I’m happy to welcome bestselling author KaSonndra Leigh. Today, KaSonndra shares interesting details about her creative journey and her new release, Hacienda Moon.

Interview

What was your inspiration for this book?

For Hacienda Moon, my inspiration came from my love for gothic romance
and my fascination with the supernatural. I’ve always been drawn to stories that combine romance, mystery, and otherworldly elements, and I wanted to create something that would capture that same sense of magic and intrigue.

The novel is set in a small town in North Carolina, where the past and present collide in unexpected ways. The story follows the main character, Tandie Harrison, as she uncovers dark secrets about her family’s past. Along the way, she meets a charming and mysterious man named Eric who becomes intertwined with her quest for the truth.

The setting and characters were inspired by my own experiences growing up in North Carolina, where the rich paranormal history and culture of the region have always fascinated me. I wanted to create a story that was not only entertaining but also explored themes of love, loss, and redemption.

I also drew inspiration from classic gothic romance novels, such as the
Mayfair Witches and Frankenstein, which have always been among my favorite books. I wanted to create a modern-day version of these classic tales, uniquely blending supernatural elements and contemporary romance.

Overall, my inspiration for Hacienda Moon came from my love for gothic
romance, my fascination with the supernatural, and my desire to create a story that would captivate and entertain readers.

Describe your writing space.

My writing space is a cozy and inviting room, filled with the things that inspire me and make me feel at ease. The focal point of the room is my desk, which is made of clear blue glass and overlooks a beautiful view of nature. I love the way the sunlight streams through the glass, casting an ethereal blue glow around me as I write.

Around the desk, there are several fairy figurines placed strategically. They are delicate and whimsical, their presence always reminding me of the sense of magic that I love to infuse in my stories. I chose the fairies to remind me to believe in the possibilities of the imaginative worlds that I create.

At the side of the desk, there’s also a small library filled with my favorite books, both classic and modern. It contains the stories that have inspired me over the years and continue to do so. Having my favorite books so close allows me to immerse myself in the world of fiction and be inspired whenever I need it.

Lastly, the window next to my desk provides natural light that flows into the writing space, making the room feel vibrant and full of life. Overall, my writing space is a place of inspiration, imagination, and relaxation, where the forces of the universe come together to facilitate the writing process.

What is your favorite quote?

This one is easy and it’s one of my own… “Be the Star that Lights Up the Sky, When Others Around You Have Fallen.” ~ KaSonndra Leigh

Besides writing and reading, what are some of your hobbies?

Besides writing and reading, I have several hobbies that I enjoy. One of my passions is running marathons; I love the feeling of pushing myself to the limit and achieving something that I never thought possible. It’s an excellent way to clear my mind and stay focused, and it gives me a sense of accomplishment that carries over into other areas of life.

I’m also passionate about interior design and home renovations. I love nothing more than transforming a space into something beautiful and inviting. Whether it’s picking out new furniture or painting the walls, I find it deeply satisfying to create a welcoming and comfortable living space that reflects my personality and style.

Additionally, I enjoy traveling to new places and experiencing different cultures. Exploring new cities, trying new foods, and immersing myself in different ways of life is a valuable source of inspiration for my writing, and it allows me to expand my horizons and fulfill my curiosity.

Overall, I believe that having diverse hobbies and interests is essential to maintaining a healthy and balanced life. Each of my hobbies brings unique benefits, from physical and mental health to creative inspiration, and I can’t imagine my life without them.

And advice for aspiring writers?

Here are some pieces of advice for aspiring writers:

1. Write. The most important thing you can do as an aspiring writer is to write as much as possible. You won’t be able to improve your craft unless you’re actively putting pen to paper (or typing on a keyboard).

2. Read. The more you read, the more you’ll be exposed to different styles and genres of writing. This will help you develop your own writing style and find ways to stand out from the crowd.

3. Experiment. Don’t be afraid to try writing different genres or styles. Write short stories, poetry, plays, or anything that sparks creativity. Experimenting with different forms can help you find your voice and hone your skills.

Thanks for inviting me over to hang out at your wonderful blog today.

Blurb

Tandie Harrison is a police medium struggling to pick up the pieces of her life after a devastating divorce that left her without her precious daughter and her psychic visions. With a heavy heart, she escapes the hustle and bustle of New York City and moves into the alluring plantation house, Chelby Rose. Here, she meets Eric, the home’s charismatic caretaker. Despite the ghostly warnings, Tandie finds herself drawn to him, and as their affair intensifies, so does the centuries-old curse haunting them both.

