Alessandra Alma spent years writing code as a software engineer and serving her country as an Air Force Captain during Operation Iraqi Freedom. But it was the invisible wounds of war—bipolar disorder and PTSD—that ultimately led her to discover her true calling as a writer.
What began as a therapeutic outlet in her thirties has transformed into a promising career in romance writing featuring Latino characters. The New Jersey native’s debut novel, “Twelve Days to Win a Count” debuted at #2 on Amazon’s Hispanic & Latino eBooks Bestsellers list—despite having no social media following, no email list, and a readership consisting only of her immediate circle.
The novel tells the story of Esperanza, a sugar heiress who must marry by her twenty-first birthday or become a nun after her father’s death leaves her inheritance in the hands of a Spanish count. Set during the twelve days of Christmas, the historical romance combines forced proximity, marriage-of-convenience tropes, and what Alma calls “secretary/nobleman sizzle” with a Latina heroine who refuses to choose between love and independence.
Drawing From Heritage
Alma’s decision to center Latino characters in her work stems from her Puerto Rican and Cuban heritage. After pitching a story idea to a friend, she joined the New Jersey Romance Writers, where she served as newsletter editor and secretary while learning the craft. She’s also an alumnus of the Writer’s Guild Foundation’s Veterans Writing Program.
Her path to publication wasn’t straightforward. The disabled veteran holds a B.S. in Management from New Jersey Institute of Technology and an M.S. in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from New York University. Before crafting historical romance novels, she worked as a Communications and Information Officer during the Global War on Terrorism.
Beyond the Written Word
Writing isn’t Alma’s only creative pursuit. As an apprentice at Ani Art Academy Waichulis, she studies drawing and painting. Her artwork has been exhibited at venues including the National Arts Program/Union County Art Exhibition, Curated Gallery in Caldwell, and the 14C Art Fair/JCAST in Jersey City.
She’s also served on the board of directors for Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Inc. and is a member of the American Legion.
Alma is currently working on her second novel, “The Prince and the Patriot,” scheduled for release this summer. The suspense romantic comedy follows Special Agent Carmen Sweeney as she protects a crown prince during his first U.S. visit, hiding him in her New Jersey hometown when she uncovers an assassination plot.
She continues to write from her home in New Jersey, where she lives with her daughter and service dog Lucky, proving that creating compelling stories with authentic Latino representation can emerge from the most challenging personal journeys.
