What is one of your favorite things about writing?
It’s fun to take an idea and see it develop into a story—a character. I never know what’s going to happen until it, happens.
When you’re brainstorming for a new story, what usually comes first for you, the plot or the characters?
I usually build a story around a character.
When you’re writing, who is more in control, you or your characters?
I’m in control, but the characters always have the last say.
Can you write sex scenes at any time or do you have to be “in the mood?”
I usually have to get my brain “in the mood.” Music helps, and putting myself in my characters shoes, or undies…or out of their undies helps.
What do you like best about writing?
That it’s all about me. Everyone needs something that’s just his or hers.
What is the most difficult thing about writing?
Distraction. I write mostly at night or when my kids are at school because I’m easily distracted.
What do you like about writing series books?
Your characters can grow and develop at a slower pace. You don’t need to come up with all the answers, wrap it all up, nice and neat.
What do you feel are some of the pros and cons of epublishing?
The biggest pro: you don’t need a contract or a publisher, you can write whatever you want, whenever you want. The biggest con: not having a publisher and having to do all the work. There’s much more to the process that one might think, it’s not easy.
Where do you find inspiration for your stories?
All writers are readers first. I’m inspired when I read something good, but not always. For example: I read a story that a whole lot of people loved, I thought…oh my hell…that sucked. So, the next day I went looking for some of my old manuscripts. I found them in the bottom drawer of my desk, underneath the telephone book and dictionary that no one uses anymore. I read them over and began the journey of writing my first self-published book. If all else fails…there’s always Austen.
What do you like best about writing erotic romance?
I like telling it, as it is. But, I find it hard to categorize my books into one romance genre. So, I’ve come up with my own—funuckery.
Would you tell us about your latest release?
My next book of the Layers Series, Beneath Layers comes out in February. It’s the third book of the series and the end to Jaxson and Alexia’s story.
What are you working on now?
Book four of the Layers Series, Beyond Layers. It’s about Alexia’s sister Sam. I’m also writing the first book of my new series, Girlfriends Goddesses and Barflies.
Do you have an excerpt from your latest release you would like to share?
Pre-edit
The Fairy Tale
I was that kind of gir1. You know the one. I used my imagination to escape, not to create. I dreamt in black, lived in white. I wore days-of-the-week undies, changing them precisely at one minute past midnight. I read Exploring Microbiology and Fundamentals of Finance, for fun. Everyday things captivated me. Like adding, multiplying, and dividing, the polka dots on my tights.
But no one saw that girl, the real me. Never going pass the façade, under the layers. I wasn’t the princess; they’d made me out to be. Peas under my mattress—bring them on. Sure, I had the things, all the fluff, and stuff. None of it mattered, none of it real.
I craved the real—the truth. I searched, I waited, but it never came. Sad and angry came; leaving this life I called, bitch. She was a hard one; we didn’t get along, at first. But I played her games; we made progress, then peace. She laid out her rules; I accept her limitations and boundaries. We were good, I made a plan, had a direction. I was surviving, making my way, minding my own business. But she wasn’t satisfied—blowing it all to hell. She wanted more, the whole chimichanga. That interfering bitch!
What three words would the hero of your story use to describe his love interest?
Crazy-smart. Complicated. Potty-mouth.
What three words would the heroine of your story use to describe her love interest?
Heart-arresting. Persistent. Cocky.
If the main characters in your latest release were invited to a masquerade party, what costumes would they wear?
Jaxson, an all hands gynecologist. Alexia, an Einstein-goddess.
What makes the hero of Beneath Layers hot?
Besides, the way he looks…that he love’s Alexia to the point he’d de-man himself, if necessary. He’s convinced there’s no other woman in the world for him, when he could have just about anyone.
Do you have a favorite character or characters you feel especially close to?
Alexia. She’s a goat amongst sheep, like me.
Would you share one of the sexiest or most romantic scenes from one of your books?
I don’t know if this is one of the sexiest or most romantic, but it sets the tone of Jaxson and Alexia’s relationship.
From Layers Book one. Warning…adult stuff.
Jaxson, “What are you waiting for?”
Alexia, “I don’t know. It feels…rushed—fast.”
“So?”
“We haven’t even kissed.”
“So?”
“A little foreplay would be nice.”
“That will come later. All I want now is to fuck you fast and hard.”
“Wow. And they say romance is dead.”
“I’ll give you romance and foreplay. I’ll kiss, lick and suck every perfect inch or you. Fuck first. Play later.”
I laugh. “Okay, Tarzan.”
Jaxson rips open a condom with his teeth and slowly rolls it on. He gifts me with the sexiest grin, ever, as he prowls toward me. Yes, I said prowls. He is Tarzan, after all.
“Jane like Tarzan?”
“Jane like Tarzan. Jane forget. Tarzan hung.”
If you could meet one of your characters, which one would it be?
Jules. She makes me pee-myself-LOL.
Do you prefer writing your heroes, your heroines or do you like writing both equally?
I’ve been writing from both prospective, liking them equally.
Would you share a favorite quote from your latest hero, heroine or villain?
Alexia. “Master of what? Bation?”
Would you tell us about yourself?
I love to LOL, and do so, as much as possible. I live in the USA, the Pacific Northwest, where everything is soggy and covered with moss and slugs. When not writing, I enjoy, driving my family crazy, reading, painting and or gardening. I have a cat, named Joey. He likes to garden to.
What are your favorite genres to read and write?
Romance…is there any other? I also love a good mystery and I have some plot ideas…maybe in my future?
Where can we visit you online?
Website tlalexanderauthor.com
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7584064.T_L_Alexander
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pages/TL-Alexander/358962317582790?ref=hl
Or you can email me atmailto:tlalexanderbooks@yahoo.com
You can purchase my book only Amazon and other book retailers. Go to my site for a full list.
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Layers-TL-Alexander-ebook/dp/B00HFKC99I
http://www.amazon.com/More-Layers-Book-Two-Series-ebook/dp/B00L6DVMVQ
Beneath Layers will be available February 2015.
Beyond Layers, summer of 2015.
How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing short stories for years, the last three novels.
To you what makes a great romance hero?
He has to be hot, of course. And possess a strong sense of self, and self-wit.
To you what makes a great romance heroine?
A woman who is flawed but strong and can laugh at the end of the day, or chapter.
Do you have any particular writing habits? (Listening to music, best time of day to write, etc.)
I write when I can, mostly at night. I like to write with my Bose headphones on, with or without music.
Where would you go on your dream vacation?
I’ve been to Europe and to England. But I really want to visit Scotland. My maternal grandmother’s family hails from Scotland. But my dream vacation would be a tropical island all to myself, with a pool boy…and other boys that do other boy things.
Name three fictional characters (not your own) that you find hot. They can be from books, movies, or TV.
Mr. Darcy. Mr. Darcy. Mr. Darcy.
What is your favorite season?
I live in the Pacific Northwest…summer!
What book are you currently reading?
I’ve just caught up on Alice Clayton’s Cocktail series. She’s one of my faves.
What is the last movie you watched?
I just when a couple of days ago to see, part one of The Mocking Jay.
What is your favorite comfort food?
Gummy bears, coffee and chocolate.
Thank you for having me as a guest on your blog, Kate. Let’s do it again some time.
TL Alexander
Layers Series
Girlfriends Goddesses and Barflies Series
