Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve always been a writer, even before I could write! I would draw pictures on different pieces of paper, in order of events, and make little stories. All my life since then, I’ve been writing like mad, and graduated to writing novels when I was in early high school. I got a degree in English, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I’ve published 29 novels and more than 70 fanfictions. My original novels are currently available on Amazon, and I also have a Patreon page, where members get to read chapters of my books as they’re being written, and earn rewards like signed copies of the paperbacks. It’s deeply rewarding to be able to spend my days imagining and spinning tales, and to share these adventures with people who enjoy them!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is entitled “The Last Scene,” and it’s about a young woman named Anne who, with her dad’s encouragement, tries out for a small play in New York City–and getting the part throws her entire life into an adventure she wasn’t prepared for. She’s pulled totally out of her comfort zone, because the last scene of the show is always improvised and she’s never done anything like that before. Also, she becomes fast friends with the other lead, Peter Wren, who is just a freaking genius. He’s a master of improv, he’s an extremely talented actor and impersonator, he can dance and sing and he’s hilarious. But he develops a drug problem, which just traumatizes Anne–and she has to figure out how to help him through that and maybe even save his life. It was inspired by lots of things: I often visit NYC, and it’s such a fun city to explore. I’m also troubled by how many extremely talented and wonderful people seem to be eaten up by drugs, alcoholism and destructive lifestyles, and this is my way of working through that and maybe shining some light into the darkest corners.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I always have animals around me. I have two birds and usually a cat in my study whilst I work. I also make playlists to listen to whilst writing–I’m also a singer and musician, and music has always pulled strong emotions out of me. I put music to work to inspire me.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite writers are JRR Tolkien, Charles Dickens, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the Bronte sisters, whoever wrote Beowulf, C.S. Lewis, Jane Austen, to name a few. I love Tolkien and Dickens’ descriptive language and the way they paint a scene and make you feel like you’re there, which I try to learn from; all Sherlock Holmes stories are delightfully atmospheric and thrillling; the Bronte sisters are so brooding and deeply-emotional, yet well-structured; Jane Austen is simply too much fun; C.S. Lewis has knife-edge logic and sees so clearly. I try to learn from these masters and implement these things into my own work.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on two things: a novel entitled “Curse-Maker: The Tale of Gwiddon Crow,” which is part of my fairy-tale retelling series. I’ve already done Beauty and the Beast (“Scales”), The Snow Queen (“Glass”) and The Little Mermaid (“Tide”). I am also plotting out a sequel to “The Last Scene,” which I can’t wait to get started on.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, I’ve had the best luck when I talk to people one-on-one, be it instant message, email, or in person. They seem to like the personal connection, and I certainly enjoy it, too.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing, and explore all avenues, even unconventional ones.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
What are you reading now?
I just finished Agatha Christie’s “Death on the Nile” and it was AWESOME. I’m now hunting down the Arsene Lupin series by Maurice Leblanc.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I keep writing, like always!
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 Bible, my Brit Lit anthology, my European Lit anthology, and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare.
Author Websites and Profiles
Alydia Rackham Website
Alydia Rackham Amazon Profile