Please help me welcome multi-published member, Alanna Lucas, into the spotlight this month!

Before we start talking about your writing, tell us a little about yourself and what you write.

I grew up in Southern California, but always dreamed of distant lands and bygone eras. From an early age, I took an interest in history and travel, and am thrilled to incorporate those diversions into my writing. I write Regency and Western historical romance.

When I’m not daydreaming of my next travel destination I can be found researching, spending time with family, or going for long walks. I make my home in California with my husband, children, one sweet dog, and hundreds of books.

Just for the record, you can never have too many shoes, handbags, or books. And travel is a must.

What drew you to write in the historical romance genre?

I find history fascinating and it seemed natural to write what I love. Plus, I love to research (which can also be a problem at times).

If you could time travel, what era would you visit?

It would be difficult for me to choose just one time period. However, at the top of my list would be Italy during the Renaissance. I would have loved to be an apprentice to Michelangelo.

Are there specific books or authors who have influenced you as a writer?

I adore Sabrina Jeffries! She is such a talented writer and an amazing person.

Give us a brief rundown of your process. Are you a plotter, a panster, or somewhere in the middle?

I am an organized panster. I always begin by journaling character names, scene ideas, and sketch anything that stirs my imagination. The journal goes everywhere with me. Once I have a clear picture in mind, I begin to write- sadly, never in chronological order.

My daily writing routine varies depending on kids activities and real-life obligations, but I am always thinking about the story.

Can you tell us a bit about your journey to publication? 

While at the 2013 California Dreamin’ conference, I learned that Boroughs Publishing Group was hosting the ‘What’s in a Name’ novella contest. I thought about entering, but did not have a novella completed (or even started), and I was leaving the country to visit family. A month later, I still did not have anything written down (but had had a wonderful time visiting my family) and the deadline was five weeks away.

One day while listening to Face to Face by Siouxsie and the Banshees inspiration struck. I sat down and just wrote. It was unlike any other project I had tackled previously. I finished the novella and a two paragraph synopsis with a couple of days to spare- talk about cutting it close!

Tell us about your latest release and what’s coming next for you. 

Waltzing with the Earl is the last book in the In His Arms series. I was a little sad to finish the series, but ecstatic to start a new venture. I am currently “plotting” a couple of ideas. Stand by for some fun and excitement in the Regency 😉

What’s the hardest part of writing?

Time. There never seems to be enough hours in the day to do all the things I want to do!

Thanks for stepping into the spotlight this month, Alanna! To find out more about Alanna, you can visit her website or find her on Facebook and Twitter.

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Unpublished or published members, would you like to be featured in the member spotlight? Just drop me a line at christy@christycarlyle.com!