Ask the Author: Leslie Tall Manning
Answered Questions (24)
Leslie Tall Manning
While Feral Maril is not based on a specific true story, there are many elements of truth throughout the book. I started working on the novel in 2017, and put it aside because the research was emotionally intense. I'd work on it between other projects, and in 2022 went back to it full time. A few characters are based loosely on some people I've known in the past. My family was a foster family for years, I once fell in love with a carny (aka carnie), and I know what it's like to be hungry--for food, and for independence. While Marilyn and I are quite different, the one thing we have in common is the desire to see what's beyond our own back yard and doing what it takes to get there.
Leslie Tall Manning
A few of you have asked if my latest Young Adult novel, RULES OF FALLING, is based on a true story. Perhaps all contemporary fiction has some truth buried between the lines before it is turned upside down and embellished, but most scenes come solely from the writer's imagination. After all, fiction is often more interesting than real life! ; )
Leslie Tall Manning
Hi, Jan! Thanks for reaching out. Awesome that you are an author as well. I have made so many valuable connections here, both readers and writers. It really is a great place. As far as Goodreads is concerned, every author has his or her own ideas regarding giveaways. I have one friend who refuses to do them, ever. I have other friends who use Amazon kindle countdown deals. I find that Goodreads Giveaways, if anything, puts me on some bookshelves and definitely on readers' radar. Between Goodreads, Book Sirens, and Netgalley, over six years and across six published books, I have received nearly 100 reviews. So, for me, a few hundred bucks to get new readers is worth it. Everyone has their own budget and writing journey. You sort of have to decide what works for you.
I will say that if you do a Goodreads giveaway, offer the kindle version. That way you can give away up to 100 copies and you never have to mail a thing! I have made a lot of new friends this way, as well as gained more readership. This whole writing and publishing thing really is a snail's journey. Being in a hurry to gain readers and reviews is futile.
Best of luck to you, Jan!!
I will say that if you do a Goodreads giveaway, offer the kindle version. That way you can give away up to 100 copies and you never have to mail a thing! I have made a lot of new friends this way, as well as gained more readership. This whole writing and publishing thing really is a snail's journey. Being in a hurry to gain readers and reviews is futile.
Best of luck to you, Jan!!
Leslie Tall Manning
I am a late bloomer! Went to college in my late twenties, married at 35... so it would only be fitting that becoming an author would take some time. As a college theatre major with plans to open a not-for-profit theatre in Los Angeles, I took a playwriting class my junior year and absolutely fell in love with the process. I then took a novel writing class my senior year, and that was the clincher. To date, I have written sixteen novels (six are published), a few short stories, three plays, and one musical adaptation. In 2022 I plan to work on a new musical adaptation of one of my YAs. So even though I didn't start on my writer's journey as early as some, it's better late than never, as the wise folks say!
Leslie Tall Manning
My latest book (coming Nov 2021) is an edgy YA entitled RULES OF FALLING: A young girl gets caught up in an arson mystery after her best friend falls for a married fireman.
Cover reveal coming soon!!
: )
Cover reveal coming soon!!
: )
Leslie Tall Manning
Hi, Innocent. Thanks for the question!
I do not know what makes me want to write. It is a passion that has been with me for my whole life, in one way or another. As a child I wrote skits and plays, and sometimes music. I didn't start my writing career until my early thirties. I also have always loved reading. Since as far back as I can remember, I was an avid reader. If you are reading books that are sad and make you feel let down at the end, try looking up books on websites to see what they are about and what others have to say about them. Then you can determine ahead of time what stories will leave your spirit lifted. I also feel stress when I read particular books, so I make sure that the next book I read is lighter. Books don't have to be dark to be good! My own published novels can fall into dark areas, but all is resolved at the end, and most times on an upbeat. Here are some books I really love: Secret Life of Bees; The Five People You Meet in Heaven; A Long Walk to Water; The Lord of the Rings; The Martian; Will Grayson Will Grayson; and even children's books usually have happy endings but still offer beautiful writing and keen insights. I'm sure you could Google lists of exactly what you are looking for. Happy reading!
