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Author Mini-Bio: R. Leigh 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.

Author Interview:


To start, why not tell us a little bit about your book/s?
R. Leigh: My first novel (now out of print) was a Science Fiction story, called 3 Passports to Paradise. It was brief (only 178 pages) and was a double murder mystery set against interstellar terraforming corporations and multiple genetically enhanced societies. Perhaps it was just as memorable to me because it was illustrated by Lance W. Card, a relative of the famous Science Fiction author, Orson Scott Card. My current novel (after a ten year gap) is called The Winds of Asharra and is 600+ pages of fantasy, adventure and romance. In short, it is a crossover work, appealing to fans of multiple genres. In addition to being a great adventure 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. It’s difficult to classify but The WInds of Asharra. If hard pressed, we would call it an “epic fantasy romance adventure”. There’s a lot packed into those 600 pages.. and we have alread decided that this will just be the first volume of a larger series, so there will be more Asharran style adventure and romance for quite some time to come.
What type of music, if any, do you listen to while you write?
R. Leigh: I am one of those writers who definitely enjoys being inspired by music when it is “writing time”. Given the other worldly and fantastic setting of the Winds of Asharra, the tone of the music in the background has to match. I like the ethereal sounds of Cusco, Himekami, Enya, Arkenstone and Yanni so my “writing music” is new age and moody.
What inspires you and motivates you to write the very most?
R. Leigh: During the ten year gap between novels, I went on a personal search for meaning in my life and found myself reading alot about world cultures and religions, as well as becoming quite interested in political events in the U.S. and around the globe. While the WInds of Asharra is labeled Fantasy/Romance by my publisher, (and is seen by the story of the main characters) it contains enough Asharran culture and philosophy to be a vehicle for me to share hopeful dreams of a better world for us all. Given the troubled times we live in now, with the hectic fast pace of life and brutal attrocities being committed by people of all persuasions, I yearn for a “better nature” and the world of Asharra provides me with that.
The main characters of your stories - do you find that you put a little of yourself into each of them or do you create them to be completely different from you?
R. Leigh: All of the characters is The Winds of Asharra contain some specific slices of me, whether I would care to admit it or not. That would include my optimism, mystical nature, odd quirky sense of humor, sensuality and adventurous side. Naturally, they diverge from that starting point and become unique creations in themselves but I can identify with all of them. (That gets interesting when the more exotic characters include telepathic trees, evolved felines and musical dragons but I confess I’m in there too!)
When growing up, did you have a favorite author, book series, or book?
R. Leigh: Growing up. I read anything and everything so favorites were changed as frequently as socks, making it difficult to answer. My favorite authors were more like a variety of appetizers before a meal. My preferences for them would shift depending on my appetite or mood. One day, it might be the works of Edgar Rice Burroughs if my pulp adventure sweet tooth was calling me. The next day, I might be craving something inspiring like Lost Horizon by James Hilton. In general though, even with such a smorgasbord, my tastes ran toward the hopeful, the noble or the larger than life in the fantasy or science fiction genres.
Hey, let's get morbid. When they write your obituary, what do you hope they will say about your book/s and writing? What do you hope they will say about you?
R. Leigh: That is the most unusual question I have ever heard. Thanks for the opportunity to answer it. Years from now (hopefully MANY years from now, if I have something to say about it), after I am gone I hope the writers of my obit will say something like this: “R. Leigh, author of the Winds of Asharra series of Novels, known not only for their imaginative characters, plot and setting but for the optimistic mystical philosophy of the Asharrans... This fantasy series proved to be the inspiration for many people to turn to a life with a focus on natural, environmental, non-violent international cooperation.” Hey, it’s my obituary! (grins)
Do you have any pets? What are they? Tell us about them.
R. Leigh: I have a huge buff colored cat named Leo and a white and brown hamster named Yoshi. They are actually great friends (though the hamster does not have the run of the house). Leo is enormous in size but is the poster child for the “fraidy-cat” cliche. Paraaz, the great gerh in the Winds of Asharra, would be Leo’s idol. The friznaggles, strange creatures in the novel, too unique to describe briefly, might amuse Yoshi as they both like to scurry about.
Anything else you want your readers to know? Thanks again for this wonderful opportunity. I would just like to make a few brief points to your readership regarding the Winds of Asharra, if I could.

Many authors loudly proclaim that their latest book is for everyone. We would like to add a caveat to that. While WOA (as the readers call it) is indeed designed for fantasy fans, romance fans and even New Age philosophy fans, it is definitely not for everyone. It’s not often you hear an author admit that. While we are very proud of the adventure and the humor we injected into the 600 page opus, (centering on the journey of Victor and Ionera, two earth teenagers, who arrive on this world of the purple sky) we must make one point clear. Since Asharra is a very natural and sensual place, The Winds of Asharra is definitely not for a pre-teen audience.

We certainly hope that any Hogworts graduate of the Harry Potter books will explore the world of Asharra, but they must be of legal age. The excitement in WOA comes not only from the adventures but also from the sizzle between some of the characters. The joy of creating a crossover product is that it can include a much wider audience than just a single genre. However, we feel it is our responsibility to also point out the proverbial flip side, when an audience segment (in this case pre-teens) should be excluded. If you are old enough though, you might want to experience the world of the purple sky and be carried along by the Winds of Asharra.

Available from Amazon.com (and other online retailers)


http://www.thewindsofasharra.com/






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