Meet author Alicia Whittle

Alicia Whittle has always been fascinated with the American West and lives in Colorado. Cowboys and their lifestyle have enthralled her since childhood when television was full of stories about them. Travels with her Air Force husband and later with RVing have included fascinating places and people which have also influenced her writing. Alicia is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). She’s a Literary Titan Award winner for Dead Ringer Cowboy.

Tell us about your newest book.

Natalie’s Cowboy is an inspirational western romance set in New Mexico. Natalie Westwood is on the fast track of her dream career of being a West Coast fashion designer until she’s told at the last minute she didn’t get the job. Losing her current job, the promised job, and now homeless, she temporarily stays with her mom and stepdad. Justin Remington who saved her life a year ago meets up with her. He’s a former PRCA rodeo champion who works long hours at his father and uncle’s ranch. As Natalie builds a business of clothing line and Justin is buried in ranch work, where will they find time for their growing relationship before ranch and career pull them apart?

What inspired you to write Natalie’s Cowboy?

The first book in the series, Dead Ringer Cowboy, which is about Natalie’s mother finding love the second time around prompted me to write about Natalie and her newfound attraction to Justin. Their very different lifestyles provided a challenge to see if romance would bloom between them.

How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?

She’s picking up broken pieces of her life’s dream. He’s trying to remedy a disjointed relationship with his father. Together can they have a stake in each other’s lives and find love?

What genre do you focus on and why?

Inspirational romance., with a western flair. I’ve always enjoyed the culture of the men and women who built the American West. Clean and wholesome romance is lacking in so many of our books today. I believe strong lasting love and marriages are built on God-centered relationships.

Why do you write?

I write to reach out to others that there are good stories a reader can escape to. With so many dysfunctional “romantic” relationships, I hope that my books will inspire readers, especially younger readers, to see the strengths of a healthy love relationship.

Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?

Her last name was the same as her mother’s in the first book and my daughter’s name begins with an “N” so I chose a name which began with that letter.

What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?

I’m very sporadic with writing, but when I commit to time, I can sit for two hours and write with only tiny breaks in between. I’m working on being more scheduled.

What is the hardest part of being an author?

The hardest part of being an indie author is the marketing. Most authors just want to write. When it comes to promoting your book there is a time element that must be set aside to publicize your book.

What’s the best part of your author’s life?

Now that I’m retired, the best part of being an author is having time to create a book that readers will enjoy. I have the flexibility to choose day or night to write, although I prefer daytime. I can work other chores, errands, and meetings into that schedule. Also, it is a mental escape for me to picture the characters and scenes in which they play a part.

What’s one thing your readers should know about you?

Most authors are introverts. All my life I have seen myself as an extrovert, but recently one of those personality tests put me in the introvert category. That might make me unusual as I believe I have both qualities.

How have you changed or grown as a writer?

I have learned so much about writing. It’s not sitting down and pounding out what you think is the greatest novel ever—there are courses to take, networking with other authors, and conferences to attend to improve your writing.

What is your favorite pastime?

My favorite pastime is reading, of course!

Do you have other books? We’d love to know.

My other published book is Dead Ringer Cowboy, about a widow who goes on vacation with her daughter and meets a rancher who looks identical to her deceased husband.

What are you working on now?

I’ll begin work on the third book in the series, Cowboys of the High Desert.

Website: https://aliciawhittle.com

Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/Natalies-Cowboy-Cowboys-High-Desert-ebook

Social media links: Facebook.com/WriterOutWest , alicia.r.whittle@gmail.com, Instagram at alicia.r.whittle.author.