MY INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR ALESSANDRA TORRE!

 

 

What’s your name and what genre would you consider your books to be?

My name is Alessandra Torre. I write contemporary romance and romantic suspense.

 

Tell me about your book. How did you come up with that (story, angle, idea)?

 The All In Duet is about a cocktail waitress who is seduced by Vegas’s most powerful man. I’ve always loved the energy and sexuality of Vegas – I wanted to capture that vibe in a forbidden romance, one with a strong suspenseful vibe.

 

 

 

How did you get interested in writing this particular genre (historical novels, mysteries, sci-fi, children’s books, etc.)?

I write the stories I love to read. I love to read suspenseful novels that keep me guessing, but I also love squirm-worthy hot sex scenes. I try to combine both in my novels.

 

What’s a typical working day like for you? When and where do you write? Do you set a daily writing goal?

Our life is fairly chaotic. This morning, I knocked out half of a chapter while riding in the backseat of our truck. Sometimes I’m at the kitchen table, or in bed. My office is where I’m most productive, I have a giant leather chair there that I can settle into for hours. I normally write early in the morning or very late at night, when my house is quiet and distraction free. I normally aim for 2,000 words per day, which is about 3 scenes.

 

 

 

How important are character names to you in your books? Is there a special meaning to any of the names?

Character names are a BEAR. You’d think it’d be easy, finding names for your characters, but it can be impossible to come up with anything that hasn’t been used already, or isn’t someone you know. I try to avoid using any names with special significance, I don’t want those individuals to associate themselves with those characters – though I do often create characters based on real people in my life.

 

What do you consider to be your best accomplishment?

My backlist, which is ‘author-talk’ for my full list of novels. I’ve worked really hard to only publish novels which I love and am proud of. I consider it a huge accomplishment that I can stand behind any of my novels and feel confident putting it in a new readers’ hands.

 

 

What’s the best thing about being an author?

Reader reactions and feedback. It’s a rare job where you can get such honest and unfiltered feedback from so many sources, and from such passionate voices. I love telling stories and then watching how those stories are perceived and responded to.

 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Writing more passion projects. Spending more time helping new authors. In ten years I plan to slow down to writing only one to two books a year. At that point the ‘success’ of my novels won’t matter as much, only my enjoyment in creating them.

 

 

What writing advice do you have for aspiring authors?

If you want to go traditional… my best advice is to be patient. Really work on your novel and make it the best it can possibly be. Then start to query agents, and don’t be discouraged if you receive rejections. Not every book is for every agent. You just need to find the right one. 

 

If you want to self-publish… my best advice is to not cut corner. Scrimp and save and invest in your product. In self-publishing, you are boss, and no one is looking over your shoulder to make sure that your novel is up to snuff. YOU need to make sure that you hire professionals (editors, proofreaders and cover designers) to help you turn out and publish a quality product. If you want a step-by-step guide to the self-publishing process, you may be interested in my online course How to Publish Your Novel.

 

 

 

 

If you didn’t like writing books, or weren’t any good at it, what would you like to do for a living?

I’d love to be a songwriter, but that might be cheating. I’d also love to be a professional dogwalker or dog-sitter.

 

Do you have any favorite authors or favorite books?

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson – such a unique and awesome story

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn – I hated the ending, but loved the twists and suprises in this book, and it got me addicted to Gillian Flynn’s writing.

On Writing by Stephen King – this book was my bible when I wrote my first novel. It’s an awesome inspirational and informative tool.

 

 

Of all the characters you have created, which is your favourite and why?

Deanna Madden from The Girl in 6E. She’s crazy and unfiltered and likes to kill people. She’s basically every hidden and disturbed thought I’ve ever had.

  

Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

Both. Some books I write for me – like The Ghostwriter. Other books I write for the readers, since I know what they expect and want from me.

  

If you were writing a book about your life, what would the title be?

Hot Mess

 

 

 

Where can your fans find you and follow??

Facebook: Facebook.com/alessandratorre0/

Instagram: Instagram.com/alessandratorre4/

Website: AlessandraTorre.com

My Blog for Aspiring Authors: AlessandraTorreInk.com

 

 

Thank you for taking your time to do this interview ❤️

Thank you for having me!