In my first novel, STAY, I touched on some very serious life issues. Since it was released I have had some very deep and meaningful conversations with readers who were very affected by what I wrote. I never intended to have an impact on my readers and hearing that I have is so rewarding. Most of my reviews have been very positive and I love reading about what my words mean to a reader. Of course I have had to deal with some negativity too and hopefully I’ve grown from it as a writer. That part is never fun.

How do you hope your readers react to the stories you write?

I really just want my readers to connect with the characters I have created and the story I am telling. Anytime I can make a reader feel something emotional it is positive. Of course I want everyone to fall in love with my characters too but what author doesn’t J

Other than writing great stories, what other goals do you have for your life?

I have an amazing family and a very fulfilling life. I honestly am living a dream with this writing journey and am concentrating on getting my third book written!

Do you ever experience writer’s block?

Not really. At least I didn’t on this book. I have the whole story arc in my head and just needed to get it onto paper. There were times when I had to stop writing though because I became overwhelmed with what was happening with my characters. They feel like real people to me and it was emotionally draining to write some of the scenes in the book.

Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

I can’t really think of any in particular. I can tell you that I have been an avid reader my whole life and I read all genres. I really judge a book by its ability to move me. I just need to connect to the story.

How did you go about developing your characters? Are they based on real people?

I am mostly inspired by people I know, places I’ve been and experiences I’ve had. It really is that basic for me. Many of my characters are drawn loosely from people that have been part of my life at some point or another. I am writing fiction, but I wouldn’t be surprised if some people recognize little pieces of themselves in my characters. I’m a very good listener and find inspiration in other people’s personal stories as well.

What is your writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence?

I listen to music the whole time. I have to. It helps set the tone and lets me block everything else out. I have certain playlists for certain themes of the book. Music plays a big part in my books

Shoes. I have to mention the shoes. There are some drool-worthy foot holders in this book. Firstly, thank you for that! I’m partial to some shoeage myself. Are you a shoe person too? If so, what’s your favourite style?

Me, a shoe person? How did you guess? Seriously, I love all shoes and have the closet to prove it. To be honest, I am a beach girl at heart so sandals are my favourite. Nothing beats a perfectly worn in pair of flip flops. I actually shopped for Alexa’s shoes online… for hours. That was fun!

Speaking of ‘drool worthy’… Julian. Did he pop into your mind ready-made? Or did he change as you began to write him into the story?

Julian, Julian, Julian. I’m not going to lie, he came ready-made as I sort of physically modelled him off a particularly handsome and sexy Latin actor. His personality and character developed throughout the book as he interacted with Lexie, and he ended up being way more layered than I had originally planned. You will get to know a lot more about Julian in ‘Hold On’, the sequel to ‘Stay.’

Fun Favs

Favorite food

Chocolate. That’s a food, right? If not I will go with Cuban Food.

Favorite ice cream flavour

Peanut Butter and Chocolate. Best invention ever!

Favorite color

Green

Weirdest place you’ve ever been

Hard one. That would have to be a concert in the 80’s or Wal-Mart during the holidays.

Tell us a scary story about yourself

Thank God, my life has been relatively “scary-free.” I will say that publishing a book, one with such steamy content, has been pretty scary though.

Tell a high school blunder story

Has to be the worst haircut EVER I got in 9^th grade. It was the 80’s and I was a fan of alternative music. Need I say more?

I would be voted most ______________ and why

Loyal. I’m fiercely loyal to my family and friends. I might also be in the running for most sarcastic. I’ll own that.

It’s a zombie apocalypse. What 3 things do you take with you to survive?

I should go ask my kids, because they’re more familiar with the ZA than I am. Off the top of my head though, I guess I’d take a gun, food and a book on how to survive a Zombie Apocalypse.

If you could be any character in a book, who would you be and why?
Allie in the Notebook. That’s a great love story!

What is on your nightstand?
A water bottle, a blue plate shaped like a fish that holds my jewelry and a lamp.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I can’t remember when I didn’t want to write.

Who or what inspires you to write?
My family, friends and the awesome fans who have totally gotten behind my books.

What is the most challenging thing for you about writing?
It’s not always easy to find the time to do it. It is more of a hobby than a career (at the moment) and I have to fit it in to a very busy life!

Hilary Wynne: Thank you for having us on tonight. I have a ton of things I want to talk to Alexa about and this is the best way to get her to spill all the details. First off, can I call you Lexie, or would you prefer Alexa? I notice that different people call you different things, and you seem to be a little particular about it. I don’t want to start this interview off on the wrong foot.

