Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Authors After Dark Author Spotlight Interview - Alexandra Ivy

Please welcome Alexandra Ivy to The Qwillery's as part of the Authors After Dark Author Spotlight Interviews.



TQ:  What inspired you to become a writer?

Alexandra:  I actually came to writing from my love for theatre. I’ve always been a huge reader, but when I was younger I hoped to work on stage. After taking a playwriting class I realized I actually preferred to create my own characters rather than mimicking someone else’s. I worked on a play (that I would still love to finish), but my heart has always belonged to romance, so I swiftly turned my efforts to novels.

TQ:  What is the most challenging thing for you about writing?

Alexandra:  I have a very vivid idea for each scene and it runs through my mind like a movie clip, but getting it from my head and onto the paper into words that capture my idea is always tough. I also have a habit of changing my mind about the ending of the story about three quarters of the way through a book, so I have to go back through and make sure it all makes sense :-)  The one thing that’s never tough is getting new ideas. I only wish I had more time!

TQ:  What writing achievement are you most proud of?

Alexandra:  I know it’s cliché, but hitting the New Times bestseller list will always be one of my greatest moments. It took me years to finally get published and even after I had several books in print I still felt like a fraud :-) As if someone might suddenly realize that I shouldn’t be published. So hitting the list felt like a confirmation that it hadn’t all been some huge mistake!

TQ:  What one thing should everyone know about your writing?

Alexandra:  That I write my books in play format…which means that I write all the dialogue first with a few stage directions. I don’t know if it’s because I started writing plays first, but it’s the way I make sure that the characters always move the story forward and don’t become overwhelmed by the details and descriptions.

TQ:  Please tell us about your latest and upcoming works.

Alexandra:  My next book in the Guardians of Eternity series will be FEAR THE DARKNESS in Sept. This is Caine and Cassie’s story and for those who’ve followed the series it has a HUGE turning point!! After that will be Santiago and Nefri’s story (June 2013).

Kensington is also reprinting my vampire trilogy that I wrote under the name Debbie Raleigh. The Immortal Rogues, starting with MY LORD VAMPIRE (Feb. 28th) are regency historicals that are set in the early 1800s London England. They’re ‘sweeter’ than my current series (less sex and violence :-) ) but I do have a character in my current series that makes an appearance in my earlier books. It’s soooo much fun to write about immortals!

TQ:  Thank you for joining us at The Qwillery.

Alexandra:  Thanks so much for inviting me!!


Recent and Upcoming Novels

My Lord Vampire
Immortal Rogues 1
Zebra, February 28, 2012
Mass Market Paperback and eBook

In the first of a mesmerizing trilogy, Alexandra Ivy, author of the Guardians of Eternity series, introduces the Immortal Rogues—three vampires duty-bound to protect their own kind even as they fall prey to mortal desires…

Centuries have passed since Gideon Ravel dwelled among humans. Now he must infiltrate the cream of London society to earn the trust of one woman. Simone, Lady Gilbert, possesses an amulet of unimaginable power, and no concept of the threat that surrounds her. The ton’s gossip prepared him for her beauty and wit. But he is blindsided by her barely disguised sensuality and his growing need to possess her...

None of the idle aristocrats who vie for Simone’s attentions know about her past. To them, she is the sophisticated, worldly widow known as the “Wicked Temptress.” The truth would ruin her, and she has never been tempted to reveal it until now. Yet beneath Gideon’s bold, black-eyed stare is a hunger that demands satisfaction and complete surrender…and a secret far more dangerous than her own…


Fear the Darkness
Guardians of Eternity 9
Zebra, August 28, 2012
Mass Market Paperback and eBook

The Guardians of Eternity are embroiled in an epic battle for survival. They are as dangerous as they are sensual—and their lustful appetites are legendary…

Her Visions Lead Her To Danger

Beautiful Cassandra is a Were, a prophet both vulnerable and defiant, blessed with visions that portend the fate of the world. A rare and delicate creature, Cassie must be protected at all costs. Enter Caine, a powerful cur turned pureblooded Were whose recent tangles with a demon lord have left him in serious need of redemption. Caine is duty-bound to keep Cassie out of danger—and that means resisting his potent urge to seduce her…