I do not know what makes me want to write. It is a passion that has been with me for my whole life, in one way or another. As a child I wrote skits and plays, and sometimes music. I didn't start my writing career until my early thirties. I also have always loved reading. Since as far back as I can remember, I was an avid reader. If you are reading books that are sad and make you feel let down at the end, try looking up books on websites to see what they are about and what others have to say about them. Then you can determine ahead of time what stories will leave your spirit lifted. I also feel stress when I read particular books, so I make sure that the next book I read is lighter. Books don't have to be dark to be good! My own published novels can fall into dark areas, but all is resolved at the end, and most times on an upbeat. Here are some books I really love: Secret Life of Bees; The Five People You Meet in Heaven; A Long Walk to Water; The Lord of the Rings; The Martian; Will Grayson Will Grayson; and even children's books usually have happy endings but still offer beautiful writing and keen insights. I'm sure you could Google lists of exactly what you are looking for. Happy reading!
Leslie Tall Manning
Just look up the goodreads giveaway ad (I think it's under the Home page, but not sure) and sign up. It's really super easy. And a bit fun as well! Good luck with it. I hope you do well!
Leslie Tall Manning
For me it was. I don't mind spending around a hundred bucks to get some new readers. Marketing is never free. I'm not saying this is the right way for every author, since we all have our unique journeys, but I enjoy this platform and have made many friendships through the contest. I prefer the Kindle option, as you can give away up to 100. Physical copies are more intimate, but they take a lot of time and money to mail, and who can afford to give away 100 physical copies? Not this gal, that's for sure! ; )
Leslie Tall Manning
Such a great question, and one I wish I could answer! I originally wrote KNOCK ON WOOD as a play in a play writing class I took in college. It was only 90 mins long. Over the course of 20 years, and in between the writing of 13 other novels, this one would call to me. As far as how I got the idea, I honestly cannot remember. It was my first real piece of writing. It was the story that opened the floodgates for me as a storyteller. I think the idea came to me while I was driving. Other than that, I cannot tell you exactly. I love taking ordinary people and dropping them into extraordinary situations. William stayed with me for such a long time, almost as a sort of spiritual guide as I wrote other stories. Once the musical version is complete, I will feel satisfied. But William (aka Billy) is as integral a part of me as my own psyche. I am so happy you enjoyed his journey.
Leslie Tall Manning
I posed this question myself since I am not only a writer and a reader, but also a private tutor who works with students on the best ways to analyze literature. We read a lot of classics together, but also many current books, and a large percentage of these are YA.
Is there really a difference between reading YA and reading Adult? You betcha. Firstly, as a writer begins the task of writing a new book, she has to define who her audience is. If an author is writing specifically for a 12-14 year-old girl, the language, humor, tone, nuances, and so on are going to be way different than if she were writing for an adult female. Many young people do not read adult books unless specifically assigned by a teacher. Conversely, many adults read young adult. I have adult friends who only read young adult.
It is important to keep in mind for what age the book is written. If I read Curious George, I understand that it is for early readers. If I read Wonder, I know that it is written for tweens. If I read The Hunger Games, I understand that it is written for older tweens to young teens. And if I read something like Thirteen Reasons Why, I know ahead of time that it is for the higher end of teenagedom. Going to the extreme, if I read Fifty Shades of Grey, well, obviously this is for adults (or at least it was written to be so, though we don't always have control over what our teens read!) Again, this does not mean I cannot enjoy the book as much as the age group for which it was created, it just means I have to look at it through a special lens.
While it is not the reader's job to analyze what type of audience a novelist is writing for, it is important that we try to read a story for what it is. If you are 30 and you read a book for a 14-year-old, do not expect sexual situations, too much cussing, or disturbingly graphic scenes. And if you figure out the ending, good for you. That does not mean that a typical 14-year-old will. Authors believe in treating our audiences accordingly, and also treating them like the intelligent people they are. But when we read books, and later review them, we must keep in mind the actual mindset of the person the book was written for. Your opinion of a book should not be diminished because you are a grown up and you chose to read a YA. And when you write your review of these books, you should keep this in mind.
Writers work their asses off to please the reader. Be smart, be kind, and above all else, be gracious. No writer is out to get you, to offend you, or to write a book they think you will hate. All writers want to do is please their audience, whether old or young. : )
Is there really a difference between reading YA and reading Adult? You betcha. Firstly, as a writer begins the task of writing a new book, she has to define who her audience is. If an author is writing specifically for a 12-14 year-old girl, the language, humor, tone, nuances, and so on are going to be way different than if she were writing for an adult female. Many young people do not read adult books unless specifically assigned by a teacher. Conversely, many adults read young adult. I have adult friends who only read young adult.
