I am delighted to be speaking with Judith Leger today. Thanks for chatting with us today Judith and welcome to FAR!

You find yourself stranded on a desert island, what things could you not live without?

Well, of course I would have to have my computer. Next would be some way to play music, and last, I'd have to have my kids. They make me laugh so much that I really think I'd miss that the most. So, yep, I'd have my sons with me.

How many hours a day do you spend writing?

During the week, I try to manage about 2 to 4 hours a day. On the weekends I shoot for longer. I work full time and I have three sons so finding the time to write is difficult but I've managed to work a schedule out.

I have found that some authors listen to music while they write. Do you listen to music or is it something that is distracting to you?

Yes, as a matter of fact, I listened to 'Creed' CDs the entire time I wrote The Changeling. The songs inspired me. I love to listen to Enya along with many other artists. Music helps the scenes materialize clearer.

While writing, how does the story develop for you? Do you go from start to finish or create scenes as they come to you?

Usually, the story goes from the start to finish. I plot out the main points, start the story and then most of the minor points flows and mesh with the major ones.

Will you please tell us a little bit about your current release, The Wraith's Forest, that appears in the Tavern Tales Anthology?

This story came from a dream I had one night. The next morning I remembered bits and pieces so I started to write. During the concept and plot planning, I discussed many fantasy points with a good friend of mine. He is a fantasy fanatic and he helped with different aspects of the story. This helped me keep the story believable.

The tale is a beauty and beast type story line. For over a century the inhabitants of the valley have protected the fruits of the Tree of Providence. The tree, situation deep in the forest, is guarded by a spectre. Once every twenty-five years, lots are drawn and several young maidens are chosen to harvest. They are warned that if a single fruit is damaged, the lack will effect the elixir created from the juice and brewed by the town’s wizard, Master Nole. This would disrupt the balance of the valley. During harvesting, the girls are allowed to enter the forest and harvest the fruit. As long as they stay on the path to and from the Tree, they are safe from the Wraith.

As if her worst fears had been answered, Keely finds one of the fruits on the ground, bruised from its fall from the tree. What will Keely do to heal the fruit? Will she be cast out from the village, never to see her family again? Will she find comfort in an unexpected friend?

Has being published changed you at all? If so, how?

I can only say that I have been thrilled but also humbled. I am still amazed when someone comes to me and says how much they loved the story. When I write, I want to touch a cord in everyone that reads the story. If I accomplish this, then I know the story has done what I wanted it to do.

Who are your favorite authors? Who inspires you?

Oh, Lord, there are so many. I love Robin Owens, Shelby Reed, Gina Ardito, Jacki Bentley, Amber Green, Shari Boullion, Laurie Breton, Katherine Allred, Candace Gold, Selene Silverwood, and Pamela Thibodeaux. Of course, the main reason I love them so much is that they are all not only my critique partners, but they are also my dearest and closest friends.

Can you tell us a little about your upcoming release, The Changeling?

This is my first full length novel and it is going to be released toward the end of this year. When I told friends and family a little about the book, I was amazed at how many of them didn't actually know what a changeling was. I suppose I assumed everyone knew. The Changeling is written from a different aspect from normal tales concerning these instances. Instead of a human baby stolen and taken to a magical world, it is the story of how Caitlyn Reiley, Princess to the Tylwyth Teg (Welsh elves), is exchanged and taken to the human world. Enchanted by a magical curse placed upon her by a jealous Lady of the Court, Caitlyn is unaware of her heritage. Her magic lays dormant in her soul because of the curse. Caitlyn believes that magic is for fools, and she is not a fool. Illusionist, Shay Evers has three weeks to convince her that magic is real so she can reclaim her heritage and break the curse threatening her existence. The key to her survival, a! nd to a future for the two of them, lies in the answer to a riddle. You'll have to read the book to see if they find the answer or if time runs out first.

We all have one, so tell us yours. What is your favorite comfort food?

Easy! Tostitas and Quesa Dip! Oh, yeah!

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your stories?

All the dialog that comes out of the characters mouths. I have a scene in The Wraith's Forest that blew me away. Keely, the heroine asks the Wraith to tell her his name, but he asks in turn what is the importance of a name. When I read over what I had written, their conversation sent a chill up my back. I couldn't help wonder about how this actually came out of my mind. Of course the characters are themselves and I will take nothing away from them.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us today?

To never give up. No matter how many rejections or set backs, never give up! As a professional author I strive to learn and grow as a writer. I love to research and learn new methods and skills. Every day is a new experience and I am so happy to find some wonderful little tidbit. Another little spot of advice is to find a critique partner or partners. They support you through the whole experience of trying to reach your dream. I know I am so blessed to have the bunch of ladies that I do. They are honest and sincere with their advice concerning some part of my stories. They help me stop, think, and stretch what I can do.

Thank you for taking time to speak with me today Judith. If you'd like to read more about Judith, you can visit her website.

Interviewed by: Tammy