Cyberspace is a big, wide world, and so whenever I meet someone that I really enjoy chatting with, I like to make a point of getting to know them better. Many of you already know Lea from the Closetwriter blog, and if you don’t, here’s your chance to get to know her a bit. I think those of you who ‘go’ to Lea’s agree that she runs a very “comfy,” friendly romance blog. Like they used to say in the “Cheers” song, Lea’s is the kind of place where everybody knows your name.
And just for fun, I’ll give away either a copy of Daring Time or Sweet Restraint to one commenter!
So, with no further ado, here’s Lea!
BK: Howdy, Lea. Thanks for agreeing to answer a few questions. Usually a book blogger is asking questions to an author, so I thought it would be fun and informative to switch things up.
L: Hi Beth, thank you for inviting me to chat with you; I am really honored to be asked.
BK: My pleasure to have you. I figured readers, authors and bloggers would all like to read what you have to say. How did you end up hosting the Closetwriter site?
L: In the early summer of 2008, I read “Pleasure Unbound”, by Larissa Ione and loved the book so much I wrote a review and posted it on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca sites. BK: That's an amazing story. Larissa's book really inspired you, and rightfully so. Great book; awesome lady. Anything else get you moving as far as starting up Closetwriter? L: It was through that Yahoo group that I met my good on-line friend Blanche from “There’s No Such Thing As Too Many Books”, blog, who I think, is one of the sweetest people on the planet. To make a long story short, Blanche set up her blog and at that point I had started to write more reviews. Blanche was kind enough to post one or two of them at her blog. Then, with her encouragement, I decided set up closetwriter last fall. It started out to be a place to chat about this and that; I really didn’t know what I was going to do with it. However, once I got more familiarized with the various book blogs and chatted more with authors I decided to focus mainly on sharing thoughts about my love of romance novels and trying to help promote some of my favourite author’s work within the blogging community. I really had no idea how much is left up to the author with respect to promotion. I was always under the misconception that it was the publisher that did all of that leaving the author to create. BK: How long have you been up? L: It will be a year in October. BK: What special qualities do you possess that make you a good romance blogger? L: Well, I really try hard to acknowledge everyone that takes time to visit closetwriter because I truly appreciate each and every commenter and the other bloggers in the romance community as a whole. I’ve also tried to reach out to other bloggers and share what I’ve learned in the short time I’ve had my site. I guess it is just like anything else in life when you are dealing with people, you have to earn their respect and trust, and vice versa. So, I just try hard to keep a “welcoming” cyber atmosphere at closetwriter. J BK: Do you ever fantasize about the perfect romance novel? L: I don’t think I really fantasize about the perfect romance novel. However, after I’ve read one that I’ve found exceptional, emotional and special I always feel bereft when it’s finished. I often think “it doesn’t get any better than this”. Sometimes re-reading and writing a review helps. It takes me a while sometimes to enjoy another book. I do have favorite authors that I return to time and again because when a voice moves me that much, I need to revisit their work. BK: If so, can you mention a few characteristics? L: Strong characters usually with issues to work through be it from a traumatic life experience or their own insecurities. Riveting plot and sub-plots that make a reader want to keep turning the pages. Love scenes that are not only erotic but also emotionally charged. BK: What do you wish authors realized was a challenge, in regard to publishing a romance blog? L: Oh, the time it takes to craft the posts, upload the graphics and keep a blog current. I don’t know about others but I try to update the sidebars on mine on a weekly basis as well as writing the posts. Some posts are quicker to write than others certainly, however bloggers put their heart and soul into their posts just like authors do when creating their stories. BK: Man, I can only imagine. I can't even get your blog banner to show up on this post! But seriously, it takes a lot of time, effort and dedication to do what you do. Thanks! BK: What would be your dream feature for your blog? L: HA! Honestly, I’d like to have a closet door on it that opens when someone visits my little corner of cyberspace. lol However I don’t know that I will ever become proficient enough with the coding language to be able to engineer something like that. I’m always playing with new widgets and gizmos that are already available. I’m astounded at the creativity out there in web and blog design. BK: You are so good at those widgits, too. I adore the ones you have made for me. Some day, I'll put up a display of book widgits a la Lea. I think you have such a relaxing, reader friendly...'comfy' blog. Did you give much thought to how you wanted your blog to 'feel' or is it just a manifestation of your personality? 
