Nancy Lee Badger Interviews Author Alanna Lucas

Alanna  Lucas stopped by to share some intimate details of her life as a writer, and to talk about her new book. Dancing Around the Truth is a historical romance set in the Regency and was released on July 23, 2015. Please tell my readers a little bit about your book.  

Alanna- Dancing Around the Truth is the fourth book in the In His Arms series. After Philippa created all sorts of havoc by eloping and enlisting her sister to cover for her in When We Dance- the second book in the series, I decided that Philippa’s story needed to be told.

A little teaser:

Dark secrets, lies, and a far too enticing widow threaten to destroy the orderly world Benjamin Weston, the illegitimate son of the late Baron Albryght, has made for himself…and Mrs. Philippa Keates might just also hold the key to unlocking his heart.

Nancy- Did you have several manuscripts finished before you sold? If so,did you send them out yourself?

Alanna- I had two manuscripts finished (which are currently under my virtual bed making friends with imaginary dust bunnies), which I had sent out * mumbles into her hand * times before entering Boroughs Publishing Group’s ‘What’s in a Name’ novella contest. My road to publication began with winning that contest.

Nancy- What is your writing routine like?

Alanna- I am an organized panster. I always begin by journaling character names, scene ideas, and sketch anything that influences that story. The journal goes everywhere with me. Once I have a clear picture in mind, I begin to write- sadly, never in chronological order. My daily writing routine varies depending on kids activities and real-life obligations, but I am always thinking about the story.

Nancy- Will you share some encouraging words for authors still struggling for that first contract? 

            

Alanna- Connect with other writers, take classes, enter contests, and don’t be afraid to take chances. Good luck and happy writing!

Nancy- Please Share three fun facts about you that most people don’t know. 

1) I play the piano

2) I studied Art History in Paris, France

3) I homeschool my two kids

Nancy- What’s next for you?

Alanna- I’m excited to be part of an anthology entitled Once Upon a True Love’s Kiss with some amazing authors that will be released in January 2016. 

Book Blurbs 

SECRETS & LIES

Mrs. Philippa Keates thought she’d found her happily-ever-after when she eloped, but two years and no children later she is named a widow. Then a woman claiming to be her late husband’s wife appears, and Philippa demands answers.

AND LOVE

Benjamin Weston, the illegitimate son of the late Baron Albryght, has made a name for himself conducting investigations for those willing to pay a high price for discretion. When a childhood friend shows up on his doorstep, begging for his assistance, Weston fears most of all that she will discover the truth…and thus bring further scandal to herself, the only woman he has ever loved. But as he unravels her mystery, as secrets of his own begin to come to light, soon it becomes clear that there is more at stake than just Philippa’s reputation—and nothing less than her heart.

Excerpt 

“I...I wanted to...apologize for what happened in the stables.”


“You have no need to apologize,”
Weston said with quiet emphasis.

“But I acted like a child, sobbing because...” Philippa turned away, she could not bear to look at him and confess her fears. “I could not muster the courage to ride.”


“You never have to apologize for anything.” She turned back toward him and met his gaze. Weston took a step closer. “It just might be too soon, but never believe you are a coward. You can do anything you put your mind to.”

That was not what Philippa was expecting to hear. The sound of her heart pounding ricocheted in her ears as his sheer strength surrounded her, comforted her. It was more intense than what she had felt that afternoon when he held her.

Philippa suspected that the emotions were one-sided. Continuing with her rehearsed speech, she sputtered at a rapid pace, “It was quite unladylike for me to make such a mess of your shirt.”

“Philippa,” Weston whispered her name as he closed the distance another inch. His warm breath caressed her cheek.

For reasons she couldn’t explain, she did confess one of her fears. “I feel like my life is over,” she murmured into the darkness, unsure how Weston would react.

“Your life is not over.” He was standing mere inches from her. Leather and countryside invaded her senses, stirring sensations in places she did not know existed.

“It’s not?”

“It’s only just beginning.” Weston’s words cascaded across her cheek; his hot breath was like an aphrodisiac. She wanted more, oh dear lord, she wanted more.

Nancy- How can my readers buy your book?

Alanna- Readers can go to the publisher’s home page HERE 

Buy Links

Amazon   Barnes and Noble   

Kobo    AllRomance    

More About the Author

Alanna Lucas grew up in Southern California. From an early age, she took an interest in travel, incorporating those experiences into her writing. When she is not daydreaming of her next travel destination Alanna can be found researching, spending time with family, or going for long walks. Alanna Lucas is a member of the Romance Writers of America. 

Contact Alanna here:

Website    Twitter    Facebook

Amazon Author Page

Nancy Lee Badger Interviews Alanna Lucas

Nancy: Author Alanna Lucas stopped by to talk about her writing career. Her  book, When We Dance is a Historical Romance-Regency and was released on September 30th. Please tell my readers a little bit about your book.  

