- - When did you first start writing?
I knew I wanted to be “a writer” when I was in the second grade and have written in one form or another ever since, but I was out of grad school before I finished my first novel. It wasn’t until then that I really took it seriously.
- - What is your favorite part of the writing process?
- I love the moments that totally take me by surprise while I’m writing. I’ll be typing away and all of the sudden, I’m like, “Oh! Wow! I didn’t know that!” Those are the moments that keep me going back to the keyboard.
- - Have you always been interested in Romance?
- I’ve wanted to write romance since I read my first in middle school. I loved everything about that book. (It was Jude Deveraux’s Knight in Shining Armor.) I’m a big time feminist, and I believe romance novels provide empowering alternatives to the lives of depression and/or servitude we see women sentenced to in classical lit.
- - What about in the Paranormal?
- That part is new to me. I’ve always read across genre lines and enjoyed reading paranormals, but I didn’t start writing them until I started working on the Stiletto Girls series.
- - Why writing Paranormal Romance?
- It’s a blast! I love discovering a new world and introducing readers to it. Add to that lust, passion, and the promise of happily ever after, and what more could you want?
- - Were there any Books, Movies or Writers that have inspired you?
- Too many to name! Obviously, the Stiletto Girls series is itself very much inspired by Charlie’s Angels and Heroes (it’s kind of a conglomeration of the two).
- Writers? Tara Janzen, Jenny Crusie, Anne Rice, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Sandra Cisneros—they all inspired me from early on. Additionally, these days, I’m inspired by many talented women I’m lucky enough to call my friends.
- - What is your favorite subject in the Paranormal Romance Realm?
- Is Eric Northman an acceptable answer? ;)
- (*OMG! Yes! LOL)
- The sex scenes in your books are amazingly hot. Where do you get your inspiration?
- Wow, thanks! What a nice compliment!
- The best way I can explain is this: The sex scenes in my books are so deeply connected to my characters and their stories and personal growth. I like to think this is why they read as hot as they do. Really, who cares if it’s just body parts moving, and tab A into slot B? There’s nothing hot about that—just technical. So, because the sex scenes are so intrinsically tied to who my characters are, the scenes are really inspired by the characters themselves—their hopes, fears, backgrounds, fantasies.
- - Do you find it hard to write them?
- Yes! I think good sex scenes are incredibly difficult to write, and they take me the longest of any scenes in the book, but I think that’s only because I’m so committed to showing the emotional consequences of these scenes. It slows me down. That said, they’re still fun. I had a blast writing the invisi-sex scene in Flirting with Fate.
- Favorite Paranormal themed Movie?
Stigmata (I’m not sure that counts as “paranormal,” but I love it.) and The Matrix (I refuse to let the sequel ruin the first for me!)
- - Favorite Paranormal themed TV Show?
- Heroes
- - Favorite Paranormal themed Book?
- Dead and Gone, Charlaine Harris
- - Favorite Author?
- Susan Elizabeth Phillips
- - Favorite Paranormal Romance Author?
- Lora Leigh
- - Favorite one of your Books?
- Really? You’re going to make me pick a favorite? That’s just cruel. My favorite is probably a full-length romantic suspense that I’m shopping around now. That’s all I can say about it since I’m not sure where it will go or what name it would be published under, but it’s a mix of sexy, fun, and heart-wrenching that I love. Also, the heroine’s a little bit of a bitch (on the outside at least), so she gets to say things I only wish I could.
- Right now it’s probably Tara Sykes, though she really got on my nerves when I first “met” her in Stilettos, Inc. In Flirting with Fate, she’s started to grow up, but she hasn’t lost her spunk. She’s a blast.
- - Which was the hardest to write? Why?
- They’re all hard in their own way, but I have to spend more time digging into the heads of my male characters. They’re just not as easy for me.
- - What would you be if not a writer? Why?
- Well, in my “other life,” I teach college-level English. It’s a great fit for me. I get to share my love for words and be the center of attention while I lecture. ;)
Coffee
- - Up or Down?
- Down
- - Virtual or Real?
- Real
- - Right or Left?
- Left!
- - Vampires or Werewolves?
