alyssa

and more every day. And why shouldn't I? This is 2004. Weve come a long way-women vote and work.

Denise: Your first published book, "Arrested," was published in June by Liquid Silver Books. Tell us about the plot without giving too much of the storyline away.

Alyssa: When Kirsten leaves her ex-boyfriend, she thinks she's making a clean break. Not in her wildest dreams does she imagine Kurt would report the Corvette he gave her as stolen. But he does just that, and when a traffic jam throws her off course, she finds herself in a lot of trouble. Sexy small town Sheriff Reid can't stand lawbreakers, especially speeders.

Right from the start he has it out for Kirsten. But his small jail cell and office are under renovations. Suddenly he finds himself with no choice but to take the saucy blond home for the weekend.

Denise: Did the characters take on a life of their own or you had to create their background and traits with a lot of thought?

Alyssa: The characters in this story definitely took on a life of their own. This was a story that just jumped onto the pages, the characters coming alive and taking over a part of me. Kirsten and Reid will always have a special place in my heart, because they were the first characters I ever wrote that I really knew and could fully express. Before ARRESTED, I tended to hold back more, which is why, I suppose, ARRESTED was the first book I published.

Denise: With several children in the house and the new baby how do you find time to write?

Alyssa: Now that the baby has arrived, I don't know! Right now, I suppose I just plain don't, lol. I never really expected a baby could take so much time. But, we are working on it. It's a simple matter of finding a groove. And on a plus note, I am blessed with really good kids.

Denise: Can you tell us a little about your background? When did you begin writing and what genre did you select?

Alyssa: I started with writing romance a couple of years ago. I taught myself how to write, relying mainly on the Internet and critique groups. It wasn't easy, but I'm a fast learner and I believe I have things as down pat as any college graduate might. Now I work as an editor for Liquid Silver Books, which helps to keep my writing skills in tune. ARRESTED was my first book, and FIGHTING FIRE was released August 31st. And there are many, many more to come!

Denise: What was the most difficult part of writing "ARRESTED?"

Alyssa: Difficult…hmmmm… I can't really say any part of ARRESTED was difficult. Sometimes you get a story that just works, and ARRESTED definitely did. It flowed from start to finish, and the biggest problem I had was getting enough time in front of the computer to get the story out.

Denise: How is the promotion coming along?

Alyssa: Yuck! LOL. Promotion is so much work - I can't say I enjoy it. I just dug myself out from the pile ARRESTED buried me under, and now FIGHTING FIRE has been released. Still, some of it is fun, like hosting contests and interacting with fans. I love, and welcome the chance to talk with fans, like in chats. Receiving emails is great too (abrooks@localnet.com). I do have a newsletter, and fans should check it out. Not only will it keep them up on my books, chats, interviews, and contests, but starting this month, each will contain a free short story. Sign up at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/alyssabrooks/

Denise:What can we look forward to reading about in Fighting Fire?

Alyssa: FIGHTING FIRE is the second in my MEN IN UNIFORM line. Its a full-length suspense/ contemporary, very hot, and available now!

Carmen Hart is a divorced woman, returned home to run her deceased uncle's business - The Lucky Hart. Her only desire is to build a new life, one that's free of men. Then she meets Brent. He's a threat to her in more than one way. Now she must fight, not only to keep her business open, but to tame the passion overwhelming her.

Brent Sommers's future has been stolen from him, and he can't help but resent the catalyst, The Lucky Hart. As fire chief, he finds himself with the power to shut the business down. Only one thing stands in his way - the new owner. His secret high school crush, Carmen has the power to drive him crazy and to change his world - if he'll let her in.

Their passion ignites in dangerously heated circumstances. But will their hearts unite in time to fight for each other and their lives?

Denise: Do you have a good working relationship with your publisher? How does Liquid Silver Books support you and its other authors? Where can we purchase your books?

Alyssa: Liquid Silver Books is an awesome publisher to work with. They are really there for you and stay in close contact. We have a forum and a loop, and all the authors there interact and support each other. It's great. I couldn't have found a better place to start.

To purchase one of my books, you can check out www.liquidsilverbooks.com or go to my first for blurbs and direct links to excerpts and books at www.alyssabrooks.com