Monday 4 July 2016

Interview: Lexi Miles (author)

Folk on Twitter know Lexi Miles for her cheeky *giggles*, good humour and positive vibes.  She's always there with upbeat comments and a smile. She is one of those adorable people who you just wanna hug. She's also an author so crazily in love, she spent her life pursuing her passion - writing.
I discovered, she's also got a lot to say on this... :-)


Author: Lexi Miles


So, Lexi, hello and welcome to Script Alchemy. I'm delighted to have you come and answer some questions about you and your books.

Thank you so much for having me Annelisa. It is my pleasure to be with you today. I love your website Script Alchemy, and we get along so well, so I am happy, honored, and thrilled that you invited me to do this!

Thank you. Let's find out a little about you first, before we talk about your books. I've been checking out your bio, and see you've lived all over the place - Vegas, Los Angeles, Reno, California - where in the world is the spot that holds your dearest memories?

Oh, that’s a tough one. For my best and most precious memories, it is a bit of a tie between California, the Bay Area (near San Francisco), and Reno, Nevada. Those two places are where I have spent the most time and where I grew up. And, the weather is perfect in those two spots and the people are incredibly friendly. And to me that is important. (giggling a bit as I respond here)

Downtown Reno, Nevada, one of Lexi Miles' favourite places


And, where does your heart most desire to take you?

My heart most desires to take me out of the country to tour Europe or the United Kingdom. I also would like to go a little closer to home, back to Hawaii and Napa, California for some rest and relaxation.

Tahoe Shore

I see you have a lot of things you love, including, of course writing and reading, but also bowling, cooking, the beach, photography, spa days, fitness, dancing... and two sweet pups. If you had one day - one glorious day - how would you spend it? (It might be your last ever, so think of all the things you'd love to do and who you'd spend it with)

If I had to make one day count—really count—I would spend it with my loved ones, including my pups and best friend Chloe Quinn, at the beach. Not doing anything except for giggling, talking, and wiggling my feet in the sand. I would be appreciating this magical immense world with profound beauty all around me. I would just be thankful for every moment and giggle that I had with them. That would be perfect! (Those are my favorite days, time with my love ones, beach or not.)

Lexi's Silver Yorkies, Harley Quin and Poison Ivy

So, let's talk books. You've recently released a novel - Custom Fit - and a book of poetry - Focused on Love - and, I believe, you have a further seven (yes seven!) books to be released in 2016? 

Yes, I do have seven that are very near to being released. I just find that so many things inspire me. That is code for 'I have a lot of ideas that dance around in my brain and I love sharing them'.



First, give us a quick run down of what Custom Fit is all about. 


So, you want to know about Custom Fit. Hmmm, how do I give you a snapshot of what it is all about? I have a structured synopsis, but today I will give you a fresh account of it, since I believe you are game.

What would you do if you found yourself walking into work and then being tasked to take clothes on and off of the extremely sexy man you are crazy about and have been for years? Well, that is what Sunni, our main character, faces at the top of the novel. Let me clarify, I know you are wondering with that sounding a bit spicy, Sunni is a style specialist and consultant with a long list of high profile clients. At the firm that she is working for, there is only one rule: no romantic entanglements with the professional contacts. However, throughout the book, even with the assignment only being for the couple weeks preceding and following the holidays, Sunni finds this to be harder and harder to uphold. What adds to that challenge is that Striker Clint, the alarmingly sexy actor and singer she’s adored from afar, is her ultimate crush, who is even more gorgeous and chivalrous than in his movies. She soon has to decide, is a shot at being with him, her ultimate desire, worth giving up the career she has worked so hard for? What will she decided? Or will the blue-eyed dreamy Striker decide it for her? Will she cave to his persuasive charm?

Cover: Custom Fit by author Lexi Miles
This romance novel about actors and fashion was a blast to write and has a load of twists, scandal, humor, and sexiness. It’s a highly fun read set during the time of Thanksgiving through the New Year, but is fun no matter what season. It involves fun social media references, romantic set-ups, and friendships.