- Both, baby.
- - Having the Power to see the future or The past?
- The past (seeing the future is too complicated)
- - Angels or Demons?
- Demons
- - Reading or Writing?
- Both!
Discovering something I didn’t know before I sat down at the computer.
- What is your least favorite part?
Self doubt.
- The Stiletto Girls series in your own words?
- The Stiletto Girls series focuses on a group of female private investigators with psychic powers who are commissioned to do everything from mercenary work to security detail in a world more dangerous than a non-Special could ever know. They help the Specials Intelligence Agency keep the existence of Specials a secret and the plans of the Ascendants at bay.
- - Any plans for more Stiletto Girls Books?
- I plan to write Chrissie’s story next, then perhaps one more, depending on what happens in this book.
- - What are you working on right now?
- Too many projects! I’m tinkering with a couple contemporaries and a new paranormal as well as playing with the third Stiletto Girls book.
- - Do you have any advice or tip to those like me that want to become a published Author someday?
- Write, write, write, write! If you set goals for yourself and do a little every day, you’ll be amazed what you can accomplish and how quickly you’ll improve! It’s like exercise—some days it’s painful, but you have to do it consistently if you want to see results.
- - Anything you would like to say to your fans out there?
- YOU ROCK! Also, write me any time. I love hearing from readers!
Thank you so much for stopping by Lexi!
Now for the giveaway! Lexi is giving away a copy of a Stilettos Girls Book of their choice. Stiletos, Inc or Flirting With Fate! =)
To enter:
- Just a leave a comment about anything Lexi talked about on the interview!
- Leave a way to contact you! (if you don't want to leave your email, you can send it to me at larissa@larissaslife.com)
Thank you all so much for tuning in and I'll see you soon!
xoxo,
I havent heard before about this author and her books, but she is nice and the book seems interesting. I like Charlie's Angels, so i'll probably like the Stiletto Girls series.
magabygc AT gmail DOT com
Extra Entries:
+5 Google friend connect Follower
+3 @larissa_sarah Twitter Follower (@magabygc)
+3 @writerlexiryan Twitter Follower (@magabygc)
+1 Sum up your entries! --> total: 12
First let me say I really enjoy your blog. Always a lot of interesting things. I haven't read anything by Lexi Ryan but this interview it has really csught my interest. Will definitely add to my TBR list.
Extra entries:
+5 Google friend connect Follower (thepleasureschest)
+5 Networked Blogs Follower (deeferreira@sympatico.ca)
+3 @larissa_sarah Twitter Follower (@capricorn0120)
+3 @writerlexiryan Twitter Follower (@capricorn0120)
+1 Sum up your entries! Total: 17
I like that she chose both vampires and werewolves! Woot woot~ Haha, anyway. (+1)
+5 GFC follower
+5 NB follower
+3 twitter follower
+3 twitter follower (http://twitter.com/suan_tian/following)
+1 total = 18
patronus89013 at yahoo dot com
love this interview!
i love reading about authors writing processes because it makes me feel better about my own.
lexi is sooo cool and she loves normal books that ive read too, not something ive never heard of. yeay!!!
and i like "left" too hehe
stiletto girls sounds so fun!
wings(dot)reviews(at)gmail(dot)com
+5 google friend connect follower
+3 follow larissa on twitter @storywings
+1 sum up
total 8
I love ths type of books cause stilettos inc is about girls investigators ^^ it always are men^^ Its cool see something different^^ I like girl series^^
email: blogatlantico@gmail.com
Extra entries
+5 Google Friend Connect follower
+5 Networked Blogs follower: with my facebook: (Elizabeth Ramirez Mendoza)
+3 @larissa_sarah Twitter Follower (@lizzyrm)
+3 @writerlexiryan Twitter Follower (@lizzyrm)
+1 Sum up your entries! : 17 ^^
Kisses!
Lexi is a new author to me but I love the sound of the Stiletto Girls series! I'll definitely be adding this one to my wishlist :o)
+5 Google friend connect Follower
+3 @larissa_sarah Twitter Follower (@sarahsreviews)
+3 @writerlexiryan Twitter Follower (@sarahsreviews)
+1 Sum up your entries!
