Leanne Wood

Leanne Wood and I talked through social media. She’s in Australia which is one of my obsessions.

Author Bio

Leanne Wood is a poet, an avid reader and the author of five novels. With an extensive background in business, law and psychology, Leanne said goodbye to her corporate career and has spent the last five years devoted to writing stories about life and on subjects’ people can relate, stories that evoke emotion and take readers on a journey. Her latest work is a contemporary fiction, The Belonging.
Leanne lives and works out of her home in the Central Tablelands of Australia, she loves cooking, gardening and the great outdoors.

Tell us about yourself.

Leanne Wood is a poet, an avid reader and the author of five novels. With an extensive background in business, law and psychology, Leanne said goodbye to her corporate career and has spent the last five years devoted to writing stories about life and on subjects’ people can relate, stories that evoke emotion and take readers on a journey. Her latest work is a contemporary fiction, The Belonging.

Leanne lives and works out of her home in the Central Tablelands of Australia, she loves cooking, gardening and the great outdoors.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

I’ve always enjoyed writing and can’t remember a time I haven’t written. I wrote my first short novel, Wobbles – The Wonderful Dog, when I was 9 years old. In 2014, after years within management I decided to write and publish my first major novel; Pages Of Your Life – The Secret Life Of Shirley Rumming. Since then I have averaged one novel per year, except for a period after my father passed away. There’s no surprise that when we experience loss, particularly a death that we see the world differently. My paper people as I like to call my characters went to sleep, and I took priceless time out for family. It was during this period that I decided to write The Belonging; a story about life, one involving loss and grief, hopes and dreams, faith and miracles.  

What genres do you like to read?  Are these the same genres you write in?

When it comes to reading, I am open minded as I believe books are like people, they all have something to offer. Although I do favour contemporary fiction, probably because they depict our world and society, embracing diversity and reflecting different cultural views.   

In regards to my writing, while there has been a persistent sentiment among publishers and agents in the traditional publishing world to stick to one genre, I have not pigeon-holed myself. My stories are about personal experience. My first novel, Pages Of Your Life – The Secret Life Of Shirley Rumming was historical fiction and formed the basis for my, “Secrets Trilogy.” I’ve also written mystery, thriller, suspense and contemporary fiction. Why? Because stories about life are varied, stories about life can’t be pigeon-holed. 

Is your book for adults, young adults or children?

My latest book is generally for adults and young adults. It’s a journey of understanding that deals with issues most can relate to; death, confronting personal problems and coming to understand yourself.

What is your current release or project?

My latest release is a contemporary fiction, “The Belonging.”

Tell us about the key characters

The story is centered around four unforgettable characters who are entwined in each other’s lives, yet somewhat lost in their own. The broken-hearted, the manipulative and the unsuspecting souls continually searching and yearning for answers.

We all want to love and be loved. We want to be safe. We want our loved ones to be safe. Some people simply want money and are guided by materialistic possessions, but all of us want acceptance and a sense of belonging.

Robert, the protagonist is grieving after the death of his wife and struggling to come to terms with everything. This story is about his journey in discovering the truth and meaning of his own existence. Will he find peace, and understanding?

What is your blurb or synopsis of the book?

You never know who, or what, will change your life until it happens. 

After the death of his wife, home health care worker Robert Jackson must re-evaluate his life in Sydney. Facing an uphill battle with grief, he contemplates suicide. 

However, his wife’s best friend Shirley won’t let him give up. But how well does he really know this caring neighbour? And what about the eccentric recluse and the pretentious middle-aged woman whose path he is destined to cross? Appearances can be deceiving. 

The Belonging is a story of four broken souls thrown together by chance and one man’s journey to discover the truth and meaning of his own existence. 

Share an excerpt

Elsie leaned forward with her hands flat on the table and fingers fanned. “You need to accept your loss of Julie, and release yourself from this blame, otherwise it will consume you. You need to let it go.”

Robert’s eyes widened; obviously shocked by the forcefulness of her words. Taking a deep breath, it was time for a change in tone. She touched his hand again. This time, Robert didn’t pull away. Instead he sat still, staring eyes filled with tears.

She leaned closer. “I don’t say this to be harsh, I have known loss and the finger of condemnation has firmly pointed towards me. For years the hands of darkness strangled my hope, and I was haunted by the demons from my past. But this is life. No one is perfect.” She paused and shook her head. “We are our own worst cynics, and while we cannot change what has happened or forget the pain and sadness we have endured, we must learn to forgive.” She paused again and gently squeezed Robert’s hand. Robert nodded as tears flowed.

Elsie wiped her nose and sniffed back her sadness. “Forgiveness is incredibly powerful, Robert, it doesn’t mean condoning, excusing or forgetting. Forgiveness opens our hearts to hope and peace, self-forgiveness allows us to move forward.”

Robert pulled his hand away and readjusted his tie as he straightened himself on the chair. Picking up the napkin he recommenced his folding.

Elsie leaned back and smiled. “Birds.” She picked up her teacup and chuckled.

“What?” Robert placed the napkin onto the table, pushing his hand on top he pressed on his folds.

“You and I are like two injured birds, you want to fix my wings so I can glide through life,” Elsie said, taking another sip of her tea and smiling over the rim. The corners of her lips rose. “At my age and with my condition, gliding would be a wonderful gift. But I have to be realistic. The best this little birdie can expect is to hop and flutter. Maybe I’m an injured canary.” She paused placing her teacup back on the saucer.

She gazed into his eyes. “But for you, Robert, you are young, your wings may have been damaged and you may have crashed, but your wings can be repaired.” Elsie gave him a small smile. “For you, recovery is possible. You are an eagle, strong with a powerful heart. You, young man, can fly. You can glide and soar. You just have to have the courage to spread your wings. Looking back is holding you back. You need to look forward, to the horizon. Have faith, and you will take off.”

Elsie didn’t expect Robert would respond, that wasn’t what she wanted. Her only hope was he would listen, that he would take on what she believed was so vital. Her biggest fear was he would leave for the day and never return.

Do you have a favorite scene?

My best-loved scenes involve the discussions and interactions between Robert and Elsie. Elsie is older and wiser and has a different perspective on life. 

What advice would you give a beginner?

Write about things you know and can relate to. Never give up on your dreams. Never throw what you’ve written away, an undeveloped idea from today may turn into a masterpiece at a later stage.

Social media links:

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/LeanneWoodauthor
Twitter   https://twitter.com/LeanneWoodautho
Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/leannewoodauthor

Purchasing links   https://www.amazon.com/Belonging-Leanne-Wood-ebook/dp/B07TJLLBZK/ref