How to Marry an Earl is out tomorrow! It’s book one in A Cinderella Society series. Alyxandra was kind enough to answer some questions for us.
You can get your copy of this delightful historical 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?
When I was around nine years old, we went on a family trip and I got a little bored and probably a little bit sassy. In fact, I’m pretty sure that was the same trip my brother threw my Cindy Lauper cassette into the ocean because he just couldn’t listen to it one more time. Anyway, a family friend suggested that bored and sassy little me write a short story. I was instantly hooked! I spent years writing stories and poems and a handwritten novel when I was 15—I was so proud of my writers’ callus. So proud.
I had poetry published in my twenties (poetry is still one of my loves) and then followed that with 15 YA novels—mostly fantasy and paranormal but all with a strong romance subplot/coplot. And now I’m just thrilled to join the historical romance world—I read one of mother’s romance novels when I was 16 (also on vacation) and was instantly addicted. I guess the moral of the story is that vacations are good…
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 adore the Regency era. I don’t remember exactly how I stumbled into it, but I have a feeling that it is almost entirely the fault of Amanda Quick. And Jane Austen, of course.
I love the wit and costumes and the weird place it straddles between the wild Georgian era and the slightly crazy but rigid Victorian era. An in-between place.
But as much as I love it, I’m not sure I would be welcome there, or want to stay for more than a short visit. Human rights for one. Weird, jellied calves’ feet as delicacies for another. But living in a quirky manor house or a castle? Sign me up!
What are your favorite kind of characters to write? Do you have a specific trope that you’re drawn too?
I am a big, big fan of Enemies to Lovers. I love the built-in tension, the banter, the idiots who don’t know they love each other when it’s so obvious to their beleaguered friends and to us, the readers. I also love Grumpy and Sunshine, which pairs so well with Enemies to Lovers. No surprise that Beauty and the Beast is my favourite fairy tale!
Does your writing process include any kind of ritual? Story specific playlists, tea, or candles, for example?
I used to have so many little rituals—lighting a candle, maybe some incense. Creating a musical playlist to go with the book, so that if I get a little lost, it helps me find my way back. I have also made collages for characters as a way to get to know them on a more subconscious and thematic level. It’s about colour and imagery and a certain feeling—not specifics. No artistic talent required, just a glue stick. Also moodboards. Book trailers.
I still do a lot of those things, just not all of them all of the time.
I do find it hard to talk about whatever book I am writing at the time… something about saying it out loud when it’s still forming makes me feel like a little of the magic gets stolen away.