L: Thank you, Beth, it’s really nice to hear that. I don’t know if it’s a manifestation of my personality or not. I do relate to the purple haired lady with the ceramic dog on my banner… lol I saw her and thought, “that’s me”. Tori is such a part of my life that I’ve always had her front and center there. So I guess closetwriter is a manifestation of my personality in some respects.
BK: Do you have any blogger idols?
There are a number but I wouldn’t be a blogger without the ones I’m mentioning here.
Blanche at “There’s No Such Thing As To Many Books”, she blogs nearly every day and has such a warm welcoming atmosphere. I love her voice. Blanche is so well read and has given me advice with respect to romance books many times. She is extremely generous and kind. She has also kept me “grounded”, when I occasionally become “unhinged”… lol
AmyC at “Romance Book Wyrm”, I love the layout of her blog and theme. After Blanche, she was the next person to visit me at closetwriter and has been amazingly supportive over the past months. Amy loves fantasy and is always exploring other sub-genres of romance as well. I’ve learned so much from her about romance and blogging in general. She is also a writer and very creative.
Barbara at “Happily Forever After”, blog was also one of the first folks to stop by and welcome me. Another extraordinarily creative lady who has run countless contests and promotions, her blog is just beautiful. Barbara has been extremely helpful with respect to learning the language and setting up an aesthetically pleasing site. Barbara’s love is mainly historical romance, but she also spotlights some great contemporary work as well.
Anna at “Anna’s Book Blog”, has another beautiful site. Anna is a prolific blogger and has a wealth of information with respect to paranormal romance and urban fantasy. She was another of the early visitors to my blog.
Ms. Moonlight, at “Moonlight to Twilight”, blog is another of my favorite haunts. We both love British sitcoms and relate with respect to our enjoyment of many of the same sub-genres of romance. In addition, she gives me the best laughs in our little cyber corner.
VampFanGirl from “Lovin Me Some Romance”, has another beautiful spot and we established a cyber friendship early on. She also shares a love of paranormal romance, and has, um, encouraged (coerced) me into reading at least one historical that was actually very good a while back. lol
BK: What about reviewer idols?
L: I can’t say I have any specific reviewer idols. I try and read as many reviews as possible in an effort to improve my own and of course to get other readers opinions of specific books.
However, I believe very strongly that each reviewer has their own style and voice, just like an author. There is no right or wrong, it is a sharing of thoughts. The thing is, it’s just like food, or a vacation spot, or a movie, what appeals to one person, doesn’t to another. So I always try and digest the essence of the review and read more than one if I’m deciding on purchasing a book because even though the particular reviewer may not like the novel, I may think the story is worth a try.
I feel all authors should be respected for their work, just because it isn’t my cup of tea doesn’t mean it wouldn’t be for another reader.
BK: What are your future plans in regard to closetwriter?
Aesthetically, I would like to completely redesign it. However, I have to become more educated and capable with respect to working with HTML and CSS formatting to redesign the template with any efficiency. I’m hoping to perhaps take a course in the fall and have been trying to do more reading specific to the language.
I’m not planning any huge change with respect to the nature of the posts. I would like to get back to writing more reviews, which I’ve fallen behind on lately.
BK: Excited about any upcoming events?
Yes, I’m hosting a week-long contest the first week in August promoting Devyn Quinn’s upcoming release “Possession” and she has offered a number of ARC’s for the giveaway. Devyn is EXTREMELY generous and I just love her work.
In the fall, I’m going to be holding a “Favorite Kissing Scene” poll again, this time focusing on television kissage. lol
My blogger anniversary is coming up in early October so I’m planning a celebration for that including a Gift Card giveaway and hope to plan it in tandem with the release of “Paradise Rules”.
I’ve also discovered Sprouts and absolutely love working within that software environment, I actually find it quite soothing. It was actually Barbara (who as I mentioned is extremely creative) from “Happily Forever After” who first utilized that medium to make a promotional Sprout for one of her favourite authors and I, again, followed the breadcrumbs. I’ve made a few since and am looking forward to making more in the coming months.
BK: What’s your absolutely most favorite ‘down-time’ activity?
L: I have two actually, immersing myself in a really great novel, and walking my pooches while plugged into my iPod. I’m looking for new music by the way if anyone has suggestions. lol I think I’m going to do a post soliciting ideas. ;)
BK: Describe yourself in three words.
L: LOL Okay, here goes: Tenacious. Introverted. Eccentric. (I mean, really, how many people do you know who covet a “blowfish bikini top” and relate to a purple haired woman with a ceramic dog?)
