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Why not start by telling us a bit about yourself.
I’m
this crazy polyamorous pagan BDSM Mistress who’s semi-retired and
decided to lie for a living. Okay, it’s not all lies. (Wink)
Have you always wanted to write or is it something that just came
about?
It
evolved from my love of reading, but required continuous boots in the
rear from a very dear friend before I finally started writing
professionally. I just enjoyed telling stories!
Has it been everything you thought it would be or not?
Not
by a long shot! I never would have dreamed I’d write over thirty
stories and still have a ring binder full of ideas left to do!
How did it feel when you realized that your very first book was
going to be published?
Terrifying!
I kept expecting them to send the manuscript back with a note saying,
“Oops! This was supposed to be in the reject pile. Thanks, but no
thanks.”
What's your favorite part of writing a book? Why?
The plotting and planning. It usually starts with an idea, and then I
tell a select group of friends and family. By the time we’re done
chattering, the story is there full of snappy lines and new adventures.
What's your least favorite part? Why?
Those
last few chapters where it feels like I’m slogging through sticky mud
to get it done to my satisfaction. My Muse is a picky b*tch.
Hey! There are those of
us that love that picky b*tch! LOL
Is there anyone who helped influence your writing? If so, who and
why?
My
grandfather, believe it or not. He saw me, his preteen granddaughter,
toss one too many sappy romances to the floor in disgust and offered me
an Analog magazine. I was hooked! There were stores with action,
adventure, and cool creatures that made sense! No more idiot virgin
heroines who did incredibly stupid things like walk a beach known to be
a pirate haunt at night!
If you could change one thing about your publishing career, what
would it be? Why?
(Blinks
and thinks hard) I’d like to be rich like Nora Roberts and have long
lines at book signings like LKH. That’s it. Nothing else. I love what
I do, and I love where I am right now.
What can we look forward in the future from you?
As soon as I finish my
current project (see comments about slogging through mud above) I’ll
write a novel that has been nearly three years in the making. I plotted
this puppy in 2005! Finally, I’m taking a break to finish this story.
(Happy sigh) It’ll be released through Aspen Mountain Press in the
late fall.
Do you have any tips or advice for those wanting to be a published
author?
Finish
the damn manuscript, and then never give up. “No” is only no for
now. This industry evolves and changes. I’ve been told three times,
“They’ll never accept X <genre>” by so-called experts. Never
lasted sometimes as little as three months. Gee, that was a short
eternity.
How can your fans get in touch with you?
Through
my website, www.LenaAustin.com,
or my blog, http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com.
Thanks very much
Lena
for the interview and Literary Nymphs wishes you much success in the
future!
Anytime! Literary Nymphs have been very good to me.
I love you guys!
 
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