Interview With Author Alex Fragniere
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have just finished my debut novel which is now published. It’s called In The Meantime. I’m working on two further books now. One set in the world of power and diplomacy set in the Balkans and the other, a lighter, scandalous romp set in India. I write depending on my mood!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
In the Meantime. It was inspired by my friends Kelly and Dani who both passed away from cancer during the pandemic. They were strong, fun, smart ladies who always brought a smile to my face. They always said I could do it. I wanted to write about ordinary people in a pandemic. The small things that kept us going. The feeling of family. The sadness of being separated from loved ones. It’s tied in with the concept of the butterfly effect that suggests are lives pivot on the tiniest of details and motions.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know what is a usual writing habit! I write when I have ideas. If I am struggling on a particular day I don’t push through it. I want my writing to feel raw and spontaneous. I borrow a lot from my and my friends experiences , particularly the funny ones. Laughter through tears is the most wonderful emotion.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Carlos Ruiz Zafon, Kate Atkinson, Khaled Hosseini, Rohinton Mistry, Naguib Mahfouz, Sarah Winman and Terry McMillan amongst many others
What are you working on now?
Two! Provisional titles – The Eagle with Two Faces and Deliberate Diplobrats.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m new to all this so I am still learning
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Take advice but don’t lose your own voice amongst all the others.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To thine own self be true
What are you reading now?
Richard Osman! Genius
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to raise money for an amazing cancer charity that offers free gym membership to those with a recent cancer diagnosis. I am giving 10 percent of any profits made from my books to this charity. Otherwise I’m working on being a kinder, more honest person. And being a good pug papa!
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?
I would take the Naguib Mahfouz Cairo trilogy. I have read all of them numerous times but I always find something new and alluring each time