Welcome to another Holiday Edition of Sunday Speed Dates! This week I have Alanna Lucas joining me.
Multi-published historical romance author Alanna Lucas grew up in Southern California, but always dreamed of distant lands and bygone eras. From an early age, she took an interest in history and travel, and is thrilled to incorporate those diversions into her writing. Alanna writes Regency and Western historical romance.
When she is not daydreaming of her next travel destination Alanna can be found researching, spending time with family, or going for long walks. She makes her home in California with her husband, children, one sweet dog, and hundreds of books.
Just for the record, you can never have too many shoes, handbags, or books. And travel is a must.
Thanks for joining me Alanna. First, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m Alanna Lucas and I write historical romance. My first book- Once Upon a Montana Christmas– was published in 2013. I have written seven Regency novels. A Cowboy’s Mistletoe Promise is my second western and ninth book!
Wow! Nine books…impressive!
Tell us a little about your holiday story.
After running away from her abusive husband, Michaela Akerman hopes to find peaceful solitude in the beautiful frontier territory of Montana…until a dangerous gunslinger comes to town and all her hopes and dreams are turned upside-down.
NEW BEGINNINGS
It took Michaela Akerman years to garner the courage to leave her abusive husband. Sneaking out in the dead of night, she embarked on what she hoped would be a better life. In Cottonwood, Montana, she’s found anonymity and a kind of happiness. Although she longs for more, she is 
content with her little cottage on a ranch outside of town, and she works for wonderful people who’ve become like a family.
Gunslinger Drake Jaeger has always lived life by his own rules, doing whatever it takes to survive, and now he has the opportunity to seize his lifelong dream. All that he has to do is help a man who once saved his life. All that stands in his way is the fetching Miss Michaela Akerman. And Christmas. Dark secrets are about to be revealed, and to complete his job Drake must put duty over everything—including the sudden allure of all that’s good and true. And love.
Oh, that sounds like a wonderful story, and the touch of mystery makes it exciting. :)
Do you have children? Can you tell us a little about them?
I have 2 children–a girl and a boy. My daughter is a high-spirited teen who loves to read and is absolutely obsessed with Sebastian Stan–poor kid cries every time she sees a picture of him ;)
My son is a Lego building machine and the sweetest little man!
I love reading the stories you post about them on Facebook. They always make me smile. :)
What’s your favorite place to travel to? Why?
Only one place?? Holland. I love visiting my family :)
I know. It’s so hard just picking one. But that is a good reason to go travel.
What is your favorite holiday story or legend?
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas has always been one of my favorites!
Oh! It’s one of my favorites. It’s such a classic and has formed so many of our ideas of Santa and Christmas.
How do you set your writing goals? Do you aim for a set amount of words/pages per day?
It depends on deadlines. When I’m in writing mode, 2000 words a day is a reasonable goal.
That is a lot of words.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I have written nine books for Boroughs Publishing Group. I can’t choose a favorite–that’s like asking me which of my children is my favorite ;) Each one is special for different reasons.
I know. I’m sorry… that wasn’t very nice of me. lol!
What is the most fun/unusual thing you have done in the name of research?
Act out scenes–and that’s all I’m saying ;)
Oh, my… I can only imagine!
Where did the idea for this book come from?
From a cowboy Lego set.
You know, I can’t say I’m really surprised by this… lol!
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
The phrase–Fork a Hoss, which means to ride a horse.
That is not something you hear in Regency vernacular!
What is in your Heroine’s purse? Your Hero’s pocket?
Michaela would have an ugly bonnet and little rocks in her purse. Drake would have a harmonica in his pocket.
The bonnet I understand, but now I’m curious about the rocks…
All right… now for some Random Silliness – Holiday Edition!
What is on your table for Christmas dinner: ham, turkey or tofurkey? Turducken?
None of those! Christmas Eve is spent with my Austrian relatives and we have a fish dinner with potatoes. Christmas Day is spent with my Italian relatives and we have chicken Parmesan, lasagna, and all sorts of Italian side dishes.
That sounds much better than a Tofurkey! That sounds really delicious, now that I think on it.
Have you ever peeked at your Christmas presents?
When I was kid- of course!
What was inside?
I don’t remember. Maybe I will have to peek this year ;)
Oh do! The hard part is acting surprised come Christmas morning.
Who is your favorite holiday movie character?
The Grinch and his dog Max.
His heart was three sizes too small. I dare anyone to say they don’t like the Grinch. :)
What is your favorite holiday tradition with your own family?
Decorating the tree and then watching a holiday movie together.
Family traditions really are the best part of the holidays.
What other projects do you have in the works?
I am working on a self-pub Regency that will be out July of 2017, but it’s top secret for right now ;) I am so excited about this one!!
Oh… I can’t wait!
Where can we find out more about you and what you write?
You can connect with me on my website, facebook, and twitter.
A Cowboy;s Mistletoe Promise is available now at Amazon, ARe and in print at Smashwords.
Wonderful! I can’t wait to see you around online. Thanks again for stopping by!
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