Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Today's Special -- An Interview with Alexandra Hawkins




It is my pleasure to welcome Alexandra Hawkins back to the hot seat! Alexandra is the USA Today bestselling author of the sexy Lords of Vice series for St. Martin’s Press and also writes under the name Barbara Pierce. You can check out her website for more information on her books and her other nom de plume. Plus, you can check out my review of her latest book, Twilight with the Infamous Earl, here! Alexandra was gracious enough to answer my nosy questions, so without further ado… 

 
 
 

Thanks for joining us today, Alexandra! Congratulations on your latest release, Twilight with the Infamous Earl—out TODAY! Can you share a little bit about this story with our readers? 

Thanks for inviting me to drop by today!  Twilight with the Infamous Earl focuses on everyone’s favorite Lord of Vice—Frost—and he is troubled.  For the first time in his life, Frost realizes that cannot count on his friends.  He and the other Lords of Vice cannot even agree on how to handle some problems that have developed at Nox.  As a result, there’s been some discussion of shutting the club down.  Frost is vehemently opposed to this decision, and feels marriage has softened his friends.  It is at this low point that Emily Cavell enters his life. 

Because Twilight with the Infamous Earl is the last book in a seven-book series, readers have had to wait for Frost’s story. Did you know from the beginning what the plot of his story would be? 

I had developed a bare bones outline of his story when I pitched the entire series to my editor.  I didn’t sit down and fill in the details until I had finished book three. 

Very interesting! As you know, I loved this story but am sad to see the series end! How easy or difficult was it to plan and write a seven-book series? And as its writer and creator, was it sad to say good-bye? 

Yes, it was bittersweet finishing the draft for Frost’s book.  These wonderful men and their ladies have been part of my life for five years.  I’m thrilled that I was given the opportunity to write the entire series, and I’m content to let the series end on a high note.  Even so, I’m going to miss the Lords of Vice. 

Is planning a new series difficult?  Since I’ve been working on developing a new one—Yes!  It’s exciting, too.  It takes time to research and world build.  I’m a plotter so I like to have many of the details worked out in advance before I sit down to write the proposal. 

I’m so glad you were able to finish the series, too. J I love bad boys and Frost is definitely a bad boy. I really enjoyed the banter between him and Emily. What is it about her that finally brings Frost around to consider the almighty M-word (marriage)? 

In the beginning of the book, Frost is feeling disconnected from his friends.  All of them had married and started families, and he just didn’t see himself playing an active role in their lives.  Although it was convenient to blame them, his feelings had nothing to do with his friends, but they were a sign of his growing discontentment with his life.  Meeting Emily changed the status quo.  She challenged and infuriated him.  She seemed immune to his charm, and it bemused him that a smile and a kind word from her meant more to him than seducing a dozen women.  When he finally falls in love, he holds nothing back.  He wants to bind her to him in all ways—and that includes marriage. 

Perfectly said!  

Thanks to my son, I have become somewhat of a history buff in recent years (though mostly U.S. History) and have found much of it absolutely fascinating. What kind of research did you have to do for the Lords of Vice series? What was the most interesting fact you found? 

After sixteen books, I try to find something unique to research for each book so I’m always learning new about the Regency period.  Sometimes, it’s something really mundane like wallpaper, silver, and door knobs, or I might spend my time researching a specific building like the British Museum or a locale like Gretna Green.  I love going off on research tangents, but it’s not very helpful when I’m on deadline. 

LOL! If you could go back in time to when the Lords of Vice roamed London, what one item would you insist on taking with you? 

Just one?  Okay, I’ll go with the first thing that popped in my head.  A good toothbrush. 

That is a great choice. I would probably pick the same thing! 

Previously published under
her Barbara Pierce name
You recently revealed that you previously wrote books under the name Barbara Pierce. Why did you change names? How hard was it to keep your new identity secret for so long? 

I changed my name at my publisher’s request.  At the time, I had written nine books and while my books had won awards and garnered great reviews, I had yet to hit the bestseller lists.  My publisher thought repackaging my “brand” would help, and he was right.  Many of my Lords of Vice books hit the USA Today bestseller list. 

Was it difficult keeping my identity a secret?  At times.  I continued to receive email from my Barbara Pierce fans so I felt guilty that I couldn’t go into any detail about my current “project”.  On the other side, I had Alexandra Hawkins fans who wanted to know if I had written other books.  So it’s been cathartic to finally share my secret with everyone. 

What’s up next for you? 

Now that I’ve finished the Lords of Vice books, I’m up for contract.  I’ve been putting together a proposal for a new series and I hope to be working on book one soon. 

I can’t wait!!! Thank you so much for your time, Alexandra! Is there anything you’d like to ask our readers? 

I loved your question about the one item I’d bring, so let’s ask readers—If you could go back in time to Regency London, what item would you insist on taking with you?

 
Oh, I can’t wait to hear what others would take with them! TWO lucky commenters who answer the question will win their pick of one of the Lords of Vice books by Alexandra Hawkins! The contest is open to all!

