The T-Spot Welcomes Aleah Barley!

The T-Spot is back!!!

Grab your beverage of choice (Mimosas for me, of course!), roll up to or flip open a screen and let some talented writers talk to you about their writing process.

This week: Aleah Barley is in the spotlight!

Aleah writes humorous contemporary romance. She’s lived all over the country, but recently settled down in Detroit  with “a fluffy Maine Coon Cat who is constantly trying to appropriate her computer.”  So let me get out of the way and cede the stage, stool and microphone to Aleah:

1. Have you always written stories?

I’ve been writing since before I can remember. I still have the first book I wrote in kindergarten (my mom–the art wiz–helped me bind it with wrapping paper and cardboard!).

2. When did you decide to write professionally?

There was never much formal ‘decision making.’ Writing for me is a constant, and I might as well get my words out in the world. I’m hoping someday that my writing will help me buy a house (I live in Detroit, I could buy a house for what I paid for dinner last night…) and improve my standard of living.

3. What made you decide to go the route you chose (eg. traditional, e-pub, indie)?

I’m with Entangled, and I adore them. They’re kind of like a cross between a traditional publisher and a kick butt take no prisoners independent romance ninja team.

4. What is your writing process (hrs/day, days/wk)?

I work a lot, so I write when I can… looks at current manuscript and blushes…

5. How do you write (crappy first draft then revise or revise as you go)? Why?

I tend to write and revise as I go, but the biggest part of my process is the first three chapters. There are about fifteen hundred false starts on my computer for everything I’ve ever written, and someday they may turn into something new so I’m keeping them.

6. Do you get writer’s block? If so, how do you handle it?

I don’t get writers block so much as I get burnt out (I write all day at work too). I handle it with a leisurely walk to my local farmers market (Eastern Market, woohoo!) and a nice hot latte.

7. What’s your favorite part of the writing process?

The denouement. When all the major action is done and you just have to slide it on home.

8. Where were you when you got “The Call?”

My call was actually an email, and I was on a couch outside of New York City with my best friend.

9. If you could go back in time and tell your younger self one thing you have since learned about the business of writing, what would you tell them (you)?

Cheer up! It gets better!

Fun Topics:

10. Wine, liquor or beer? What’s your favorite of the spirit you chose?

I’m a coffee girl, and I drink Community Coffee in the red packages. It’s not fair trade or organic (que suprise!) but it tastes good and I can order it online. More importantly, it’s the same coffee my grandmother used to order. Every time someone tries to sell me on a new roast I tell them it has to be good, damn good, better than the coffee I already drink and the story that goes along with it.

11. What author(s) are on your automatic buy list?

Jennifer Crusie. I’m also a nut for mystery stories, and I think I’ve learned more about writing from reading old Robert B Parker novels then anything else. That man could write.

12. What TV shows are you watching?

The Big Bang Theory and Elementary. Of course, that’s only because I’m waiting for more Sherlock and Lewis. Actually, if you want to see an example of beautiful storytelling then you should really watch an episode of Lewis. It’s incredible.

13. Who is your celebrity crush and why?

Do I have to pick just one? AshtonKutcherMattDamonLaurenceFoxJohnKrasinskiCliveOwenHughLaurie

BothOfTheGuysFromSupernatural

Thank you so much for the interview, Aleah! You can find more info at her website: http://aleahbarley.blogspot.com/ and connect with her on Facebook at AleahRBarley. Her Entangled Indulgence release, Too Hot To Handle, is available NOW!!!

What television shows are you watching? And which celebrity are you crushing on? Tell us what you think and make sure you check back next week to see which fabulous author is hanging out at the T-Spot.