RWU is talking with Judith Leger, author of fantasy with a touch of magic and lots of romance. She currently has two short stories out, The Witch Within from The Wild Rose Press and The Wraith’s Forest in the Tavern Tale Anthology from Com-Star Publishing. At present, she is under contract with The Wild Rose Press for her full length paranormal romance, Love’s True Enchantment. She also has a personal essay, A Heart of Compassion, in Chicken Soup for the Mother and Son Soul.

Q. What do you do to unwind and relax?
A. Relaxing? I love to sit back and watch Anime to unwind. Most people who know me can vouch for that. When I’m not in front of the screen, you’ll find me with a good book. Reading has always been a major part of my life so I suppose it’s only natural I decided to write.


Q. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
A. Oh, good one. I wanted to be a world famous actress and if not that then writer. Well, needless to say I write much better than I act so it was a no brainer on what I did do.


Q. When did you first consider yourself a writer?
A. The moment a publisher requested a full manuscript from me. I knew then that I was a writer. It didn’t matter whether the book was contracted. What mattered was the fact that the editor saw something in my story and wanted to read more. It’s an indescribable thrill.

Q. What genre are you most comfortable writing?
A. Oh, that’s an easy question. Paranormal or fantasy is the genre for me. I love reading and writing these types of stories. My first short story, The Wraith’s Forest, was an eerie tale about a young girl trying to right a wrong then discovering things were not all black and white. This story was picked up by two separate publishers at approximately the same time. The first publisher, Chippewa Publishing, e-published the story for 90 days, then Com-Star Media included it in their Tavern Tales Anthology. That was the start of several spooky tales.

Q. Can you share a little of your current work with us?
A. Sure, I’d be proud to do so. I’m currently waiting on my edits for Love’s True Enchantment (The Wild Rose Press) so I’ve had time to work on another project. I’ve been working on my characters internals so they can be more rounded. The WIPI’ve been playing around with isn’t finished but I’m enjoying the characters.

It’s a tale of a high priestess and a demon. I’m thinking about naming it Angel and the Demon. Zandra, the high priestess, needs Azauel’s (Aza for short), the demon, help to save the people of the holy order. She frees him from 500 years of imprisonment, promising herself as payment for his aid. He doesn’t want to help but there’s something about her that fires his blood.

Here an excerpt from it!

She studied the food gracing the small table; fresh bread, cheese, and a small crock of honey. Typical meal for a priestess, but not one she desired at this time. Worried for her people, not sure what she should do, she fiddled with a neatly folded napkin next to the empty plate.

The door to her room slammed open. She gasped, turning to face the intruder, instantly going on the defensive.

Azauel stood propped against the frame.

He smiled at her, slow, sexy, inviting.

Instinct took over. She grabbed the honey crock and sent it flying at his head.

She missed. By several feet.

The clay jar struck the top of the door and shattered, spilling honey over his bare shoulder. Gooey, thick, the golden nectar oozed down the sleek, hard muscles of his naked chest and abdomen.

His smile widened. “What a mess. Hope you’re ready to clean it up.”

Shaking her head, she edged along the side of the table, hoping to put a barrier between them.

Crimson irises gleaming, he winked and stepped into the room. “Your tongue should work very well.”

Q. Where do you get the information or ideas for your books?
A. Some are from dreams. Others develop from music. I love to listen to music (all kinds) and it helps the images to come into focus so the story will flow smoothly.

Q. What new author has grasped your interest?
A. I read Dark Obsession by Allison Chase at the beginning of the summer. I loved it. Ghosts, love, mystery, perfect combination! Hopefully, this weekend I can find her second book, Dark Temptation. I read an excerpt and have to say, it caught my attention. Fell in love with her first story so I can’t wait to read the next one.

Q. Name one entity that you feel supported you outside your family members?
A. That’s a no brainer. Romance Writers Unlimited. Without the ladies and--cough--gentleman, I would never have come as far as I have with my writing. They are me true soul mates.

Q. How do you feel about the romance boom of the 80’s?
A. Very memorable. I was like a romance books vampire. I couldn't get enough of the stories. Some wonderfully talented authors appeared during this time. Even some of the books from the 90’s were great.

Q. What about the romance genre interests you?
A. The happily ever after! For me, that’s says it all!