Lecia Cornwall
Author Interview - DID YOU DUPLICATE?
Author of THE WOMAN AT THE FRONT
A daring young woman risks everything to pursue a career as a doctor on the front lines in France during World War I, and learns the true meaning of hope, love, and resilience in the darkest of times.
Author Interview - Lecia Cornwall
Author I draw inspiration from: I grew up reading fairy tales and legends, like King Arthur, and I love beautiful literary descriptions and books that draw me in and touch my heart. Tell me a great story set in history with a delicious romance and I’m yours for life! The author who comes to mind at the moment is Jennifer Roberson. Her older books, including The Lady of the Glen and her Robin Hood stories are so beautifully told, the characters real and flawed and believable.
Author Interview - Lecia Cornwall | Author I Draw Inspiration From
Favorite place to read a book: Anywhere! Have book will travel. Often, I end up reading on my bed with a cat or two (I have four to choose from), even during the day. It’s the perfect retreat in a hectic household.
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with: I think I’d choose the clever, witty, and very charming Count Alexander Rostov from Amor Towles’ A Gentleman in Moscow.
Author Interview - Lecia Cornwall | Book Character I’d Like to be Stuck in an Elevator With
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author: I think I’ve always known I wanted to write stories. My earliest realization that it was truly possible probably came when I read Anne of Green Gables. I had no idea there were other kids that named trees and thought about the world in stories like Anne (and me).
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook: A bit of every format! Most of the fiction I read now is ebook because I have terrible eyesight (my mother was right—reading in the dark when you’re supposed to be asleep will indeed ruin your eyes). I love audiobooks when I’m in the car (two journeys in one!). For research, I have to have a physical copy of the book, new or gently used, hardcover or paperback.
The last book I read: I’m one of those people who read several books at once. Of the books I’ve read recently the one that stands out is the multi-award winning Five Little Indians by Canadian Indigenous author Michelle Good. The story explores a very dark part of Canada’s history. It made me think and feel and want to fight harder for change and equality for everyone in this country.
Author Interview - Lecia Cornwall | The Last Book I Read
Pen & paper or computer: A nice ink pen or a freshly sharpened pencil and a clean piece of paper is my idea of heaven. I use pen and paper to plot ideas and outline characters. For writing the actual manuscript, technology is essential for speed, editability, and connecting with the world.
Book character I think I’d be best friends with: Definitely Anne of Green Gables!
Author Interview - Lecia Cornwall | Book Character I’d be Best Friends With
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a: There have always been so many things I want to be when I grow up—an archaeologist, a photojournalist, an art conservator, a doctor, or an architect to name a few. Being an author lets me cheat and be all those things, to step into the shoes and write stories about a life I might have chosen.
Favorite decade in fashion history: Edwardian—the feminine lines, those hats, the elegance!
Place I’d most like to travel: The Hebrides or Uzbekistan (the Silk Road). Can I time travel? Then the possibilities are endless!
My signature drink: Whisky! Once I reach the end of a manuscript, I have a good cry and then toast it with a wee drop of Writers Tears Irish Whisky. Don’t cringe, Scotch purists! I also love a dram of Laphroaig Quarter Cask and attending upscale whisky tastings to sip the ones I can’t possibly afford.
Favorite artist: Musical: Loreena McKennitt. Visual: John Singer Sargent
Number one on my bucket list: To live by the ocean. And to swim with my dog.
Anything else you'd like to add: We’ve been through a long, dark time during the pandemic. For me, the one thing that made life bearable was escaping into a book, and even that was hard some days. Story in any form became so important for me—a movie, a TV show, a conversation to reminisce with my father-in-law, the stories about heroes and people coming together to make it through. Stories activate the positive pathways in our beleaguered brains, teach us to be strong in ways we don’t expect and to find a spark of love and joy and inspiration amid chaos. Don’t stop looking for stories—or telling them—in dark times.
