We’re so pleased to have debut author Lucia Laurent with us today to introduce her new novel, In Vogue, from Ink & Smith Publishing.
Welcome, Lucia!
One of My Favorite Scenes
I haven’t shared this excerpt with anyone yet, and it was probably one of my favorites to write, and whenever I read the book when we were going through the editing process, it was always the scene that made me feel all warm and fuzzy.
I think that in this scene a lot of Miles’ defense mechanisms just fail to work when it comes to Alexander. First, he lets Alexander take him shopping – something that’s not in the schedule, most definitely not supposed to be happening with Alexander. And then, once they are there, he sort of word vomits this huge confession to Alexander, letting the other man get a bit of a better glimpse into his inner workings.
For me, that’s when I felt that Miles really fell for Alexander, and it wasn’t just a silly crush or a fling, but the real thing. He may not recognize it as such yet, but the fact that he is clearly alright with having this intense relationship with Alexander where they share a lot at certain points and opt for comfortable silence at others, told me that the characters silently clicked at that point.
A lot of authors state when commenting on their work that characters chose their own paths and work out their own ways, and no matter how incredulous that sounds, it’s actually really really true. Here is where I let my characters chose where they are going next, and they chose to take one huge step closer to one another.
The Excerpt
They end up in a thrift shop on Rue de Saintonge. The shop is small and the only window wears a sign reading “Pretty Box” in white, italic letters.
Alexander decides to buy a calf-length Lanvin coat with a slim belt in salmon pink, posing in the middle of the shop for Miles. It’s a women’s coat, the cut slimming in the waist with the belt, and the length a clear indicator it’s from the ‘20s. The fabric is gentle, probably a blend of cashmere and wool, and when it falls it forms a tulip shape.
“You’re quite brave.” The words are out before Miles even realizes what is happening, and Alexander turns around from ogling himself in the mirror and quirks an eyebrow.
Oh well. Since he dug this hole, he might as well jump in it. He swallows more air than he should, surprising even himself by making the thought a reality. His following words are slow, but he isn’t controlling what comes out of his mouth as he usually does. It’s more of a steady flow of emotions blending into an honest portrayal of Alexander’s personality.
“I don’t mean in a loud way, or an obnoxious way,” Miles pauses, taking an uncontrolled breath but it gives him the boost to keep going. “Since I started working in publishing, I’ve always had this idea that we should feature brave people—in our field, from other fields connected to fashion or someone completely unrelated to fashion transformed style-wise so they fit what we sell, but still are able to portray themselves clearly and send a message. So I’ve seen dozens of people who are brave, Alexander. They always have some common traits. They are fierce and restless, persevering. Some speak a lot, some don’t, but it’s never about words, they’re just the subtitles of actions. Those people have an aura around them, and they mostly don’t realize it and it’s magnetic and you can’t keep away. The world is filled with ordinary people, mediocre people, those who have given up, those who pass through it without noticing the colors around them. And then there’s the brave ones, and they live, they truly live. And what’s even more important, they don’t keep it for themselves. They always pass it on, sometimes to just a certain someone and from time to time to thousands. What I’m saying here, Alexander, is that you’re that sort of brave. And I don’t know how I know that, but I rarely make mistakes about this.”
He keeps his eyes locked on the younger man, watching his reaction as the words pour out of him like a tidal wave.
Alexander takes a vast gulp of air and mouths a quiet “thank you.” He steps forward, as if he’s gonna reach out and hug Miles, but stops himself at the last moment, merely standing in front of him.
“Thank you.”
It echoes, like the first version wasn’t enough, and Alexander’s eyes are so round, feelings written in the tiny lines of his irises as if no words will ever be enough.
About the Book
King of New York fashion and editor-in-chief of the prestigious Couture magazine, Miles Brodeur loves his demanding job and a routine that means he always knows what’s coming next. Deeply involved in the magazine’s content and culture, Miles doesn’t have the time or the desire for a relationship.
Alexander Mackenzie is a former model turned magazine editor who is just learning about the politics that exist at the intersection of high fashion and publishing. He’s always dreamt of turning Miles’ head and one night, at a glamorous party, his fantasy becomes reality. But Miles’ workaholic nature conflicts with Alexander’s belief that “there’s more to life than what’s printed on the pages of a magazine.”
Despite their fundamental differences, Alexander can’t help but follow Miles back to New York, and once there it becomes clear their association could be addicting–and possibly life-changing.
Set in a world where the beauty of art and the written word collide, Miles is confronted by a fundamental question: is someone ever worth slowing down for?
Buy the Book: AMAZON || iBooks || KOBO || nook
Add In Vogue on Goodreads
About the Author
Lucia lives in Europe, often switching it up between cities and people. She’s a fan of all things fashion, music and pop culture as well as a firm believer in studying your way to excellence.
Lucia thinks she’s a really good organizer when in fact her apartment is way messier than she’d like to admit. She spends way too much on shoes and plane tickets. Her soft spots are desserts, but a good meal of any kind will always get a “yes, please.”
In Vogue is Lucia’s first novel. Hopefully, it won’t be her last.
INSTAGRAM || TWITTER || LUCIA’S WEBSITE
The Novel Approach Reviews 
Leave a Reply