Spotlight by Aimee Ann

A striking historic rendition of life on the island of Sardinia…

Children of the Mists is a story of enduring love. Set in the 1800s, life on Sardinia had barely changed since the time of the Caesars. Two families, the Sannas and the Canus, are united by friendship and honour; love and laughter; joy and promises; omens and superstitions; youth and experience transcend generations. 

However, for Raffaella and Antonio, their passionate love becomes entangled with revenge. Death changes devotion. Promises are forgotten. Vendettas cannot be ignored. Ambition clouds judgments. Antonio and Raffaella were promised to each other, nothing would keep them apart, not even family. Committed to each other, they fight for their love against all odds… 

Children of the Mists is a gripping journey back in time that will make the perfect addition to any romance lover’s collection.

Hello book lovers! Today is a day where I will be writing another author spotlight for a well-accomplished author whose work I have loved. As you know book lovers I love learning about authors and the inspiration behind their work, it fascinates me and adds to the depth of the book because the reader will be able to better understand it. That is how the author spotlights were created because I soon discovered that you lovely readers ALSO love learning about author’s, so I am excited to tell you a little bit more about author Lexa Dudley whose book Childrens of the Mists captivated me from beginning to end. I personally would recommend this book to all of those that love romance but really the book can be read by anybody as it is flawlessly written and highly enjoyable. With today’s author spotlight for Lexa Dudley, a biography of the author and an interview between us both will be shared, and I hope that you book lovers enjoy reading it! To kick this off here is an author bio about the wonderful Lexa Dudley!

I am a freelance writer and a try to be poet. I fell in 
love with the island of Sardinia in 1972 when visiting 
there with my family; and I became intrigued with the island’s 
unique culture and friendly people.

‘The Whispering Wind’ is a romantic story which gives 
a glimpse into the closed world of the Sardinians and 
reflects my love for the island and its people.

I have returned to Sardinia every year, with my husband, since our first
visit and have travelled extensively over the island to see the
many interesting sites and monuments. 

I gave a nerve-racking interview on Radio Sardegna in 1978, in very broken Italian, about my affection for the island and enjoyed a close friendship with the late notable Sardinian author Marcello Serra and his family.

Now, how wonderful does Lexa Dudley sound?! The author is a truly exceptional writer and I hope that you lovely readers have a read of the author’s work because you will not regret it! Please see below an interview between us both, I hope that you enjoy the author’s answers to my questions, they are incredible and provide some great advice too!

Could you please tell us readers about your books and what inspired you to write them?

The whispering wind  is set in Sardinia in 1969, a beautiful island in the Mediterranean. I first went to Sardinia in 1972 and fell completely in love with the island, it’s history and it’s people. From the moment I arrived at the small airport at Elmas, I knew Sardinia would live in my heart and become the home of my soul.  The landscape is breath taking, with its majestic mountains, enchanting and mystic Nuraghic places and sacred wells.  The beaches are beautiful with white sands, crystal clear water and gentle breezes. This has been translated into Italian as Sussurri Nel Vento

Children of the Mists, is also set in Sardinia, but in 1855. The backdrop being the mountains and the wild life of an ancient pastoral people. This book has been translated into Italian as Figli della Bruma.

What would your advice be for aspiring writers?

Don’t give up.  I was 72 years old before I published my first book, so persistence is the key word here.

In your opinion, what is the most important thing about a book?

I like a book to take me some where, to tell me about the people and their lives. Romantic or just ordinary, people always have a story to tell.

What is your writing process like?

I write the first two drafts in long hand.  I have note books I carry around with me in case inspiration comes!  I only write on one side of the pages, so when I go back I can add the notes etc.  I do that twice, after the second time I put it up on the computer and then put it up on Text Aloud so that it reads it to me, then I make notes on what works and what doesn’t.  It is at this point I send it to be edited. Then the work starts all over again when the MS comes back.  It is a long process, but I enjoy it.

What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?

With The Whispering Wind, there was not a lot of research to do.  I knew all the places so it was just a matter of watching it in my mind and putting it on paper.

With Children of the Mists, I did a lot of research, fortunately I have a number of books in my library about Sardinia at that time, written by Englishmen who had visited the island about that time.  so yes a lot of reading, but very enjoyable.  I am also lucky to have friends in Sardinia who are only too willing to help with my endless questions.

Do you have a set schedule for writing, or do you only write when you feel inspired?

I try to write every day, but with four sons and eight grand children, life can become a bit hectic. Not to mention the two dogs, two ex racehorses, eight geese and sixteen baby guinea fowl, which all demand some of my attention. Fortunately I have a very patient husband, who helps a lot.  He always reads the MS before it goes for an edit, to make sure all the characters are in order.

Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors?

I try to read on holiday, but it usually ends up with me buying an exercise book, so that I can write the outline of a story or a new chapter for book I am working on.

Believe me there is nothing more inspiring than sitting on the beach, in Sardinia, knowing that someone is cooking my food, making my bed, and the largest decision I am going to have to make, is what to choose from the menu.

Lastly, when can we readers expect to read more wonderful books from you?

I am working on my third novel, this is also set in Sardinia, and is about a grandmother and her grand daughter. I am at the ‘put it up on the computer stage’ so what with editing etc, it won’t be ready for another six months at least.

Its official book lovers, I am obsessed with Lexa Dudley! If you have liked what you have read about the author and are interested in learning more about Lexa Dudley, then please do have a browse of the links below and be sure to have a read of the preview too! You will not regret it.

Goodbye for now book lovers