BK: Wonderful descriptors there, Lea. Yep, we really need an image of the purple haired woman wearing the blowfish bikini top…in a closet. Well, knowing your tenacity, we’ll probably see it someday. :)
BK: Thank you for taking the time to let your readers get to know the woman behind the computer better, Lea!
L: Thank you, Beth, I was delighted to be asked. I enjoyed chatting with you.
Aw – 2 of my favorite people in one spot.
by Mary G July 28th, 2009 at 8:50 amDare I say that Lea is the Beth of the review world. I visit many blogs & read many reviews but Lea – you make me feel like I feel when I’m reading the book – absorbed & engaged. Your reviews are wonderful as they can “illustrate” what the book is about without giving it all away & they leave you wanting more. Thanks to Beth (again & again) for introducing us.
I forgot – can’t be in for the contest – just wanted to send Lea kudos.
by Mary G July 28th, 2009 at 8:53 amGreat interview ladies! I love reading the blogs and learning about new authors. Lea does a great job with reviews! Thanks for the info on some other great looking blogs too!
Thanks-
by Amy M July 28th, 2009 at 9:00 amAmy M
Thanks, Beth, for letting us get to know Lea better! And thanks, Lea – great interview. If you want music ideas, let’s talk. One of my favorite things to do is make mix cds and I like to do themes – I have two vampire music mixes, a werewolf mix, and more…
by Chris July 28th, 2009 at 9:17 amWhat an awesome interview!!! Lea is the very best! She is an amazing lady! Incredibly giving and generous with her time and knowledge……….she takes such good care of me and my blog and never complains when I ask her STUPID questions! Her reviews are always AMAZING!! She has an amazing voice and way with words and she needs to write….how lucky would we all be to read a book by Lea! :)
Thank You for your kind words about me and my blog, I’m very thankful and blessed to say that Lea and I are friends!!
by Blanche July 28th, 2009 at 9:17 amAwesome interview and it’s true that Lea has awesome rewiews on her blog.
by Jeanette Juan July 28th, 2009 at 9:45 amGreat interview ladies. I read Leah’s blog every day.
by CrystalGB July 28th, 2009 at 9:59 amHey Beth and Lea!
Awesome interview. I love the concept of an author interviewing a blogger. Very cool!
Lea (((hugs))), you were one of the very first who noticed my little plain space on the net and I’m more than grateful for your friendship. It’s been an absolute delight getting to know you and you’ve introduced me to so many authors that I would have otherwise never known.
Hmmmm..and I think I might be able to talk you into another historical read. *wink* Maybe we should do a book dare. ;)
(((GIANT HUGS))) VampFanGirl
by VampFanGirl July 28th, 2009 at 10:04 amHi Lea, I already have your blog on my favorites list and come by to check it out a couple times of week. The interview was such a great way to learn more about you.
Your reviews are always spot on for me, and I plan on being around when you have your birthday shindig.
by Cathy M July 28th, 2009 at 10:05 amGreat post! Lea, I loved all your answers and learned stuff about your blog that I didn’t know before.
by MsMoonlight (Elizabeth Jules Mason) July 28th, 2009 at 10:06 amThanks for mentioning me and my blog.
You rock girl!
MsM
Hi Beth and Lea
)that I never would have read before.I visit her blog everyday to see whats up and love her reviews.
by Elaine G July 28th, 2009 at 10:22 amGreat Interview.
I found Lea’s blog a few months ago,she has introduced me to new great authors(like you Beth
Hi Lea,
by Eva S July 28th, 2009 at 10:26 amgreat to meet you here!! Your blog is wonderful and I enjoy visiting you every day!
Hi Beth and Lea,
Great interview :)
And your site is lovely Lea, it’s so friendly and open just like you. You sure made me feel welcome when I was a scared little newbie blogger. Not to mention some great reviews, and books I would love to get my hands on.
by blodeuedd July 28th, 2009 at 10:33 amNot to mention that my blog would look no where near as cute as it does thanks to you.
*cyber hugs*
Hello Lea and Beth as well,
Thanks for inviting me to read your fun little interview. I have seen the Closet Writer site many times but it has never been focused on you before Lea.
It was nice to meet you (in a cyber sort of way)
Nicole
by Nicole Morgan July 28th, 2009 at 10:44 amI Heart Lea! :)
Lea was one that never failed to stop by my chapter days with wonderful words of encouragement! I didn’t know who she was until I started posting those on my blog last year, so it made it even more special to see her stop by for those posts since writing is very personal and can be difficult to let yourself share that bit of yourself, fearing that some one might criticize your work.
