If you’ve followed me on Instagram for the last few months, then you know how big a fan I am of Leigh Carron. Her honest stories about fat and plus-size women of color have completely altered my brain chemistry. I connected with Leigh when she revealed the cover for My Curvy Rival and she hasn’t been able to get rid of me ever since. But that’s fine, because I know she adores me. Just like I LOVE her, her writing and her books.
It’s always so amazing to meet women like who write stories in which you can see yourself. And while I’m not reconnecting with a hot man from my past (like Dee and Micah in Fat Girl) or having the most explosive sexual tension with my rival (like Jazz and Leo in My Curvy Rival), both these fat women go through journeys with their bodies like I do.
Leigh has so many more stories to tell and share with the world and I, for one, cannot wait to sink my teeth into all of them. Her books are available in Kindle Unlimited, so get on that, right now!
BEING AN AUTHOR
Why did you choose to self-publish instead of going the traditional route?
I chose to self-publish because I am undisciplined and resistant to structure and imposed deadlines. While I recognize the benefits of going the trad route, there were also downsides that didn’t fit for me. Despite the challenges that indie authors face in the wild world of publishing and the many hats we have to wear, I have never regretted my decision. The love and support I have received from readers, bookstagrammers, and fellow indie authors make the journey worthwhile
ROMANCE AS A GENRE
If not romance/subgenres of romance, what genre would you like to write in?
I would love to write a domestic psychological thriller. That’s my favorite genre, second only to romance. In my third book of the Perfectly Imperfect series, An Imperfect Seduction, I delved into romantic-suspense. It was a stand-alone novel, featuring an enemies-to-lovers storyline with a stalker and themes reminiscent of Fatal Attraction.
I dug deep into the darker side to create a morally ambiguous hero who views himself as a villain, and a badass heroine who may just be his salvation. This story was a departure from my usual style, but I thoroughly enjoyed crafting this redemption arc. I intend to explore this genre again and eventually complete the domestic thriller that I have set aside for now.
What are your most and least favorite tropes?
I enjoy second chances and enemies-to-lovers, rivals-to lovers , and opposites attract tropes. Representation is important to me, so tropes that raise awareness or give a positive voice to underrepresented groups get my vote. I don’t have a least favorite trope; it’s all about the story and characters, the way they come together.
What are some tropes you want to write in the future?
I recently wrote about an age gap in My Curvy Rival, where Jazz was 24 and Leo was 37. I’d like to explore the reverse scenario, with an older woman. I have a few spicy novella ideas that I’m currently brainstorming.
YOUR BOOKS
What inspired your published stories? How and when did you come up with these stories and plots?
I write spicy, body positive romance because I grew up reading books that lacked representation. The characters didn’t look or feel like me. As a recovering yo-yo dieter, who struggled with food issues and body image for most of my life, it was cathartic for me to write my debut, Fat Girl. I created Dee, as a plus-size, bi-racial woman who faced similar challenges, showcasing her struggles and triumphs. Her journey wasn’t an easy one, but that’s how it is for many of us.
However, my latest release, My Curvy Rival, depicted Jazz Legend, as a symbol of my growth. Jazz is fierce and confident in her big, beautiful body. I love that about her and the empowering message it sends to women about the importance of self-love and owning your sexuality.
What’s next on the bookshelf for you? Anything you can tell us about a future project?
I’m currently working on the last novel (book 4) in the Perfectly Imperfect series. It’s a standalone that follows Dee’s friend, Lexie (Monroe) Townsen in An Imperfect Truth. Lexie escapes to a small town seeking solace from her high-pressured life, a health scare, and family expectations, where she meets Chaz Delago, a cafe owner and singer-songwriter. He’s a thicc, sexy, cinnamon roll, and I am already in love with him and the way he helps Lexie to embrace her passion and the woman she wants to be.
When you write these stories, what are you hoping your readers will feel?
I want them to feel seen, heard, and empowered. I write stories about women for women. I hope they can resonate with the characters and find parts of themselves within the pages. Whether they relate to past experiences, current situations, or future aspirations, I want my writing to evoke a sense of connection. As an author, the ultimate reward for me is receiving the messages from readers expressing how my writing has impacted them. It brings me immense joy to hear that I may have positively influenced someone’s life or self-perception, even in a small way.
AUTHOR’S CHOICE
Paperbacks, hardbacks, ebooks or audiobooks—ebooks for convenience but nothing beats holding a paperback in my hands.
Contemporary, fantasy, historical or romantic suspense—contemporary and romantic suspense.
Single or Dual POV
Standalones, series or standalones in a series—All the above
Open door, ajar door or closed door romances
Music or silence when writing—Silence, I need to be alone with my thoughts and characters.
Plotter, pantser or plantser—Pantser, period, full stop
Water, tea, coffee or….wine?—Mood driven, but all the above.
Cold or warm weather—Both as long as there’s sun.
Write better in the morning, afternoon or night?—I’m productive first thing in the morning, but I’m a night owl. Therefore I burn the candle at both ends.
Illustrated or photo cover—I like both. Finding Black, bi-racial, and plus-sized characters is sadly still lacking in stock images, and those are the characters I write about. As such, I recently started engaging artists to create illustrated covers to depict the characters just as I envision them.