Episode 36: Leah DeCesare

Leah DeCesare, chats about her inspiration for her novel, Forks, Knives, and Spoons

Key Topics: Her inspiration and where that unique idea came from, great writing advice, how the book changed in editing.

Interview Notes:

On this Valentine’s day weekend I invited Leah DeCesare, whose women’s novel, FORKS, KNIVES AND SPOONS, has a good dose of romance to join me.

We chat about where that analogy of comparing men to forks, knives or spoons came from, as well how much readers love the 1980s nostalgia, and how readers are appreciating that the novel takes place over the college years (especially at a time when many younger folks are missing out on that experience).

We chat about how the book changed during editing, (it includes a disappearing Mom and a different ending!).

Reading wise, Leah recommends THE KINDEST LIE by Nancy Johnson and she’s excited to dive into ALL THAT WE CARRIED by Erin Bartels.

Leah’s advice to writers is to study craft because once you know the rules you can more confidently break them. Also take the time to understand the business of publishing- and there is so much free information out there – including Writer Unboxed, The Grub Street blog.