Tigris: Tell us a little about your self?

 Alexandra: Hello to all. I’m Alexandra Ivy, a paranormal writer for Zebra Publishing. I also write regency historicals under the name Deborah Raleigh. Confusing? Sometimes. But, I enjoy both genres and I’ve extraordinarily lucky to be able to write what I love to read!! On the more personal front, I’ve been married for 25 years to the same wonderful, romantic man and I have two sons who are both in college (which makes me older than I ever intended to be ) . I live in rural Missouri and while the weather often sucks, I have the most fantastic views.

Tigris: Darkness Unleashed is set to come out in Nov, 2009, Truly excited to her Jagr story... any way you would drop a small spoiler to those of us who don't have a kindle?

Alexandra:  A spoiler, eh? Well, Levet has a rendezvous with an old flame

Tigris: Out of all your Hero's which one did you enjoy writing about most? Which Heroine as well?

Alexandra: I think Styx, simply because he was so conflicted. He had his duty, his guilt over his past, and the troubles of the Weres. He had to be strong, but underneath he was truly tender. The heroine…that’s difficult. Probably Shay, because of her harsh life. She was deeply wounded, but able to stand up for herself.

Tigris: Did you do a lot of research for your characters?

Alexandra: I research all my books, and with this Guardian series it’s been more intense since I have ongoing characters. I have to make sure everyone stays consistent while continuing to expand the world of demons and vampires and Weres I’ve created. Sometimes it makes my head spin.

Tigris: Are you working on any other paranormal romance series?

Alexandra: I’ve always got things on the back burner, and I have been thinking about a new urban fantasy series, but I’m so busy right now it’s going to have to wait!

Tigris: If we were to spend a Day shadowing you, what would your day look like?

Alexandra: I get up early (around six) and work out for an hour then shower and dress. It’s the only time of the day that’s truly just for me and I try not to let anything interrupt. After that I get online and try to answer email or do promo work that’s fallen behind. Then I start writing. And writing and writing and… I usually spend at least 10 hours a day working on my books with occasional stops to keep up with the housework (bleck).

Tigris: Who or what is your muse?

Alxexandra: I really don’t have a muse and to be honest if I sat around waiting for it to show up I’d never get anything done! If I’m having a difficult time with a scene I will sometimes skip it and go onto the next, but I never let myself stop.

Tigris:  Do you listen to music when your write? If so what did your playlist consist of when writing Beyound Darkness?

Alexandra: I love music, but I can’t have it on when I’m writing.

Tigris:  Alpha male or Sensitive male?

Alexandra: It’s weird, I absolutely love to read about Alpha men, but my characters always end up being sensitive. Maybe because in real life I’ve always been attracted to men who can be tender.

Tigris: What's your favorite Dr. Suess Book?

Alexandra: Cat in the Hat and Put me in the Zoo…I read them to the boys so many times I can still recite them by heart

Tigris: Favorite T.V Show

Alexandra:True Blood and Heroes

Tigris: What is in your To Be Read Pile

Alexandra: Everything!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I read all genres, fantasy, romance, urban fantasy…I’m also in the middle of a fascinating biography on the Romanovs.

Tigris:  What was the worst/best part about your journey becoming a published author?

Alexandra: My lack of reading time I also have to say that you have to have a thick skin to stay in this business. All I can do is try and write the best book I’m capable of, the rest…distribution, advertising, reviews…that’s out of my hands.

Tigris: Any advice for aspiring authors?

Alexandra: Never, ever give up. I know it sounds trite, but it took me ten years of actively trying to get published (not everyone’s as slow as me!). If I’d let the rejects defeat me then I never would have gotten published. Keep your chin up and believe in your dreams.

Tigris: Favorite Desert you would consider Erotic? (toppings included)

Alexandra: Cheesecake with cherries…so yummy and creamy!

Tigris:  Charitable Orginzations you donate to?

Alexandra: Unicef and The Red Cross…I live near the Mississippi River and both organizations are always the first to step up and help after a flood.

Tigris:  How does your inspiration hit? Does it just happen on a whim, (i.e driving, takig a shower,) Or does it come in a dream or other?

Alexandra: Inspiration is kinda like a muse, I never wait for it Of course, there are those rare moments when I’m struggling with a story and suddenly the path opens up. It could be inspiration, but I truly believe it’s more perspiration! I’m more a hard work and stubborn determination person than a wing and a prayer gal.

Tigris: Again thanks so much please feel free to mention anything else you would like thanks!

Alexandra: I’ll be in DeKalb, IL on Nov 7 at the local Borders. I think the signing starts at 6:00 PM. I hope any readers in the area will stop by and say Hi!!!

Thanks,

Alexandra Ivy