Meet Alexandra Hale | Self Published Romance Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexandra Hale and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexandra, how do you define success?
I was asked this question before I published my first book. A friend wanted to know if copies sold, pages read or ranking would be part of my determination of success, but at that time, I was just happy to be able to put a book out into world. I knew I wanted to do well but I hadn’t put any parameters on it because I wanted to celebrate the accomplishment of publishing.

Not long after Back in the Country was live, a reader reached out to me and told me that my book helped her through a dark time. She said that I’d provided her an escape and that she was so thankful that she had found my book. It was just a powerful compliment and something I know I’ll always remember.

My writing is intentionally light and low angst but that doesn’t mean it lacks heart and feeling. Knowing that people reread my stories and seek them out for comfort is a level of success I always hope to achieve.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started writing for myself at a young age and then more heavily after college where I used it as an escape. At that time, publishing had been a distant dream and there was never any pressure for me to do anything other than jot a scene down when the mood struck.

In 2021, my husband and I moved our family out of state. The move prompted the discussion as to whether or not I would return to work once we were settled. I’d been previously working a demanding and stressful job and we decided that it would be best for me to stay home with our children and to reevaluate our options once they were a little bigger.

That decision allowed me to take my very first leap into publishing. It made me take a hard look at what I was writing for myself, what I enjoyed reading and what authors I admired and why. I examined different techniques in writing and tried to flush out my style to ensure I was crafting a quality story I could be proud of. I started by creating a book review account on social media and connected with other readers and established authors. I nurtured relationships and made connections and just enjoyed those early days leading up to when I finally typed ‘the end’ for the very first time.

I’ve always wanted to enjoy writing and I’ve worked hard to make sure ensure that continues. Publishing is nerve-racking but I made a promise that I would stay as true to myself as I possibly can throughout this journey. Trends and social influence are always at the forefront and the pressure to conform can be crippling at times. I strive to maintain the balance in both my writing and in my career, allowing some concessions for growth while passing on others to preserve the heart of what I’m doing.

Success is beautiful but it’s so much brighter shared with friends – celebrating their success as much as your own. I try my best to put good into the world because it feels good and we deserve it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Growing up and now living in a small town, doesn’t always extend to an exciting night life but that’s often why it’s my favorite. The Adirondacks are breathtaking all year round for hiking and site seeing but I love finding things off the beaten path. Like many authors I know, I’m fairly introverted and if I’m playing tour guide, I’m headed to less populated areas. I love quality time with good food and company so we’ll be hitting up cozy coffee shops, local pubs and live music.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m so thankful for my husband and my friends and family and their unwavering support and the romance community as a whole. Writing is such a huge piece of my life and I appreciate everyone who has helped nurture and encourage me every step of the way.

Website: https://linktr.ee/authoralexandrahale

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authoralexandrahale/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Alexandra-Hale-Author-1061812354