Self-Pubbed Hub #4 - Leigh Talbert Moore & The Truth About Faking!

The Truth About Faking by Leigh Talbert Moore || Published: September 2012.

Jason just wants a date with Harley.
Harley just wants a date with Trent.
Trent's still getting over Stephanie.When Harley and Jason decide to fake date, they uncover a school of deceptions. Trent's got a secret, but so does Jason. And the more time Harley spends secretly kissing her fake boyfriend, the further she gets from her dreams with Trent.

Worst of all, Harley's mom is getting cozy with her hot massage therapy student, and even Harley's Reverend Dad can't fake not being bothered by it. But when the masks finally come off, can everyone handle the real truth?

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Q&A with Leigh Talbert Moore author of The Truth About Faking:

 Describe The Truth About Faking in a tweet (140 characters or less):

Jason wants Harley; Harley wants Trent; Trent’s completely oblivious. People & things aren’t always what they seem. And Jason’s totally hot. :)

Can you tell me five things that inspired the characters, storylines and settings of The Truth About Faking?

Harley – my high school BFF mixed with my adult BFF’s 16 year-old little sister (love those guys)

Jason – Hmm… I guess all the great things about guys I’ve known and liked (or loved!)

Harley’s mom – Pocahontas (the Disney cartoon), except she can’t sing

Stephanie – A girl I knew who always seemed to do the exact right thing. (How did she do that?)

Shadow Falls – A real neighborhood that is also not shadowy (and no waterfalls)

The story was sort of inspired by the movie Signs, because I wanted to explore “losing one’s religion” through Harley’s dad and bad things happening to their family. For whatever reason, the story took a total 180-degree turn and came out all happy and funny. But that’s okay. I like this version.

Self-publishing is becoming increasingly popular and there are some great success stories out there.  What made you decide to self-publish?

I have to confess, I was really on the fence.  I had TTAF that was shopped to editors but wasn’t picked up. My agent thought self-publishing would be a good fit for it. Then two of my good writer-friends really pushed me into the indie pool—LOL! They were very, “What are you waiting for?” about it. And now, I really don’t know why I waited! 

What has been your best self-publishing experience so far?

Oh, man, hearing from readers! It has been so great that at last, after so many years of writing for my family or close friends, I’m connecting with a larger audience. And they seem to really like and “get” my book! It’s amazing and awesome, and it makes me all warm and fuzzy. 

What advice would you give to any aspiring authors out there? Do you have any top tips to share?

Anne Rice has this video out where she says, “Writers write. And the more you write, the better you get.” I’d add get good critique partners who are also writers—preferably ones who are better writers than you are.

Those two things are the best way to improve one’s skill I know. Then, after critique, go back, look at what’s working/what’s not and revise. Once you’ve got your best possible book all polished and shiny, send it out into the world in the way that suits you best—whether it’s traditional or indie. And GOOD LUCK! Be strong. This is a tough business.

 Name three other books that you think readers of your book would also enjoy.

Honey, Baby, Sweetheart by Deb Caletti

Anything by Sarah Dessen (seriously—she is the model)

Anything by Jolene Perry (a great writer-friend)

Finally, what are you working on next?

I have an adult series starting in December. The first book Rouge is done and will be out Nov/Dec 2012. But the next book in that series is set to come out in spring 2013, so I’m working on it now (it’s due to the publisher in January). After that, I hope to polish up some of my finished YA books and get them out for readers!

Thanks to Leigh for the great Q&A! 


Find out more about Leigh and her Books:   Blog ||  Twitter

Buy The Truth About Faking:  Amazon || Barnes & Noble || Smashwords || Kobo ||

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