When I start writing a new story or series, I know there will always be one element that’s included – an Australian character. Why? Well, because I’m a proud Aussie myself and also because it’s what I know. Sure, I could write about a lead from another country, but it wouldn’t seem completely authentic. Another reason I make them Australian is because I like to add a little bit of myself to each character I write.
Her First White Christmas is, of course, no exception. Though the story may be set in Alaska, the hero and heroine are both Aussies. My hero, Remy, is an Australian expat, who’s been based in Orlando for the last ten years and wants to find a nice Aussie girl to settle down with. But the problem with that is there’s a limit of Australian women in the United States (funny that!).
He is the Chief Financial Officer for an international charity – whose initials just happen to be the same as those of my 2 dogs – and is an animal loving vegan.
Bella Donna, our heroine, is a typical Aussie girl, who lives in Melbourne and runs a rehabilitation centre for dogs, specialising in power breeds. (Those who know me know of my mild obsession with Cesar Millan and how I praise his techniques and how he’s helped change my life). She’s also vegan and clearly an animal lover.
As a vegan myself, I thought it was important to include in my 1Night Stand stories just how difficult it is to find another vegan, let alone one you connect with. For example I’ve only ever met one vegan. Aussies are big meat eaters; I think about 5 per cent of our population is vegetarian (okay that’s an exaggeration but ya know…). So I felt I wanted to include that in all of my stories. My editor calls it ‘vegan erotica’ which I love and am totally borrowing from her!
I also like to add the animal loving qualities to my characters because I just feel it’s important to have that aspect of my personality in my stories. You’ll never see me writing about horse racing, bull fighting or eating meat. (I definitely don’t judge those who eat meat etc, but I just don’t myself).
Every single one of my heroines has included some attributes or beliefs of my own. How many? Well, you’ll just have to guess and ask me later.
So I have to ask, do you like reading stories that include just a little bit of the author themselves? If you’re a writer, do you include some of your own attributes or beliefs in your characters?
Remy Sommers has grown weary of his playboy lifestyle. He’s ready to fall in love and settle down. Problem is, he doesn’t know where to start. After attending his sister’s wedding, he takes her advice and contacts the 1 Night Stand dating agency – the same agency she used to find her new husband.
Bella Donna has had enough of blind dates. She’s always left bitterly disappointed. On the advice of a friend, she contacts Madame Evangeline, hoping her reputation precedes her and she can find Bella Donna her perfect man.
A mysterious invitation from Madame Evangeline leads them both to the secluded and exclusive Castillo Lodge in Alaska for a holiday event.
Will they get their happily ever after? Or will their first white Christmas end in disaster and disappointment?
Buy link: http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=410&osCsid=mbtln37kb6ku2lmlkggu1c01e2
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Liia Ann White is an Australian author, hailing from Perth, WA.
She spent her childhood daydreaming about far off lands, creating her own unique characters. She read books about witches, faeries, demons, ghosts and a host of supernatural creatures and eventually gained the courage to put her imagination to work.
A self-proclaimed geek, Liia collects Disney and Star Wars memorabilia, loves animals and wishes to be the female Cesar Millan.
When not writing, she can be found reading, playing video games or spending time with her two dogs.
She’s a member of Romance Writers of America, Romance Writers of Australia, Passionate Ink, Futuristic, Fantasy & Paranormal Chapter of RWA and Young Adult Chapter of Romance Writers of America.
Giveaway – Open Internationally
This is a blog wide tour meaning one lucky commenter from the blogs hosting will receive a paperback copy of Madame Eve’s 1 Night Stand Holiday Anthology; which features Her First White Christmas and other short 1Night Stand stories from incredibly talented authors. A second lucky person will win an e-copy of Her First White Christmas and my first 1NS story One Hot Australian Night. The winner will be drawn next week on the authors website.
