Women’s fiction novelist, Leanne Treese, returns to the Spotlight to chat about her latest, Mother of the Accused
Author Name: Leanne Treese
Book Title: Mother of the Accused
Book Genre: Women’s Fiction
Release Date: June 1, 2021
Publisher: Moxie Publishing
Welcome back, Leanne, and big congrats on Mother of the Accused! Please tell us about the book.
A mother struggles with the repercussions of serious criminal allegations against her teenage son. How far will she go to protect her own?
What drew you to the idea for Mother of the Accused and how close is the end product to that seed of an idea?
The idea of a mother struggling with a child who committed (or may have committed) a serious crime came to me first. I stayed pretty close to that vision. One thing I did change was how I laid out the story. In my original vision, I’d planned to have more points of view, including one from the mother of the victim of the crime. However, this additional POV ultimately detracted from the root story, so I removed it. That said, the character of Kelly Dixon (mother of the victim) was fully formed because of the chapters I wrote in her POV, even though they’re not in the book. I think Kelly comes across as a more authentic character because of that effort.
How has your real life (day job, hobbies, etc.) informed Mother of the Accused?
I am a mother of three and could draw upon my personal experience in writing about how the main character would feel and react.
In what ways do you think you’ve evolved as an author since your first book came out [or over the course of your career so far]?
I have written just two books (so far). My main takeaway is that each book is different and unfolds differently. In my first book. Their Last Chance, I overwrote and had to delete tons (probably a quarter of the book). With Mother of the Accused, I needed to add scenes.
What drew you to the women’s fiction genre?
I like to read women’s fiction books so writing in that genre felt natural.
What’s your favorite part about publishing your work independently? What’s challenging?
I like being in control of the process — the cover, the timing of release, price promotions, advertising. I do miss the feeling of camaraderie I had when I was an author with a small press. It was fun to have the other authors pulling for me and vice versa.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a Christmas-themed romantic comedy. Fingers crossed I can get it done in time for the holidays!
How are you adjusting to marketing a book during a pandemic?
Most of my marketing is done online so it has not impacted me too much. I do miss some in-person events like book fairs.
Where can readers find you?
Website: www.leannetreese.com
Instagram: @leannetreese
Facebook: @authorleanne50
Thank you, Leanne! Mother of the Accused is available NOW.
Mother of the Accused
After the tragic death of her husband, Meredith Morgan spends a decade raising their son, Zach, alone. On the verge of Zach’s graduation from high school, Meredith moves in with her fiancé, Dr. Reed Edwards, excited to begin a new chapter. But, when Zach is accused of sexually assaulting the daughter of a prominent lawyer, Meredith’s life spins out of control. Reed’s ex-wife does not want their daughters in the house with Zach; Meredith’s best friend distances herself and her sons from the fray. Only childhood friend and lawyer, Peter Flynn, remains by Meredith’s side.
As Meredith and Peter team up to prove Zach’s version of the events, long buried feelings resurface, complicating an already difficult circumstance. Meanwhile, evidence mounts against Zach and Meredith faces the ever-increasing likelihood that her son is guilty. Struggling to copy with the idea of Zach behind bars, Meredith learns just how far a mother will go protect her own.
Author bio:
Leanne Treese spent over two decades as family law attorney before writing her first novel, Their Last Chance. When Leanne is not writing, she can be found at home with her husband, three children, and two beloved dogs. Leanne’s favorite places include Martha’s Vineyard, the Jersey shore, and any place that sells books or coffee, preferably both. Her latest novel, Mother of the Accused, is set to be released on June 1, 2021.