Author Spotlight: Alexis Daria

I’m sick. ☹ 

*cries*

If you’ve been following me on Twitter then you know I’ve been whining since Friday about being ill. For someone who never gets sick to come down with some plague like virus twice in a year is ridiculous. I need to roll myself in bubble wrap or something. Ugh. Stupid germs. 

You know what’s cheering me up today? The fact that I’m reading Complexity at Madame X’s tonight as part of Lady Jane’s Salon. If you’re in the NYC area stop by. RWA NYC will be representing from 7-9pm! My voice might sound gravelly but maybe it’ll up the sex appeal, LOL.

The second reason I’m geeked? Today, I get to feature a lady who is truly a ray of sunshine, Ms. Alexis Daria. Alexis is the voice of reason when I find myself getting a wee bit angry over things outside of my control. It’s always good to have friends who are logical and talk you off a ledge. 

Get to know Alexis, folks! 

I always find author interviews kind of boring. We only get to see one side of an author, the polite side. If you had an evil doppelganger, what detail would they enjoy revealing about you to the public that people would find surprising and possibly questionable? 

I do have a bunch of doppelgangers running around NYC (seriously, it feels like Orphan Black sometimes), but I haven’t asked if any of them are evil. People find it surprising and questionable that I don’t drink coffee, so hopefully they’d reveal that and not something more embarrassing.

What’s your favorite romance trope? 

I love second chance romances. The HEA isn’t always the end. Relationships are work, and sometimes shit happens, so I like seeing people make another go at love and get it right the second time around. 

Check out: 

Love’s Changes by LaQuette 

Lady Isabella’s Scandalous Marriage by Jennifer Ashley 

The Sweetest Thing by Jill Shalvis 

You’ve recently acquired an agent and your first novel will be released in a few months. What would you say have been the top three things you’ve learned about yourself on your journey to becoming a published author?

1. Resilience. 

I was querying a different book last year, and I was surprised by how well I handled the rejection. Instead of wallowing, I turned disappointment into action. “It’s going to happen,” I told myself. “It’s only a matter of time. Keep going.” Finally, after a year of querying across two different manuscripts, it happened. In March, I signed with an agent, accepted a two-book deal, and received the call that Take the Lead is a Golden Heart finalist.

 2. Faith. 

Faith in myself, in my ability, in my resiliency and strength. Faith in my commitment to writing, and faith in my creativity to be there when I need it. I’m currently drafting the sequel to my debut in a very short time frame, and I’m calmer than I expected to be. Underneath the surface fear-based thoughts is a strong current of “You can do this.” Each time I proved to myself in the past that HELL YES I CAN DO THIS, another piece was added to the foundation of my faith in myself as a writer. 

 3. Commitment. 

Something people don’t know about me is that I devoted most of my life to studying art. Four years ago, I made a difficult decision: I set aside art and committed fully to writing. Sometimes that strong inner voice reminds me that I didn’t give up art to screw around with writing like it’s a hobby. If I want this to be a career, I have to take it seriously.

Finish this sentence: I get really annoyed when _______. 

People walk slowly in front of me on the sidewalk. (I live in New York City and I’m usually in a rush, so this is a big pet peeve.) Even worse? If the person walking slowly in front of me is smoking. I’ll pull some evasive maneuvers to get around them.

You’re one of the co-hosts for Romance Writer Chat on Twitter (Sunday nights 7pmEST/4pmPST hashtag #rwchat for those of you interested in joining.) Aside from joining the conversation, what would you say to a newbie romance writer who’s looking to find their tribe in Romancelandia? 

Try out multiple groups. Writing can be a solitary activity, but we’re lucky to live in a time when it’s easy to connect with people who share your interests and goals. Keep an eye out for CPs and writing buddies who are around the same point in their careers that you are, and who have similar goals. However, not every group will be a good fit for you, and as you progress, you might outgrow some groups. That’s okay! Don’t force it. (That said, if you think you can change and improve a group from the inside, stick it out, but find others who will support you in your efforts.) 

Who is your writing idol? 

When I met Nora Roberts at RWA Nationals in 2015, I almost cried. I’ve been reading her books since I was 15, and she was my gateway into the romance genre.

Finish this sentence: Love means _______. 

The only thing I can think of right now is, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry,” but I don’t actually agree with that. Let me try again. Love means everything. Love means we are alive and connected. Love means oneness and wholeness. 

How old were you when you developed your first crush? 

Oh, geez. Probably 4. I was obsessed with David Bowie in Labyrinth. And when I was 12, I was sure I was in love. ::eyeroll emoji:: I wrote a lot of bad poetry and embarrassing diary entries during that time. 

Sex in YA books, yay or nay? 

I don’t read much YA anymore, so I don’t really have a strong opinion on this, but I think it’s fine. It’s accurate, anyway. 

You’re stranded on a deserted island. You’re stranded with one person and two objects. Who is the person and what are your objects? 

A trustworthy pilot, a working airplane, and whatever else I’d need to get the hell off the island! 

 **Bonus Question** 

Ever tried BDSM? If not, would you?

Nope, and nope. I’m bossy as hell, but I also wouldn’t want the responsibility of being the one in charge. 

Bio:

Alexis Daria’s debut contemporary romance, TAKE THE LEAD, is a 2017 Golden Heart® finalist and will be released in Fall 2017 from SMP Swerve. On Sunday evenings, Alexis co-hosts #RWchat, a weekly Twitter chat for romance writers. She also serves as PRO Liaison for the New York City chapter of RWA, and is represented by Sarah E. Younger from Nancy Yost Literary Agency. Alexis loves social media, and you can find her on TwitterFacebookInstagram, and Pinterest, and follow her blog.

Books: https://alexisdaria.com/books/

Using Format