And Only He Can Save Her

As Cassie’s mysterious visions lead them in and out of danger, Caine believes he has found his true mate, the woman with whom he is bound for all eternity. Cassie is both charmed and frightened by Caine’s magnetism, and unsure if he—or her feelings for him—can be trusted. But Cassie can’t afford to doubt Caine now. A deadly enemy bent on destruction is closer than they realize—and only they can keep chaos from ruling the world…
Pre-Order


Guardians of Eternity
Read about the Guardians of Eternity at Alexandra Ivy's Website


About Alexandra

Alexandra Ivy is the author of the highly acclaimed Guardians of Eternity. Her books have regularly hit the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists along with Publisher Weekly. The next book in her series, FEAR THE DARKNESS, will be released September 2012. She has also written historicals under the pseudonyms Debbie Raleigh and Deborah Raleigh.

Alexandra graduated from Truman University with a degree in theatre before deciding she preferred to bring her characters to life on paper rather than stage. She currently lives in Missouri with her extraordinarily patient husband and sons.

Alexandra's Links

Website
Blog
Twitter
Facebook



The Giveaway

THE RULES

What:  One commenter will win a copy of My Lord Vampire (Immortal Rogues 1) from The Qwillery.

How:  Leave a comment answering the following question:

If you are immortal, when were you created or born? 

Please remember - if you don't answer the question your entry will not be counted.

You may receive additional entries by:

1)   Being a Follower of The Qwillery.

2)   Mentioning the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter. Even if you mention the giveaway on both, you will get only one additional entry. You get only one additional entry even if you mention the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter multiple times.

3)   Mentioning the giveaway on your on blog or website. It must be your own blog or website; not a website that belongs to someone else or a site where giveaways, contests, etc. are posted.

There are a total of 4 entries you may receive: Comment (1 entry), Follower (+1 entry), Facebook and/or Twitter (+ 1 entry), and personal blog/website mention (+1 entry). This is subject to change again in the future for future giveaways.

Please leave links for Facebook, Twitter, or blog/website mentions. You MUST leave a way to contact you.

Who and When:  The contest is open to all humans on the planet earth with a mailing address. Contest ends at 11:59pm US Eastern Time on Wednesday, May 23, 2012. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 years old or older to enter.

*Giveaway rules are subject to change.*

25 comments:

  1. I have to think that if I were immortal I'd have been made immortal a looooong time ago - back in the middle ages, perhaps? People still believed in magic then, so it seems like that would be the most plausible period.

    +1 comment
    +1 follower
    +1 Tweeted (https://twitter.com/#!/RebeLovesBooks/status/202796544141959168)

    rwschwarz11ATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  2. How funny - when I'm writing, I tend to go over a scene like a movie clip in my mind as well. I didn't think I was the only person that did that, but it always makes me laugh a little bit when someone else admits it. I don't know why. Maybe because I'm not the only crazy one? :)

    If I were an immortal, I think I would have been born back in ancient Egypt. I've always been utterly fascinated with that time period - far more than I probably should be.

    +1 comment
    +1 follower
    +1 tweeted (https://twitter.com/#!/mamakitty729/status/202809264614543361)

    mamakitty(at)mamakittyreviews(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi

    I think if I were immortal I would have wanted to be made in the regency era. There is something interesting about that time in history. Of course I would have wanted to be part of the wealthy in England. :)

    I love Alexandra's Guardians of Eternity series and look forward to a new series by her.

    Thanks for the chance
    Pam
    tpibrew@msn.com

    +1 follower
    +1 comment

    ReplyDelete
  4. Definitely regency era for me. I wouldn't mind having gone thru all those fashions.

