Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an author from the UK but my day job in is an office. Other than writing I love to read, watch movies and theatre shows and play PC games. I am keen on nature and history as well.
I have to date written two adult dark fantasy romance novels (with erotica elements), which form part of a series called The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles. I also have a short story and two pieces of poetry in an anthology.
Later in the year I will have a short summer-themed fantasy story and a piece of poetry about the British Summer, these will feature in a Summer Anthology which is raising money for a London Hospice.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book is The Shining Citadel. It is Book 2 of the series and was published in June this year. The Shining Citadel is one of the names the lost city is known as. The plot covers the adventures of the characters from Book 1 plus three new characters seeking an ancient elven city which has been lost in myth and magic for centuries. This is no easy task! There are many dangers, traps, monsters and mayhem on route and when they do find it what appears is not what the characters hoped for. However not all is as it seems….
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to be online or watching TV when I write, I have a lousy concentration span and actually find it easier to multitask and work in small chunks of different tasks, if that makes sense. I also hop between projects.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh, a great many! I read a good deal and always have. I suppose if I had to pick a few (and these are not in any order) JRR Tolkien, Terry Pratchett, Gaston Leroux, Alexandre Dumas, the Bronte sisters, David Gaider (Dragon Age) plus various author friends including my best friend Diana who has supported me immensely.
Other influences outside of writing – David Attenborough, Tony Robinson, Michael Palin and, of course, my family and friends.
What are you working on now?
I have just started Book 3 of the Chronicles series, plus a few shorter stories/flash fiction projects.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Oh hmm that is tricky. Goodreads although that is much more of a reader site but I believe having book 1 nominated as book of the month for a couple of groups really helped. Facebook helps, googleplus and now my own blog. I think networking is important though, don’t just spam the books. Talk to people, share views and advice, both giving and receiving and network. If people interact they are might be more interested in looking at your book.
I don’t have twitter, so I can’t comment on the effectiveness (or not) of that social media.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be patient. Books don’t suddenly become best sellers overnight. It takes time and effort to form a following and it is hard work. It is not simply a matter of putting the book on Amazon and letting it sit there and expecting sales to happen.
Get a decent cover, beta readers etc. and if you can afford it an editor. If you can’t you can self edit or get a beta reader to advise. Study grammar and writing and do the best you can, be prepared for criticism and take it on board as it can be the case self editing is not perfect. No one is perfect and no book is perfect. Even established authors get bad ratings and reviews, someone won’t like the book bit the next person may love it.
In my opinion a good story is a good story. Although weak writing or a lot of editing issues will effect a book’s rating and marketability. Do the best you can with the resources available.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Let them hate so long as they fear…
No really that is a tricky one. With regards to writing…be patient and tell the story which needs to be told.
What are you reading now?
I am half way through ‘Blood, Sweat and Tea’ which is based on the blog of a London Paramedic and recounts his days, the situations he finds himself in and the sometimes sad stories of the people he helps. It is interesting and a good outlook on a demanding, undervalued and sometimes dangerous job.
I am also reading ‘The Dreameaver’s Journey’ which will be a re-read for me, as I was beta-reader for this. This one is a YA fantasy and book 1 of a series.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Getting somewhere with book 3! Getting the characters from where they are at the end of Book 2 to where they need to be at the end of the series without going crazy.
I have a few short stories I would like to expand both within the world of my novels, some erotica short stories which one day may become “memoirs of a courtesan” and conversely to that the collection of dark fairy tales I would like to finish.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Just one? That I can’t answer as I have several.
Phantom of the Opera (Gaston Leroux)
Wuthering Heights (Bronte)
Count of Monte Christo (Dumas)
Soul Music (Terry Pratchett)
Reaperman (Terry Pratchett)
Lord of the Rings (Tolkien)
Indie-wise Dragon Fate and Dragon Blade by J D Hallowell
Author Websites and Profiles
Alexandra Butcher Website
Alexandra Butcher Amazon Profile
Alexandra Butcher’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Pinterest Account