🎙 Author Interview: Leylah Attar

Leylah Attar is an award-winning New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction.
Her latest book Moti on the Water releasing August 13, 2019.

Hi Leylah! Time to turn the page and tell us the story of who is Leylah Attar in real life.
I’m a bit of every woman you met in Moti on the Water—the daughter, the mother, the aunt, the wife, the grandmother (although not an actual grandmother yet….lol). I love to travel, but it’s not always possible, so my wanderlust often translates into different settings and locales in my books. Family plays a huge role in my life, so that’s also a thread you’ll find woven through my novels.

What are the optimum conditions for you to be productive when writing?
I need silence and stillness when I write. A familiar place, a familiar chair, and my worn keyboard are the best!

What do you do if the words refused to flow?
If I’m stuck, I’ll put on my earphones and play some tracks that capture the scene I’m wrestling with. A lots of times, different scenarios will play out in my head and one of them will grab my attention. If that doesn’t work, I usually leave it for a while, do something else, and come back with a fresh perspective.

Which book of yours is closest to your heart?
Every time I finish a book, I think, “This is my favorite!” It’s all the freshly-bundled up time and energy, characters still buzzing in my head, a sense of completion… I can’t help but feel that way about every book baby. Then, another idea takes hold, and other characters sweep me off on another adventure.

Your books tend to be deep and emotional. How affected are you when you write poignant scenes?
What goes on before the writing can be harder. For example, researching recovery from breast cancer (for 53 Letters for My Lover) was tough.
For The Paper Swan, it was how children are used by the cartels for drug trafficking.
When I was writing Mists of The Serengeti, I went through tons of articles about the persecution of albinos in parts of Africa.
That kind of stuff stays with you forever.

Your latest work Moti on the Water is a complete departure from your usual. What made you chose this direction?
It was the other way around – this direction chose me. I usually have a few ideas kicking around for the next book. It’s the one that gathers the most momentum that wins. So while all the other characters were lined up politely, Moti was jumping up and down, waving her hands, and going all out to get my attention. She was so endearing and funny and quirky, there was no ignoring her.

I love how vivid you described the sights and sounds of the Greek Isles. Was it based on your personal experience? What are your other dream holiday destinations?
Thank you! I’ve never been to Greece, but it’s been on my bucket list forever. Now I have an excuse to follow in Moti’s footsteps and it will be even more epic!

Food played a major role in this book. Alex (well, technically you lol!) made it so sensual and evocative. Can you cook as well as him? What’s the best dish you can cook?
A meal cooked with love is one of the best things in life! Cooking for pleasure on lazy days is completely different from rushing to get dinner on the table. When I have the luxury of time, hell yeah….I can match Alex, ladle for ladle in the kitchen 😛
The best dish? That’s a tough one. In terms of how much time you spend vs. how much flavor you get, I’d say pan seared chicken in red wine and fig sauce. It’s ridiculously easy: a little oil, fresh garlic, chicken, a splash of red wine, fig jam, salt, pepper, and fresh rosemary. Delish!

Moti’s story is about living life. What do you deem as your greatest life achievement so far?
I don’t know about achievements, but my most rewarding lesson (and greatest challenge) in life so far has been learning to trust my own voice.

What can we expect from you next?
I’m leaning towards something more emotional, but waiting for the dust to settle so I can see exactly where I’m headed.

Let’s end this with something quick and fun!
What useless talent do you have? I can bend my thumb to touch my arm.
Toilet paper: over or under? Over. Always over.
Warlocks or pirates? Two of my books are set on a boat, so pirates, hands down!
What’s on your right? My Logitech mouse.
What would you do if a stranger invited you on his yacht? Is s/he a pirate or a warlock?

Thank you for taking your time answering!

Thanks so much for having me!

Leylah Attar is an award-winning New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction. Her novels draw on a colorful tapestry of influences. Currently residing in Toronto, Leylah writes stories about love—shaken, stirred, and served with a twist.

Author photo and teaser graphics were taken from the author’s website/social media and used with permission.