Total entries = 12
Eric Northman is always a good idea. ALWAYS. :D
+5 Google friend connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
+3 @larissa_sarah Twitter Follower
+3 @writerlexiryan Twitter Follower
+1 Sum up your entries!
Blog - http://sillylittlegame.blogspot.com/
Twitter - @YeseniaKiss
Total - 17
Its the first I have read about this series. But it sounds great and I am looking forward to them. Glad to hear there will be at least one more.
+5 google friend connect follower
+5 networked blogs follower
+3 twitter follower (@donnas1)
+3 twitter follower of Lexi (@donnas1)
+1 total - 17
bacchus76 at myself dot com
This is a new one for me!
+5 GFC follower
+3 @larissa_sarah Twitter Follower(@NRSVampChick)
+3 @writerlexiryan Twitter Follower(@NRSVampChick)
+1 Sum up your entries!=Total 12
I have seen some writers blogging about how much they have to do to publisize their books themselves i.e. book signings, mass mailings, blogging etc as publishers have cut back a lot on doing this type of thing.
Recently I read on a blog that some publishers may be cutting back or discontinuing ARCs as well.
Have you found this to be the case ?
Carol
buddytho {at} gmail DOT com
Wow! So, ladies, I woke up to a bunch of Twitter notifications about new followers! What a fabulous way to start my day! I love it! (Thanks, Larissa! This is a fun way to meet new friends!)
Wings--My process is BANANAS! But it's the only process that works for me. There's no "best" way to do it--only what's best for you! :)
Marianna--Why choose, right?
Carol--Good question! You're spot on. There are still "big push" authors that get lots and lots of promotional support from their publisher, but the publishing industry is struggling so there have to be cut backs. Those are coming largely in how much the publishers put into promotion, leaving the authors to take up the slack. That said, many authors will tell you that readers respond better to more personalized attempts at promotion (interviews, blogs, conversations on social networking sites) than the impersonal routes the publishers would have to take, so maybe it's not a bad thing in the end. :) As for ARCs, they're not gone yet, but some of my traditionally published author friends have reported getting fewer than they would have gotten ten years ago. Others are still getting a large number, so maybe it depends on the publisher. How's that for a long answer to a simple question? ;)
Thanks for stopping by, everyone. You're all so sweet!
Larissa, thanks for having me! Your blog is such a fun place to be. :)
Thanks for all the Love!
Lexi's books are a lot of fun a super sexy!! =)))
@Lexi
It was my pleasure to have you here today Lexi! Thank you for everything!
Good Luck to all that are entering the contest! =)
Lexi you are a lady after my own heart, my first romance book that started my love of the mixture of romance and paranormal genre was also "Knight In Shining Armor" by Jude Deveraux and the fact that the "Stiletto Girls" series is in part also inspired by everyone's favorite chick power show and movies "Charlie's Angels" is awesome! (BTW got chills when remembering KISA it was just such a good story to read all those years ago and still is today as welll)
Thanks Larissa for inviting Lexi today, she is a new author to me and now on my To Buy Wishing List!
+5 Networked Blogs Follower(jackie burris0
+5 Google friend connect Follower(jacabur1
+3 @larissa_sarah Twitter Follower (@jacabur1
+3 @writerlexiryan Twitter Follower (@jacabur1
+1 Sum up your entries! --> total: 17
jackie b central texas
jacabur2008(at)gmail(dot)com
Well, I loved the interview cause Lexi is so open mind and the advice is really great, that's give expect to the people who dream with to be a writer, I liked when answer you: -"Both" - jajaja Lexi deserve the best for think about strong woman and write a story to us. It must be hard choice between her books XD
You can contact me: simply_haku@hotmail.com
+5 Google friend connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
+3 @larissa_sarah Twitter Follower
+3 @writerlexiryan Twitter Follower
+1 Sum up your entries!
17
I just wanted to say I enjoyed the interview and learning more about Lexi. I heard about this series on one of the Yahoo groups and it's on my TBB list.
ainfinger@comcast.net
+5 Google friend connect Follower
+5 Networked blogs follower through Facebook - Andrea Infinger
+3 @larissa_sarah Twitter Follower
(@lillieblue613)
+3 @writerlexiryan Twitter follower (@lillieblue613)
+1 Sum up your entries
Total 17
I haven't heard of this series before and am glad to be introduced. Loved some of the answers. Eric Northman is definitely an acceptable answer. Fun Fun Fun.
parajunkee at gmail dot com
+5 Google friend connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
+3 @larissa_sarah Twitter Follower
+3 @writerlexiryan Twitter Follower
+1 = 17
I Have Also Read Jude Deveraux’s Knight In Shining Armor. My First Book Was Gentle Warrior By Julie Garwood. Those Books Were Just So Amazing When I Was In My Mid-Teens. Also I Liked Stigmata Though I Wouldn't Say It Was My Favorite And Heroes IS Awesome. "Save The Cheerleader, Save The World" WHo Hasn't Heard That Phrase....LOL. Your Books Sound Awesomely Hot. Would Love To Be Entered Into This Giveaway.
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower.
I Am A Google Friend Connect Follower.
http://skyla11377.blogspot.com/
+5 Networked Blogs Follower.
I Am A Networked Blogs Follower.
http://apps.facebook.com/blognetworks/blog/skyla11377/
+3 @larissa_sarah Twitter Follower.
I Am Following You On Twitter (@skyla11377).
http://twitter.com/skyla11377
+3 @writerlexiryan Twitter Follower.
I Am Following @writerlexiryan On Twitter (@skyla11377).
http://twitter.com/skyla11377
+1 Sum Up Your Entries!
Total:+17
skyla11377(At)AOL(Dot)Com
I love that fact that you like Lora Leigh. She is one of my favourite authors. Of course, now I have to look for your books to add to my TBR list (as if it isn't too large already. On second thought, can the TBR list be too large?)
I am a Google Freinds Connect follower (Leslie Jane), a Networked Blog Follower, Following you in Twitter both @larissa_sarah and @writerlexiryan (@LeslieJane0302)
So total extra entries 17
Hope I win since I made a New Year's Resolution to win at least 5 contests a month, and have not done too well this year yet.
Leslie Jane
lesliejanef@aol.com
As she siad, the male heads are difficult to understand! :)
WOW! I love Susan Elizabeth Philips too!! And I really really love the Sookie Stackhouse books and Dead and Gone is my favorite paranormal book too!! And I am such a coffee addict!! I am so up for her choices and opinions that I am sure I will love her books though I haven't had an opportunity to read any yet...Please enter me!
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+3 @larissa_sarah Twitter Follower(@Debasmitadhar)
+3 @writerlexiryan Twitter Follower(@Debasmitadhar)
+1 Sum up the entries!
Total:12
Thanks so much for the international giveaway! Your blog rocks!!
frndz.debas@gmail.com
Sign me in!!
+5 Google friend connect Follower
+3 @larissa_sarah Twitter Follower
+1 Sum up your entries! Total=+9!!
Thanks!!
Annie
anniesbooks@hotmail.es
This sounds like a great series. I have heard from many that a sex scene is one of the hardest scenes to write. Sounds like you do a wonderful job at it.
I am now curious of the books. :)
+1 for comment
+5 follow w/Google Friend connect
+3 follow Larissa on twitter
+1 to sum up for you :)
___
+10 Total!
Thank you!
hayden392@comcast.net
I hadn't heard about her books but she seems cool :D I love finding new authors!
+5 Google friend connect Follower
+3 @larissa_sarah Twitter Follower (@Entre_Libros)
+3 @writerlexiryan Twitter Follower
+1 Sum up your entries!
Total: +12
Thanks again!
entrelibros_blog(at)hotmail(dot)com
I've never heard of this book before, but it sounds really good! I like that Heroes is an inspiration for the story. I love that show! Definitely sounds like my kind of book.
Extra Entries:
+5 Google friend connect Follower
+3 @larissa_sarah Twitter Follower (@_elizabethjoy)
+3 @writerlexiryan Twitter Follower (@_elizabethjoy)
+1 Sum up your entries!
