Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a middle-aged woman (in body only!) living in a corner of the UK. I’ve transferred my inner monologue from the visual to the written word, in the vain hope someone might find it interesting. I have a few short stories, horror, published in anthologies and a couple of other self-published items. I’m not committed to any one genre and have written steampunk, children’s, sci-fi, horror, speculative fiction, literary fiction, a smidgen of comedy.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Beneath the Skin is a Steampunk adventure, which began in a writing workshop run by Sam Stone at the annual Steampunk Asylum, about 6 years ago. It began as a response to write an opening scene. Everyone went for the ‘flash, bang, explosive’ opening, but all I could see was this guy, sitting alone outside a cafe in Paris, watching the girls go by. I knew instantly what he was. It was meant to be his story, but it was too ‘samey’, then along came Shakti, as his opposite.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m either thoroughly engrossed or extremely fidgety. When engrossed, I come away with my head still in my world, I have been told that I suddenly look up blank faced and stare at family members, I grind my teeth too. When fidgety, I get up and down, smoke between scenes, do chores between chapters.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Tim Powers’ book The Anubis Gates did it for me. The imagining of an alternative London with magic and history interwoven was enchanting. I
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the second part of Beneath the Skin, The Song of the Nightingale. Also a sci-fi novel and a fantasy adventure set in the 17th century. Plus a couple of short stories for competitions.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t know. To be frank, I’m bone idle when it comes to promotion. I tweet on Twitter and posted on my own blog.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write!
That’s it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It was about reading one’s dialogue out loud to hear it and ensure it sounds natural.
John Steinbeck said it
What are you reading now?
Powers Secret Histories: a bibliography.
Alternate Routes by Tom Powers.
Poisoned Lives by Katherine Watson.
Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Get part two of Beneath the Skin out. Focus on next story. Keep writing.
My head’s full. It needs emptying!
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 ask hubby and friends to recommend something I hadn’t read before.
Author Websites and Profiles
Alexandra Peel Website
Alexandra Peel Amazon Profile
Alexandra Peel’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account