Throughout all of the madness, I really like most how it is centered around and shows a sweet and intense love as they both deal with some pretty serious issues (past relationships and risk taking). There are some troublemakers, past and present, you are going to love to hate as well as some surprise characters that make you smile. Returning to the main characters, their forbidden relationship is a wildly sexy romance, making frequent trips to the brink of hot sexy love and will have the reader craving for more. It is a nice combination of attraction, strength from love, deep emotional connection, and searing passion.

That sounds awesome. We need that kind of honest synergy between love and the sensual side of romance. They are not exclusive of each other, as some think. Are your other seven books in this same genre?

Yes, the seven books that are coming out are all romance novels and in that sexy hot vein as Custom Fit. Each of the novels are so fire-hot you may need aloe as you read them! To answer your question further, some books are a part of series and others are stand-alone features. Although for the most part the novels are incredibly sexy that I write, outside of the handful coming out, the intensity of the hotness of each novel does change. I write a range on the spectrum of an arc from sweet to erotic. I do have to say, I ENJOY and most definitely like to spend my time—a lot of time—living in the land of highly sensual.

Do you want to tell us a bit about the other books?

Sure. Here's a quick break down of the seven coming to Amazon soon (not in order of release):

Dangerous Listing: A realtor named Piper rents out a listing and stumbles into a dangerous situation. She soon finds herself holed up with the ever sexy and mysterious Marko, and she’s not complaining. Is danger just the thing they need to kick off their sexy romance? (Vol 0.5 in the Sensual Protection series, proceeds Private Lessons)

Too Much Trouble: A lawyer named Sela steps in to help her scam artist brother with a legal issue and ends up having to work for the powerful family that he has wronged to keep him out of hot water. More specifically, Sela has to work for the egotistical head of the family, the oh-so-sexy, Gavin Brooks, who she has butted heads with on more than one occasion. But will she find that the arrangement has its advantages? (Vol 1 of Sexy Law series)

Private Lessons: Dorian DeVain, a travel agent, gets tricked into taking much needed self-defense classes by her best friend Piper. She is apprehensive, even given the looming threat of her past, until she meets the ultra-sexy brown haired instructor Jimmy Jalin. Will there be sexy benefits included with his training? (Vol 1 of the Sensual Protection series)

Convince Me: Josephine Summers, a feisty red headed chef has just been blacklisted for declining her boss’ romantic advances. Determined for a fresh start, Jo has a chance meeting with the dreamy lawyer with the penetrating blue eyes, Roger, who convinces her to become his live in chef. After that things really heat up. Is Jo going find it difficult to keep things strictly professional? (Vol 1 of Seductive Recipes series)

Mix Matched: Maxi is a bartender at a bar that the mega-hot Wolf Crane owns. Wolf, off the clock, is known for giving romantic help to others so they find their romantic match. She gets the idea to have Wolf use his skills to help her until she can get him to realize that she is his perfect match. Can she sway him to see her daydream for them? (Vol 1 of the Happy Hour series)(NanoWrimo Nov 2015)

Behind the Scenes: After an awful breakup, Markie has sworn off relationships. That is until a brief encounter at a café where she meets a devilishly handsome Johnny who steps in to help her shake a problem. Per her friend’s prior suggestion, Markie has just started one of the hottest romance novels out and Johnny notices it. Horrified when he picks it up and starts reading it aloud they soon fall into reading the story to each other. But will the love story stay within the pages of the book? (Stand Alone Novel)

Assisting Love: Dixie, tired of not living to her potential, quits an assisting job and gets commandeered for an upgraded executive assisting one. She is under the impression it is for someone else but ends up working for and living with the reclusive Cliff, a fundraiser whisperer. She soon finds that she helps him let his guard down and he helps her tap into who she once was years ago. Can she manage to keep her desires for him in check or will she risk it all to see if they have a chance at love? (Vol 1 of Romancing the Roommate)

Books by Lexi Miles, author

All of the stories, that are coming soon, show challenges that couples face and how they evolve as individuals and couples because of them. I think that love makes us the best versions of ourselves. You know, the most courageous people that we can be because we know that we are loved and accepted deeply. In my opinion, romantic love, centers us and makes everything about life more vibrant and beautiful. Love, in many ways, is like that spice of a secret recipe in cooking that makes life taste better!

