Wow, sounds exciting!!! I know what you mean about a bedroom for an office. I write with my laptop on my bed, or on the couch. Sometimes I confiscate the desk in my brother's room while he's away at college. :)
Do you blog? If so, leave us the address.

I try to blog twice a week, but some weeks it’s less and some more. You can access my blog via my website at http://www.bonnieleon.com or go directly to http://bonnieleon.blogspot.com.

Now the fun stuff... :)

On a dream research trip, where would you go? What would you ask to see/experience first?

One place I’ve always wanted to visit is Scotland. My father’s roots begin there. I’d love to stay at a Bed & Breakfast on the Loch Ness. It’s picturesque and romantic, and the mists on the lake add an allure to the place and the mood of a story. I think it would make an amazing location for a tale.

Oh, the lure of Scotland! I've longed to go there myself. I love to read stories set there, but fear writing one as I'm sure I wouldn't do it justice. Seems such a powerfully mysterious place.

When you read, do you prefer paperback, e-book, or audio? Why?

I prefer paperbacks, though I often read on my Kindle. I like to know where I’m at in a story, and using a % instead of page numbers just isn’t enough for me. A paperback is also easier for me to find my way around. If I want to go back to something I’ve already read it’s simple and quick. And I like the feel of a book in my hands. It’s friendlier. I already spend too much time in the world of technology.

I like your take on that. Sensible and practical. Thanks for such a fun interview!!! Here's hoping the launch of Journey to Eleven Moons soars to new heights!

Book blurb.

A successful walrus hunt means Anna and her beloved Kinauquak will soon be joined

in marriage. But before they can seal their promise to one another a tsunami wipes

their village from the rugged shore—everyone except Anna and her little sister, Iya,

who are left alone to face the Alaskan wilderness.

A stranger, a Civil War veteran with golden hair and blue eyes, wanders the

untamed Aleutian Islands. He offers help, but can Anna trust him or his God?

And if she doesn’t, how will she and Iya survive?

Walrus hunts, tsunamis, and handsome strangers! Oh my! :)

Bonnie has been so kind to offer a FREE copy of The Journey of Eleven Moons to ONE lucky commenter, so comment away!

Maybe you'd like to ask Bonnie some questions about her novel or its setting or characters. Any readers been to Alaska? Wanted to go? Who of you knew Alaska had islands? I sure didn't. But then, I was always terrible with geography. As always, if you just cannot wait to get your hands on a copy of this book, click on the cover and it will take you right over to Amazon.com where you can download and read today!

What things can readers do to help spread the word about this book?

Everything you’ve listed below is great, but I would never expect anyone to do all the things you have listed. Writers need help from their readers. Getting the word out can be a challenge. If someone is excited about my book and want to pitch in, they should choose a venue or venues that fit them. I will say, however, that I love meeting with reading groups and distance is not a problem these days with Skype. It can be great fun, even long distance.

I appreciate anything readers do to get the word out for me. I’m crazy about The Journey of Eleven Moons and want everyone to read it. It’s a grand adventure full of heart.

Some helpful ways to spread the news about great books:

Word of mouth,

Amazon.com/Goodreads reviews,

Blog posts,

Tweets/Facebook posts,

Like the author's Facebook page, follow on Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, Goodreads,

If you win/buy a copy, post a pic with the book,

Repin book quotes or cover art from the author on Pinterest.com,

Recommend to a library or book club, or start one with this book!

Exciting news! Three of Bonnie's books are free right now on Amazon.com! Click the cover photos below to get the FREE download.