With a nickname like “The Southern Belle from Hell,” I knew Alexandra Christian’s feature was going to be interesting. She did not disappoint. Hope y’all enjoy. 🙂
Name: Alexandra Christian
1. Tell us about yourself. May include links to Facebook, twitter, blogs, websites, Amazon author page)
I’ve been writing for most of my life as I come from a family of storytellers, but my publishing career began in 2010 with the publication of my first book, Hellsong. Since then I’ve published several novels and novellas with varying small and medium presses. I live in a small town in South Carolina that provides me with endless inspiration and probably accounts for my southern gothic sensibilities. I like to write romance for people that don’t like romance novels. They’re always plot driven, dark and full of adventure.
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheSouthernBellefromHell
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LexxxChristian
WordPress Blog: http://lexxxchristian.wordpress.com/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4684601.Alexandra_Christian
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/lexxxchristian/
Amazon Author Central: http://www.amazon.com/author/alexandra.Christian
2. How do you choose names for your characters?
It’s an absolutely grueling process. Of course it’s my own fault—I’m particular. I usually start with baby books and research meanings and origins. It is not unusual for me to change a character’s name several times before settling on one. The find/replace feature is VERY useful.
3. Do you talk about your book/characters as though they are real?
All the time. It’s a little unnerving for family and non-writer friends.
4. Do you listen to music when you write or edit? What kind?
Always. I can’t write a word if I don’t have music in my ear. The type usually depends on the mood of the scene. If I’m writing a really intense sex scene, it’s usually heavy Industrial with a strong beat. If it’s a scary scene I’ll go with some ethereal Goth music or perhaps a movie soundtrack.
5. How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing most of my life but professionally since 2010.
6. Tell us about when you realized you were ‘meant to be’ a writer.
It was a perfect storm, really. I was at the beach on vacation with my family. I read two books that week—Bitten by Sherri King, which is an Ellora’s Cave werewolf romance and Haunted by Kelley Armstrong. I loved them both so much and told my sister, “If I could squish these two books into one, that’s the type of book I’d want to write.” She told me to do it. Write the kind of book that I wanted to read because if I wanted to read it, chances are someone else would too. That was probably the moment that I realized that I could do it.
7. Do you have a muse?
Most definitely. I’m sure Benedict Cumberbatch has me on some kind of watch list.
8. How do you improve as a writer? (Workshops, conferences, reading)
Stephen King gave the best writer advice in his book On Writing. He said that one can never become a good writer unless they’re a good reader. I believe this wholeheartedly. I read as much as I can whenever I can, across genres. I also go to tons of conferences where I can meet and learn from other authors.
9. Writing quirks or superstitions?
I write best while sitting at my local Starbucks. Earbuds in ears, laptop and a white chocolate mocha.
10. Tell us about your current work-in-progress.
Currently I’m working on a dragon shifter story that is most definitely a fairy tale. Literally, there are actual fairies in it. It’s about a dragon slayer that ends up falling in love with a dragon and breaking an evil spell.
11. What book are you reading now?
I am reading Envy by Sandra Brown. Romantic suspense is a new thing for me. But I’m really enjoying it. I’m also re-reading The Complete Sherlock Holmes in preparation to write a really strange middle grade series I’ve been kicking around.
12. What genre do you write in? What about PoV?
Mostly paranormal romance, but I’ve been delving into dark fantasy and horror lately. I really like blending genres. As a reader I love when books are cross-genre. I write in whatever POV the characters seem to be comfortable in. I’ve written in 1st person, 3rd person limited and 3rd person omniscient.
13. Tell us about writing preparation. Character Profiles? Outlines?
I’m a “pantser.” All of my outlining and profiles are kind of done as I go along. If I’m having trouble with a scene, I’ll go back and outline just to get it down on paper. Of course, I have an idea in my head of where the story is going, but if I did a complete outline, I’d feel locked in. If you want to see my character profiling, just check out my Pinterest. 😉
14. Do you know how your stories will end?
I always think I do. The characters sometimes change that.
15. Do you books have a message or theme? Or are they purely for entertainment?I
I think my books are always about overcoming personal demons and being who you are. I also apparently like Beauty and the Beast stories. Most of my stories have an underlying “you can’t judge a book by its cover” theme.
16. Do you have any favorite snacks or drinks that you eat/drink while writing?
I drink coffee or English breakfast tea when I write but I seldom eat.
17. Tell us about your other passions.
I’m very passionate about the arts in general. Especially theatre. Until I was halfway through college I was an aspiring actress. I still like to perform from time to time. I’m a huge advocate of arts in education.
18. What’s something interesting about you?
I’m a 37 year old woman that doesn’t drive a car. I’ve just never learned. I guess I couldn’t be bothered with following all those pesky rules.
19. Share a small sample (limit to one paragraph, please) of your writing… can be a WIP or already published.
Cage pulled the smoldering end of the cigarette from his lips and crushed it out in the palm of his hand. He was so used to it at this point that he barely flinched, though he could smell his skin burning under the white-hot ember. Once extinguished, he flicked it out of the open window at his side. That was the nice thing about living on Earth. You could still smoke. Of course, there were little trade-offs. In the Martian colonies, there weren’t zombies wandering down the street. No tentacled Hell-creatures would weave their way through your plumbing and try to gnaw your cock off as you took a piss. But damned if you couldn’t still smoke. He watched as the charred flesh in the palm of his hand bubbled up and healed. Within seconds it was as if he’d never been burned. Creighton had given him the mojo juice to make his body heal almost instantly, but there was nothing to be done for mental wounds.
20. Anything you’d like to say to your current and future readers?
Thank you so much for sticking with me this far. Your support and kindness are so important and very much appreciated. Also: Read. Review. Share. It means the world to an independent author.
Awesome feature by another creative mind!! Thanks Alexandra! We’re glad you shared.
E&M
Elizabeth Burgess 