Self-Publisher’s Showcase: Today we are joined by Lesley Jones, author of the erotic romance novel Saviour, and it’s follow up Resolution.  Welcome to the Showcase Lounge, Lesley.  For any of our readers that haven’t come across any of your work previously, can you take a moment to tell us all a little about yourself?

Lesley Jones: I am a married Mum of 3 boys, born and raised in Essex, England but now living just outside of Melbourne, Australia where I moved with my family a little over 7 years ago.

SPS:  What gave you the push you needed to publish your writing?

LJ: I completely lied to my friends and sent them a copy of the first 8 chapters of Saviour, telling them it was a book written by a friend of a friend, they loved it and wanted to know where they could buy the rest.

SPS:  Do you have any perfect writing conditions? And, are you someone who feels the need to write EVERY day?

LJ: Yes, an empty house and complete silence.

SPS: What do you think led you to write in the genre(s) that you have?

LJ: It’s one of my favourite genres to read and basically because that’s just the way the story unfolded

SPS: Your debut novel, Saviour, tells the story of Lauren. When we meet her she is stuck in an abusive marriage. Does she feel there’s any hope for her?

LJ: When we meet Lauren she is feeling like a complete failure and has a shit load of issues, I don’t think she can see beyond escaping her husband.

SPS: Marital abusive is a tough subject to tackle. How did you find the experience?

LJ: Very, very emotional and it wasn’t something I broached lightly, I researched and drew on some experiences I went through as a teenager.

SPS: When Lauren meets Gabe sparks fly, is she ever expecting to find herself in such a situation. Does it give her renewed self-worth?

LJ: The last thing she was expecting was to meet and feel the instant attraction she had for Gabe but instead of it renewing her own self-worth, it just brings all of her issues and self-doubt to the surface.

SPS: Was the plan always to write a series around the pair, or was it more down to the great response to Saviour that led you to continue their tale?

LJ: Saviour was most definitely going to be a one off, I had no idea where I was going to go with the story when readers started requesting a follow up. I will never end a book on a cliff hanger again!

SPS: The second instalment continues Lauren and Gabe’s story. What can we expect this time around?

LJ: Resolution is an absolute roller coaster of a ride, Gabe and Lauren have not only their own insecurities, issues and hang ups to deal with but lots of outside interference affecting their relationship, it is a book that will make you laugh, cry, scream no, fan yourself and throw your E reader, all within a few pages.

SPS: There seem to be obstacles at almost every turn; does Lauren ever doubt the new life she is searching for will ever become reality?

LJ: Laurens emotions range from uncertainty, love, lust, guilt and shame. She is outwardly confident, with a very smart mouth but on the inside she is still battling with the demons left by her husband

SPS: For all that the couple have been through, is it too much to expect a happy ending?

LJ: Possibly, the only way to find out is to read it.

SPS: Did you find the whole writing/editing/publishing process any easier second time around?

LJ: Much easier, I have learnt a lot with each book.

SPS: What we can we expect next from the pen of Lesley Jones? More erotic romance, or will you be trying your hand at something completely different?

LJ: I have a new book being published on the 14^th of February, it’s something completely different from Saviour and Resolution, title and cover reveal are on the 5^th of Feb.

SPS: We’ll certainly keep our eyes open for that then. Was the Self-Published/Indie-Published route always your preferred route for your work?

LJ: Yeah, I am a very impatient person and I don’t take rejection easy, I also like the control Self Publishing gives me but I’m also a never say never kind of person and if a publisher came along waving a contract with lots of $$$ in front of it, I’d be happy to sit down and talk 😉

SPS: Has the experience so far been all that you thought it would be?

LJ: I think so, I didn’t really have a clue what I was getting into, which may have possibly made things easier, or maybe just makes me stupid?

SPS: If you could give one piece of advice for someone looking to get into writing, what would it be?

LJ: Do it, just go for it!

SPS: Before we bring this interview to a close, it’s your chance to name-drop. Anyone who you feel is deserving of more recognition at present or someone whose writing you have recently enjoyed? Now is your chance to spread the word…

LJ: Author S J Molloy, she recently published her first novel Lussaria, which I loved.

SPS: Thank you for joining us today Lesley, and good luck in the future.

LJ: Thank you so much for the opportunity to talk to you.

SPS: For more information on Lesley and her work, please do visit her Author page here.  Pick up your copies of Saviour and Resolution today.