ME: What was your inspiration for the main character?
A mixture of all the strong women in my life. My mother, my daughters and my sisters. There is a little bit of Ella in each of them and vice versa.
ME: What was the hardest part of writing this book?
I try to be a positive person and writing about something as dark as the Cold War and the Berlin Wall was difficult at times. Especially when I included some of the victims and their histories, yet even then there was an element of pride that surfaced knowing I was doing my small part to keep their story alive.
ME: How many books in the series?
3 books. The third and final book will be released on Nov 9th 2019, the 30th anniversary of the Fall of the Wall.
ME: What emotion are you hoping to evoke in your reader?
Empathy and love. As Americans we tend to assume others live like we do with the freedom to say or do what we want. It’s important for us to recognize not everyone has had that.
ME: What do you think is the most memorable thing about the main character?
Her determination and loyalty. When Ella sets her mind to something, she persists despite the risks, but it was her decision to stay with her father right from the beginning full well knowing he could die soon that makes you fall in love with her.
ME: Why did you choose to write in your particular genre?
I have a background in archaeology and history and love intertwining fictional characters with real life events. Last year I spent a month on an archaeological dig on an island off the coast of Spain and after visiting a monastery, came home with 100 pages written on a new book. Too many stories to tell!
ME: What was the hardest part of writing this book?
The reality of darkness. As I researched the stranglehold the government and the Stasi had on the broken people of East Berlin, it was difficult to imagine living in such distrust and fear.
ME: Are you more concerned with what the reader wants or are you writing something that interests you? Do you have to comprise between to the two or do you find an equilibrium?
I couldn’t write if it didn’t interest me. Although I am amazed at the minds and imagination of fantasy or sci fi authors, I don’t think that way. Historical facts are very important to me. The German words, foods and culture are checked by friends from Germany, and the books truly didn’t come to life until I stood on the street Ella lived or next to the fairy tale fountain and the statues, but I also recognize the need for books to have a balance. Your readers are your life blood, there are certain directions you have to consider in that regard.
ME: Did you identify strongly with the main character of your book? Why?
Several years ago, I awoke from a dream, scrambling to place the location when it came to me that it was the Berlin Wall. From that dream, I knew my main character had to be strong to withstand so many struggles. Ella represents everything I believe a young woman in post war Germany had to be to survive the evil that hovered for decades. Although I am not a stranger to heartache or pain, it is different from hers.
ME: What is the most rewarding thing about writing for you?
Is when people who didn’t know much about the wall and its division before they read my book, then once they finish, they are driven to know more. Any time I can stir interest in something I am passionate about, I consider that quite successful.
ME: Can you summarize your writing process?
I am a night writer! Many times, I am up until 1 or 2 am hashing out one chapter at a time. Writing a series is different than writing a stand alone though, especially one that spans 28 years. You have to outline beginning to end to make sure your story and characters remain consistent.
ME: Do you have any advice for someone just starting out?
Believe in your work, it’s your baby! Think about all the amazing books out there that we wouldn’t have if that writer never pursued their dream!
Leah Moyes is the author of the Berlin Butterfly series, she is from San Tan Valley, Arizona, but experienced many parts of the world in thanks to a career in the airlines, now most of her time, aside from writing is spent as a high school teacher, soccer coach, and mom.
Her favorite subjects to read and write are historical fiction novels or time travel. Favorite Author is Michelle Moran. “I love her writing style and detail in regards to ancient civilizations”.
The best part about being an author is the opportunity to share a world of your own creation with people from so many different backgrounds, history, lifestyles, beliefs, and cultures and still make a remarkable connection.
Leah Moyes’s books can be found on Amazon.