Click on the questions to ask Leisha about...

THE WORTHAM BOOKS

1. You portray the historical period of the Great Depression so vividly. Why did you choose to write a story about this time period?
2. How much research did you have to do to write about this time period?
3. What inspired you to write the Worthams' story?
4. Are the Wortham characters based on anyone you know? Do you have a favorite character?
5. In what order should the books be read?
6. What message do you want your readers to get from the Worthams' story?
7. Will Franky and Sarah ever get together?!
8. Why do some Wortham books have a series name and others do not?
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THE TAHN BOOKS

1. Tahn and Return to Alastair are different from your other novels. What led to your decision to write suspense?
   
2. Was it difficult/fun/challenging/ to write a different genre? How so?
   
3. The time period is mysterious and intriguing because it's somewhat recognizable and yet unlike anything we've experienced. How did you create this setting?
   
   Initially, I just got the story out of my head and onto paper and then shared it with my editor, who thought it might be a good idea to set the series in a specific European country in certain years. I hadn’t given it any such identifiers other than the fictional names of certain towns important in the story. Because of the editor’s request, I extensively researched medieval European history, trying to locate a place and time where the story fit. But we finally decided that it was better left alone—to try to fit Tahn around a true historic context would alter the character of the story too extensively and make it something else entirely. The whole trilogy, taken together, is a tale that I had to tell. And while the setting seems important, it really isn’t. The characters, what they go through, and the faith that they find, are the real essentials.
   
   
4. Reviewers have touted the fantastic character development in this series. How did you create these characters that are so dramatic, yet so relatable?
5. In what order should the books be read?
6. What message do you want your readers to get from Tahn's story?
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BEING A WRITER

1. When did you first start writing?
2. How do you create a story? Do you outline it before or do you come up with it as you write?
3. What are your favorite and least favorite things about writing?
4. As an experienced novelist, what advice can you give to beginning writers?
5. What inspires you to write?
6. What will you be writing next?
7. Do you do book signings?

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BEING LEISHA

1. What are your favorite things to do in your spare time?
2. What is your favorite Bible verse?
3. Do you read as much as you write? What book(s) are you reading right now?
4. Tell us about your family.
5. How do you find time to write while being a mother, being a wife, and homeschooling your children?
6. If you could have one dream come true, what would it be?
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