What made you start to write this genre? And what do you feel, knowing others are reading it? 

Honestly, there are four main reasons I write romance.

The first, I love the romance genre. I am a mush. I adore scribing the magic of opening up oneself to another. That metaphoric nakedness is beautiful, raw, peaceful, and like art. Love, in all of its forms, especially romantic, is worth writing about and I love doing it.

Secondly, I got tired of reading about the bickering or “mommy-ing” that some of these books act like is sexy or romantic. I personally am annoyed by too much of that. I hate it when a woman picks apart a man or he acts as if he dominates her. Granted, I do love a good DOM book and write some sexual tension with a bit of spunky flirty quip dialogue, but not that whiny stuff. Or the brain went out for lunch stories or immature actions I can’t identify with. So, I was inspired to write because I wanted to do it, to add to the other books out there, and support that different view and offer a more unique alternatives for romance readers. I wanted to write something where women weren’t so meek damsel in distress, stubborn, not independent, or gripe focused. And on the flipside I want to write men positively where the men weren’t so one dimensional, negative stereotypical, emotionless, or jerks. I wanted to write something that gave more depth to each gender.

Third...?

My next reason, I write romance because I like the naughty and fire-hot stuff. Some people may shy away from the beauty and physical fun you can have with your partner, but I think it is beautiful and thrilling to capture. Sex, sexual tension, and all of its spiciness is fun to write about time after time!

Finally, I just find it completely rewarding to weave together this fictional world and to sculpt something out of it. Creatively typing whatever my mind can come up with is refreshing. And really making it basic, romance is so fun to write! That’s why I write!

What do I feel knowing that others are reading it? Honestly, I hope they are enjoying it. I am happy to share the sexy and romantic stories that I do. My stories are also inclusive of all the genres, in a way, from mystery, quests, jumps through time, and strong storylines about all things in general with a definite emphasis on romantic love. I love that. I love what I write—the super sexy beautiful part of life. To me, knowing people are reading it feels as if I am sharing a good recipe with a friend. And it would be wrong to keep it to myself!

You say in your bio you make all your male heroes 'confident with a good sense of themselves'. What other characteristics do they have in common? 

Hmmm, good question. Let me think about this for a second. What do most of my male characters have in common?

They all have flaws, openness (once their walls come down), and are innocent in some areas (may not know how to cook, or they blush at things). Yet, still with that innocence, they are witty, sharp, intelligent, and knowledgeable (great at their jobs or handling the worst kind of threat). My male characters tend to all be incredibly strong (reader understands by the end of the story where that strength was forged in a younger part of his life). In some of the books, not all, a few of my male leads may have a frosty exterior (reputation of aloofness) or come across like jerks to others, but due to her spunk (or something else that jars them out of their routines) they warm up to their female counterparts.

In addition, for the most part, they have a good sense of humor, are gentleman, and see the best in my female characters. A common thread each male character possesses is that they are in the process of evolving in one way or another, just like the female characters.

I like that idea...that the male characters are evolving too :-)

The idea of my writing is that the couple as a whole balance one another. It is a case where each uniquely answers or satisfies something that is missing that the other needed. It is kind of like they are the “perfect” or imperfect recipe, if you will, blending together to have, her the sugar or him the spice, that makes sense for each individual couple created within the books. For example he may be super serious and she is a free spirit, yet each brings that brilliant balance to each other. It may not make sense to everyone around them, but it is exactly what the couple is craving for their life to be happy.

Cover: Focused on Love by author Lexi Miles

Do you think romances often create an image of men that perhaps a real man can never live up to, or an expectation in women readers that men should be like this and, so, all other men fall short and they find it difficult to find this 'perfect' man?

I loved reading romance growing up, I love reading it now, and in the back of my mind, I always thought of the characters as real in some moment of time; accordingly, in my head they were all flawed or more realistic than what was written down in the pages(for concise and story flow purposes). Which is why your question of “perfection” caught me off guard. Let me explain, when I read (and now write) books it is not in terms of 'is the guy perfect?' I know they burp among other things that all people do, but I view it more like a snapshot of moments the author is writing. 

