Meet Lelina Durrette
Indie Author Spotlight
Welcome to Indie Author Spotlight where I interview talented writers I’ve met online who have valuable insights to share on their writing process, publication, and what it means to be an indie author.
Lelina Durrette is the Texas-based author of The Girl Who Was Too Much and Not Enough. Lelina has a passion for cats, cooking, and all things punk.
How did you originally get into writing fiction?
I've been writing (fiction) practically since I could hold a pencil. As a child, I drew and wrote elaborate zines, then progressed into writing short stories as a teen, and eventually majored in Creative Writing and Journalism in college, before switching majors to Psychology.
What inspired you to write The Girl Who Was Too Much and Not Enough?
The inspiration for my book comes from our society's obsession with physical perfection, particularly in this age of social media, coupled with the multi-billion dollar per year diet and exercise industries that prey on our deepest insecurities.
What came to you first, the plot or the characters?
I think they came to me simultaneously. I could really relate to a lot of the MC's struggles to fit into a perfect society.
How long did it take you to write this book?
I actually wrote the bulk of this book during NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) a few years back. The story stuck with me though, and I knew that eventually I wanted to flesh it out into a real book. Between extensive rewrites and edits in 2022, it probably took around another 4-5 months, and I published in March 2023.
If your book ever became a movie or series, who would you cast to play Kiera and Asa?
That's a tough question! I see them so clearly in my mind, yet can't really think of any actors who resemble them. They're both unique looking in their own way. I'd love to see a casting director use some lesser-known names for their roles.
What did you learn from writing your debut that you might do differently with subsequent books?
I learned that you can't rush the process, and the characters will speak to you in their own time.
Tell us about your writing routine. Do you have any creative rituals or a favorite place to write?
I usually write longhand in a notebook for several days before sitting down to my laptop to transcribe what I've written. I'll usually add things in and edit things out in the process. Favorite place to write is wherever and whenever I have time these days, since I just started a new day job, but that's where having a notebook comes in handy!
What criticism have you received that has helped you grow as a writer?
Probably that I need to be careful to "show" versus "tell". It's a little challenging for me, especially when I'm writing in the first person, but I'm working on it!
What genres do you read and does that influence what you write?
I read and enjoy all genres! If a book has a compelling storyline and characters, I'm sold. That's probably what influences my writing style. I write romance, horror, dystopian, contemporary, whatever moves me.
What went into your decision to self-publish rather than go traditional?
I actually resisted self-publishing for years, because I was really married to the idea that in order to be taken seriously, I needed to be signed with a mainstream publisher. After literally years of queries, and more rejections than I could count, I was close to giving up writing altogether when I decided to give self-publishing another look. Self-publishing has evolved a lot in the last ten years, and I'm honestly glad I waited, in hindsight. I feel like there's less of a stigma now for being self-published than there was before.
As an indie author, how important is it to be a part of a writing community? What groups or platforms have been most supportive to you?
I never realized how vital being a part of a writing community was until I published myself. I wish I had put myself out there more all of the years that I was writing. Threads has been the most incredibly welcoming and supportive platform I've engaged with so far. I can honestly say I've made some true friends there.
What are you working on now?
Right now I'm working on finishing up book 2 in the Kiera Rieman trilogy, The Girl Who Saved Them All. I was hoping to publish this spring, but may have to push that back slightly now with my new job. I'm also working on an adult horror novel that I'll probably publish between books 2 and 3 of the YA trilogy.
Where can readers find you?
My website: https://lelinad.wixsite.com/lelinadurrettewrites
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@lelinadurrettewrites
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lelinadurrettewrites/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLelinaDurrette
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lelinadurrettewrites?lang=en
Get The Girl Who Was Too Much and Not Enough!