~Andrea 

74 comments:

  1. I think I would take a pocket calculator and visit Charles Babbage and his early computer. His reaction to future technology would be fascinating!

    While there, I would have to visit the Royal Society and try to meet Michael Faraday and Humphrey Davy. I have a couple of questions concerning their experiments on electro-magnetism! If allowed to take 2 objects I would show Faraday a modern superconducting magnet .... I would need someone to carry all the backup equipment though. His thoughts about superconductivity would be fascinating!

    OK I'm stretching it now. But a box of medicines to treat stomach upsets and assorted ailments might be handy. Better not leave it there though. Dangerous to upset the time-flow! LOL

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    1. Oh my goodness, Quantum, your entire answer is priceless!! Maybe I should take a camera so I can capture the reactions! Ha!

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    2. Your post reminded me of a book that I had read a few years ago--The Prometheans by Max Adams. It mentions Faraday and Davy. I should also add that I would be in trouble without some allergy meds. I'm allergic to ragweed.

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  2. Love Alexandra's books and enjoyed the interview. I will miss The Lords Of Vice as I'm sure so will everyone else . But knowing that HEA is coming is a good thing :). I think I'd take a big bottle of mouthwash and or a box of wipes.Count me in if the are print books.
    Carol L
    Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

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    1. Carol, I had mixed feelings because I have been waiting for Frost's book but I didn't want it to end. But I'm glad he got his HEA. Box of wipes--good one!

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    2. I love everyone's suggestions. I think I'm going to need a bigger purse for my time travel visit to the Regency. :)

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  3. I would have to try and sneak a few items with me. I would definitely take toilet paper, toothpaste and a bottle of antibiotics with me. I've read "All Afternoon with a Scandalous Marquess", and loved it. Thank you for this chance to win. :-)

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    1. Toilet paper and antibiotics are great choices, Diane!

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    2. Thumbs up on all of your suggestions, Diane.

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  4. I am excited for this last one in the series and I have to backread the other books first just to refresh it all over again. I was thinking about something to bring if I would also be able to go back in time, I also preferred something hygienic like toothbrush and/or camera! Haha. I wish you the best for your new endeavors and am definitely looking forward to a new series. :)

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    1. Intin, I wish I read fast enough to backread through a series before reading a book. I hope you enjoy Frost's story!

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    2. Thanks, Intin! Working on the new series has distracted me from missing the LOV.

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  5. I am sad for this series to end. I've really enjoyed books 1-6 and am very excited to read Frost's story. I am absolutely sure that I will read the book from cover to cover in a day, or most likely, less than a day. If I could go back, I think I would bring a smart phone so I could take pictures and videos. You've done a great job with this series, Alexandra, I look forward to more. 2 thumbs up...I'd give more but, I only have 2. LOL!

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    1. Chriscilla, I hope you enjoy Twilight with the Infamous Earl. I do believe you'll give it 2 thumbs up, too! :)

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    2. Thanks, Chriscilla. I hope to revisit the LOV in the future. When you read the book, you'll see that I didn't quite shut the door on the series.

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  6. been waiting for frost's story :) if traveling back in time I'd want to take a way to go back & forth btwn periods with me so I could get doses of modern convenience & amenities when needed :)

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    1. Good point, gamistress! I certainly wouldn't want to go back in time if I couldn't come back to the present. Lol

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  7. Tears Comes to my eyes thinking on how such a fantastic series is over. you hooked me with the first one and patiently waited months for the next and never disappointed. You warped this up very nicely, I can't wait to see what else you have in store in the near future. Thank you for all the hard work and dreaming of such dreamy men :P. I would deff want a Razor, Gawd personally i like being hairless >< and they can feel smooth legs in the gardens lol. You took toothbrush >< why not have another of your books in my collection ;) bh.berta@gmail.com

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    1. ::slaps forehead:: A razor--yes--I can't have hairy legs while I'm flirting with Regency bad boys!

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  8. I could not survive without my contact lenses, so I'd have to take them. Unless, of course my ONE item could be a duffel bag stuffed with important stuff.

    bonnieblue at wowway dot com

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  9. Great interview today, Andrea and Alexandra! Thank you. Frost's story sounds really good, and deserving of him to have his own HEA.
    Well, wow, what wouldn't I take with me? I'm so used to hair products, gotta have those, But, maybe my reading glasses since I can't see squat without them. My curling iron and blow dryer wouldn't be much good without electricity, so those are out. This is a really hard question! :)

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    1. Thanks, Deb! Yeah, I might consider a flat iron. Lol. I hope you feel better soon! :)

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    2. I agree. If it's an extended stay, I'm going to need to touch up my "natural" highlights. :D

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  10. A wonderful series!! I think I would have to take my coffee grinder, beans and an old fashioned drip coffee pot because tea just doesn't do it for me lol.