It is important to keep in mind for what age the book is written. If I read Curious George, I understand that it is for early readers. If I read Wonder, I know that it is written for tweens. If I read The Hunger Games, I understand that it is written for older tweens to young teens. And if I read something like Thirteen Reasons Why, I know ahead of time that it is for the higher end of teenagedom. Going to the extreme, if I read Fifty Shades of Grey, well, obviously this is for adults (or at least it was written to be so, though we don't always have control over what our teens read!) Again, this does not mean I cannot enjoy the book as much as the age group for which it was created, it just means I have to look at it through a special lens.
While it is not the reader's job to analyze what type of audience a novelist is writing for, it is important that we try to read a story for what it is. If you are 30 and you read a book for a 14-year-old, do not expect sexual situations, too much cussing, or disturbingly graphic scenes. And if you figure out the ending, good for you. That does not mean that a typical 14-year-old will. Authors believe in treating our audiences accordingly, and also treating them like the intelligent people they are. But when we read books, and later review them, we must keep in mind the actual mindset of the person the book was written for. Your opinion of a book should not be diminished because you are a grown up and you chose to read a YA. And when you write your review of these books, you should keep this in mind.
Writers work their asses off to please the reader. Be smart, be kind, and above all else, be gracious. No writer is out to get you, to offend you, or to write a book they think you will hate. All writers want to do is please their audience, whether old or young. : )
Leslie Tall Manning
Great question!!
The camp takes place where the Cherokee once flourished in the NC mountains. The word fell into my lap unexpectedly while looking up Cherokee traditions, and I felt like I'd had an epiphany. Like many words in the language of indigenous peoples, there are two meanings. "Kamama" means both elephant and butterfly. Elephants have ears that look like butterfly wings, and butterfly wings when spread out look like elephant ears. Hence the double meaning. Using the word "elephant" is not at all derogatory; it is quite the opposite. Elephants are strong and gentle at the same time, while butterflies have a rather arduous metamorphosis before becoming the beautiful creatures they are. To me, the girls in the story epitomize the word "kamama." They are strong and gentle but must undergo a spiritual transformation in order to become physically and mentally healthy.
The camp takes place where the Cherokee once flourished in the NC mountains. The word fell into my lap unexpectedly while looking up Cherokee traditions, and I felt like I'd had an epiphany. Like many words in the language of indigenous peoples, there are two meanings. "Kamama" means both elephant and butterfly. Elephants have ears that look like butterfly wings, and butterfly wings when spread out look like elephant ears. Hence the double meaning. Using the word "elephant" is not at all derogatory; it is quite the opposite. Elephants are strong and gentle at the same time, while butterflies have a rather arduous metamorphosis before becoming the beautiful creatures they are. To me, the girls in the story epitomize the word "kamama." They are strong and gentle but must undergo a spiritual transformation in order to become physically and mentally healthy.
Leslie Tall Manning
The ABNA Amazon Competition version is only an excerpt of the book from 2012, before it was rewritten and subsequently published. I used to enter that competition every year. Too bad they ended the contest. : (
When you review "i am Elephant, i am Butterfly," be sure to review the kindle or paperback version that you read, and not that old excerpt. Thank you!!
When you review "i am Elephant, i am Butterfly," be sure to review the kindle or paperback version that you read, and not that old excerpt. Thank you!!
Leslie Tall Manning
Just go to my website and click on "Author Events." I update it about once a month, so check from time to time! http://www.leslietallmanning.com/auth...
Leslie Tall Manning
Hi, Dee! Thanks for asking such an important question, as book covers are the first thing a reader sees when choosing a book. My husband is a commercial artist and actually did the covers for my first two books. But when it came time to prep for Maggie's Dream, he was buried with his own projects. I found a website called Pixabay that offers domain-free artwork. The one I chose is by a German artist named Johnny Linder. I double checked with him that I was able to use his work for free, and he graciously gave me the go-ahead. Of course, I acknowledge him in my novel. My husband changed some of the artwork, wrapped it, and did the typography, so the cover is now copyrighted. I really wanted a book cover that was dream-like, but also lent itself to historical fiction. I hope you like it!
