While in reality Alexia Reed resides in Ontario, she likes to say that she lives in her own little world. A lover of all things scientific and the paranormal, Alexia uses her books as a way to straddle the realms of fact and fiction—and always with a healthy dose of romance thrown in.When not writing and reading, Alexia paints, and is the caretaker to two neurotic cats.
Places to find Alexia:
First off, can you tell us a bit about you?
I am a paranormal romance writer (dark) who loves anything and everything to do with psychics. Because of my science background, my writing has evolved a slight scientific spin as I try to explain the paranormal. I’m usually writing, killing my website or tweeting.
Did you always want to be a writer?
When I was in grade 8 I realized I wanted to write. I mean, when I was younger I used to “pretend” by designing my own book covers (Goosebump style!), but I never picked up a pencil to start until grade 8. I wrote ½ a book (YA about a psychic boy), but then got bored. In grade 9, J.C. and Amy were created in my head.
What kind of writer are you? Panster or Plotter?
I’m trying to learn to be a plotter. I started as a pantser but am now more of a plantser. I may pantse the first draft, but the second draft is where I break it down and plot what I came up with and make it make sense. Or try to!
Where do your ideas come from?
Some ideas come from science articles, others it just is a thought of what would interest me. With Hunting the Shadows, I was playing video games (I was hooked on Medal of Honor and Final Fantasy). I started daydreaming and plotting and I had a vague idea.
A la Twitter style, can you describe your book (or series) in 140 characters or less.
Hunting the Shadows is a paranormal romantic suspense where psychics are raised and trained to be the weapons society doesn't know about.
Out of any of your books, which one would you like to be a character in? And why?
I only have Hunting the Shadows out, but I think I’d be better prepared to handle the world in this series at the Centre than in the zombie one I’m currently writing. I don’t think I’d be good in an apocalypse. I’m soooo out of shape. Plus, in the other world, I’d be able to have a cool psychic ability. :D
What are some of your favorite kinds of stories to read?
I love reading historicals. I was on a huge paranormal kick for years, but the last year or so, I’ve been devouring historicals. I love characters who are out of the box, who don’t fall under the category of what we’d automatically assume is a hero/heroine.
Do you have a favorite book and if so what is it?
I don’t really have a favourite book because they’re all so different. I have trouble with choosing faves.
Have you ever fallen for another author's hero? If so, who and why?
If the author is really good, I’m easy to fall for the hero. Like Ian Mackenzie from the Madness of Ian Mackenzie. He was so different I just loved him. Or Smite from Unraveled and Robert Carroway from England’s Perfect Hero. I love characters that are different and stand out from all the others.
What are your favorite types of characters to write about?
I’ll admit I tend to lean toward the dark tortured kind. Or at least, that’s how the stories have progressed so far. I do have other kinds of characters planned. I just haven’t gotten around to them yet.
Describe the characteristics that make up your perfect hero.
While I love a tortured, dark hero, these days I’m particularly falling for the funny, awkward “beta” hero (if I’m going to tag it). Bonus if he also has a dark past. He could be quiet, or geeky and although he doesn’t need to settle things with guns and martial arts, he uses his mind to get things done.
What are the scenes that are the hardest for you to write?
I find that action scenes are the hardest to write. Because I write psychics, it’s not just the use of guns and knives and whatnot. There’s also psychic abilities involved that can make things more complicated.
If you could have dinner with any three book characters, who would you choose and why?
- Robert Carroway from England’s Perfect Hero by Suzanne Enoch. He stole my heart with this story. I loved him.
- Captain Bennett Wolfe from the Caring and Taming of a Rogue by Suzanne Enoch because he’s an explorer and I’m sure he would have interesting stories to tell. Plus, he has a pet monkey!
- Ramses from the Elizabeth Peters series. He’s like Indiana Jones, but better. =)
If you could have dinner with any three authors, who would you choose and why?
- Tamara Morgan because she’s so cool and although I’ve talked to her online, have never met her in person. And she writes really out of the box contemporary romances that are hilarious.
- Moira Rogers (although technically they take up two spots) because I just discovered their books and am really enjoying the paranormal worlds (especially the Children of the Undying series).
- the Bloggess because she’s hilarious and has the most interesting stories.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Free time? What’s that? Hah. When I’m not at work or writing, I teach science to kids (ages 5-8) on Monday nights. Every now and then, I paint. I LOVE cooking/baking (if it’s not just for me that is) and spend a crazy amount of time making sure my cats aren’t destroying my apartment. Bengals are very interactive so they are always doing something I don’t approve.
Favorite movie?
I’m a fan for sappy movies that make me cry (not hard to do!). The Blindside makes me cry a lot, no matter how many times I watch it.
Favorite song?
Hmm… I’m not sure! I don’t really have a favourite, favourite. I can tell you what my favourite is for the Shadow Ops Project series. I’ll Come For You by Nickelback.
Favorite color?
I know it’s not technically a colour, but black. Under the colour spectrum…purple.
Last question, are you working on anything right now?
Right now, I’m working on three projects. I’m currently getting book 2 (Mackenzie) of the series ready to send off to my editor and plotting book 3 (Davan). I’m also writing a whole new project with zombies and the woman who is responsible.
Amy has spent her entire life in isolation. Locked away in the Centre, a secret government facility where children with extraordinary abilities are raised as highly skilled fighters, she longs for a normal life. A life where being around people doesn’t overload her sensitive telepathic mind. A life where she can’t see through the eyes of a murderer as he hunts his next victim…J.C. Nikolaiev was a top researcher, but when his conscience got the better of him, he tried to destroy his work and free his subjects–and was imprisoned as a traitor. To save himself and prevent more people from dying, J.C. must catch the serial killer stalking the halls of the facility. But his only leads come from a woman whose thoughts have invaded his mind…
Finally out of the psych ward, Amy joins forces with J.C. to find the killer before he closes in on them. Can their growing attraction withstand the truths they uncover?
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Want to win a copy of this book? 1 lucky commenter will win themselves a copy.
To Enter:
- Leave a comment answering the question: If you could have any extraordinary ability, what would it be?
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Good Luck =)
Don't enter me in the contest as I have already read and loved Hunting the Shadows, I just wanted to comment and thank you both for the fun interview, I enjoyed getting to know Alexia better! :-D
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The ability to heal or teleport. Thanks for the chance to win!
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ReplyDeleteThank you
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ReplyDeleteI'd like to be able to teleport or to read other people's minds.
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