Snapshots are to highlight someone and not to show their flaws. Like when looking at a picture we all understand that the beautiful and deep layers (including the flaws) of a person are there, but we are capturing a moment of life. And now as I write, I try to think of the characters as stepping out of the pages—living and breathing—and I know the strengths as well as the flaws exist. (I do a whole character flesh out process and scenarios thing before I sit down to write. It is so that I really have a chance to get into the headspace of my characters, and so I know they aren’t perfect. I am giggling as I say it, they're far from it.) And I try, as much as possible, to pull back the curtain and share the flaws as well as the silliness (or any other true feature) of the person to give a true to life texture to the characters in the book, so that they don’t feel “perfect” but real, as if you are living their life as they are living it.

Having said that, to actually answer the question, can “real” men live up to the hot book guys?

On a real guy’s worst day, they are better than the guy that does everything right, so to speak. Flaws are hot, perfection, in that sense, is a snore. If I define perfection, to me it is the combination of a guy’s strengths and flaws. When men are striving to be the best version of themselves, no matter the bumps as they go, that is even hotter than that “perfect guy” held up in some books. I think “fictional perfection” cannot scratch the surface of how awesomely unique and ultra-hot fellows are in real life. They are like diamonds and each part of them good or bad is like the glimmering facets that highlight the diamond’s handsomeness and shine. In my opinion, men are pretty darn amazing and sexy and—despite how I try—I can’t come close to writing how incredible they are in truth within the pages of my book. But I still love trying to do it. (I am giggling here.)

Do imperfections make for perfection?

Now returning to the subject of the “perfect” man of the books, I think my most exciting characters are the ones that are “perfection in their way” not some idea of it. You know, they may have to have the last word type, but a great sense of humor that outweighs it. That is better than a “yes honey” guy any day. I am giggling here because I know some people who prefer those, but I am not that way. I think that a couple should have the freedom to be exactly who they are and be loved by their partner for it—celebrated even.

And, moving on to this, do I think women find it difficult to find this “perfect” guy in “real” life? Hopefully not. At least I think of it as an aim for this type of guy deal that “us” ladies look for. But to me, flaws are beautiful and as women we should prioritize what’s important to us (of the characteristics that make those book guys so appealing) while we are looking for our match. And I think if you do that, use it as rough guidelines to what you desire, you’ll find it. That perfect man, for you in real life (unpredictable, layered, sexy, and refreshing) will be even better than anything that you have read. At least that is what I have found.


Well, that's given me a lot to think about. Thanks Lexi. Can you let us in a little on your plans for the near and far future? Let us know where you'll be and when in the upcoming weeks and months? 

Yes, I’d love to.

Coming up, I have the seven romantic releases I mentioned earlier, to be released in the next couple of months. These are: Dangerous Listing, Too Much Trouble, Private Lessons, Convince Me, Mix Matched, Behind the Scenes, and Assisting Love.

Cover: Food Party by Chloe Quinn & Lexi Miles
I also have another project that I am excited about, because I love to cook! I am co-authoring a cookbook with romance author buddy, Chloe Quinn. The cookbook will be jam-packed with tasty recipes, cooking hacks, and something that sets the book apart from other cookbooks, it will include recipes that we mention in our books. It is our spin on 'dinner and a movie' which, in this case, is 'dinner and a novel'. Anytime I get a chance to work with Chloe on anything or to cook together, it's a blast for me, so I hope that you will pop out and grab a copy to share in the fun when it's released. Release date is a few weeks away, so I am really excited!


Chloe Quinn & Lexi Miles, authors of Food Party

More details are listed on the press page of my website that I will include at the conclusion of the interview. In the early part of November, I will be participating in a signing in Las Vegas. I will be running a promotion around this as it gets closer, so stay tuned for the details!

And finally, in the not so distant future, July 13-27, I will be doing a special two week promotion “Christmas in July” around my holiday books, where readers will get their first in depth look at Close Quarters Vol 2 of the Holiday Fever series as well as a few other surprises!

What to expect in the future are lots and lots of sexy and sweet romance books!

Then, in the further reaching future? What are your dreams for in a year or two?