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    1. Catslady--They served coffee. Of course, I can't promise that it's GOOD coffee. ;)

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  11. Alexandra , I love your Lord Of Vice series!

    What can't I live without. IPOD I need music and connection to the present.

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    1. Oooooh, good choice, Laurie!!! Enjoy Frost's book!

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    2. Not to mention app games. I love Words With Friends.

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  12. I would have to take my kindle, don't leave home without it!

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    1. Ah! Another good choice, Quilt Lady. And one that would probably freak (19th century) people out!! Lol

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    2. I could put aside my kindle for old books. Of course, I'd want to take my favorites back home with me.

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  13. Great interview, ladies! Love the Lords of Vice, it's so sad to see the end of the series, I really enjoyed reading all their stories. There are so many things I would want to take back to Regency London. But if I could only choose one, I 'd go with the iPad - I can take some pics, listen to music, keep in touch with people (only if there's high speed internet available!!) :-)

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    1. And electricity for the charger. I have to recharge mine several times a day. :)

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  14. Oh boy, a lot of items go round in my head about what to take back to Regency times. If I were young again I think it would be feminine products (you know what I mean!) and birth control pills. At my later middle age now, I would have to agree with Alexandra--the toothbrush/toothpaste. I have been and am now the ever practical sort! :-) Thanks for asking. Loved the interview and love Alexandra's books. jdh2690@gmail.com

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    1. Thanks, Janice! There are so many items that we use to get through each day. I know I'd miss having a bottle of Excedrin nearby for an unexpected headache. LOL, forget the purse--I need a suitcase!

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  15. oh, this is a hard one. did they have something like Excedrin or Tylenol back then? 'cause I'm sure I'd want that. Laundry soap & softener. Toilet paper.

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    1. Laudanum would be an option, but I'd still want my Excedrin. :)

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  16. I would probably take hand sanitizer and a time machine. As someone posted earlier, I'd want a way back home.

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  17. I feel like crying to think that this is the last book in the series. Frost, even though he is rude and such, has been my favorite Lord of Vice and I can't believe it's finally ending with him. I would want to take my clothes. For some reason, I do not find wearing dresses/gowns all day appealing to me. I would rather wear sweats or pants and a tshirt.
    paaj(_)xyooj(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. It would be a challenge for me to wear stays all day.

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  18. Thanks so much for the fun post! Congrats to Alexandra on the series! I'd have to say, also a time machine cuz I won't want to live back then, only visit! And a toothbrush, cuz bad breath is atrocious!
    efender1(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I agree. I like my creature comforts to give them up forever.

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  19. I think mine would also have to be a toothbrush, floss, and toothpaste. You have to have good breath for those steamy kisses from hot men like Frost;)

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  20. Hello Alexandra,
    I really enjoyed your book "Naughty By Nature". I didn't realize you also wrote by the name of Alexandra Hawkins! Your new release "Twilight with the Infamous Earl" looks really good.

    If I could go back to Regency London I'd take my CD Walkman. I love listening to music. :)

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    1. Hi Sandra--Yes, I had to keep my pen names separate for a few years. I'm so glad you enjoyed "Naughty by Nature". It's been ages since I've read my Carlisle books. Maybe it's time to revisit that family and their friends again.

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  21. I'd take a super size bottle of Advil and a jumbo size bottle of hand sanitizer. LOL

    I'm looking forward to reading Frost's story.

    Marcy Shuler
    bmndshuler(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. Do you think the LOV would be offended if I made them use the hand sanitizer, too? :)

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  22. I would want to take my kindle because that way I would have a huge collection of my favorite books with me. But, I wouldn't want to stay for very long, I am completely spoiled to the comforts of today's world :)
    p-j32

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  23. Had to smile over jcp's CPAP machine. I thought the same thing, but no electricity, so too bad. I'll go with the toothbrush, lists of toothpaste, and floss. Books were available and music was around, though you often were the one providing it. I'd enjoy the clothing, but find a way around the stays.

    I look forward to reading Frost's book. I will be looking forward to what you will come up with next.

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    1. Thanks, Librarypat! I hope to have good news to share in early 2014.

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  24. Yikes, there'd be so many things I'd want to take! Provided that modern day gadgets work when we go back, I'd have to say my smart phone so I can take pictures of those regency rakes and an e-reader because I can't live without my books!!

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  25. Well.. if it's a short visit, i must bring a camera. But if it's a long visit, toiletries is a must.

    smile_1773 at yahoo dot com

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  26. I think I'd take my eyeglasses, so I could see everything!

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  27. When I first saw these two books mentioned online, I gasped and grabbed my pen to add them to my TBR list with a big, fat asterisk beside them! I cannot wait to read them.

    If I went back to Regency times, I think I would take some deodorant. Don’t laugh but I believe this was truly needed to keep ladies’ dresses unstained and lessen the need to overdo the perfumes! ;-)

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  28. Pictures of my family, would miss them but .... Love to go 2 the Regency & check everything out !!!

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  29. I'd take a digital camera to record all that I saw!

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