    +1 comment
    +1 follower of the Qwillery
    +1 Tweeted mobile.twitter.com/!#/yadkny/status/202812977617960961

    yadkny@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for a great post and giveaway! I haven't had a chance to ready any of Alexandra's books cuz I live under a rock :)

    I'd think that if I were immortal, I would have been made waaaay back. Like almost bibilical times. I think it would be awesome to have seen the world evolve and grow into what it it is now.

    gfc: erin
    efender1(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hmmm, if I were an immortal I'd be born during the Renaissance in Italy. The Renaissance is my favorite period during history and was full of so much art, change, and naughty debauchery. I can't think of a better time to be born a vamp. On the plus side, that would make me somewhat ancient, yet very wise.

    +1 comment
    +1 tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/dg_molly/status/202823968636420096
    +1 GFC: molly.frenzel

    ReplyDelete
  7. If I were an immortal, I would have wanted to be born the time of King Arthur and Camelot. I find that a very interesting period. Please enter me in contest. I am a follower and email subscriber. Tore923@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. I don't know. I would like to have been born in Atlantis. I would know the truth of the land and what was lost.

    comment
    gfc/twitter follower

    books (dot) things (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  9. I think during the time the pyramids were built. Love the eyes.
    follower
    debby236 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Last week when I was bitten by a vamp :)

    gfc follower
    wanda f
    email follower
    flanagan@mebtel.net
    tweet
    https://twitter.com/#!/lilblupixie/status/202948844839907328
    blog post

    http://ilovealldogs.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi
    If I were immortal I was created in another world and recently came to Earth.
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    GFC follower - DANIELA
    Email follower - dany7578 at hotmail dot com
    Shared on FB - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=755003478&ref=tn_tnmn

    ReplyDelete
  12. If I were an immortal, I was created.

    I follow the blog.

    Thanks for the giveaway.

    bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  13. if I were immortal I would have wanted to be made in Ireland.

    +1 GFC as Filia Oktarina
    +1 comment
    +1 Twitter : https://twitter.com/#!/FiliaTsuki/status/203049409318109185

    filiafantasy at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I would have been born in an ancient castle in Eastern Europe.

    GFC: Mary Preston

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  15. if I was an immortal I would have been created during the Renaissance!

    +1 comment
    +1 follower

    Elvacereceres11(at)yahoo (dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  16. I would have been created 600 years ago in Europe and now live in Italy.

    lisauranker@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. I was bitten by a hot Vampire and we are very happy together!!
    email follower
    facebook follower!

    thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  18. If I were immortal I would to be born during the Regency Period or the Amazon Period .

    For the Regency period I would have born between the 1800-1888 in London England and part of a wealthy family .

    If during the Amazon period would have been during 95 A.D.

    I was turned immortal by a God or a Goddess , I traded my mortal life for immortality to seek vengeance on the person who threatened my family's life by having one of my love ones put in harms way.

    ReplyDelete
  19. If I were immortal I would want to be old enough to have gained a lot of wisdom and power with age. I'm going to go with the time of the Byzantine empire in present day Istanbul. A close second is Celtic Ireland.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I think 29 or 30 would be a good age and this era would be prefered. Why go back to no indoor plumbing and other mondern convienenvces.

    Follower

    Tweeted- https://mobile.twitter.com/Maria_Smith_76/status/203299409193218051

    Thanks!
    mmafsmith at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  21. In the age of Adam & Eve. Yes, I was there!

    +3: comment, follower, tweeted https://twitter.com/#!/LindaThum/status/203366076665438208

    thumbelinda03@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. some time in the mid 1800s, preferably in London England. I just really love the architecture there and I have a weird fascination of large ships.
    (katerahm@aol.com)

    ReplyDelete
  23. I would have been created in the 1930's or 1940's. I love the style of clothes during those times.

    +1 comment
    +1 follower

    Thanks,
    Tracey D
    booklover0226 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  24. I would love to have been created in England during the medieval times! Think how much I would have seen happen and change between then and now :)

    +1 comment
    +1 follower Julie Witt
    +1 tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/jwitt33/status/204297574251900928

    jwitt33 at live dot com

    ReplyDelete
  25. I would have loved to be created during the Renaissance!
    +1 comment
    +1 follower: laceyblossom

    laceyblossom1@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete