Leslie Liautaud Interview

 

1. Why didn’t you become a policeman instead of a writer? 

First and most importantly, I’m a natural klutz. Give me a gun and there’s a pretty good chance I’d slip and fall, accidently setting it off and shoot someone in eye. Or I’d grab for it and immediately shoot my own foot. For the sake of our society, don’t give me anything sharp or deadly! Also, I have a tendency to see why someone would do something heinous and therefore would be terrible and throwing the cuffs on and dragging that person in.  (Except in cases of abuse…to a spouse, a child or an animal) I like to see the good in people and would have a VERY hard time not saying “Yeah, I know this guy stole food from the convenience store. But he’s starving, he has children to feed, he’s not thinking straight!” I just don’t have the “Tell it to the Judge!” gene in me!

2. If you could only tell one story in your life, what would it be?

Not to be a downer, but I’d probably tell the story of my nephew Brad. He was thirteen when he passed away from brain cancer. The way he handled his life, his outlook, his attitude during the time he found out about the cancer to the year after when he passed away…he was nothing short of amazing. In such a short time he touched SO many people with his strength and taught us all about what is truly important in life. Facing a fast approaching death gave him a wisdom that he shared with his family and that we, as a family, all looked to for strength to get us through his passing. It’s a lesson in courage and a story about love that deserves to be shared and celebrated.

3. Apples or pears?

Are we talking body shapes or fruit?? Regarding fruit: I’m an apple girl. Honeycrisp! Or apple pie…or apple fritter…or green apple jolly ranchers…

4. Which of your own characters would you like to meet and why?

I love Adam. Truly, the young Adam. I’m not sure if it’s because he’s loosely based on my oldest son or if he just embodies what I think a caring human being is. He’s real, he’s normal but he’s thoughtful. He wants to be adventurous but he’s not reckless. His family is important to him. And he’s evolved enough to realize that when things with your family are in the peak of turmoil, that’s exactly when they need to band together the most.

5. How would you like the world to end?

In general, one big “poof” and done! No panic, no suffering, just a snap of the fingers and it’s over. On the micro side, I’d be curled up with my hubby, kids and dogs. Maybe all lounging on the couch with a fire going in the fireplace. That’s the most peaceful scene I can think of and if that was my last image…I’d go out a happy lady.

6. Which genre do you wish you could write, and why?

I’d love to write a good ghost story! I’ve had one knocking around in my head for a while, so I think it will definitely happen at some point, even just for fun. I love ghost stories that combine haunting, scary scenarios with some sort of romantic background. Two forbidden lovers that die tragically and spend eternity looking for each other…that type of story. I’ve always been a sucker for ANY kind of scary book, horror, thriller, ghost story…so I’m sure it’s just in my blood. (No pun intended!)

7. You’re stuck on an island with only three things: A knife, a match and a stick. What would you do to survive?

Macgyver time! But wait…are there trees? Covering?? Is it salt water or fresh surrounding me?? So, here goes (jeeze, I’m sweating with anxiety already!!) …I’d build a large bonfire but NOT light it until I saw a ship in the distance. I’d use the knife, also to build some sort of lobster trap. I guess I’d also learn to love raw lobster. Ugh.. I might also sharpen the end of the stick to try to spear fish. Again, it’s sushi for dinner! Realistically, I’d probably last three days max.

8. Which of the following would you rather have stalking you through the night: A vampire, a werewolf, or Stephen King?

Stephen King! Hands down! But in all honesty….it would ME stalking HIM! (Man, I LOVE that guy!)

9. Who is the best villain you’ve ever read, and why?

HANNIBAL LECTER!!!!!!!  He scares the bejeebies out of me! In my opinion, Thomas Harris made the end all villain/monster with this character. He LOOKS normal, he’s brilliant, he’s exceptionally well read, he’s extremely cultured…frankly, he would be the PERFECT gentleman…if he wasn’t a psychotic serial killer. Plus, he has moments where you sympathize with him. It’s not black and white. Uh oh….right back to why I couldn’t be a police officer!