Alexandra Richland spends rotating twelve-hour shifts working as a registered nurse at a Toronto hospital, indulging in her love of science and medicine, and caring for patients with their own unique tales to tell. When she is not on duty, Alexandra escapes into her own imagination. Therein lies a fantasy world of thrilling adventure, gorgeous men, classic Hollywood glamour, exotic getaways, and a seductive dose of romance. Alexandra captures these stories in her popular novels, The Starlight Trilogy and Frontline, and her short story, Gilded Cage. Say hello to her on Facebook and on Twitter.
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What does Alexandra Richland do when she’s not writing?
As a registered nurse, I spend a lot of my time at the hospital, caring for pediatric patients. I also enjoying running, reading, and traveling.
How does your writing process look? Do you tend to write a standard number of words in regular sittings, or does inspiration hit you sporadically?
It varies. Sometimes when I’m in my “writing zone” I can write many pages in one sitting. If I feel emotionally connected to the scene/chapter, the words will come easily, and I can read them back the next day and desire to change only minor things. On other occasions, the process is more difficult, which tends to happen when I’m pressed for time. When this occurs, I will step away from the computer and go for a run, or just busy myself with other tasks. If I feel inspired to write later on that day, I will. If not, I don’t push it. Or if the interest is semi-there, I’ll write as much as I can, even if I might think it sucks, and then rewrite it at another time. Editing and rewriting are the easiest parts of the writing process for me. As long as I have a foundation, even in point form, I’m confident I can turn out something I’m very proud of. The scenes that come easiest to me are the ones I can visualize like a movie. Music also helps inspire emotion and assists in the writing process.
What inspired you to write Frontline?
The Starlight Trilogy is a very detailed Hollywood romance set in the 1950s. When I finished all three novels, I wanted to write a book with an entirely opposite tone – a modern thrill ride that kept the reader turning the pages, unable to put it down, with a lot of sexual tension, action, adventure, romance, and intrigue. As I was in the midst of nursing school at the time, I thought of a crazy thing that could potentially happen to a nurse while on the job and expanded on the idea, pushing the boundaries of my writing as well as character behavior and development. I couldn’t be happier with the result.
If you could describe Frontline in 3 words, what would they be?
Sexy. Exciting. Suspenseful.
Which character speaks the loudest?
Though he was never supposed to play such a significant role, Randall really surprised me as the book progressed. I relied on him more and more, as did the other characters, for his wisdom, insight, loyalty, and mysteriousness. I just finished writing an origin tale for Randall, as I was as curious about his background. I hope Frontline readers will be interested in him, too, after they finish the story. I'm very happy to be able to include Randall’s tale as part of the bonus material in the appendix of Frontline when it's published.
Which of your characters would you like to meet in person and why?
My answer will depend on my mood. If I'm in the mood to shop, I can't think of a better pair to hit the town with than Kelly and Denim. Kelly would know where to get all the best deals on the most stylish clothes, while Denim would supply the most laughs and energy during the expedition.
Chris and Sean are still very mysterious to me, but I’d definitely give them a call if I wanted people to go running with, or if I had a task that needed to be done requiring speed, efficiency, and stealth. They are men of many talents.
If my life was in some kind of crisis and I needed a friend to listen to me and help me get through it, Sara would be ideal.
As for Trenton, I don’t have as many scruples as Sara does, so he can pay off my student loan any day!
Will you have a new book coming out soon?
I have several. The second book in The Starlight Trilogy, Starbright, will most likely be out later this fall (2013), or very early next year (2014), with the third book in the trilogy, Stardust, following in the spring or summer of 2014. The Frontline sequel is already in the works. I'm also working on several short story collections to release in between my novels, as well as a brand new novel, separate from the Frontline series and The Starlight Trilogy, which I just started writing in recent weeks. I cannot say more at this time, but I’m very excited about it!
Information on all of my writing projects can be found on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ms.alexandrarichland
When nurse Sara Peters treats celebrity billionaire Trenton Merrick for a mysterious injury to his forehead, she is blindsided by what follows: A passionate exchange in the examination room, followed by an invitation to Trenton's mansion the next night.
Trenton spins a web of deceit and seduction around Sara that both repels and attracts her. One part humanitarian, the other international financial mogul, his professional and public life are a curious contradiction. As Sara journeys deeper into her feelings for Trenton and begins unraveling the mystery behind his injury, she finds herself embroiled in a game of trust and betrayal, where the odds are stacked in Trenton's favor, and the outcome for the loser is too terrifying to conceive.
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I stand against the wall with my arms crossed over my chest.
After closing the door, Trenton approaches and presses his palms to the wall on either side of my head. The sound of my pounding heart fills my ears. I drop my arms to my sides and push my head back as far as I can, breathing deeply. His stare looks dark, intense . . . needy.
Goose bumps explode on my skin as he pins me against the wall with his body and brushes his lips to my ear. “First of all, don’t you ever yell at me in front of my men again, do you understand?”
I open my mouth to protest but he hushes me.
“Secondly . . .” He skims his nose across my cheek. “Regarding my behavior at the diner, I was distracted by something going on at work. You deserved better treatment and I apologize.”
He pulls back, his hands still planted against the wall. Heat surges through me as I focus on his mouth.
“I need to kiss you, Sara.” His husky declaration snaps me to attention. “And you’re going to let me, courtship be damned.”
Trenton licks his lips and dips his head, pressing a kiss to my collarbone. I gasp and close my eyes. A wave of warm breath dances across my neck as he moves higher . . . higher . . . every soft kiss tangling me tighter in his web of power, passion, and possession.
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Up For Grabs:
- 3 lucky people will win copies of Gilded Cage, Starlight + Frontline
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Love the cover and blurb! Thanks for the great giveaway chance!
ReplyDeleteI loved the except. The book looks really good. Thank you or the giveaway.
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