Q&A with Author Anna Blakely
I am so excited to bring in another guest blogger this week. I love showcasing superfans as much as I love showcasing the authors they love. And this week, Anna Blakely SuperFan Janis Huber is bringing all the wonderful words about one of her favorite authors.
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I was in the middle of reading Anna Blakely’s latest book, CADE, when Michelle messaged me to ask if I would write the intro for this week’s Author Spotlight.
Uh - Yah!!!
In 2023 my goal was to read every author attending my very first ever bookish event, Charm City Romanticon!!!! Anna’s books caught my eye because they were former military, protector alphas, “touch her and die!” stories. Totally my jam! That January I read Taking a Risk 1 & 2. Then probably the next couple of titles, because - like potato chips - how can you stop at just one? Sadly, Anna ended up not being able to attend Charm that year, after all. I was disappointed but I dove into her back list and a FAN was born!
In April of 2023, through Anna’s socials I discovered that on Tuesday evenings, Anna and her husband Christian (Mr. B) host a live event, TALK TUESDAY, for any readers that want to join at 7PM CST. My Tuesday evenings have been booked since. Anna & Mr B want to know about all of us - the readers- as much as we want to hear more from them. Dare I say, no topic is off limits, which is probably why we go off the rails more than we stay on. Technical difficulties notwithstanding, a good time is had by all. I plan Tuesday evenings around this time because it feels like I am spending time with good friends. We are a community of Anna’s Angels! This is when I became a Super Fan!
Last June, I was finally looking forward to meeting Anna at Knock Out Book Bash. What was our meet cute like? Well, it wasn’t me strolling up to her table and shyly saying “Hi, I love your books and I have a preorder.” Instead it was me literally running into Mr B outside of the elevator, running out to the parking lot with him to see Anna. Amidst hugs and laughter and “so good to finally see yous”, this was more of a greeting between friends that just hadn’t met in person yet. That is when I became a MEGA FAN!!!!!!
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Anna is attending Charm City Romanticon 2025 and I’m so excited to see her again. I loved her Q&A, and I hope you will too.
How did you get started writing?
It was so random and completely unexpected! The idea for a scene with these characters just came to me one day out of absolutely nowhere, and I just started writing. The more I wrote, the more the characters in my head started to come alive, and before I knew it, I had created an entire team of former military badasses that quickly turned into the members of R.I.S.C.’s Alpha Team.
Where do you recommend a new reader start in your backlist?
I typically suggest starting with my very first book: TAKING A RISK, PART ONE (R.I.S.C. Alpha Team #1), or KEEPING HIS PROMISE (Eagle’s Nest Securities #1). The first one gives readers a chance to start at the very beginning of my writing journey, while Keeping His Promise will give a new reader the opportunity to start with my newest series. Either way I always try to write each story so a new reader can find me mid-series and not feel confused or like they’ve missed something major.
Do you have a favorite/most memorable scene/ part in a novel you've written?
One of my absolute favorite scenes comes from TAKING A RISK, PART ONE (R.I.S.C. Alpha Team #1). It takes place in a cave in the middle of a jungle as Jake and Olivia–my hero and heroine) are hiding out from two men who want to kill Jake and take Olivia captive. Olivia is struggling with a bad case of survivor's guilt, and knowing it’s what she needs, Jake pushes her to face it head-on. Things get heated, then HOT, and then…well, I don’t want to spoil it for those who still need to read it lol.
TAKING A RISK, Part One was the very first book I ever published, but even 37 books later, that scene still sticks out in my mind as one of my faves.
Is there a part of your career as an author you thought was going to be difficult but has wound up being really wonderful?
I’d say my biggest fear was not being able to truly connect with my readers. While there are so many out there I haven’t had the opportunity to meet, there are also some amazing ladies I’ve met through my writing who are now my personal friends.
Are there specific themes, tropes, or subgenres you’re more drawn to as an author, reader, or audiobook listener?
Whether I’m reading or writing,my stories have to have an element of suspense included. Aside from that, I love the tropes of second-chance, enemies to lovers, best friend’s little sister/best friend’s older brother, stoic bodyguard-turned-love of the heroine’s life…that sort of thing.
What is your favorite part about being an author?
My favorite part of being an author has to be getting to know my readers on a more personal level. Whether it be at a signing event, or during the weekly live my hubby and I do every Tuesday evening, being able to talk to and interact with my readers is by far the best part of this job!
(WARNING: Shameless plug ahead… Our live is called Talk Tuesday, and we’re on live every Tuesday night at 7pm CST if you’d like to pop in and say hi!! 😀 )
What do you like to read/listen to?
I typically read what I love to write: edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense. But I also love series such as Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta series.
Any favorite authors you want to send a shout-out to?
Like all readers out there, the list of my go-to authors is too long to name. But if I had to pick just one, Cynthia Eden would be at the top of that list. I’ve read her for years (well before I tried my hand at writing) and have loved every romantic suspense story she’s ever written!
Is there someone(s) who’s been influential in your life as it relates to your career?
So, so many! Caitlyn O’Leary, Elle Boone, Riley Edwards, Susan Stoker…and so many others! It’s been six years since I published my first book, and even now, these amazing authors will still take time out of their busy schedules to offer their help and advice whenever it’s needed.
Outside the author world, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my husband. From day one, he’s supported my dream of doing this full-time, and was instrumental in making that dream into a reality.
How have your life experiences influenced your career as an author?
I’ve often pondered this very question. Looking back, there are several things that, at the time, I didn’t realize would eventually help with my storytelling craft.
For example, I started taking piano lessons when I was five years old, and continued through early high school. I’ve discovered whenever I’m writing, there has to be a sort of cadence to my words. I will literally spend several minutes reworking the sentence/paragraph I’m currently writing until it fits with the imaginary beat in my head.
In 1998, I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, and I’ve used a lot of what I learned from that to add to the details of my stories. A semester later, I changed my mind and went back to school to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. (I taught 6th grade for four years, and then 3rd grade for six). My years as a teacher have come in handy a few times during my writing career as I’’ve had characters with a background in education.
This or That: 7 random questions that may or may not be book related:
Kindle or Paperback- Paperback if I’m home…Kindle if I’m on the go :)
Beach or Mountain Vacation- Mountains
Dogs or Cats- Dogs :)
Ice Cream or Cake- Ooh..that’s a hard one! (hee hee…that’s what she said!) I’d have to go with ice cream.
Action Flick or Rom-Com- Action Flick all the way!
Tea or Coffee- Coffee. Lots and lots of coffee!
Road Trip or Air Travel- I’m always down for a good road trip, but the flying gets me there a whole lot faster lol. So I’d have to say it would really depend on the destination.
Connect with Anna Blakely
You can find more information about Anna, her books, and how to connect with her on social media here:
