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