Q&A with Author Alexandra Hale
You know what’s really cool? When a fellow reader you follow on social media drops into your inbox and says (paraphrased) please don’t say anything, but I’m writing a book and my pen name is….
And I’ve been a fan of Alexandra Hale from that moment on.
It’s hard to put words on paper, especially emotional ones, and then put them out in the world for people to read. But she did it. Now with nearly a dozen titles published and more on the way, she’s making her way beautifully in Romancelandia.
And what better way to get to know Alexandra and a bit about her books than with details directly from the author’s pen? Or keyboard :-)
How did you get started writing?
I’ve always loved writing and have a laptop full of never to be seen projects. I wrote strictly for me until we moved out of state and into our forever home. We decided that I’d stay home with our young children and it became the perfect time to give writing a real chance.
Where do you recommend a new reader start in your backlist?
The Clementine Creek series is complete and so much fun! I’m a mood reader so I’d recommend starting with Making it Country which is the second book in the series but grumpy sunshine is my favorite. I also just released Feels Like Falling which is the start of a brand new series and that book has a ton of heart and slow burn heat!
Do you have a favorite/most memorable scene/ part in novel you've written?
The prologue of Forever in the Country makes me cry every time I read it. It’s heartbreaking but also so beautiful because it shows how far Sorren comes but also the way the town rallies throughout the series and in that book.
Is there a part of your career as an author you thought was going to be difficult but has wound up being really wonderful
Not always, but for the most part, meeting big name authors – seasoned authors – is not as scary as I thought it would be. More times than not, we’re all just people and it’s so wonderful to get to talk to them in a professional setting. I’ve had such an incredible time already and so grateful to meet both colleagues and friends throughout the year.
Are there specific themes, tropes, or subgenres you’re more drawn to as an author, reader, or listener?
I’m a mood reader and writer. I don’t write in order so if I’m feeling something sweeter, I’ll write that or if I need more emotional I’ll focus on something else. I love balance so as long as I keep that in mind I’m able to skip around to what’s speaking to me.
I generally read lighter stories these days. If I’m going to jump into suspense or something dark, I need to make sure I’m in the right mindset. Ironically, my favorite comfort read/listen is the Hard Ink series by Laura Kaye which is romantic suspense and has a lot of heavy topics. I think I’m able to circle back to those books because they were my first real dive into the romance world.
What is your favorite part about being an author?
I love when readers connect with my stories. I love hearing that my books are like ‘coming home’ and that they make the reader feel good, and often seen. I like knowing that a dark romance reader uses my stories as a palate cleanser or that some have not only reread a book from me but my entire series.
I have my own comfort reads and it’s an absolute honor to be that for someone else.
What do you like to read? Any favorite authors you want to send a shout-out to?
I love a lot of different stories, and again I’m a mood reader. I love Just One Taste by Stephanie Rose – it was my first and still favorite by her and the audio is fabulous. I also love Charming and the Cherry Blossom by LJ Evans who writes incredibly romantic stories. Both of these women have been so kind to me right from the start and I’m so grateful to have them as friends. They’re people I admire and adore and I strive to make them proud.
Is there someone(s) who’s been influential in your life as it relates to your career?
My husband is the grumpy/broody hero I write, my muse if you will. He’s not for everyone and I use that line often. But he’s never wavered in supporting my dreams and helping to make them a reality. He’s constantly handing out bookmarks and sometimes books and generally engaging with people who I’d never have access to otherwise. He’s my favorite person and I’m so incredibly lucky I get to do this with him.
How have your life experiences influenced your career as an author?
I had an extremely different job before I started writing and a lot of those experiences will live with me forever. I write lighter stories because of that. I want to put good into the world and I’ve chosen to do with small town antics and all the feels.
As I grow as a writer, I’m sure I’ll dive into some deeper topics, but right now I like being an escape for readers. I love creating a world they can get lost in and enjoy, like being wrapped in a warm hug.
This or That: 7 random questions that may or may not be book related:
Kindle or Paperback? Kindle
Beach or Mountain Vacation? Beach - always
Dogs or Cats? Depends but probably dogs
Ice Cream or Cake? Ice Cream
Action Flick or Rom-Com? Action Flick
Tea or Coffee? Coffee in the morning tea at night
Road Trip or Air Travel? Road trip
Connect with Alexandra:
You can find more information about Alexandra, her books, and how to connect with her on social media here: https://linktr.ee/authoralexandrahale
