Interview with ALee Drake

We have our first interview with published author, ALee Drake. You can find her new release, Thistle Dew, a paranomal at The Wild Rose Press

So folks, pull up a chair and a cup of coffee and enjoy!

1). First, could you tell us what you are currently working on for publication or about your current release?

A) My current WIP is called Men In T's. It's a contemporary romance about a trip cross country in a 1921 Ford Model T.

2). Could you please tell us a little about yourself?

A) I live in upstate NY at the foothills of the Adirondacks. I am the mother of five, mother-in-law to two and grandmother to three. I've been married for 37 years to my best friend. When I'm not writing, I teach at an elementary school, try to keep ahead of the weeds in my gardens, and travel with my husband.

3). Give us a sneak peek into the book? (mentioned above)

A) Pax, a city girl, is a journalist assigned to cover a centennial Model T Ford event. No problem for the talented writer, until she finds she must travel via Model T for four days with Paramedic/Model T enthusiast Scott Douglas, a country boy, favoring the much simpler lifestyle of the past.

4). Tell us about your writing process? Do you outline or just start writing?

A) I start with the characters. I have a collection of characters, give them names, and let them decide on the story.I have been a pantser, but am finding the perks to plotting and planning.

5). What genre is your favorite to write? Read?

A) Romance...is there any other kind? Contemporary, Western, paranormal-ghosts and angels.

6). Do you have any favorite authors?

A) Christina Dodd is my absolute favorite. Gayle Callen, Christine Wenger, Jason Barett, Cara Summers, Maggie Shayne

7). Is there a genre you haven't written, but would love to tackle in the future?

A) I have a werewolf story lurking inside.And some children's stories.

8). What's planned next for your writing career?

A) Just writing...there are so many characters waiting their turn for me to tell their story.

9). Do you work well with deadlines?

A)Yes. If I don't have a deadline I play soduku.

10). When did you first start writing?

A)I was 7 when I realized that I like the feel of a clean pad of paper and a freshly sharpened pencil.

11). What influenced you to submit your work for publication?

A)I was encouraged by a friend to submit THISTLE DEW who said she wanted to watch the movie.

12). Do you belong to a critique group? If so-how does this help you? If not-would you ever consider joining one-if not- why do you think you work better alone?

A) I belong to a critique group called the Herkimer Diamonds. If not for them, I would not have come this far. Also my RWA chapter, CNYRW, has critique before their meetings.

13). What is the best way for readers to contact you?

A) I would LOVE to hear from readers at andeleek@yahoo.com

14). Any advice you want to give to aspiring writers?

A) There is no shortcut. There is no fill in the blank format. There is only writing and listening to your characters as they tell you their story.

Thanks so much Alee for dropping by!