Spotlight Author with Alexandra Hawkins

With all of the excitement of the New Year, somehow I forgot to celebrate my one year anniversary on Micole Writes Romance. How did this happen? Well given the fact that I have been buried in research for my next book, which by the way I started on January 15th, I was also coming off the holiday haze, and well let’s face it… I am a little brain dead at times. ;-) So how about you pull out those party blowers from New Years (hopefully they haven’t collected too much dust yet) and toot your little horn for me and my blog! It is now one year old. Yippy!!!

I have to admit, this is very exciting for me. When I started this blog a year ago, I didn’t know what I would be up against. The experience has been wonderful. I have been blessed with amazing guests and commenter’s. I know I say thank you to all of you at the end of each of my blogs, but I don’t think any of you really understand how much your visits mean to me. This includes the authors who take the time to answer all of the daunting questions I ask.;-) Those of you who make a weekly appearance in the comment section! (you know who you are) And the ones who lurk amongst us. (you know who you are! ;-)) I love you all. Thank you. Without you guys I wouldn’t have a blog.

Here’s to the next year. I plan on beefing up the blog with more writer information for those of you who are already writers and those of you still kicking the idea around. I would like to reach more readers and continues to give you the information that you want to know from your favorite authors. I also would love to do more giveaways! ;-) I know how much you guys like the giveaways.

With that said, I have another wonderful guest here with me today. Alexandra Hawkins. Here she is to share her books and herself with us.

Alexandra, please tell us a little bit about your latest release…

On February 1st, the third book in the Lords of Vice series, “After Dark With a Scoundrel” will be released. This book focuses on Dare (Lord Hugh Mordare) and Frost’s younger sister, Lady Regan.

An innocent kiss banished the fifteen-year-old Lady Regan to Miss Swann’s Academy for Young Ladies for a little social polish. Five years later, she returns to London confident that she is no longer the outrageous hoyden her brother once accused her of being.

Nevertheless, old habits are hard to break—and this time, Lady Regan plans to steal more than a kiss from Dare. All she has to do is beat the master of seduction at his own game.

What is your favorite thing about being an author?

I love the fact that I get to spend the day making up stories and I get paid for it!

When did you know you wanted to pursue a writing career?

For most of my life, writing has been a creative outlet for me. I didn’t start to view it was a possible career until I had completed my first manuscript. Once I had proven to myself that I could finish a novel, I was eager to take the next step and try to get it published.

Some writers say that they have a story that has to be told other’s say that the characters come to them and demand that their story be told… how does it work for you?

Excellent question. While it varies a little with each book, I usually develop my main characters first. Stories emerge as I develop each character’s backstory.

What made you decide to write historical romance verses another genre?

I was seventeen-years-old when I discovered romance novels. Regencies were my particular favorite, so years later, when I decided to write a romance, I knew that I wanted to write a Regency historical.

If you had to pick one character in your books, who would be your favorite? And why. Or if you don’t want to pick a favorite… which one do you connect with the most? And why?

It’s difficult to pick a favorite. When I’m working on a manuscript, the hero and heroine are my two favorite people in the world. It’s just part of the writing process. If I can’t connect with a character, I’m not going to be able to tell their story.

So who do I connect with the most? Probably Lady Juliana Ivers from “All Night With a Rogue”. I empathize with her driving need for creative expression, and her frustration that no one was taking her seriously.

Where does your inspiration come from?

Anything and everything. Classical music, while I’m taking research notes, a random snippet of dialogue, and even a few dreams have inspired story ideas.

When you aren’t writing steaming hot romances what do you do in your spare time?

If I’m not working on my TBR pile, I’m tinkering on a home project with my husband, or playing with my kids.

Alexandra, thank you for being a guest on my blog.

My pleasure, Micole! Thanks for having me.

Where can we find more information about you and your books?

Readers can learn my about my Lords of Vice series by visiting my website: www.alexandrahawkins.com

I also post updates on:

www.facebook.com/author.alexandra.hawkins
www.twitter.com/lordsofvice
www.myspace.com/lordsofvice

Make sure to look for Alexandra. She's got a great website and some amazing books. Thanks again friends for stopping by.

Hugs

Micole