Today I’m thrilled to have Alanna Lucas, author of Once Upon a Montana Christmas, with me in the Blue Rose Writing Room.
Tell us, how long have you been writing?
Stories and ideas have been brewing in my mind since I was a little girl, but about six years ago I decided to write my first novel with the mindset of self-publishing it, and giving it to family and friends. I wasn’t planning on turning writing into a career, but somewhere along the way, I fell in love with the whole process. Ideas started to flow, characters came to life…I was hooked.
I joined RWA three years ago and started taking online classes, but it wasn’t until I joined my local chapter- East Valley Authors- that I started to hone my craft. Their awesome support gave me the confidence I needed to push to the next level.
What’s one thing you absolutely can’t tolerate during your writing? One thing you can’t write without?
Not having a title for the book. Once I have a firm idea for a title, the work in progress becomes more official.
I cannot write without my journal. Each book idea has its own journal with character names, scene ideas, and descriptions. I always carry a small journal with me. However, I am not always able to jot down ideas, especially when driving. That is where my daughter comes in handy. Of course, if I could read her writing, that would be even better!
I changed the title of my first book three times.
Why did you choose to write in this genre? Have you ever written any other genre? Do you plan on doing so in the future?
History fascinates me. I love to research (did I mention that I love to research?) and learn all that I can- which can also be a negative. It is quite easy for me to get wrapped up in research and lose track of time.
It seemed only natural for me to write what I love to read. Although I do have to set time limits or nothing would ever be written.
I can’t imagine writing anything else besides historical romance- the possibilities are endless.
Is there any genre you won’t read? Write? Can you tell us why?
Paranormal. I have a very overactive imagination. Scooby Doo is about as much as I can handle, and even that is debatable. I can freak myself out in thirty seconds or less. A couple of my chapter mates from East Valley Authors, often tease that their works should come with warning labels just for me.
Chuckling here because I can’t do horror or a lot of paranormal for the same reason.
Tell us one unusual, weird, or curious fact you discovered while researching this book.
The ranch in my novella is modeled after the Grant-Kohrs Ranch in Deer Lodge, Montana. I thought it interesting that the house had rather elegant private bathrooms, especially for the late 1800’s.
What’s one new thing you’d like to try?
I would love to hike to the top of Mt. Everest or Mount Kilimanjaro. There is one major caveat with this… lack of bathroom facilities. I have a book entitled Toilets Around the World, and in all honesty, some of them scare me! There are certain conveniences that I am just not willing to sacrifice.
Which is precisely why I like to write historicals but am sooo grateful I don’t have to endure what my heroine’s do.
What is something you are determined to do?
Never have any regrets. I have known too many people who have said, “If I only could have…” I never want to be that person. Failure is part of learning and growing as an individual, but I always try and walk away with some new knowledge. If I don’t succeed at something, it is not for a lack of effort.
Do you have a favorite quote?
“The World is a book, those who do not travel read only one page.” St. Augustine
This quote really sums up who I am. I love to travel, visit family, and experience new sites and sounds. My family often accuses me of plotting places to visit.
Tell us something unusual, quirky, or odd about yourself?
I like to vacuum! I think it is because the second the vacuum comes out of the closet, my family runs and hides for fear that they may be asked to do that chore. I find it relaxing. Sounds from the world around dissolve and my own thoughts become clearer. Also, no one bothers me J.
I like to vacuum since hubby gave me a robot vacuum for Christmas last year!
Okay, now for the quickie questions: Answer in three words or less. Ready? Go!
Favorite Disney Character? Archimedes (Sword and the Stone)
Favorite Fruit? Gala Apples
Favorite Hero? Mr. Darcy
Favorite Eye Color? Green
Best Vacation destination? Europe
Food you can’t stand? Chutney
What annoys you? Traffic
Coffee, tea, or something else? Coffee, tea, wine
Nightgown or Jammies? Jammies
Prefer dogs or cats? Dogs
A bit about Alanna
Alanna Lucas grew up in Southern California. From an early age, she took an interest in travel, incorporating those experiences into her writing. When she is not daydreaming of her next travel destination Alanna can be found researching, spending time with family, or going for long walks. Alanna Lucas is a member of the Romance Writers of America, East Valley Authors, The Beau Monde, and Celtic Hearts Romance Writers.
The blurb about Once Upon A Montana Christmas
Miss Eva Kenward does not want to spend another Christmas alone. Leaving Queen Victoria’s England, she journeys to America in search of an uncle but finds herself on the rugged frontier of Montana. And with no money and no acquaintances, the rudest man she has ever met is the one she must engage. Especially considering the precious bundle in her arms.
“Hunt” Strauss has been fooled before by beauty. So when the ravishing young woman arrives on his doorstep, he suspects her of ulterior motives. But perhaps the baby she holds truly is his kin…and when Miss Kenward finds herself stranded after a hotel fire, he reluctantly agrees to help. Bringing her to his sprawling ranch, Hunt tries to keep his distance. But the enticing woman and her enthusiasm for the season soon prove that fairy tale love stories—and holiday wishes—really can come true.
Enjoy an excerpt from Once Upon A Montana Christmas
“Oh! It’s here!” Eva heard Aunt Carol bellow from downstairs. She gathered Lily in her arms and went down to see what all the fuss was about.
Eva arrived downstairs just in time to see Hunt and Mr. Walker carry a large crate into the house and place it beside another.
Aunt Carol’s face was bright with excitement. “Oh, dearie, you are just in time.”
“Just in time for what?” Eva said as she edged closer to the crate.
“Christmas decorations, tinsel, and treats from my brother in Germany!”
As Aunt Carol explained about the contents of the crates, Hunt and Mr. Walker pried them open, revealing wrapped packages and tins full of fragrant spices.
Eva sat down on the floor with a very curious Lily on her lap. When she opened a tin with the embossment of a German landscape, the scent of cloves filled the air. The next package Eva pulled contained a smooth wood block engraving of a Christmas tree. “This is beautiful,” she said as she admired the engraving.
Eva was surprised when Hunt began to explain the significance of the wood engraving. “It’s a cookie mold. We use the molds to make decorative Lebkuchen, a type of spiced cookie, and ornaments for the Christmas tree. It has been a tradition in my family for many generations. My Oma taught my siblings and I how to make them.”
She could hear the pride in his voice. Despite his tough exterior, underneath it all was a sensitive man. Not for the first time, Eva wondered what had hardened him.
“Did you have any family traditions, dearie?”
Eva did not know how to answer that question without raising sympathy from Aunt Carol. Her family was not close and they would never dream of sitting on the floor, rummaging through crates. She could hear her stepmother now: “That is why we have servants. Let them get their hands dirty.” Looking away, she shook her head without a word, and continued on with unpacking their traditions, wishing desperately she had some of her own.
Here’s how you can contact Alanna
Thanks again, Alanna, for joining me here today.
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