Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a video game journalist, developer, and producer. I have written two books – Creating an Online Roleplaying Game and Nerd Psychology. the first book is about my personal experience in creating my own RPGs and advice to those who wish to make their own. Nerd Psychology is about online trolls and how they act the way they do online in order to “ego boost.”
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Nerd Psychology is my newest book. The book idea came about randomly while playing League of Legends online with a friend of mine. We noticed that players we matched up against all said the exact same things – literally the same exact lines. This was hundreds and hundreds of people. We found this strange so began to document what they were saying and in response to what stimuli, then attempted to explain it. That became Nerd Psychology.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to listen to John Mayer music while I’m writing. For some reason his music seems to help me work.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King is my favorite author and his Dark Tower books are originally what got me into reading. After that I got heavily into roleplaying online which honed my writing ability and helped me produce my books.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a spinoff series to the Nerd Psychology book which I’m tentatively calling Liberal Psychology. It’s only a rough idea at the moment though.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Since both of my books so far have been gaming related, I’ve used the GamesPress.com forums to get in touch with gaming industry people to promote them. I’ve also used Twitter and recently registered on GoodReads.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t procrastinate. If you have an idea then write about it! If you think about it for too long other stuff will get in the way and distract you. Eventually you’ll lose focus and the idea won’t be as raw, if you ever write about it at all. So definitely write about your ideas right away.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Donald Trump’s motto of “think big” sounds like good advice to me. If you’re going to be doing any thinking, you might as well think big. I feel like people don’t think big anymore and Trump is very successful so it seems like sound advice.
What are you reading now?
Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King. It’s actually the first Stephen King book I’ve read in a few years. Looking forward to the trilogy.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully start then finish the Liberal Psychology series I previously mentioned, then perhaps try my hand at writing a fictional novel. Fantasy themed!
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 first four Dark Tower books. They are my favorites!
Author Websites and Profiles
Alex Hinkley Website
Alex Hinkley Amazon Profile
Alex Hinkley’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account