Alison Chambers

Hello Alison! Your books have a flavor of adventure. I love the covers too. They have a super romantic feeling. I wish you well with all of your projects.

Who, out of all your books would be your absolute favourite hero or heroine and why?

I would say the heroine of my latest book, “The Magician’s Daughter,” Kate Kavanaugh. Kate is a captain in the newly-formed Office of Strategic Services (OSS). In doing research for the book, I learned about the amazing contributions women made to that organization and to the World War II war effort. I decided to make the main character one of those women and chronicle her struggles and the challenging reasons behind why she decided to serve. “The Magician’s Daughter” is the first in a series of Kate Kavanaugh books and I hope to help readers become more aware of the many important roles that women played, risking their lives during World War II, acting as undercover agents, code-breakers, etc.

How long does it usually take to write a book?

Usually six months, but then it takes at least another six months to do the editing and fine-tuning.

If you could be one of your villains, who would it be?

I love to hate the villainess in “The Magician’s Daughter.” Her name is Ulrike Gast and she is a sneaky but sultry German agent. I enjoy writing about her and making readers love to hate her too. It’s fun!

Do you do a lot of research for your novels? Please give example.

I majored in political science and history and have a life-long interest in American history, particularly the World War II era. As mentioned above, I researched the role of women in the OSS, how the OSS came to be formed, when it was formed. I also research every facet of my writing. For example, since this book is about the US Army Air Force in England during World War II, I researched that, read the book “Twelve O’ Clock High,” watched the TV series of the same name, researched how the British people survived during the war, where they lived, what they ate, how they dressed, how they interacted with English and US soldiers, and how the US soldiers lived and died during the year 1942 as US bombing raids into Europe escalated. I also found out, almost by accident, that First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt visited the troops in England in 1942 and built the story around that visit and what would happen if sabotage incidents were occurring around that time, placing her life in mortal danger. I also researched Eleanor Roosevelt, her struggles and challenges, and how she rose above them all to become a beloved First Lady during a tumultuous time in US history. She represented a beacon of hope and inspiration for US citizens, the Allies, and the entire war effort.

If you won $1,000,000, would you stop writing?

Simple answer, no. I would keep on writing, no matter what. I enjoy it too much!

When you describe the scene, is it based on a real-life place or building?

Yes, sometimes it’s based on a real-life place to make it seem more realistic; other times the places are products of my own imagination.

Sitting in a chair writing can be grueling work. Do you have to take breaks from sitting?

Yes, I have to get up and walk around. Sometimes it’s good to leave the writing alone for a while and then you find a better idea will come to you or a stronger turn of phrase, etc. When you’re stuck plot-wise, stop and just leave it for a while and see what happens.

What would you do to remain ‘in character’ on time away from your computer?

I am never far away from my characters. They are always in my mind, especially since this latest book I wrote is the first in a series, so I’m constantly thinking about how to get them into more interesting and dangerous situations, but always being true to what I feel makes them ‘tick’ inside. The characters have to seem real and genuine to the period. I try to make it fun for myself. Patrcia Highsmith, the great author of so many mystery novels, especially “Strangers on a Train,” and “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” wrote that writers have to amuse themselves first, because if you’re not enjoying writing the story, then no one else will either. I think that’s great advice.

If you were to walk in a forest, how would you describe it to your readers?

As I leave the sun-lit path and head for the serenity of the dark forest, a cold shudder ripples through me, a tiny frisson of fear that prickles the hairs on the back of my neck. The path here is rougher, not well-defined, and I have to dodge boulders and heavy branches that threaten to sprain an ankle or send me sprawling in the dirt. A twig snaps behind me and I whirl around. But no one is there. A slight breeze flutters the leaves of the trees above and splatters my face with droplets. I take deep breaths to calm my rapid heartbeat and the air feels cool and refreshing, smelling of damp moss and pine needles. My boots squish against the soft earth, mushy from a recent shower, and it becomes hard to walk. I have to move slower so I don’t trip as my boots sink deeper into the goo. Then I hear the sharp noise again and my neck snaps around. A dark silhouette stands there, ready to spring.

When you are awakened in the middle of that night with an idea, do you write it down, or get back to the computer to put it on paper so you don’t lose it?

I write it down. Absolutely! I have a notepad next to my bed. The best ideas that help me resolve plot problems come to me then. Many times, I am writing furiously as new and better verbiage strikes me late at night that I struggled with during the day. I know if I don’t write down these ideas immediately, I won’t remember anything in the morning. I’ve termed it “Mastering the Muse at Midnight.”

Please visit my website: alisonchambersromance.com to learn more about me and my books. The “Magician’s Daughter” is available on Amazon.

Thank you, Coffee Time Romance, for the opportunity to share my thoughts with your wonderful readers!