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KIRKSVILLE,MO. -- A La Plata High graduate and a Truman State alumna returns to the Heartland to promote her latest paranormal vampire fiction novel.

Alexandra Ivy, also known as Deborah Raleigh, held a meet and greet at Hastings Saturday afternoon, to promote her latest books.  Due to her "Guardians of Eternity" vampire fiction novel series, she's been awarded the title of New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author.

In the past 11 years, Ivy has published more than 40 books. She said it took her ten years to find a publisher.

If you're interested in becoming an author, Ivy said it's best to get to know the business.

"Really important for someone who's starting out to know what each publishing house publishes, who the editors are, if they want a full manuscript, or if they want a chapter," said Ivy. "Because if you don't give it to them how they ask, it just gives them a reason to reject your manuscript."

Ivy now resides in Ewing, Mo. On Dec. 29, she will release her next book, "Bound by Darkness" , which is the ninth book in the Guardians of Eternity series.