I am delighted to be speaking with author Sarah-Jane Lehoux today. Thanks for chatting with us Sarah-Jane and welcome to FAR!

To start, will you please tell us a little bit about your current release Thief?

Thief is a fantasy novel that follows the life of Sevy, an irascible, stubborn, self-proclaimed bitch. Orphaned at a young age, Sevy was forced to grow up on the mean streets of a city called Eloria. There, she meets a kindhearted criminal named Jarro, the first person to show her compassion in years. She quickly becomes infatuated with him, and is willing to do whatever it takes to remain by his side.
Years pass. Jarro's feelings for Sevy mature from friendship to love, but just before they can confess, disaster strikes. Jarro is mysteriously murdered and Sevy is drawn into a whirlpool of violence, self-hate, and suicidal ambition. But through the twisting hands of fate, Sevy is given an opportunity to reclaim her lost love. But happily ever after doesn't come without a price.

What is the one thing you've always wanted to do but never had the courage / opportunity to try?

I'd like to try something that would give me a huge adrenalin rush, like bungee jumping or cliff diving. I'm not very athletic, and my life is quite predictable, to say the least, so doing something that extreme would be amazingly liberating.
I also have an fascination with urban exploration (poking through abandoned buildings), but I've never found anyone else who shares this interest and would be willing to go with me. But it's definitely on my bucket list.

What is one thing you would like your readers to know about you?

That I'm unbelievably shy. So if by chance, we ever happen to meet (either online or in real life), please don't think I'm being snobby or standoffish. The truth is that I'm just too nervous to open my mouth. It's kind of a pain in the ass being so introverted, but I do think it helps my writing.

Could you tell us readers a little bit about your upcoming works?

In November of this year, Mundania Press will release Shades of War, the sequel to Thief. This time around, in addition to trying to make amends for past misdeeds and coming to terms with her losses, Sevy will be confronted with a serial killer, a bevy of ghosts, a river monster, and a looming civil war, all set against the exotic backdrop of a tropical rainforest. It's a dangerous and high tension novel that leans a bit more towards horror than its predecessor.
I'm also working on Masquerade, the third in the Sevy series as well as a comedic fantasy called Red Rover.

Who has influenced you the most in terms of developing your personal writing?

Probably my love of mythology and folklore. I love learning about different cultures and religions (and I have a degree in anthropology to prove this!) as well as learning about new types of spirits and monsters. I use this passion to help me with world building and inventing new characters and plots.

What was the hardest aspect of writing Thief? How did you overcome it?

I had never written a novel before Thief. I'd always thought that I wasn't capable of writing anything longer than a short story. I just didn't have the confidence that I could create and maintain a compelling story. But with Thief, I proved myself wrong. Because I had such a love of the character of Sevy, because I wanted to tell her story the way it deserved to be told, I kept going. It was the first time I'd ever felt so strongly attached to something I'd created, and I hope that love comes through to readers. Sevy isn't your typical protagonist. She's rude and bratty and exasperating, but she also has a softer, vulnerable side that I find really compelling.
The experience I had writing Thief has made me a firm believer in letting characters, rather than plot, drive a story.

Can you tell us something about you that makes you unique?

That's a hard question! As I've mentioned earlier, I'm really shy. I'm a bit of a hermit and so my life is really quite boring. When people who know me describe me, they often use words like "dreamy" or "spaced out" because it seems like I'm off in my own little world all the time. But I swear I'm paying attention! Probably closer attention than they'd like. It always seems to surprise people when I pick up on something they didn't know they were revealing. So if you have something you'd rather be kept secret, don't come around me!

How did you celebrate selling your first book?

I danced around my apartment like an idiot, ordered pizza, and stayed up half the night rereading my acceptance letter. I did exactly the same thing when the release date rolled around. Yes, I'm boring, but to each their own, right?

What are some of your hobbies besides writing?

Reading, playing with my cats, talking nature walks, listening to music. Basically anything that can be done by myself, away from other people.
Man, these answers aren't painting me in the best light, huh? I really should start to lie.
Ahem.
In my free time, I like to jet ski, backpack through Europe, attend fashion shows, art gallery openings, and practice capoeira. How's that?

What would you like to accomplish with your writing career?

I'd like to create fun, entertaining stories that will provide a bit of escapism for readers. And although I don't think my writing will win any awards or go down in history or anything, it would be really rewarding if I could create something that stood out in a reader's mind enough for them to want to share it with other people.
And if I can make a living by doing so, then all the better.

What is the hardest part of bringing out a book? Surviving the editor? Shaking hands? The last chapter?

Honestly, the hardest part is right now…learning how to properly promote my book so that it has the best chance to reach as many readers as possible. This requires a level of sociability and confidence that I just don't have. So in addition to learning about the business side of writing (another area of expertise I lack in), I'm having to force myself out of my cozy little comfort zone and become outgoing and assertive. This is a whole new world that I had never even imagined while I was writing Thief and dreaming of publication.

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

I'd like to invite anyone who has an interest in reading Thief or just reading in general to contact me, either through my blog, facebook, twitter, etc. I'd like to hear their opinions and questions, and I'd also like to offer my advice to anyone looking to get published themselves.
And lastly, I would like to thank Fallen Angel Reviews for taking the time to talk with me. :)

Thank you so much, Sarah-Jane, for spending time with us today! Readers can visit Sarah-Jane's website at http://www.sarah-janelehoux.com/.


Interviewed by: Tammy