Author Interview: Leanne Treese

1. What do you believe are some challenges that are faced while writing Women’s Fiction?

Emotion is at the heart of women’s fiction.  It can be a challenge to write emotion in a way that doesn’t overpower the reader.  In my own writing, I try to balance out the more difficult parts of an emotional narrative with subtle humor.

2. What character do you relate to the most in The Language of Divorce?

I related to Hannah as a mom fiercely protective of her children.  I also related to Rachel who, as a new family law practitioner, found it difficult to maintain an emotional boundary between her own life and that of her clients. 

3. Do you have a playlist for the book that we can listen to?
I write in complete silence!

4. If you could have any celebrity play as the characters who would they be and why?

Will Abbott — Justin Hartley (Kevin on This is Us).  I did not watch This is Us until a book blogger told them my book reminded them of the show.  Once I saw it, I realized I’d unwittingly created a character very similar to Kevin, looks and all!

Hannah Abbott — Rachel McAdams.  She has a girl-next-door look that I think would be good for Hannah.

David Dewey — Vince Vaughn.  Vince Vaughn has a funny on-screen presence I think would be perfect.

Rachel Goldstein – Dakota Johnson.  Rachel looks like Dakota Johnson and can be insecure in much the same way as characters that actress has played.

5. What book do you think has influenced your writing?

Any book by Liane Moriarty or Jodi Picoult. The former because she balances humor and serious

topics and the latter because her books often have legal elements. That said, I
currently record a weekly book vlog where I read and discuss a new book each
week. This has been a powerful exercise because it forces me not only to think
about whether I like a book or not but why.

6. When do you usually write?
First thing in the morning. I usually start before
7:00 a.m. and end around noon (with a few breaks).

7. What are your top 5 favorite books?

“Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty
“Me Before You” by JoJo Moyes
“Small Great Things” by Jodi Picoult
“The Poisonwood Bible” by Barbara Kingsolver
“The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern

8. Are you currently working on anything else?
I am ¾ through my second novel,
Mother of the Accused. It is a story of a mother whose high school-aged son is
accused of sexually assaulting the daughter of a prominent lawyer.

9. What inspired you to write The Language of Divorce?
I practiced as a divorce lawyer for over twenty years. One of the things I noticed was how quickly relationships could spiral out of control. I wanted to write a book that would
demonstrate how that could happen. That said, I didn’t want my book to be
depressing (like the movie, Marriage Story) so I infused a bit of humor and
hope throughout. There’s even a bit of romance!

10. And lastly, book or movie?

I love all stories but, given a choice, I would read a book over watching a movie.