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    Author Q&A with Leti Del Mar author of The Inadvertent Thief

    9/13/2012

    Leti Del Mar

    1. What was the inspiration for your novel?
    I am a huge Art History buff and have studied the stories behind the art for years. I also love to travel and especially enjoy visiting the world’s
    museums. What got me started on this piece was when I started noticing, not just the art in these museums, but their security. Then I began plotting what I would need to do to steal the work. One brainstorm led to another and soon I had this idea burning up inside of me that I needed to capture on paper.

    2. When did you take up writing?
    I’ve always been telling stories but when the idea for this novel came along, I just had to get it down on paper and I could not stop!

    3. How important is setting/place in your writing?
    Hugely important. My setting is split between where I currently live, Los Angeles and one of my
    favourite places to travel, Paris. LA is a huge city with some many neighbourhoods, each rich with character
    and I love writing about it. Paris is just magical and when I write about it, the fond memories overflow.

    4. Do you have a favourite character (s) in your current novel?
    A supporting character named George was way too fun to write. He is loosely based on the character Wash from the cult sci-fi series Firefly and I loved every moment writing him.

    5. What’s the best piece of writing advice you were ever given?
    “This is great, Don’t stop!” After finishing off the first few chapters I contacted a trusted friend and asked her if she thought it was any good and if I should keep going. Those few words got me going and gave me the courage to see it
    through.

    6. Do you have a schedule for writing?
    Yes! Otherwise I would never get anything done. I am highly structured and a believer in check lists. I also limit myself to the time and energy spent promoting my current novel so I spend a significant amount of time writing.

    7. Are you a plotter or someone who tends to wing it?
    I make detailed notes to begin with to keep me on track, then I let it all flow as naturally as possible while I actually write the first draft. After the first draft I go into OCD mode. I plot, plan and live by my checklists to get through the revision and editing stages.

    8. Can you name three of four of your current favourite books?
    I love the Mary Russell Series by Laurie R. King and the Miss Marple series by Agatha Christie. I am also venturing into the world of young adult and current love the Lux series by Jennifer Armentrout.

    9. Can you tell me a little bit about what you are working on now?
    I am actually splitting my time between two projects. The Inexperienced Thief is a sequel to my first novel and follows Vivien on her adventures in the world of art and crime. This one takes place in Paris and Florence. Also, I have a
    YA Sci-fi/ Dystopian I am just starting to map out about the future and ethics of genetic engineering called
    The UnAltered.

    10. What advice would you give to a fledgling writer to assist them on their journey?
    It’s a journey and not a destination so keep on trucking and remember to pace yourself.

    Inadaverntant theif
    You can find The Inadvertent Thief here:
    http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-inadvertent-thief-leti-del-mar/1111429063?ean=2940014772037
    http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0089CLOZQ
    https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/169870

    To learn more about Leti visit her blog
    www.wordswithletidelmar.blogspot.com
    Or find her on social media
    www.twitter.com/leti_delmar
    www.facebook.com/letidelmar