Leslie Sherrod Virtual Book Tour
October 8-19, 2012

http://www.apooobooks.com

Welcome to APOOO, Leslie!
In 140 words or less, tell us a little about yourself.

I am a wife, a mom of three, and a therapist. I enjoy traveling and count down the days when I can get back to a beachfront hotel. Motherhood has changed me forever and has given me a lot of material to work with if I ever want to pursue a career as a comedienne. I do not have a huge social circle, but am content with having a few really good close friends who ‘get’ me and laugh at my jokes, cry with my sorrows, and remind me to stop worrying so much. I love chocolate, find walking through Target therapeutic, and have no problem using my four-year-old’s Hello Kitty umbrella if it’s the only one handy. For as self-conscious as I often think I am, I’m realizing more and more that I’m actually quite comfortable being me.

In 140 words or less, tell us why Losing Hope would make a great addition to our personal library.

Losing Hope is for readers who crave a good suspenseful read with a compelling and inspiring message. It is the first of a series that follows a social worker who comes to the rescue of the most vulnerable clients on her caseload, all while trying to come to terms with the regrets of her past. In this first book, Sienna St. James goes rogue trying to find a little girl who may or may not exist, and at the same time tries to track the whereabouts of her estranged husband. All she has to go with for both missions is a new foster child client who thinks someone is trying to kill her and a package from Portugal that delivers more questions than answers. For readers searching for originality and who loathe predictability, I think Losing Hope fits the bill.

How did you come up with the premise for Losing Hope?

During my last year of graduate school, the idea of the series came to me one day as I walked from the parking garage to my classes. I have been a huge fan of Walter Mosley’s series, and the concept of a social worker playing detective as a series premise intrigued me. However, I wanted more than suspense. Adding depth to the story by examining issues such as broken relationships and deserted dreams was important to me. My hope is that readers find Losing Hope to be a good mix of page-turning suspense and inspiring encouragement.

Tell us about the main character(s) in Losing Hope.

Sienna St. James is motivated, compassionate, and not afraid to make big moves. However, some of those big moves are ones she now regrets, and she has reached a point in her life where she is questioning her own motivations. She is an idealist who has had to adjust to being a realist as she works her nine-to-five and raises her teenage son alone. She is also an undercover romantic who wonders if she will ever again feel the warmth of love. When adventure comes knocking, she is willing to go against all reason and answer the call, if that’s what her gut tells her to do.

What are some of the main themes you portray in Losing Hope?

Reclaiming identity after a failed relationship. Addressing disappointment when looking back at past decisions and regrets. Moving forward with a sense of purpose and destiny. I think many people can relate to these themes, especially women who have tied themselves to a mate or significant other only to see them go, and are now wondering what’s left of themselves. Redefinition and finding hope in the midst of life’s unexpected turns. Discussion is encouraged, and discussion questions are included for either group or self-reflection.

What makes Losing Hope different from other books in the marketplace?

As stated, I reach for originality and loathe predictability, purposely seeking story lines that are unique. As a reader myself, I love stories that keep me guessing and engaged with surprises; so as a writer, I keep the plot twists tossing and turning until the very last page.

What genre is Losing Hope and who is the target audience?

Public library systems have pegged my novel in categories as diverse as “African American Women’s Fiction; “Love Stories;” “Inspirational Fiction;” “Social Workers Fiction” (who knew that was a category?); and “Christian Life Fiction.” My hope is that anyone picking up the book will find something relatable in the story. I think the themes addressed in the story are pretty universal.

What lessons have you learned about the publishing industry?

Do your research. Learn as much as you can. Get connected through writing conferences and stay connected with other authors for resources and support. A rejection letter just means that another, better-suited option is out there. Stay persistent. Understand that although writing may be your passion and ministry, the publishing industry is a business and operates like one. Be professional. Stay prayed up and wait for God to open the right doors.

What can readers expect from you in the future?

I am currently working on Book Two of the series entitled Without Faith. Be looking for that on the shelves in the near future. In addition to this series, I have other novels in various stages that I hope to have out there one day. Stay tuned!

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