Hugs!
by AmyC July 28th, 2009 at 10:53 amAw that was such a great interview! A fantastic idea. I didn’t realise either about book promotions…. although all the stuff you said about coding and stuff Lea… maybe i’ll wait to start a blog of my own for a while!
As for the blowfish bikini top, my guys want to know why didn’t I bring something like that to the island!
by Amanda July 28th, 2009 at 11:52 amGreat interview! I visit Lea’s site everyday and just love it, so thanks for letting us get to know her better.
by Jody F. July 28th, 2009 at 12:17 pmLea
by Mary G July 28th, 2009 at 12:42 pmWill you still meet me for coffee even though
you’re like totally famous?
Hi Beth and Lea,
by chey July 28th, 2009 at 12:45 pmGreat interview. I enjoy both of your blogs.
Hi Beth and Lea!
Great interview and I love checking out both your blogs everyday.
You can never have enough widgets!
by Terri W. July 28th, 2009 at 12:48 pmBeth, Thank you for interviewing me and posting this. I really enjoyed chatting, you ask thought provoking questions!!! lol
***waving at everyone*** I’ll have to come back later when I’m finally out of my office..
Mary: YIKES… Stop it…
L
by Lea July 28th, 2009 at 12:49 pmHi Lea & Beth…great interview!! I follow both blogs and it’s so good to “meet” the people behind the blogs. Authors are like movie stars to me and my husband gets a laugh when I squeek excited as a kid on Christmas morn and tell him “so and so” wrote me back!!
by Cybercliper July 28th, 2009 at 1:30 pmWonderful interview! I have to agree with all the great things said about Lea. She’s always been so incredibly welcoming and makes it a point to include everyone. I really like that about her. That and her incredible enthusiasm. Definitely one of my favorite bloggers :)
by Stacy ~ July 28th, 2009 at 1:48 pmThanks for letting me get to know Lea better. I visit her site every day.
by Estella July 28th, 2009 at 2:59 pmWaving at all the familiar faces! Hmmm…is this Lea’s fan gathering?
I’m so glad so many people dropped by! I thought people might like to learn more about the woman behind the computer. I know I learned a lot. Fascinating about Larissa’s book so deeply inspiring you. And the words to descripe yourself…priceless.
by Beth Kery July 28th, 2009 at 3:35 pmGreat interview. I’ve been visiting Lea’s blog for several months and she’s the best.
by Jane July 28th, 2009 at 3:43 pmHi Beth and Lea. Great interview and, Lea, I just love your blowfish bikini top. LOL I want a pair. I can wear it to my own personal solstice celebration!
I love visiting your blog. I mostly lurk around several romance blog sites, but I am slowly coming out of my shell. I am just appreciative of reviews of books I would not normally just read, and in the process have discovered new authors to me.
Thanks for a wonderful blog site. I always enjoy visiting on a daily basis.
by Armenia July 28th, 2009 at 4:14 pmWhat a great idea Beth & awesome interview, you couldn’t have picked a nicer person in Lea
I really enjoyed it.
Visiting Lea’s blog is like going to a friends house for a chat (a huge thing when I actually live on the otherside of the world) and I think that’s due to Lea’s warmth and friendliness, always making people feel welcomed.
by Teddyree July 28th, 2009 at 4:56 pmLea was the first blogger to say to me, ‘hey can I help you do this’, which I think is just a beautiful quality.
Lea you ROCK and thanks Beth for sharing
What a great interview. I must say that I love Lea’s blog. It is a blog that I go to everyday.
by Lisa F. July 28th, 2009 at 5:03 pmHi Lea, I visit your blog regularly. Nice to see you swing by!
by Mari July 28th, 2009 at 6:00 pmYay!! Two of my fave people in one spot!! Beth, it is so awesome of you to give some love out to Lea!! She is totally amazing when it comes to all the “blog” stuff!!! Thanks for doing the flip side ~ reader interview… Gives me hope!! LOL!!!
by cecile July 28th, 2009 at 6:30 pmAwesome interview! Alway love learning more about my friends!!!
Hi Everyone!
I’ve just been reading all the kind comments and so appreciate it. Beth, thank you again, it was fun.
Just got home from work and am kinda beat. lol
Have a great night everyone!
by Lea July 28th, 2009 at 6:57 pmL
I just wanted to drop by and say hi to both Beth & Lea. What a cool idea. I read both of your blogs daily. I don’t always comment
But I really enjoy reading both blogs.
