Hello Sammie, welcome to Books2Mention Magazine. We are pleased to have this wonderful opportunity to interview you.
Congratulations on the success you have received with all of your literary works. You are definitely making a buzz among readers.
B2M: When exactly did you begin writing?
SW: I began writing in 1996.
B2M: Are there characters in your books that you feel resemble your characteristics?
SW: None that I can think of off the top of my head. I'm sure subconsciously there's a part of me in all of my characters.
B2M: You have been in the industry for a while now, what have you learned about the industry that has been a surprise to you?
SW: It can be a cold business. As a writer/author I found out very quickly that it is important to not only be a writer but you have to know the business side of this industry. If you don't you can easily be taken advantage of.
B2M: What has been the most memorable experience for you so far as an author?
SW: There has been quite a few --- for instance the first time I held my first novel in my hand. My first book signing, I was very nervous. The first time a reader told me she enjoyed my novel and how she could relate to the characters. Being voted by the Disilgold Literary Association, the Best New Drama & Fiction Writer in 2005 and Best New Romance Author in 2006. Those are things that you never forget in your life.
B2M: What or whom has been the motivating force behind your writing?
SW: I'm my own motivator. It doesn't take much. I'm doing what I love to do, write.
B2M: What inspired you to start your very own publishing company?
SW: Rejection after rejection fueled me. After receiving so many rejection letters, I decided that I wasn't going to allow someone to tell me that what I love doing, I couldn't do. Therefore, I took a couple of deep breaths, dived in, and formed Lady Leo Publishing to publish my own books. It was the best move I have ever made.
B2M: What are you working on now?
SW: I'm working on my fifth novel, titled, Lace & Honor. It's the story of three women who are good friends, working at a combat support hospital. Two of the women are in the military, one is a dependent wife. All three women have to deal with the ups and downs of military life, love, and relationships associated with the military --- while on the verge of being deployed.. As a veteran, it's a story that is very close to me.
B2M: You have written several romance novels, would you say that you are a romantic at heart?
SW: Laugh out loud. I think I am. I believe you have to be a romantic at heart in order to write a good romance novel.
B2M: What elements do you feel are the makings of a great love story?
SW: To be able to write plots in reference to people falling in love and struggling to make the relationship work. The conflict in the book has to center on the love story. The climax has to resolve the love story. I like it when writers are able to add several subplots but are still able to focus on the relationship conflict of the main story. That shows the talent of a great writer.
B2M: There have been many great love stories written. Do you have a favorite love story, if so, can you tell us why it is your favorite?
SW: I don't know whether it's considered a love story or not but my favorite movie of all times is "Imitation of Life" with Lana Turner and Juanita Moore. The movie possesses a mother's ultimate love for her daughter that broke her heart when her own daughter denied her. It took the mother's death for the daughter to realize her own emotional emptiness. I have seen it a thousand times but I still cry at the end.
B2M: The word love can be described in my forms. What is your definition of the ultimate love?
SW: A love that is kind, respectful, gentle, caring, unselfish, passionate and unbreakable. Not asking for too much.
B2M: In our world today we definitely need more love. How do you suggest we as a people can show and express more love for our fellow man?
SW: By reaching out to your fellow man, regardless of race, creed, or origin. We don't have enough of that in the world today. Everyone seems to be in the 'me' mode --- only thinking of themselves and not willing to do what it takes to help others who are in need.
B2M: What messages do you hope to convey to your readers through your novels?
SW: It depends on where I am in life when I sit down to write, In The Name of Love, was about it's not good to keep secrets. Love To Behold was about giving love a second chance. Seven Days was about the consequences of power and greed. It's in the Rhythm is about not being caught up in materialistic things and keeping your eyes on God. Lace & Honor is about women who put there life on the line for our country, they are women first who go through the same up and downs of life as other women. I wanted to tell their story. I just write books depending on where I am emotionally in life at the time.
Sammie, it's been great learning more about you. Keep writing wonderful stories that are exciting and romantic.
Thanks for interviewing with Books2Mention Magazine. Please be sure to come back again and keep readers informed about all of your future projects.
Much Success To You!
The Staff @ Books2Mention Magazine
You are welcome to visit the website of Sammie Ward at www.ladyleopublishing.com
Books by Sammie Ward include:
In The Name of Love It's In The Rhythm
Love To Behold Seven Days
