Hi Alexandra. Thank you so much for being with us today and for being our New Voices of Today highlighted author.

You're welcome, Deb! I'm thrilled to be here.

Let's start off by learning a little more about you. How was it that you decided to become an author?

Well, it all started in high school. I took a creative writing course in my senior year and I loved it! That summer, I decided to write my first book. It was a personal challenge, really. I wanted to see if I could write more than a short story. Well, I finished a rough draft that very summer-and I was hooked! I loved the process of story-telling. I knew then it was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

Writing a book takes a very long time. How long did it take to actually get your first book published? Did you submit your manuscript to quite a few publishing houses?

No, I didn't submit to a lot of houses. I'm an impatient person, so when I got my first few rejection letters, I figured something was wrong with the manuscript and I put it aside. I started to write a new book instead (A Forbidden Love). As soon as I finished the new book, I sent it off to an agent. Two months later, I got "the call" from my agent informing me Avon had bought the book. All in all, it took about seven years.

Working in a museum must be fascinating. Do you get any inspiration from working around such an environment?

Lots! I love working in a historic village. The sound of the blacksmith hammering on the anvil, the sight of the great mill wheel turning, the smell of fresh bread in the bake oven. It's very inspirational. I get a real feel for the nineteenth century.

When creating a storyline, how do you first get started? Do you have an idea and run with it or do you have to do a lot of research?

I usually run with an idea. I mean, I always write a synopsis (I have to know how the story ends). But I don't do chapter-by-chapter outlines. As for research, I always have to do some before I start writing. For example, I had to learn all about schooners and sailing for my pirate romance: Too Great A Temptation.

Research is a very important part of a story, especially for historical accuracy. Where do you find most of your research material? Which ones do you go to repeatedly?

Well, there are the traditional methods: books & internet. I also get information from the museum where I work. I love to visit other historic sites, too. And family stories always help. For instance, my grandfather was a mechanic by profession, but he was also a healer. I used one of his herbal remedies in my first historical romance: A Forbidden Love. And I use all these resources on a regular basis.

A Forbidden Love and Too Great A Temptation have met with rave reviews. What is it about this time frame that draws you to it?

The Forbidden! In a time of strict social rules, you can't see who you want nor be who you want. It's the perfect environment to create conflict and tension.

In A Forbidden Love the heroine is a gypsy. In Too Great A Temptation, she was a pirate. These are both very strong roles for a woman to play. When developing your characters, do you ever emulate them after people you know?

No. Each character comes fresh from my mind. But little things will trigger my creativity. For example, a photograph first inspired my gypsy heroine in A Forbidden Love. And an anecdote was the inspiration for the heroine in my third historical romance (still untitled).

When you are working on a new book, do you have any kind of a set routine that you follow?

I like to write in the afternoon, so I spend my morning working at the museum or exercising in the gym or running errands. Then I'll sit at the computer and type until I have nothing left to say. I also love to write when it's sunny. Weird, I know, but if it's a cloudy/rainy day, I feel so blah and uninspired.

Finding free time to relax must be hard, but when you do what do you like to do for fun? Do you have any hobbies?

I love to travel. Seeing far off places or even visiting local historic sites is always fun. I love to attend art shows and concerts, too. Anything to get out of the house! But I don't have time for a hobby.

Reading is such a big part of a writer's life. Do you have any favorite author's or genres that you like to read?

My favorite book of all time is Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. Her prose is spellbinding; her characters mesmerizing. I think that's why I like the tortured hero in literature so much.

When giving advice to aspiring authors, what is the number once piece of wisdom that you would give to them?

Always make a good first impression. a) If writing a query letter, spell the editor/agent's name right (it pays to double check). b) Make sure you query the right agent/editor (ie: don't send a historical romance to an editor/agent that only publishes/represents paranormals). c) Follow the rules. If an agent asks for a synopsis and three sample chapters, don't send the entire manuscript.

Making a good first impression gets you one step closer to being a published author.

Alexandra, how can readers get in touch with you?

Readers can visit me on-line at: www.AlexandraBenedict.ca

Thank you so much for talking with us today.

You're welcome, Deb! I had a great time.

All of us at AAR wish you the best of luck with your writing career. Cheers!