I’m delighted to welcome USA TODAY Bestselling Author ALEXANDRA HAWKINS to Rakes and Rascals today for an exclusive interview.
Thank you for inviting me!
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R&R:
Could you tell us where you were born and what it was like growing up there?
Alexandra:
I was born at a hospital in Joliet, Illinois. However, I spent the first four years of my life on a farm in Grandridge, Illinois. The two-story white farm house belonged to my great-grandparents and I have fond memories of the place. The farm had plenty of land for me to explore, there were feral cats in the barn, and sheep in the pasture.
My parents eventually divorced so my brother and I were raised by my mother in the rural outskirts of Ottawa, Illinois. To give you an idea how rural—there were sixteen students in my eighth-grade graduation class. About a year later, we moved into town. I had what most people would view as a typical small-town childhood.
Me at the age of three
Me at 17, wearing my dance squad uniform.
R&R:
How would you describe yourself – temperamental or easy-going?
Alexandra:
I have my moods but most days I’d describe myself as easy-going.
R&R:
When it comes to food do you like sweet or savoury or both?
Alexandra:
I favour both, though I’ll admit that I have a sweet tooth.
R&R:
What is your most treasured possession?
Alexandra:
After my grandmother died, my mother gave me an old woollen throw that belonged to my great-great grandmother. It’s over a hundred years old and shows a little wear since it’s kept several generations warm. My grandmother used to store it in a cedar-lined linen cupboard. The throw still smells faintly of cedar and reminds me of her.
My great-great grandmother’s throw
R&R:
If you could afford a second home anywhere in the world where would you choose and why?
Alexandra:
I guess it doesn’t come as any surprise to those who know me that I’d choose England. My grandmother used to tell me family stories when I was a child, so I had developed a very romantic view of the British Isles long before I wrote my first novel.
R&R:
Finally, what has been your most embarrassing moment?
Alexandra:
I mulled this question over for days. Honestly, I can’t think of one defining incident. Although, I confess, I have experienced numerous minor ones. I suppose the worst of the lot occurred when I was in high school. For a scene in a play, I thought I’d be daring and I walked out on to the stage wearing only a black full slip. It sounds awful tame by today’s standards, but I was young. I was quite proud of myself until my mother revealed that our pastor had watched my performance. The news sort of sucked all the fun out of my brazenness.
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Thank you for taking time out to be here today and sharing these interesting facts about yourself, Alexandra.
I’ve had a wonderful time, Carol. Thank you!
If you would like to find out more about Alexandra and her books, here are the links:
oh I just love this author so much and this interview was so wonderful to read. The British Isles are wonderful and so gorgeous there and the people are so NICE!! I wouldn’t mind marrying a british man so I could live there 🙂 And then I could listen to his accent for like FOREVER!! 🙂
Thanks for sharing this, I really enjoyed it.
I’m so pleased you enjoyed the interview, Renee.
Living in Wales, I’m obviously biased about the British Isles! 😍