Leslie Sommers Interview Published on: 22, Apr 2025
What inspired you to write “Brighde Reborn”?
My father. We tell the story about the one time he was upset over something his misheard (he was hearing impared). As he become more upset, clouds rolled over the sun and blocked it out. Once he learned what was truly said and he calmed down, the clouds moved away and the sun was back. I started the story that night and then dragged my mom along for the journey.
How did you come up with the name and concept for Brighde?I wanted to use mythology as a stepping stone for the foundation of the story, but I was trying to not rely on the more commonly discussed myths. I looked up Scottish weather goddess in Google and Brighde popped up. The concept for the story is a combination of Scottish myths and a dream I had regarding a lost necklace. We talked about how to incorporate the two different ideas and we formed one plot line.
What themes or messages do you hope readers take away from the book, “Brighde Redefined”?I hope that people who don't feel like the main character realize they're the heroes of their own journey and find the courage to take ownership of their lives.
Was there a particular scene or character in the book, “Brighde Restricted” that was the most challenging to write?Truthfully, no. There was something beautiful about the way this book came together and it's my favorite written so far (even though I love the series overall).
Can you share a fun or surprising fact about the story or its development?Hmmm, when 'Brighde Reborn' was a year old, we held a party to celebrate. Friends and family came and we read a scene from 'Brighde Redefined', before it was fully finished. My niece piped up about how she felt a character was going to betray Bridget. We didn't even think of that, but loved the idea and added it to the story! This whole series is truly a family affair.
How do you collaborate as co-authors? Do you divide writing tasks, or do you write together?We talk about the plot and set down some major points we need to hit in the chapter or overall in the book, and then I will go ahead and physically write the novel. Once I'm done writing the section, Mom will come back in and review it, notating things she think works or didn't work for the chapter. We discuss it again, I edit, if needed, and we move on in the book.
What was your biggest challenge while writing “Brighde Reborn”?Writing it overall! I was a short story author - novels didn't make sense to me as a writer. Then suddenly, something clicked in my brain, like a key was turned, and it opened up my ideas to make them a full length novel.
Did your backgrounds in English and Education influence your writing style or approach?Yes and no. My English degree and creative writing concentration gave me some missing tools for my writing arsenal that I didn't know I needed. In general, it's defintely been beneficial for me as a writer to have that skill set, especially now with AI becoming so popular. For mom, she's an avid reader, and she always encouraged me to read and write and create stories. Many people find support like that in their teachers; I was lucky to have it in my mom, as well.
What does your typical writing routine look like?There's always a comfy spot for me to write. Sometimes it's the kitchen table, sometimes it's outside, in the yard, my bedroom, the couch. I switch between having a playlist rotating in the background or silence - it depends on how easily I can be distracted in the moment. I have a dictionary or thesaurus available to me at anytime in case I need to double check a definition of a word or the word I'm thinking of makes sense, but doesn't fit the tone of the sentence. That's about it. It's a very basic set up.
Are there any particular authors or books that influenced your writing?Oh my goodness. Yes! You may see it in the books (by total mistake!) Kate Forsyth, Tahereh Mafi, Charlaine Harris, C.R. Rice, Heidi Nickerson, AK Ramirez, Brandon Hoy, Kait Disney-Leugers, I could go on and on. I think as authors we are influenced by what we read and see all the time, but it's best when we don't lose our own voices in it all. I've been influenced for sure, but I've never lost my own voice.
What was the first book that made you fall in love with reading?I think it was a picture book called, My Dolly. I took it out of the library when I was three and read it ad nasuem. Also, Dudley Dormouse was another favorite.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers, especially those working as a team?Communication is key to getting through those tough moments, and don't stop. Even when imposter syndrome shows up, give it a cup of tea, set it to the side, and keep going.
If “Brighde Reborn” were adapted into a movie or TV series, who would be your dream cast?I never know. I say let the casting agent decide!
What’s next for you as authors? Are there any upcoming projects or sequels in the works?We hope so! We're wrapping up The Amulet Series, and diving into the research for our next series. Too soon to reveal more about it, but hopefully soon.
In what ways do you think AllAuthor has helped you in promoting your books?By sending us book graphics for posting and tweeting, we have gain some new readers along the way.
