Interview

Hi Alexandra and welcome. I am so glad you could join us here at RomanceJunkies. To start, will you please tell us a little bit about your current projects?

Thanks for having me! I’m happy to be here.

I’m currently working on a new series about four piratical brothers who retire their wicked ways and enter high society after their sister marries a duke. The brothers are supporting characters from past works, who demanded a story of their own. <g> Look for the series to begin Summer 2009. In the meantime, you can catch the four charming rogues in my previous books: TOO GREAT A TEMPTATION and TOO DANGEROUS TO DESIRE.

What do you like most about being an author? What do you like least?

I love bringing words to life, creating tangible characters that the reader can “see” and “hear” in her head.

I dislike the isolation. Hours alone in an office isn’t a lot of fun.

What does your writing space look like? What would you love to change about it?

My writing space is pretty. Neat. The walls are a soothing apple green. I have a desk, small library with research books and a comfy rocking chair. I also frame each of my beautiful covers and hang  them on the walls for inspiration.  There’s nothing I would change.

Do you listen to music while you write? Have a favorite beverage or snack by your side? Ever spill anything on the keyboard?
 

No music. I need silence or I get easily distracted.  I’ll often keep something sweet nearby (a sugar rush can be helpful when my brain turns sluggish). Fortunately, I’ve never spilled anything on the keyboard.

Do you consider yourself to be an organized person, or do you like to have a healthy amount of chaos around you?

I’m a very organized person.  I hate messes. I don’t even like rough drafts. I sit and polish each chapter until I think it’s near perfect before I move on to the next.

The only sort of chaos I appreciate is creative chaos. I tend to write by the seat of my pants rather than plot. I’ll always sketch a chapter outline before I sit down to write it, but that’s about as far as I go.
 
What is the one thing that you’d love to do, but will probably never have the nerve? What is the one thing you’ve already done that still amazes you to this day?

Hmm ... There’s lots of thing I’d like to do, and I’m still optimistic I’ll get them done.  <g>

I’m still amazed that I completed my first book … and that I’m still writing. I have a short attention span, so the fact that I’m still writing after almost ten years tells me this is my vocation.

What is this romance writer's idea of the "ideal romantic evening"?

A nice homemade dinner  served in the garden. I love the outdoors.  A pretty sunset. Crickets.  Some good conversation. That’s my ideal.

MORE FUN…
 
Who is the person who has had the biggest influence on your life? Whom will you pass this “influence” on to?

That would have to be my mother. She encouraged me to write (and get published) when I didn’t have the confidence to do it myself. I hope to pass along that encouragement to other aspiring writings.

What is your favorite piece of jewelry?

My bangle watch. I don’t go anywhere without it.
 
Are you right-handed or left-handed? Ever tried to write with the opposite hand?

I’m right-handed. Yes, I’ve tried writing with my left, but it’s impossible for me. I work part-time in a  museum, so I often teach school children about left-handed pioneers being forced to write with their right hand. To illustrate how difficult it can be work with the hand you’re uncomfortable with, I make the kids switch their dominant hands. So the right-handers write on the slate boards with their left hand and vice versus. It’s enlightening for them.

What screensaver do you have on your computer at the moment?

A beautiful beach at sunset. (sigh) I wish I was there right now.

And lastly, no interview of a writer would be complete without this question: what is your favorite comfort food?

Ice cream cake: a raspberry, orange, pineapple flavour mix. It’s sooo comforting to eat.

Thanks for having me at Romance Junkies. It’s been fun. Cheers!

You are very welcome; thank you for taking time out of yourr schedule to join us!  Much success in your writing in the future.

 

By Brooke Wills

Romance Junkies Publishing Editor

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