Dreams, and my focus for a year or two, is to write scripts for TV and Movies. I am working on two right now. For one, think sweet Hallmark meets Pretty Woman and the other Criminal Minds meets Person of Interest. They are in the story-boarding process, and I am very excited about each of them! Also, I will be writing a couple books in a few other genres (That is code for 'I am dusting off my mystery and suspense skills'.)  I am a romance lover all the way, but I do like the pulse racing action too!

Something else I wanted to ask you, what is this Heat Zone people are talking about?


Well, I absolutely love and was raised on soap operas, so I decided to write a free weekly serial of that nature on my website, posting every Friday (when not on hiatus). It is my way of regularly engaging with readers in a fun way as they wait for the novels. Currently, the second season is winding down and I just opened up the ability to subscribe to it. There are a lot of enjoyable insider things, like character backstories, with the “Heat Zoners” who are the diehard readers of the soap. They are a fun bunch, you should hear some of our super silly chats, groans and feedback on the episodes! I am so happy this came up so that I can give them a quick hello!

Author: Lexi Miles *giggles*
(For those who can't see, Lexi is waving) You were saying to me earlier, you have a lot happening on your blog you're rather proud of?

Yes, as I mentioned, I host it on my website and post twice a week, sometimes more often.
On Thursdays, I post blogs about random things or a blog within a series. Lately I have been sharing writer tips consecutive in the series and posts of that nature. Past blogs have included personal advice that has helped me: exercise information, past events, and extra cool and refreshing subjects like that! So, like I said, it ranges.
On Sundays, I post a recap of the events of the week and what I call a power quote to empower or encourage the person reading it. Kind of like 'powering up' the person like (careful my gamer side is about to show) in the video game Mario Brothers. You know, give them a powerful boost of support at the top of their new week!
In addition to these posts, I often post birthday shout-outs once a month, reviews, and other special events like November’s NanoWrimo writing event. The blog can be subscribed to as well.


Before we go, I think you just wanted to say something about your newsletter?

Yes, I'm glad you asked, because I typically forget to mention it. I touch in once a week with the individuals that follow my newsletter. There are giveaways, recipe shares, FREE content, oh and book release information. That’s important to say too. There are a lot of special things that happen in the VIP readers and friends list, but it is secret handshake stuff so that’s all that I can say here—*giggles* Everyone is welcome! And it is a fun way to stay in touch! I know that you are a part of it, Annelisa. I hope that you don’t mind sharing, what is one thing that you enjoy about it?  


Lol Well, isn't that just typical of you, Lexi, to turn the interview round on me! I must admit, one of my favourites has been the inspirational quotes. They cheered me up and were nice to have in the mailbox. A great way to start the day :-) 

Thank you so much for answering all my questions.


Oh, I am so delighted and happy to answer your questions Annelisa. They were all fun, refreshing, and it was just nice to hang out with you like this.

Thank you. Likewise :-)  To finish off, let's let readers know, where can they find you?


Lexi Miles still giggling :-D
I am on social media. I love Twitter (@leximilesbooks) (daily chats, author writing events, randomness), but few know that I am also on 
Facebook (author info posts, blog links, smiley touch-ins), 
Pinterest(recipes, romantic quotes, giggles), and 
Instagram (covers, day in the life stuff, fitness). I mix it up for each of the social media websites to keep it fun so that all of the information is fresh! I’d love to see everyone there too!
Press Page: www.leximilesauthor.com/press


And, what was it you were saying about reviews? You don't want any? <wink>

Are you kidding? I love reviews! It’s so fun, refreshing, and reenergizing (especially while doing intricate or tedious edits on another project) to hear the feedback from someone after they've taken that book journey with you on something you have written. So yes, whenever you can please drop a review on AmazonTwitter GoodreadsFacebook , or any social media. I appreciate those! And please do me a favor and let me know about it so that I can share them!

Ha ha... nearly had you there. Thanks again for stopping by, Lexi. It's been a pleasure.

Thank you again for having me pop in to do this Annelisa!

Another of Lexi's Favourite places: Santa Cruz

Bonus: extra places you can find out more about Lexi:

Lexi Miles Author Bio

Interview at Silver Beans Cafe

Confessions of a Writer Tag