Interview with Jules Crisare
Author of Broken Alpha
Jules Crisare loves writing sexy shifter romances. The growly and dominant males of Broken Peak and the Silver Sentinels are the ones bending to the strong wills of the smart heroines who cross their paths. Seriously, only strong heroines need apply to capture the hearts of these sexy alphas.
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How would you describe Broken Alpha to a new reader?
- A Romance between two people who aren't sure they deserve to be loved, but find love (and family) with each other.
What was the inspiration behind Broken Alpha ?
- Vixen, the heroine, is a character I could never find the right story for. So instead of fitting her into a story, I decided to fit a story around her. (Hint: Vixen plays a big role in future books)
Which authors do you admire? How have they influenced your writing style?
- There are so many different authors I admire, it's hard to pick just a few. Over the years, they've all influenced me in some way. Christopher Moore (and Love Bites), Neal Stephenson and his building an universe that was so close to our own, but with hints of magic and science fiction, and then there are the Paranormal Romance authors, Violet Vaughn, T. S. Joyce, and Suzanne Wright, to name just a few.
Can you tell us a little about the locations in the book?
- So, Broken Peak is in the Appalachians, just outside of War, WV. I wanted an area and region that is far away from large populations, had its own strong culture and history, but I also needed it close to DC.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors? How would you advise a new author about traditional publishing versus self publishing?
- Just write. There is no right or wrong way. There is no magic answer. There is only what is best for you and what you are comfortable with.
What's your writing process?
- I have an end point in mind and when I sit down to write, I ask myself how am I going to get my characters closer to that endpoint and how am I going to make it more difficult for them.
Which character in Broken Alpha has had the greatest impact on readers?
- I hope it's Vixen. I love that she is strong, in fact stronger than the dominant males in the pack, I love that she doesn't make excuses, and I love that she jumps into the new world Bray offers her and doesn't look back once.
If Broken were to be adapted for TV or film, who would you see in the lead role? Who did you have in your mind’s eye when you wrote him/her?
- So, both Bray and Vixen are older. Vixen is in her late 30s and Bray is in his mid 40s. Sarah Shahi's character in Person of Interest is very similar to Vixen. And then Bray is probably closer to Hugh Jackman.
How have readers responded to Broken Alpha?
- When I sat down to write Broken Alpha, I made one promise, Bray would never be an "alpha" alpha. He and Vixen are equals and not because she manipulates them, but because Bray knows fully well she could kick his butt if she wanted. I was worried because I played up her strength and dominance and alphaness and allowed Bray to have a few moments of alphaness, but they always happened with a deference to Vixen. I think readers have appreciated reading mature characters embarking on a mature relationship as equals and based on mutual respect.
Where next? What are you working on now?
- Right now I am finishing up the third book in this series and have plans for three more. These characters will all start their own packs in future books and will continue to play a significant role as their world continues to grow.