Total: +12
email: pirate_pony2 at yahoo dot com
I would be excited to read this book. She mentioned that she like Charlaine Harris and I too am a fan of hers!
+5 Google friend connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
+3 @larissa_sarah Twitter Follower
+3 @writerlexiryan Twitter Follower
+1 Sum up your entries!
TOTAL 17
I hope to win:)
twitter @bangersis1231
This series sounds like a lot of fun! Before I started reading paranormal romance, I read a lot of mysteries, so I always enjoy books that combine the two genres.
And I too consider myself an Eric Northman fan (grins).
+5 I'm a Google Friend Connect follower (as sneakybea).
+3 I follow Larissa on Twitter.
+3 I follow Lexi on Twitter
(that's @KimBea if you need to verify those)
+1 for adding up my points 1 +5+3+3+1=13.
Thanks for the great giveaway!
justpeachy36@yahoo.com
Please enter me in the giveaway.
+5 GFC follower
+1 Total Entries: 6
I find it fasinating that she realized she wanted to be a writer in middle school. I love the interviews because you get to find out personal things about the author. I love female PIs. I have not read any of her work but will be adding her to my to buy list. Thanks
Great interview and review.
+5 GFC follower
+1 Sum up total --> total 6
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
I discovered Lexi Ryan and her Stiletto Girls through your blog, so thank you! The plot sounds exciting, I would love to read it! And thank you for the interview, I enjoyed reading Lexi's answers, it is great to get to know the author behind the story, and her answers were very interesting.
+5 I'm a Google follower
+3 I'm a @larissa_sarah Twitter follower
+3 I'm a @writerlexiryan Twitter follower
and I also tweeted about your contest here: http://twitter.com/Stella_ExLibris/status/9476115724 (couldn't I please get some extra entries for spreading the word? :-p )
+1 sum of my entries so far: 12
my e-mail is: stella.exlibris (at) gmail DOT com
I would love to be entered in your draw.
I loved your interview. I,too, prefer coffee over tea!!
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com
+5 Google friend connect Follower
+1 Sum up your entries!
TOTAL: +6
Great interview. I love hearing who influenced Lexi and about other authors she enjoys.
eva.s.black[@]gmail[.]com
+5 I'm a GFC Follower
+3 I'm a @larissa_sarah Twitter Follower
+3 I'm a @writerlexiryan Twitter Follower
EVA_n_essence
+1 Total = 12
I have never heard of Lexi before, but two of her inspiring authors are two that I just started reading susan e. phillips (i loved the rereleased glitter baby) and tara janzen. she knew she wanted to be a writer only in 2nd grade..Wow
+5 Google friend connect Follower
+3 @larissa_sarah Twitter Follower(chelleb36)
+3 @writerlexiryan Twitter Follower(chelleb36)
+1 Sum up your entries
+12 total entries
(tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com)
I appreciate the time she takes for the more intimate scenes so they are not just raunchy for no reason.
+5 Google friend connect Follower: kpic724
+1 Sum up your entries= 6
kpic724 (at) gmail (dot) com
This books look cool! Great interview. I love paranormal romance books and as Lexi I also love Lora Leigh books, but from her I prefer the contemporany ones, like the Nauti Boys :D
+5 Google friend Follower (estereta)
+1 Sum up--> Only 6 ^^
estereta(AT)ymail(DOT)com
I've never heard of her before, but this books look interesting.
+5 Google Friend
+3 Twitter Follower (@Sparima)
+1 Total: 9
spav05(at)gmail(dot)com
Wow, knowing what you wanna do since 2nd grade is really impressive! I wish it would have been that clear for me. :)
+5 Google friend connect Follower
+3 @larissa_sarah Twitter Follower (@intlgiveaways)
+3 @writerlexiryan Twitter Follower
(@intlgiveaways)
+1 Sum up your entries
Total entries = 13
Also, I listed your giveaway on my blog! Here's the link;
http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com/2010/02/book-from-welcome-to-larissas-life_20.html
Ronit
internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com
I love that she discovers something she didnt know before when she sits down to write! =)
timesurge(at)live.ca
twitter follow you with @timesurge
timesurge(at)live.ca