Who doesn’t love a Captivating Kiss! Book one in Alexa Aston’s new series is available today, and she was kind enough to answer some questions for us.
You can get your copy of this delightful Regency romance HERE!
Did you always know you wanted to be an author? What is the first story you remember writing? How did you get from there to where you are today?
Before I ever started school, I always wanted to be a writer. I made up stories for my stuffed animals and dolls. I would act out these stories, even changing up who was the hero and villain. Yes, I was that only child (at that time) who could easily entertain herself! Then playing in the neighborhood with five other girls close to my age, I created stories for us to act out. We all even had our “story names.”
The first short story I ever wrote was over 25 pages long. It was an assignment from my 7th grade English teacher. And wouldn’t you know it—I ran into her YEARS later at a romance conference! She’d retired from teaching and become an author for Harlequin.
I wrote for several years while I was still teaching, but grading AP essays, lesson planning, and meetings took up too much time to pursue a writing career seriously. It was only when I retired from teaching after 30 years (and consulting for another 2) that I went for it and became published. Writing romance is my fulltime job now, and as much as I enjoyed teaching high school history, I simply adore writing HEAs for the characters inside my head.
What is the most inspiring place you’ve visited and has it shown up in one of your books?
London is my favorite place in the world. If I had a whole lot more money (and I could take the grands along with me), I would move to England. I’ve written about places throughout the city in different historical romances. One place which really moved me was St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. At the end of my trilogy The King’s Cousins, my three heroes took part in a ceremony inside the chapel based upon actual history, when the king summoned what would become the founding members of the Order of the Garter, including my Nicholas, Landon, and Quill!
How much research do you do into the time period and places you write about? Do you have any experience dressing in character or participating in living history situations or are you more a fan of libraries and online resources?
Being a former history teacher, I do enjoy the research aspect of writing an historical romance. I research everything from customs to foods to architecture and entertainment for the era. Many times, I can use some of this research in another book. I read books (even from the children’s section—that’s a true treasure trove), go online, and also belong to Regency Fiction Writers, where authors share research and ask questions of one another.
I’ve only dressed in costume at romance conventions, in both Regency and Medieval gowns.
What drew you to the era you write in? Is there something about the time period you think most people don’t know about? What do you think would be the most difficult part about living in that period?
I always enjoyed reading about Medieval times, along with the American West after the Civil War, and I’ve written numerous historical romances in these two time periods. I grew up reading Regency romances, though, and I believe this is something I am meant to write. In-between historical romance series, I write a contemporary series. It lets me play in a different world, and then I’m eager to return to Polite Society and my Regency romances.
What is your favorite kind of characters to write? Do you have a specific trope that you’re drawn too?
I like writing many kinds of tropes, but I gravitated toward “fish out of water” stories, especially during the Regency era. I enjoy throwing a self-assured hero into a situation he’s totally unfamiliar with and unprepared for, then throw love into the mix to truly make his head spin!
I’m also drawn toward writing about families, whether they are actual related family members or families of choice. Many of my series follow these two themes.
Where is your favorite place to write? Does it change depending on where you are in the process?
My favorite place to write is sitting in my La-Z-Boy rocker, feet up, laptop in my lap, with a candle burning. Probably 98% of what I write takes place in that chair.
Which comes first for you: the plot or the characters?
I always create the characters first. In fact, I have to hit on just the right name before I take things any further. Once I have a name, I create a physical description, add in character traits, and come up with a backstory. Only then do I consider plot.
Do you know where the story is going before you begin, or does it come to you as you write? Do scenes come to you fully formed or are you as surprised as the reader?
This writing journey has surprised me because as a teacher, I was always over prepared. I knew exactly where I was going. In writing, however, the situation is totally reversed. I have a handful of plot points I want to hit (how and where my couple meets, along with some idea of the conflict between them). The rest? I’m flying by the seat of my pants!
When I have tried to plot more intricately, I set out to drive my couple down the interstate to get to our destination. They are rebellious creatures, however, and want to take the scenic route—or veer off course entirely! I’ve learned to listen to them because they are telling their own love story. They simply let me throw in a few problems every now and then.
Does your writing process include any kind of ritual? Story specific playlists, tea, or candles, for example?
I walk every morning and during that walk, I usually dictate an entire chapter which I’ve thought about some the night before. Once I get home and shower, I then transcribe my recording. That gives me a terrific start to my day.
After that, when I’m writing straight onto my laptop? I cannot—under any circumstances—have music playing. I’ll start singing along otherwise, and it completely pulls me out of my story. I like it quiet. A candle burning. And then the magic begins.
Do you write better in the morning or evening? How do you handle the distractions of working from home, especially if you’re sharing the space with others?
Although I’m a morning person, I do write in the afternoons and occasionally in the evenings. I find when I’m invested in my story, the time of day fades away as I become caught up in my characters and what’s happening next in their lives.
When it’s difficult to physically travel, how do you find ways to escape?
Walking is my stress reliever. I enjoy being outdoors, especially early in the morning, when not many others are on the trail. I can breathe. Think. Smile at the occasional bunny. Say my prayers and get a chapter dictated. That’s escape enough.
From all your books, who is your favorite hero and why?
Nope. Not going there. Don’t make me pull a Sophie’s choice! Usually, my favorite hero is the one I’m writing for at the moment.
What do you like to read when you’re not reading in your genre? Did you have a favorite book or series when you were growing up?
I LOVE a great thriller! I read Steve Berry, Lee Child, David Baldacci, Michael Connelly, Stephen King, Harlan Coben, Brad Meltzer, Gregg Hurwitz—authors who specialize in a ticking time bomb kind of plot. All these authors also write memorable characters, as well. They take me on an adventure, and I can read their novels without worrying that they are subconsciously influencing my current or next project.
