Tag: A. L. Long

A.L. Long and I were both at the reader event in the Dells.  Through this event we connected on social media and she graciously agreed to do an interview.

Author Bio:

I am A. L. Long an erotic romance writer and after retiring from the financial industry I wanted a way to spend my time enjoying what I’ve always wanted to do.  It was then I decided I want to write.  I always knew I wanted to write but never had the time. I have a deep passion for romance and thought why not share my ideas. When I’m not writing, I like to spend my time outside taking long walks and sipping wine under the stars.  I have also just recently been added to the Wicked Pen as one of the featured authors.

1. Tell us about yourself.

Award winning Author of the Independent Press Award and NYC Big Book Award. A.L. Long is also the recipient of the National Indie Excellence Award.

My love for writing began several years ago after an early retirement from a demanding job that I loved, but also hated because it consumed so much of my time. Now, I am able to focus my time on what I love. Writing romance has been a life long dream and to actually say that I am a published author is beyond what I would have ever expected.

Even though some may say I have a little naughtiness in my books, I look at it as an added bonus for my readers. After all what is a romance book without a little spice.

When I am not writing, I enjoy spending time with friends either at home or out on the town. Mostly, I enjoy a relaxing night at home where I can enjoy a glass of wine in the company of a good book.

2. When did you know you wanted to be an author?

After retiring, I knew that I wanted to do something to fill my time. I have always wanted to write so than was when I decided to take the time to do it.

3. What genres do you like to read?  Are these the same genres you write in?

I love reading romance, spicy romance. The books I read have to have a plot otherwise I won’t read them. All of my books are of this genre.

4. Is your book for adults, young adults or children?

All of my books are for adults 18+.

5. What is your current release or project?

I have recently finished my 15th book titled Saving Hanna. It will be released on 12/11.

6. Tell us about the key characters

The key characters are Hanna Marsh, who is a country girl forced to move to the city in order to survive and Aiden Marsh, a rich business man who has a connection to her which she soon finds out.

7. What is your blurb or synopsis of the book?

For as long as Hanna can remember she always did everything she could to keep her brother Carter out of trouble. She soon finds out that not even your own family can be trusted and blood isn’t thicker than water. Losing the only home, she knew to her brother’s greed, Hanna does everything she can to make a new life for herself and get back the life she once knew.

Hanna never thought Aiden Drake would be the one person who could give back what was taken from her. All it would take is one night, only that one night never comes when revenge comes knocking and the one man to save her is also the one man with more greed than her brother.

8.  Share an excerpt (up to 800 words).

Gathering the last of the dishes from table seven, I quickly wiped it clean, making it ready for the next customer. Hearing the bell ring once again above the door, I looked up with a smile to greet the customer. My smile changed into that of bewilderment when a tall gentleman wearing an expensive suit entered the diner. I couldn’t take my eyes off of him as he took a seat at the counter. As confident as he appeared to be, there was no way he belonged here. The diner sported the laid-back kind of people, and this man seemed far from laid back.

Picking up the gray tub filled with dirty dishes, I headed over to where the man sat to get a better look at him. His masculine features did him justice. He was beyond handsome. The minute he looked my way and our eyes met, I knew I had been caught staring at him. My face must have turned ten different shades of red from embarrassment. I wasn’t the type to stare at strangers, but this man was picture-perfect and my eyes were glued to him, and that was putting it mildly.

Turning away from him to hide my embarrassment, I pushed open the swinging door to the kitchen to make my escape. One thing I didn’t count on was Byron coming from the other side to meet me. Being embarrassed twice in one day was the last thing I wanted, but the tub I was carrying flew in the air above me. Trying to catch it before it hit the floor, I ended up losing my balance, sending me on the way down. I could only pray that when I hit the floor, I wouldn’t end up really hurting myself.

Closing my eyes, I waited for the inevitable to happen, only it never came. Knowing Byron was in front of me, I did not expect someone to grab me from behind to keep my body upright so I would avoid a hard crash to the floor.

His voice was deep. “Miss, are you okay?”

Readjusting the dress that looked like it had come from the 1960s, I turned to the voice to find it was the handsome gentleman that had my mind spinning. Tongue-tied, I smiled gratefully and said, “Thank you,” in a shy, shallow voice. What I really wanted to say was, “Where did you come from?”

Our eyes were connected for much longer than we both had expected, tipping on the edge of awkwardness before the man responded, “You’re quite welcome. It would sadden me if as pretty a girl as yourself would have injured herself.”

I could feel my cheeks redden in reaction to his comment. No one had ever regarded me as pretty. Sending the man one last smile, I bent down and helped Byron clean up the mess I had made. Thankfully, the man returned to his seat, giving me the room I needed to compose myself. Looking over to Byron, he didn’t seem at all happy with what had just taken place. Come to think about it, he never seemed happy about anything. He was definitely a different breed of man. More gothic than anything with his dark black hair, which I was positive he colored to match his painted black fingernails. It was no wonder that Dotty kept him in the kitchen. Removing his nail polish and the many piercings he had on his face wasn’t an option for him, but for Dotty it was the only way she would consider moving him out of his current position of dishwasher.

Handing the tub to Byron, I headed back to the dining area to welcome any customers that might have entered during my absence. Glancing quickly over to the counter, the handsome gentleman had his attention drawn to the menu. Seeing that no one had entered the diner, I headed his way to take his order. Pulling the small notepad from my apron, I flipped it open to a clean sheet. Before I reached the counter, I grabbed a full water pitcher sitting near the waitress station. By the time I had reached to counter, he must have already made his choice as the menu was now lying flat against the counter.

With a welcoming smile, I stood opposite of him and asked timidly, “Are you ready to order?” while taking a clean glass from under the counter and filling it with water.

When he looked up at me, I couldn’t help but notice his eyes. I couldn’t tell if they were blue or green, but they were warm and inviting, which had no problem drawing me in. Catching myself once again on the verge of an embarrassing situation, I cleared my throat and said, “What will it be then?”

With a smile that was more like a mischievous grin, he replied, “What do you recommend, Hanna?

9. Do you have a favorite scene?

I like the scene towards the end of the book. I can’t tell you because it would give away the story.

10.  What advice would you give a beginner?

Don’t ever give up writing. Success doesn’t happen over night. If you truly love writing stick with it and the success will come when you least expect it.

https://www.instagram.com/allongbooks/

http://allongbooks.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14137700.A_L_Long