Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in England, emigrating as a small boy with my parents and sister to Rhodesia in 1960. I grew up in Africa and lived there for most of my life. Educated at Christian Brothers College in Bulawayo, I was called up for national service in January 1974, but opted for selection and training as a career officer. I ended the bush war as a decorated captain in the Rhodesian African Rifles.
In 1980 I left Zimbabwe for South Africa, to begin a career in business-to-business marketing. I ran my own consultancy in Johannesburg for 30 years, and still run it today, though from Spain where I moved in 2016.
I have two grown-up children.
‘Of Land and Spirits’ is my first book. I am writing a second.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘Of Land and Spirits’ was inspired by the Rhodesian bush war. As with many wars, those who had done the fighting felt misunderstood and unappreciated by those who had not fought – on both sides. Whether or not this was true, I wrote ‘Of Land and Spirits’ to try to bring home the reality of what the soldiers had been through; what they had endured. The book was originally published in hardcover in 1997, but in southern Africa only, where it topped the bestseller lists in both South Africa and Zimbabwe. To bring the story to a wider audience, ‘Of Land and Spirits’ was re-published on Amazon Kindle in January 2020.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I think it takes me longer to write than many authors. ‘Of Land and Spirits’ took me more than ten years to complete. I re-wrote the original story twice, from beginning to end, before I was happy with it; before I felt that I could not improve it further. Each time I re-wrote it, I added new characters whom I felt were needed, though the thread of the story remained more or less the same. I hope to complete my second book in a much shorter time span, perhaps a year or so.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read extensively, and I have been influenced by many books. Those that stand out for me in terms of influence include Nicholas Monsarrat’s ‘The Cruel Sea’, ‘Jane Eyre’ by Charlotte Brontë, and ‘Bomber’ by Len Deighton. Sebastian Faulks’ books are all excellent, though I would not say that I have been influenced by them.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a second novel. I prefer to keep the topic under wraps, because I am not sure how the finished story will turn out. The underlying theme may change as I go along.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
When ‘Of Land and Spirits’ was originally published in 1997, I used a professional book publicist to organise the promotion. This was the only way in those days, because of course electronic self-publishing was not then available. I’m a great believer in advertising and social proof, which are as powerful today as they have always been. Press reviews, and radio and television interviews remain enormously useful as a brief but strong boost to sales, if you can manage to arrange them.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would only repeat what is already widely advised: have your manuscript professionally edited, and have your cover professionally designed. Perhaps one more thing: never give up believing in yourself and in what you have written.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If what you are going to say (or write) is going to do more harm than good, then don’t say it (or write it). This was my late father’s advice to me.
What are you reading now?
Kathleen Winsor’s ‘Forever Amber’. Next up will be ‘The Strange Death of Europe’ by Douglas Murray.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I cannot say that I have a list of tasks related to writing. I think it’s important as a writer to be open to all things, and if you have this attitude it becomes difficult to define what may be next.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
‘The Lord of The Rings’ trilogy by JRR Tolkien. These three books are exquisitely written. ‘Birdsong’ by Sebastian Faulks, which is one of the best books I have ever read.
Author Websites and Profiles
Alan Thrush Amazon Profile