And our Sue's Clues Mystery Author is:

Our Mystery Author this round is Alexandra Benedict. She is a history buff
- loves archaeology, works in a museum and is the author of historical
romance.

Her interview below will give you an opportunity to know her better. When
you are done, visit her website at:

http://www.alexandrabenedict.ca/index.html

Thank you, Alexandra!

1. I read at your site that you work part time at a museum. That has to be one for the "I wish I had that job" List. So, a couple of questions about that. What exactly do you do there? How long have you been working at the museum?

Yes, it’s a fun job. I’ve worked at a couple of different museums since 2003. My duties are educational. I interpret the sites and the time periods for the general public and school groups.

2. What is your favorite part of the museum and why?

I love working part-time at the museum for many different reasons: it’s not a desk job. I have a daily opportunity to go back in time (great inspiration for a historical romance writer). I get to gab with the public (which I love) about history (which I also love). All in all, it’s an ideal balance between my quiet writing life and my more sociable personality.

3. Have any of the exhibits inspired you in your writing? If so, which?

There are lots of changing exhibits and artifacts and general history that inspire me at the museum. Details about period clothing or recipes or furniture (which might be hard to track down in books or on the internet) are at my fingertips.

And while I’m on the topic, I’d like to add that all you aspiring historical writers can take advantage of the museums near your home for the same research. Museums are a public service and if you need info you just can’t find anywhere else, contact your local museum and request an interview. More often than not, we’re happy to help.

4. I also see that your hobbies include collecting art and reading classic British literature. So... the obvious... What types of art do you collect? Do you have a specific artist you are partial to?

I have a collection of water colors. I enjoy picking up pieces on my travels and supporting local artists in my own community. I’ve also started collecting original pottery. I think the works by artist Kinuko Craft are particularly breathtaking.

5. What classic British literature do you read? Any favorite authors?

My all time favourite book is “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Bronte. “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens is another favourite. I also enjoy the works of Swift, Gissing, Eliot, Wilde ... the list goes on. I blame my university professor for getting me hooked on the great works of the nineteenth century. She was such a fabulous, enthusiastic teacher, I saw, and appreciated, the works in a whole new light.

6. Your books are set in the Regency period. Is this your favorite time period?

Yes! I love the social constraints of the day: there’s a “forbidden” quality to so much of the Regency. I love reading (and writing!) about characters who go against the social mores and break the rules. It’s always interesting to explore the consequences of the choices they make.

7. Are there other time periods you are interested in setting your novels?

Hmm...not at this particular moment. However, one never knows what the future holds.

8. Tell us about your fondess for archaeology. What ruins have you had the opportunity to explore?

I used to explore castle ruins and Roman ruins during my summer vacations in Croatia. There’s a ruin on every hill top (or so it seems). It was such fun for me as a kid (and still is!) to imagine what the castles/ruins used to look like, who used to live in them. The mystery and adventure and romanticism was intoxicating, and helped fuel my love of creative writing. I’ve also loved archaeology ever since I was young, and I contemplated for a time becoming an archaeologist. Unearthing the truth about human history is still a passion for me. However, writing is the stronger of the two passions.

9. . Which would you like to explore in the future?

Anything! No kidding. If there’s a tantalizing mystery about the past to be studied, I’m interested.

10. What is next? What can we expect from you for your next novel?

Well, my next project is the launch of a new series about the Hawkins Brothers: four piratical rogues who retire their wicked ways (after their sister becomes a duchess) and enter high society. But can a band of brigands really give up their sinful ways? I’m very excited about the new series: it’s passionate and loads of fun. Look for THE INFAMOUS ROGUE summer 2009!