Author Interview with Leon Burch

1.What inspired you to start writing, and how did you develop the idea for this book series?

My inspiration to write comes from a deep yearning to leave a positive legacy behind. I don’t want to be remembered for just the bad things I’ve done. I want people to know that we all make bad decisions, but we shouldn’t discount the whole person because of a few actions. A lot of us can eventually do better, with a little help from people who have been down this road.

I developed the idea for the series based off of a what if. It seems that nothing will ever change the way prison officials treat inmates. So, in my 1st book, I wanted to explore what would have to happen to bring about real change. Is it even possible to change something that has become a culture? As the series goes along, other societal problems emerge. You better believe that this series reaches well beyond institutional walls.

2. Can you share a little about your writing process? Do you follow a strict routine or write whenever inspiration strikes?

One of my main characters says that, when he plans something, he has a beginning, an ending, and a whole lot of flexibility in the middle. That pretty much sums up my writing style. I have no idea what will be on the next page I write. The story just seems to use my hand to tell itself. All I do is open my mind and let the words pour out.

I don’t have a routine when I write. I can write for a week straight, then take a week off. I am juggling ideas in my head all the time. When one yells, “Write me down,” that’s what I do. I find that the excitement of the story never wavers this way because it’s just one big idea followed by the next.

3. How do you create and develop your characters? Are they inspired by real people or entirely fictional?

Most of my characters are based on people I know. At least the names, anyway. Sometimes I will put a person’s name in the books to honor them, but their corresponding character is nothing like them. Other times, I change a person’s name, but the character is spot on with how I perceive a person to be. This allows a certain freedom of creativity, because I get to decide how each person will be represented in my stories.

4. What challenges did you face while writing this book, and how did you overcome them?

Inside, writing is hard. We don’t have technology, so everything is done with pen and paper. Try doing three or four rewrites for a three hundred page book and you develop a deep respect for the writers of old. The environment around me also presents a challenge. Almost nothing inside is conducive to us getting better, you have to keep pushing forward everyday so you won’t get caught up in anything. Fortunately, I have family in the world who are willing to help me make my dreams come true. With the combination of my talent and effort, and their determination to see me succeed, it’s easy to overcome any challenges that stand in my way.

5. What message do you hope readers take away from your story?

There are too many messages in my books to count. Some of them are loud and proud, they almost jump up and slap you in the face. Others, are more subtle and designed to make the reader think. My overall objective is that, everyone who reads one of my stories, is entertained, but something you read causes you to ask yourself, “What if?”

6. What can readers expect from your future projects or upcoming books?

In the future, I will continue exploring the world of the masterminds. Once the overall story is told, I want to branch out and give each main character their own storyline. I feel that it is my duty to keep my readers entertained, and maybe turn them into fans. I will also take a few sidesteps to put out some standalones. Two that I have coming out, Perfect Melody and Twisted Reprisals, are sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. I plan to just have a little fun, touch on a few issues that are dear to my heart, and hopefully, make my family and friends proud of me.

7. What advice would you give to aspiring writers looking to publish their first book?

The most important advice I can give is to finish. Everyday I have people telling me that they started this, or are in the middle of that, then they stop for one reason or another. Follow through!!! There is no greater motivation to keep writing than to finish a project. Once you realize that you can do it, it gets easier to do it over and over again. Keep pushing forward and believe that you can do anything that you set your mind to.