Author Interview: Tayla Alexandra

 Good morning, Bookish Orchestrations readers! We have a special guest today. Her name is Tayla Alexandra and she's here to answer a few questions. But first, here's a bit about her.

About the Author

Tayla Alexandra is the romantic alter-ego of an otherwise suspenseful mind. She's been living inside, behind lock and key, for years just screaming to escape. Through a treacherous journey of pain and disillusion she has finally made it to the land of the living and she has some stories to tell.

Tayla loves sweet romances and happily ever after endings. In fact, if she were given a wish she'd rather live in a book. A sweet romance to be specific. One where she's not the author but the main character.

But for now, Tayla is satisfied with living vicariously through her characters. It's not much but it will have to do.

To get a glimpse of her writing, feel free to grab the free novella called To Trust Again. It's part of the Her Sweet Billionaire Romance Series, but there's no billionaire - go figure. Anyway if you'd like to check it out here's the link - https://mybookcave.com/d/71b3416d/

Or you can buy it right here on Amazon for only 99c: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G639R2S

 

About the Book

Chandler Jones has spent the better part of his life trying to be nothing like his alcoholic, womanizing, abusive father. Having invested years into saving the family business from the ashes his father left, he has no time for a serious relationship. He has no need for a woman in his life and dates his high school sweetheart only because she is equally rich, extremely independent, and looks good on his arm. But when she ducks out on him on the most important weekend of the year, he is desperate.

Dena Gysler wants nothing to do with her rich, arrogant employer outside of work. She cleans his office and he has no idea she exists. That suits her just fine because in the five years of taking out his trash, he’s never once acknowledged her existence. When he offers her ten thousand dollars to accompany him on his weekend business conference, Dena is appalled. But ten thousand dollars to a cleaning lady is a lot of money to refuse.

Dena and Chandler agree to a strictly-business plan that will benefit them both. And falling in love is not a part of that plan.

But then again, plans change.

https://talexandraauthor.wixsite.com/website

https://mailchi.mp/277ef42e06ee/talexandraauthor

https://www.facebook.com/talexandraromance

https://twitter.com/AlexandraTayla

https://www.amazon.com/Tayla-Alexandra/e/B07FR3X8P5

Author Interview

1. What is your writing process? Do you outline before you start?

I have tried several times to outline my stories and fail miserably each time. I have resolved myself to being a pantster. Usually, I am just as amazed at how the book will end as my reader and often find myself laughing out loud or crying during crucial scenes.

2. How do you develop your characters? Do you use images found online, a Pinterest board, character sketches, or develop them as you write?

All of my characters are figment of my own imaginations. Although when I do my covers before the book as I have with Her Sweet Billionaire Romance Series I have a good idea what my main character will look like. I would love to Pinterest them ahead of time along with their surroundings and lifestyles but I just can’t seem to find the time.

3. What is your best advice for getting rid of writer’s block?

Whenever I find myself at a block, I put it down for a bit (Sometimes weeks) and work on something else. If I am under a time crunch to meet a deadline, I will talk it out with one of my faithful author friends who help me work it through and brainstorm ideas. The great thing about being an indie author is that I am surrounded by talent at my immediate disposal and likewise they know they can count on me for help as well.

4. If you could share one piece of advice that you wish someone else had told you to an aspiring writer, what would it be?

That is an easy question. As an indie author, most of us are working other jobs as well as our true love – writing. In turn we rely on others to critique and read our work. I have learned the hard way to grow a much thicker skin when allowing others to read my unfinished work. It can be easy to give up because of a criticism, even if it is constructive. If you feel that God has led you to write, trust in Him to guide you and keep your frustration at bay during those times you feel like throwing in the towel. Nothing good in life is easy all the time. Keep going. Keep trying. Keep writing.

 5. What is your favorite genre?

 I’m not sure this is a genre but I love to write crisis driven stories. Whether I am writing suspense or romance I tend to lean toward crisis. Usually it’s a Christian who made an unwise decision and finds themselves in a situation only God can help them through, even so, I love to have fun with my characters no matter what genre.

6. You write under a pen name. Why did you decide to do so and why pick this particular name?

I write sweet romance under the pen name Tayla Alexandra. I do so because I write suspense under my real name of Patricia Bell. The name Tayla Alexandra is actually my daughter’s first and middle name. I spent hours trying to think of a pen name I liked and could think of nothing. And then her name popped into my head and I knew it was the right one. She feels honored for her mother to write under her name.

Fun (optional) questions:

Pizza or Pasta?

Pizza

Favorite movie?

Sweet Home Alabama

Favorite Bible verse?

Romans 8:38-39

³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,^[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

  

Coffee, tea, or water?

Coffee in the morning, tea and water the rest of the day.