Author Interview & Giveaway: Leigh T. Moore


We are excited to welcome author, Leigh T. Moore, to the nest today. She's here to discuss her New Adult novel, Rouge, and her life as an author. Be sure to check out the giveaway details at the end of this post.

Andrea @ Reading Lark: How long have you been writing? 

Leigh: Forever! No, like most writers, I started as a kid. Originally I wrote graphic novels. My first was FURY WOMAN, which I wrote and illustrated when I was about eight or nine. I went through a lot of ballpoint pens on that one. 

Andrea @ Reading Lark: Can you describe Rouge in five words? 

Leigh: Romantic suspense in New Orleans. 

Andrea @ Reading Lark: Where did you get the idea for Rouge

Leigh: The original idea started with Oliver Twist. I liked the idea of two orphans struggling to survive on the streets with one of them being the older, sort of caregiver. My daughters and I just watched Annie over Christmas break, and I was like, “I didn't even think of Annie!” I guess it’s a popular theme. 

Andrea @ Reading Lark: Is Hale based on a real person or is she entirely from your imagination? 

Leigh: She is entirely from my imagination (which grew up watching old movies and musical theater and reading loads of books). 

Andrea @ Reading Lark: What made you choose New Orleans as your setting? 

Leigh: I’m from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and I grew up going to New Orleans often. The city just begs to have stories written about it. And once I had the orphan theme in place, what city in the U.S. is more European than New Orleans? It was a given! 

Andrea @ Reading Lark: What are a few songs that inspired the most recent book? 

Leigh: ROUGE was inspired by songs from the movie Moulin Rouge, by “A Girl Like You” by the Smithereens, by “ I've Seen That Face Before” by Grace Jones, “Queen Bitch” by David Bowie, “The Show Must Go On” by Queen… I had a great soundtrack for this one. 

Andrea @ Reading Lark: Why did you choose to write New Adult? 

Leigh: Originally, I didn't! When I wrote ROUGE “New Adult” didn't exist as a category. But Hale, the main character, is 17-turning-18, she’s dealing with post-high school issues like marriage proposals, her career, and sexual situations. It was always “mature YA,” but now that New Adult exists, that’s the best fit for it. (Still, it’s only rated R, I’d say.) 

Andrea @ Reading Lark: This is a Reading Lark tradition. What is your favorite bird? 

Leigh: Cool! In the musical production of which Hale’s the star, she’s plumed out like a peacock. So I’ll go with peacock. 

This or That? 
- Text or Call? Text 
- Fruits or Veggies? Veggies 
- Summer Fashion or Winter Fashion? Summer! 
- Sunset or Sunrise? Sunset 
- Read or Write? Ooo… depends. At the moment, Write! 
 Thank you so much for having me here, Andrea! I hope you enjoy the world of Rouge.

About the Novel

As the rising star of the hottest cabaret in New Orleans, Hale Ferrer has only one goal: Escape.

Escape from the lies and manipulations, from the nonstop work and constant hunger, and from her growing fear that one day she'll have to earn her living in the secret back rooms, where the dancers do more than dance.

But she won't go without Teeny, the orphan-girl she rescued from the streets and promised to protect.

Freddie Lovel, Hale's wealthy Parisian suitor, is the perfect solution. He says he loves her, he knows nothing of her impoverished background, and he has the potential to sweep her and Teeny far away from their bleak existence in south Louisiana. 

If only his touch could arouse her interest like Beau's, the poor stagehand who captures her heart. Beau, who makes her laugh and feel safe, who rescues her from more than one close call, and whose blue eyes are like Louisiana iris flowers.

Denying her fears, Hale is ready to choose love and a life with Beau, until a predator lurking in their theater-home launches a chain of events that could cost her everything--Teeny, their one hope of escape, and possibly even her life.



We have ONE eBook copy of Rouge up for grabs. The winner will be able to choose their preferred eBook format. Thank you, Leigh, for providing the book for the giveaway. The giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY! In order to win you must:

* Be 18+ years old
* Fill out the Rafflecopter below

The giveaway runs from February 1-8. The winner will be contacted via email on February 9.

Comments

  1. Thanks again for having me! Best, :o)

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    1. Thanks for stopping by The Nest! You're invited back anytime. :)

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  2. It sounds like a great book! Love the New Orleans setting! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  3. ROUGE does sound amazing. I loved the songs from MOULIN ROUGE too.

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  4. Given my family's history in New Orleans, I love to read stories set there. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  5. I love most books set in NOLA. This sounds like a great one.

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