Alanna: Before I start, I want to thank Nancy Lee Badger for having me as a guest today. When We Dance is the second book in the In His Arms series, which was inspired by the allure and sensuality of the waltz. There is one caveat; my heroine has two left feet.  Not to worry, the Honorable Nigel Rochefort has all the right moves. “Nigel Rochefort succeeds at everything he attempts, but burying his family in scandal and breaking up a wedding while seducing the bride is not quite what he had in mind. Nor was finding true love.”

Nancy: I am glad to have you. Your plot sounds interesting! What is your writing routine like?

Alanna: I start by keeping a journal with all my thoughts, ideas, and pertinent research. I write down scene ideas, character descriptions, and songs that inspire me (my current favorite is Demons by Imagine Dragons). The journal goes everywhere with me and is the first thing I open when I sit down to write. I tend to be most productive in the afternoon. The kids are in finishing homework (did I mention that I homeschool two kids?), emails have been read, and there are few interruptions. It has taken some effort, but we have all gotten into a good routine. My youngest has even started writing his own book!

Nancy: That is a great way to pay-it-forward and keep your kids interested in your career! Having achieved your goal to be a published author, what is the most rewarding thing?    

Alanna: Seeing the finished product, cover and all.

Nancy: Are you a member of any writing organizations and, if so, have they helped?

Alanna: I would be lost without Romance Writers of America and the tremendous resources they provide. I am also a member of a local chapter, East Valley Authors, and several specialty online chapters- Celtic Hearts, Hearts Through History, and Beau Monde. The support, encouragement, and knowledge has been invaluable.

Nancy: I agree, writing groups help. Will you share some encouraging words for authors still struggling for that first contract? 

Alanna: Learn your craft, join a writers group, and write everyday (even if it is only 100 words).

Nancy: Please Share three fun facts about you that most people don’t know.

1) I collect recipes, but I don’t cook.

2) I have done a lap on the Nurburgring in Germany.

3) I’ve kissed the Blarney Stone.

Nancy: I would not have guessed any of those! What’s next for you?

Alanna: I am currently working on the next book in the series entitled Dancing Around the Truth.

BOOK BLURB 

STEP BY STEP

Miss Artemisia Germayne is used to gossip. She is far from the ton’s version of an ideal beauty. Worse still, she cannot dance. But when she finds herself in the uncomfortable predicament of abandonment on her wedding day, embarrassed and humiliated she retreats to the country.

Nigel Rochefort, second son of the Earl of Monfort, has always taken his good fortune for granted, so when the woman for whom he has a secret tendre is about to marry his friend, the only logical thing to do is break up the wedding. But that scandal is only the start. The bride’s sister has also disappeared, and Nigel must first clear his name to assure Artemisia’s affections. As he gives chase, many truths are yet to be learned. This is no simple country dance or game of seduction but an unstoppable waltz of desire—and true love.

EXCERPT

She actually struck him. Nigel could not believe what had just happened. A woman had just struck him. Not just any woman or casual acquaintance, but Artemisia. Not a delicate slap, but a hard punch full of pent up anger. That had never happened to him before. He just sat there...stunned. Did she suspect?

Before he had the opportunity to reflect further on the question, Lord Germayne made an announcement and swarms of guests brushed past him, giving him curious looks as they filed out of the chapel. His first thought was to stay put and wait for everyone to leave. He was in no mood for inquisitive gossipmongers, but he did not want to be trapped, surrounded by the same gossips in question.

Following the herd of bright dresses and fanciful hats out of the chapel, whispered theories swirled around him as to the whereabouts of Mr. Chartwick. The general consensus was that the groom had cold feet. Nigel knew otherwise.

Nigel was within earshot when Lady Lamden began to weave one of her vicious tales. “...and this is not the only scandal facing Lord and Lady Germayne. Did you notice that Miss Philippa Germayne was not in attendance?”

The pair of gossips stopped walking, and huddled together, too deep in tittle-tattle to notice that anyone was eavesdropping.

Ducking behind a large urn of flowers, Nigel strained to hear the conversation.

“I have it on the best authority that the young lady in question is not indisposed, but has disappeared altogether.”

“Disappeared?”

“She has not been seen since yesterday when she was discovered alone in the park with a certain notorious rake.”

Nigel’s stomach lurched with guilt. He was the notorious rake they spoke of.

Nancy: How can my readers buy your book?

Readers can go to the publisher’s home page at Boroughs Publishing Group and The Boroughs Publishing Group Book Page as well as AMAZON and NOOK

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alanna Lucas grew up in Southern California. From an early age, she took an interest in travel, incorporating those experiences into her writing. When she is not daydreaming of her next travel destination Alanna can be found researching, spending time with family, or going for long walks. Alanna Lucas is a member of the Romance Writers of America, East Valley Authors, The Beau Monde, and Celtic Hearts Romance Writers.  

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