Alexandra Ivy Interview
Publication Date: December 1, 2007
Alexandra Ivy
Alexandra Ivy is author of The Guardians of Eternity Series.
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Latest Release
Embrace the Darkness
Release Date: November 2007
Publisher: Zebra Paranormal
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The Questions
Give us an update on yourself. What’s your latest news?
I’m happy to announce that I have sold three more books in the Guardian of Eternity series.
What’s your upcoming or latest book/story about?
Embrace the Darkness picks up with Viper and Shay (who both made an appearance in When Darkness Comes). Viper is unable to get the beautiful half-demon out of his mind and he tracks her down to a slave-auction where he purchases her. Not surprisingly Shay is not jumping with delight at having been bought like a sack of potatoes by the beautiful vampire, unfortunately she quickly discovers that she is being hunted by an ancient evil and it will take Viper’s love to save her from the ultimate sacrifice.
How did you come up with the title?
Actually I can’t take credit — my editor will take my suggestions for a title, but he always has the last say — which is a good thing, I’m terrible.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer, and what inspired you to start writing?
I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember, poems and short stories — but unlike most writers I wasn’t inspired by reading books that were horrible and deciding that I could do better, it was just the opposite, in fact. I have been so amazed and enchanted by great writers that I just couldn’t resist trying to work on my own craft.
When did you write your first book?
Years and years and years ago — although I wasn’t published until 2000 with my first historical — I’m most definitely the tortoise not the hare when it comes to my career — but that’s okay, doesn’t the hare when the race?
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
An actress, but when I went to college I discovered I loved playwriting (there’s something wonderful about having absolute power over an imaginary world instead of just one character — my husband would tell you I have control issues)
What projects are you working on now?
I’m working on my next historical (under name Deborah Raleigh) and then it’s on to book 5 of the Guardian series.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I love, love, love spending time with my husband and two sons — I’m also a rabid reader and I enjoy traveling.
What does your family think of your writing?
They think it takes too much of my time.
How long does it take you to write a book?
I usually write two paranormals and one historical every year along with an occasional anthology just to keep things interesting.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
Crazy — I’m a little obsessive compulsive so my husband usually has to come and pry me away from the computer.
Do you have an interesting writing quirk?
I write all my novels in play format first — just the dialogue, then I go back and fill in the rest — that way I always know that it’s the characters who are driving the story.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
That’s a question I can never answer — I honest to goodness don’t know where the ideas come from — I just thank God that they come.
What do you think makes a good story?
A story where I fall in love with the characters.
What was one of the most surprising things you’ve learned in creating your books?
That the tiny voices in my head don’t mean I’m crazy.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I think of it more as a specific voice — my stories always end up with at least a hint of humor (I just can’t do dark and broody) and my females are always strong, kick-butt kind of women.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Trying to keep it fresh and innovative — there’s always the danger of falling into a rut — yikes.
How many books have you written? Do you have a favorite?
Almost forty. The book I’m currently working on is always my favorite!
Who or what has influenced your writing?
I think age more than anything influences my writing. The older I grow the more risks I’m willing to take. I hope every year I can push myself even further.
Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Jane Austen — I love her wit and her clever ability to create characters that linger in your mind long after you’ve finished the book.
Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
So many that it’s impossible to name them all — the paranormal field is an exciting place to be!
Who designs the covers of your books?
My publisher — I actually have very little say.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
Often hear from readers, many who are interested in knowing more about the characters or when the next book with be released. Some just write to say hi — which is nice.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
I LOVE to hear from my readers. I write in a strange vacuum and it’s wonderful to actually be able to reach out and make contact with those who share the same interest as I do.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
I don’t believe you can write for the purpose of getting published, especially if you’re chasing trends. It always has to be about the story and your love for the characters. If you don’t have a burning passion for what you are writing, then the readers won’t either.
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