Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a romantic at heart, married to my childhood sweetheart. I live in the mid-Atlantic US with my husband and two kids. We don’t have any pets, luckily our neighbors own such a menagerie we don’t need any. I’m a huge fan of Beverly Jenkins, as well as Brenda Jackson, Farrah Rochon, Sarra Cannon, Erica Monroe, and Ann Pachett. I love to read, though I don’t have nearly as much time for it as I’d like. With a busy family, my writing, and the various events I attend, I barely have time to take a deep breath. Still, I love what I do- writing is a part of who I am, and I can’t imagine myself doing antyhing else.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Loving the Lawman. It is the third in my Roses of Ridgeway sweet historical series. Set in a fictional California town toward the end of the 19th century, the series explores some of the issues of the time period, including race, which some migh targue is still an issue today. The town is a mixed-race settlement. The story was inspired by the events of the previous book, as well as my fascination with Marvel’s Thor movies- Chris Hemsworth is my inspiration for the hero, Sheriff Noah Rogers.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a morning person, so sometimes I’m up at four or five in the morning to get in a few thousand words while everone in my house is still asleep. The flipsde to that: by nine-thirty, I’m pretty much passed out.
I also have become pretty adept at writing anywhere. One of my children has a special need, so I often write in public places like hospital waiting rooms or while standing in line, using a tablet, my Alphasmart, or the trusty dictation app on my phone. I also write while driving- I make my passenger (usually my husband) take notes on what I say !
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love everything Beverly Jenkins ever wrote, and she is a big inspiration to me. Night Song was a life-changing read for me. These days, I’m proud to cal her my good freind and mentor.
I also admire writers I know who are serious and passionate about their craft, and who pursue writing doggedly and champion their work. Erica Monroe spent more than a year immersing herself in the London underworld of the 1830’s before releasing her recent debut, A Dangerous Invitation. Phyllis Bourne writes while running on a treadmill, using a contraption called a Fit Desk. Trailblazers like Rochelle Alers, Evelyn Palfrey, and the late Francis Ray were among the first African American writers to publish in romance, and can always be counted on to encourage other writers just starting out on the journey. These are the kinds of things I admire, and draw inspiration from.
What are you working on now?
Currently I am working on several things, as is often the case. I’m editing a manuscript contracted by Ellora’s Cave Publishing, retooling an onlder manuscript for submission to another house, and working on two more titles in my Climax Creek erotic contemporary series: Adoring Ava, and Persuading Patrice, due out May and July, respectively.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I interact with my readers a lot through Facebook, but I think word of mouth is still king when it comes to selling book. Social media helps me cast a wider net, though. I notice my sales bump up a bit when I visit a book club or do an in-person appearance.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Study the craft- this is very important. Write while you learn, because you can only fix it if you’ve actually written something, but study up as much as you can. Read books, visit goo blogs (like J. A. Konrath’s “A Newbie’s Guide to Publishing, Nathan Bransford’s blog, or David Graughan’s “Let’s Get Digital” blog). There are also a lot of great resources available to you. Check out these books: “Novelist’s Boot Camp” by Todd Stone if you write fiction, and “Become a Sucessful Author” by Deatri King-Bey no matter what you write. Write every day, even if it’s only a few words. And join a writer’r group- it really helps flatten the learning curve, and keeps you from hermiting, something writers tend to do:)
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Beverly Jenkins once helped me get “unstuck” on a manuscript by telling me, “Let the characters lead you where there going. If it goes of the rails, fix it later, but let them do what they’re going to do.” Whenever I get stuck, I defer to my character’s whims.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading A Wayward Man, a novella by Erica Monroe, along with a lot of blogs on writing and marketing.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a lot of workshops and events in the works for 2014. I’m also looking at turning one of my books into a script- I’d love to see it performed as a stage play. I’ve expanded into audiobooks recently, with Kissing the Captain, the first in the Roses of Ridgeway series, and I hope to start a podcast very soon. Other than that, I’m just writing my little ol’ heart out!
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
-Night Song- Beverly Jenkins
-We Are Your Sisters: Black Women in the 19th Century by Dorothy Sterling
-Pleasure Rush by Farrah Rochon
-Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Author Websites and Profiles
Kianna Alexander Website
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