Please don’t enter me in the contest – I already have both books.
by Greta July 28th, 2009 at 7:03 pmI hope that smiley in my above comment is for embarrassed.
by Greta July 28th, 2009 at 7:04 pmSnort.
Greta. It means embarrassed. I’m just wondering what you were worried it meant! That you had a fever?
I’m just teasing, Greta. So glad to hear from you. Thanks for stopping by and saluting Lea!
by Beth Kery July 28th, 2009 at 7:11 pmLea’s was one of the first blogs that I started to visit on a regular basis. I think this was back when she was having her first movie kissing poll…anyways she was the reason I first discovered Beth’s novels. And as they say the rest is happy history :)
by Booklover1335 July 28th, 2009 at 7:21 pmoh forgot, please don’t enter me I also have both of these books
by Booklover1335 July 28th, 2009 at 7:21 pmHi, Lea & Beth!! You couldn’t have interviewed a better person, Beth!
Sometimes, I don’t know how Lea does it. I agree with her in that blogging is extremely time consuming. It’s worth it–most of the time
Accept of course when the kids are calling and dinner is burning, lol.
Lea, thank you so much for your kind words about my blog. I know you aren’t a big fan of historical romance like I am, but I appreciate the fact that you are there for all of my posts ((hugs))
Your blog is wonderful, as are your reviews and giveaways. You’re a phenomenal promoter for the authors you love–as a reader should be–and I’m sure they are extremely grateful for all your support.
((BIG HUGS))
by Barbara July 28th, 2009 at 7:46 pmOkay, I had to stop by one last time. Greta! Thanks for your note, that is so kind of you.
Hi Carrie – thanks!
(((Barbara)))) you take care and thank you.
Once again everyone, your kind remarks mean more than you can know.
Beth, wow…
Nite..
by Lea July 28th, 2009 at 8:00 pmWhat a wonderful post. You rock Beth for doing this interview with Lea. I love her blog and enjoy reading it immensly.
by sara hurt July 28th, 2009 at 8:31 pmI’m a follower of both of your blogs as well as nearly all of the blogs you mentioned, Lea. Thanks for all of the hard work! I will need to check out this sprouts. I suggested setting up a blog to my son (17yr old) and he nixed the idea. I think he had visions of having to do all kinds of things for me and he was probably right! Thanks again!
by Lynda July 28th, 2009 at 10:43 pmGreat interview ladies! I love Lea’s blog and she does a great job with reviews!
by Frana July 29th, 2009 at 2:15 amHi Lea!
Wow–I didn’t realize that Pleasure Unbound is what inspired you! I’m so honored! And I’m so glad you started blogging and getting involved in the author/reader community. You are a WONDERFUL person, and it’s been a pleasure to get to know you!
*waves to Beth* Don’t enter me in the contest! You’re an autobuy! :)
by Larissa Ione July 29th, 2009 at 9:50 amI have a copy of Daring Time and would like to get a copy of Sweet Restraint!
by Teresa Warner July 29th, 2009 at 10:17 amLarissa,
I was going to write something, but then knowing what I know about Lea, I thought I shouldn’t. It’s better it turned out this way.
by Beth Kery July 29th, 2009 at 12:15 pmI hope you are doing well. Are you going to RT next year?
**Waving** To everyone again!!!
Hi Teresa, Sara, Frana and Lynda! So nice to see your comments here at Beth’s.
((Larissa))!
Thank you
lol.. It is true though, if not for you I wouldn’t be a blogger!
BTW I’ve been seriously considering getting a Demonica caduceus tattoo… I think it will go well with the purple wig, and blowfish bikini top…
It is to nice to see your comment!
Beth – I hope you are having a wonderful day!…
by Lea July 29th, 2009 at 12:40 pmHi Lea and Beth!
Lea just happens to be one of the sweetest bloggers there is. She always takes the time to chat with everyone who happens by her blog. Great interview!
Dottie :)
by Dottie July 29th, 2009 at 1:27 pmGreat interview. I would love a copy of Sweet Restraint.
cindyc725 at gmail dot com
by I Heart Book Gossip July 29th, 2009 at 1:43 pmGreat interview Lea! I love the sprouts you’ve done for Beth – you’re so creative:)
Exciting about your October Anniversary – wow! Congratulations!!
-Fi
by fiona jayde July 29th, 2009 at 1:50 pmHi, Lea and Beth! Lovely interview! Lea, I’ve definitely enjoyed your blog and love how you spotlight some of the most wonderful authors! Thanks for sharing the book love with us all!
by Fedora July 29th, 2009 at 3:03 pm