Suddenly, Tandie finds herself at the center of a dark and dangerous web full of deceit and intrigue. As fear begins to consume her, she must find the courage to face the demons of her past if she is to have any chance at a future. Hacienda Moon is a captivating story full of suspense and romance that will ensnare you from start to finish.

Note to readers and bookclubs:

This is the expanded and revamped edition of the Hacienda Moon that was originally published in 2012. Please be sure to add this version to your to-read list as this edition contains more gothic suspense, intrigue, and of course romance.

Excerpt

The results of Eric’s handyman skills were beautiful. The final perk was the light rose-colored exterior paint, a shade considered original to the house. Eric didn’t say a word about my upgraded paintbrushes. He was too busy making sure I didn’t catch him watching me as I bent over to paint the lowest boards on the house. However, I turned around at the perfect moment on paint day and caught him staring. His face flushed so badly, I couldn’t resist doing something to celebrate my small victory.

“Wow, it’s so hot out here today.” I stretched my arms, lifting my tee-shirt up until my belly button was exposed, basking in the warmth of the late summer sun. Eric’s mouth fell open. Success! That move totally stole Mr. Intense’s attention. Tucking my lips, I made a move toward an even more creative tease, bending over to pick up one of the three paint brushes I’d dropped.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“What does it look like? I dropped my paintbrushes.” I shrugged and waved the brush between us. “Did I not use the proper technique for bending over and picking it up?”

He gave me a dimpled grin and moved closer to where I stood beside the house. Glancing down at the brushes beside my feet, he said, “They do look somewhat dirty. You sure you can handle that task? You strike me as somewhat of a nice girl. With that much paint and dirt all in the heads, you have to get a little rough with cleaning them.” His gaze bore into mine, smoldering me under a hazel brown sugary-colored look this time.

I held his gaze. “Oh, believe me. I have plenty of ways to clean dirty things.”

There was about a foot of space between us now. “Is that right?”

“Oh yeah,” I answered, hoping that the pulse line on my neck didn’t show the way my heart thumped inside my chest.

His gaze drifted from my eyes down to my lips and finally ended at my left shoulder. “Then why don’t you start by cleaning that big red spider off your shoulder?” An amused smile spread across his lips, but a scream shrilled out of mine.

Eric slammed his hands over his ears. “Damn it, Tandie.”

Adrenaline spiked through me. He might as well have said my breasts were hanging out. He would’ve gotten less of a response than he did with the spider statement. “Get it off me! Do you see it? Is it still there? Get it!” I shrieked, jumping around and spinning in half circles.

“I won’t help you until you stop trying to burst my eardrums,” he said, still half-way smiling. He came over and put his arms around me, pulling me into his embrace. “Calm down, Tandie. It’s gone, all right?”

Vowing to never tease Eric ever again, I waited for my breathing to normalize and for my trembling limbs to steady as I was pressed against Eric’s chest.

Author Bio and Links

Meet your word sculptress…

Author of the #1 Amazon International bestselling novels, the Prelude and the Lost Immortals Saga, KaSonndra is also a mother, designer, reader, gardener, home renovator, and a slayer of undead Egyptian mummies in Tomb Raider. She believes in karma, coffee, and seriously wishes that the producers of Xena would bring her favorite show back.

KaSonndra was born in the race-car city of Charlotte, NC, and now lives in the City of Alchemy and Medicine, NC, when she’s not hanging out in Bardonia (Lost Immortals Saga setting). Most of her characters are based on people that she has met throughout her travels and adventures.

People tend to stop and start conversations with KaSonndra as if she has known them her entire life. Does this freak her out? Not really. Her mom says that one day she’ll get kidnapped by one of these folks. KaSonndra’s response? She told her mom that if it weren’t for these lovely people, then she wouldn’t be able to create such fabulously romantic stories!

Visit KaSonndra’s at one of her online homes:

Webpage | Facebook Fan Page | Twitter | Instagram | Online Blogazine | Amazon

Giveaway

KaSonndra Leigh will be awarding a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour. Find out more here.

Follow KaSonndra on the rest of her Goddess Fish tour here.