Interview with Alexis Morgan

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Alexis Morgan to the blog today .

Alexis, can you please share with us a little about yourself

I live in the Pacific Northwest, but I grew up in Missouri where I graduated from the University of Missouri–St. Louis with a degree in English. I love the romance genre both as a reader and as a writer. I’ve published American West historicals, paranormal and fantasy romance, and now contemporary romances.

Learn more about Alexis here: Website | Twitter: @Alexis_Morgan | Facebook | GoodReads

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Although I’ve always loved writing, it never occurred to me that I could have a career as a writer until I met my very first author, Janice Kay Johnson. As we became friends, I found myself fascinated by what she was doing. She finally pointed out that I was an English major, read constantly, and that I could write my own books. She then helped me do exactly that. Very few people can point out that one person who changed their whole life, but Janice did that for me. We’re still best friends and brainstorm ideas together.

Are you a plotter or a punster or combo of both? And you explain the difference?

I started out as a panster, but over the years I’ve had to learned to think through the plot before I start writing because I usually sell from either three chapters and a short synopsis or just a synopsis. I see being a pure panster as someone who sets off on a journey without a map. A plotter studies a map and makes reservations ahead of time because she knows the exact route she’s going to follow to reach her destination.  A combo writer knows where she’s headed and has some definite stops planned ahead of time. However, she builds in extra time in case she wanders off track along the way, knowing sometimes those unplanned stops can lead to unexpected twists but interesting places.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I can’t start writing a book on the computer until I’ve worked out the opening paragraph with pencil and paper. For some reason, a blank screen is much more    intimidating to me than a blank piece of paper.

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?

MORE THAN A TOUCH is the second full-length book in my Snowberry Creek  series. The hero, Leif Brevik, is recovering from a wound received during his last  deployment that could end his career. Zoe Phillips is overseeing his medical   care, but she finds herself falling in love with her patient. Leif is drawn to Zoe’s caring heart, but he realizes that she also carries her own emotional wounds from her time as an army nurse.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I wanted to tell the stories of three soldiers returning to civilian life. They are all different men, but closer than brothers. I could just *see* Leif, a hero who doesn’t realize how amazing he is.

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?

I’ve been working on edits on A REASON TO LOVE, the next Snowberry Creek   book, which will be out next May. It’s the story of the third soldier, who returns to  Snowberry Creek but isn’t sure it can ever be home again.

Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?

I’d love to meet Patricia Briggs. Her books are always on my ‘MUST BUY THE DAY THEY COME OUT” list. I love the world she’s created with her Mercy Thompson series, but also I’ve enjoyed her earlier fantasies.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?

Surround yourself with people who will support you in the down times and also applaud your every success, no matter how small.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

I want to visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Albert, B.C. It’s a paleontology museum with an amazing collection of dinosaur fossils.  I love that kind of stuff

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

I’m really looking forward to NIGHT BROKEN by Patricia Briggs, which will be out in March

What is one book everyone should read before they die?

WEST WITH THE NIGHT by Beryl Markham, an autobiography of a pioneering    woman aviator.  She was amazing!

What is your favorite time of year & why?

I love the fall when the trees turn–all those vivid reds, golds, and oranges are just gorgeous.

Who is your Celebrity crush?  And what would you do if you ever meet them?

Lately, I’d have to say it would be Karl Urban. There’s just something about his     smile and those dark eyes, not to mention his wonderful accent. I love his new television series, ALMOST HUMAN. If I actually got to meet him, I’d probably just babble. <g>

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just that I’d like to thank you for having me stop by for a visit. And I’d love to have you pick someone who leaves a comment to receive an autographed copy of  MORE THAN A TOUCH.

To Enter to win a copy of More Than A Touch please fill out the rafflecopter below.

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