Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Born in 1966, I grew up in rural Worcestershire, studied Ancient History & Latin at Edinburgh University, then went on to work for the Civil Service in London; with most of my twenty-year career spent in the crime, security and intelligence fields.
I relocated to the Scottish Highlands in 2007 with my family, both to enjoy a better work-life balance, and to follow my writing ambitions.
When I’m not writing, I enjoy playing guitar, drums and keyboards; trying – hah, albeit with varying degrees of success! – to emulate my favourite rock bands (including UFO, The Scorpions, Jethro Tull, Iron Maiden, Deep Purple, ELO, Warren Zevon et al). Much to my wife’s approval, I have so far resisted the temptation to sing!
Second Sight is my debut novel. It’s the first book of my supernatural thriller trilogy, The False Light Conspiracy. Book two, First Vision, is currently in preparation.
I’m hoping to finish a stand-alone political thriller, In The National Interest, in Spring 2014.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Second Sight was inspired by my interest in various aspects of the supernatural/paranormal world.
Open-minded, I’m keen to find logical, scientific explanations for experiences reported by different peoples, in different cultures, from all over the world; and over wide timespans throughout history.
Having explored healing, dowsing, earth energies etc, I’m fascinated by how the emerging findings from the world of quantum mechanics COULD help explain hitherto ‘metaphysical’ beliefs – for example, does quantum ‘entanglement theory’ mirror the anecdotal tales of identical twins sensing when the other is in danger?
Whilst open-minded, I’m conscious there’s a lot of cynicism out there (myself included!), so I thought one way of presenting ideas to people was through a good story. The result? The False Light Conspiracy trilogy. A police-procedural thriller, it introduces – incrementally – key themes that are explored in greater detail as the trilogy unfolds.
Answers, I don’t have; but questions, I’ve plenty! Hopefully, readers will be encouraged to go and research some of the themes that interest them in greater detail; then make their own minds up.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My best time is writing through the night – 10 pm to 4 am. Alas, work gets in the way just now; but I’ll get there.
Ever since essay-writing days at University, and (even earlier) schoolwork time at home, I’ve always found my concentration is best when I can cut out extraneous background noise/distractions – achieved through Iron Maiden being played at loud volumes. My dad always wondered just how I was able to concentrate with that racket going on… different strokes for different folks!
Interestingly, on the train in to work in London, I used to play the same CD every morning while I wrote. Even after all these years, as soon as that CD goes on in the background, I’m ‘in the zone’ and ready to write. Form of self-hypnosis, I guess. In my case, it’s Rush – Greatest Hits.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve always liked the easy-to-read shoot-em-up, spy novels – Jack Higgins, particularly. In recent years, I’ve read all the Scott Mariani Ben Hope novels – great character and terrific action/scenarios. Just now I’m reading Michael Dobbs’ Harry Jones’ stories – political intrigue and action all the way.
In younger days, I read far more fantasy – Tolkien, David Eddings (thoroughly enjoyed The Belgariad series), David Gemmell and Raymond E Feist.
I’m always open to new authors, and when I find one I like, I tend to read as many books as I can in one go.
What are you working on now?
In The National Interest – a stand-alone political thriller.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, the Amazon Kindle free promotion days have worked well. The best take-up was through Awesomegang and Snickslist. I’m shortly doing my second free promotion – since the first, I now have a number of good reviews under my belt which, in turn, is opening up more promotional sites.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Aim to write every day – even if only a few sentences or paragraphs; they all add up! Also, consider writing to be like a muscle – the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets.
Write the story you want to write; that’s clamouring to get out. Don’t be distracted by trying to write for the market.
Join a writers’ group. Best thing I ever did. Provided you’re choosy – don’t go back to any group where you come in for unjustified criticism (or, more correctly, bullying by insecure types!) – they can be invaluable: like-minded people who can offer constructive feedback; who may suggest ideas you hadn’t thought of; and it really helps to hear yourself reading your writing out loud. A great difference from reading it ‘in your head’.
Also, when you’re ‘in the zone’, at an exciting point in your story, STOP midway through the scene. Yes, you’ll not want to… but your motivation will demand you get back to it straightaway, come the next writing session.
Finally, keep a notebook (or voice-recorder) with you, as well as beside the bed (or some Post-Its) – ideal for jotting down those ideas when The Muse visits…
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write about what you know… saves a lot of time on research…
What are you reading now?
Michael Dobbs – A Sentimental Traitor; a Harry Jones story.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish In The National Interest by the Spring.
Next up is book two of the trilogy, First Vision.
Then a children’s novel (11-14 year olds), centred on anomalies in time; should appeal to fans of the BBC’s Dr Who.
Then book three.
Then a horror.
Then a series, based on some of the characters we first meet in In The National Interest.
Busy few years ahead… phew!
What is your favorite book of all time?
Probably still looking for it… but I’ve a soft spot for Norman Hunter’s The Incredible Adventures of Professor Branestawm. Brings back happy childhood times; re-read the stories recently. Not just for children!
Author Websites and Profiles
Alec Hyde Website
Alec Hyde Amazon Profile