Alexa: You can call me Lexie. I am a little particular about people calling me a nickname when they don’t really know me. It’s always bugged me. I think you should know someone a little before you start acting so personal. I feel like we know each other Hilary, so it’s fine if you call me Lexie.

Hilary: I’m happy to hear you feel that way. You don’t let a whole lot of people get close to you. Anyway, Luke calls you Hooka, Marissa calls you Lex most of the time, and Julian has a whole lot of nicknames for you. Which do you prefer?

Alexa: The hooka thing always gets a few eyebrow raises and questions. Luke calls me Hooka because we’re huge True Blood fans and one of the characters on the show – Layfette- uses that nickname. Luke called me it one day and it just stuck. I wouldn’t want anyone else to call me that though, for obvious reasons. (laughing). Marissa calls me whatever she wants, but I guess it’s Lex a lot of the time. As for Julian…well, his terms of endearment are all okay by me. I think I’d rather him call me baby or Corazon if I have my choice.

Hilary: I guess it’s obvious why, but I’d think Alexa or Lexie would be okay too.

Alexa: Lexie is fine. He usually calls me Alexa when he isn’t happy with me. He doesn’t notice, but I do.

Hilary: I’ve seen Julian, and I’ve heard him speak. He has such a sexy accent. I think I would let him call me anything to be honest.

Alexa: Ok, now… he’s mine. (laughing)

Hilary: I know, I know. You’re a lucky girl, Lexie. Julian and a whole closet full of shoes… You did know I was going to bring up the shoes, right?

Alexa: Yep. Everyone always brings up the shoes.

Hilary: Because we’re all jealous! How in the world do you afford all of those shoes?

Alexa: You want to talk about the cost? I thought we were going to talk about what’s in style for the summer or who our favorite designers are, Hilary…

Hilary: I’m not sure we have enough time for that, Lexie. So, how about you just give us novices a few tips on where to shop.

Alexa: Actually, I spend a lot of time looking for great shoes. I shop online for great deals. Shopbop.com and bluefly.com are on my favorites list and the UPS driver knows my house well. And I’m a regular at TJ Maxx, Nordstrom Rack and places like that. So, I do try to stay in control.

Hilary: Let’s discuss a few other numbers…as in how many pairs do you own? I swear you’re always wearing a different pair.

Alexa: I plead the fifth on that one too, Hilary. I’ll just say that I really do need a bigger closet.

Hilary: Like Julian’s?

Alexa: (laughs). Yeah. That would be nice. Talk about a lot of expensive shoes…That man makes my love affair with shoes look like amateur hour.

Hilary: (laughs) A lot of couples bond over common interests. Are shoes your bond?

Alexa: God no. At least I hope not. I mean it’s awesome that he loves shoes and appreciates my obsession with quality footwear, but I’d like to think that we’ve bonded over more than shoes.

Hilary: Care to share your thoughts on what that might be?

Alexa: Hmm. You know I’m not a huge fan of sharing secrets and personal stuff and you’re putting me on the spot with this one. But, if I had to answer that I guess I’d say that we just “get” each other. It’s hard to explain because I don’t always understand it myself.

Hilary: And there is the vagueness and dodging we have come to expect from you, Lexie. I get it; you aren’t a big emotional sharer. I’ll respect that…for now.

Alexa: Thanks, Hilary. Thanks for respecting my privacy…for now. It’s not like anyone else does. Everyone always wants to know what I’m thinking. It’s crazy, the stuff that goes through my mind sometimes.

Hilary: We’re all just trying to get to know you better, Lexie.

Alexa: (shrugs) I don’t think I’m particularly interesting or complicated. I’m just a normal girl who is working, living my life and doing the best I can not to screw it all up. I am lucky to have such great friends, and an amazing man to share my life with. And, the shoes make me happy too. I can’t leave out the shoes.

Hilary: (looks at her watch). It seems we’re out of time for now, Lexie. I look forward to getting to know you, Julian, and the rest of your friends better in the future. I appreciate you taking the time to sit down with me and open up a little about what’s going on in your world. I’m glad to hear things are going well with you and Julian.

Alexa: Thanks for talking with me Hilary and thanks for having me on. I’m always happy to talk shoes.

Hilary: STAY in touch, Lexie, we are all excited to see where your story is heading.

Alexa: Absolutely, Hilary. Have a great night.