Leslie Tall Manning
My new book, Maggie's Dream, is historical fiction with elements of magical realism. It will be available for purchase on September 15, 2017.
Here is the summary:
When World War II drags Maggie Lerner’s husband off to Europe, Maggie joins the workforce as one of America’s Rosies. Though she savors her freedom, she is haunted by a dream that leads her to believe something terrible will happen to her husband.
After the war, Sam returns home unscathed, and Maggie, who once again takes her place as a doctor’s wife, believes the dream will disappear. Instead, it evolves into an all-consuming world where Maggie is admired for her strength; where she can have whatever she wishes. Resenting her conventional life, she willingly surrenders to the temptation of imagined perfection.
But all is not as it seems. Beneath the dream’s flawless surface, a monster lies in wait.
In an era of post-war feminism and the latest in psychoanalysis, and equipped with nothing more than an undeniable craving for independence, Maggie will need to confront this evil—whether real or imagined—before it destroys both her worlds.
Here is the summary:
When World War II drags Maggie Lerner’s husband off to Europe, Maggie joins the workforce as one of America’s Rosies. Though she savors her freedom, she is haunted by a dream that leads her to believe something terrible will happen to her husband.
After the war, Sam returns home unscathed, and Maggie, who once again takes her place as a doctor’s wife, believes the dream will disappear. Instead, it evolves into an all-consuming world where Maggie is admired for her strength; where she can have whatever she wishes. Resenting her conventional life, she willingly surrenders to the temptation of imagined perfection.
But all is not as it seems. Beneath the dream’s flawless surface, a monster lies in wait.
In an era of post-war feminism and the latest in psychoanalysis, and equipped with nothing more than an undeniable craving for independence, Maggie will need to confront this evil—whether real or imagined—before it destroys both her worlds.
Leslie Tall Manning
You're Welcome, Universe; Thieving Weasels; Eleanor & Park; The Hate You Give; and so many other YA's....many of them listed as "want to read" on my Goodreads page. If anyone wants to share a winner (YA only, paleeze) feel free to let me know!
Leslie Tall Manning
This is a good question, as my mind instantly turned toward couples from classic tales, like Romeo and Juliet, or even the odd ones like Mildred and Guy Montag in Fahrenheit 451. And although I find classic couples really interesting, I have to go with a more modern one, mainly because I can relate to them. The couple I have chosen as my fave: Sam and Charlie in The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Sam (a girl) is older by a few years, ready to graduate high school, and Charlie is a new freshman. Although I never had a relationship with someone so much younger than me, I did have crushes on younger boys, and often wished they were older so society would have accepted the way I felt. What makes this couple unforgettable, without a spoiler, is the way they treat each other with respect. Sam respects Charlie, even appreciates his inexperience. Charlie is young and nervous, and has a secret that he has shared with nobody. Sam becomes not only the girl he falls in love with, but the only one who takes Charlie seriously. If I had a crystal ball, and I fast-forwarded the book a few years beyond college, I'd guess that Sam and Charlie could actually become a real couple. The older we get, the less four years in age makes a difference. Sam and Charlie are sweet together. If not for the age difference, they would have made the perfect couple. Of course, the story would not have been the same in that case! ; )
Leslie Tall Manning
Good luck in the giveaway, Louise!
Leslie Tall Manning
My most recent (soon-to-be-published) book, GAGA, came to me in 2006. I was actually writing some heavy stuff, dark, literary/commercial. I thought, what the heck, let's try something a little more fun, while still keeping some twists and turns. The idea for GAGA stewed inside me for a long time. When I was 22, I was dragged onto a stadium stage in front of thousands of people to sing with Corey Hart (I Wear My Sunglasses fame). A friend stealthily took a photo of the moment, and it hangs on my bulletin board in my office as a reminder of that night. That photo is the inspiration for GAGA. It is a story about tossing your fears to the wind--no matter how young or old you are!
Leslie Tall Manning
It is like a calling. Every day, when I wake up, I eat breakfast, head to the gym, come home to have a coffee clutch with the hubby, and then a voice in my head says, "Leslie, it's time! Let me out of my box!" And so I obey. I suppose the inspiration comes from a place deeper than my psyche; what some call "the spirit." We all have this inspiration to do something, it's just a matter of listening to it when it beckons.
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