Elvis Alves

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a poet. My first book is called Bitter Melon (Mahaicony Books, 2013). I was born in Guyana and raised in Brooklyn, NY. I have been writing since I was a child. I remember writing a poem in the 6th grade and my teacher was so impressed by it that she posted it outside the classroom’s door so that people passing by could read it.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Bitter Melon is a vegetable eaten around the world but primarily in Asia and South America. As the name indicates, this vegetable is bitter and can be difficult to eat. However, in preparing Bitter Melon, putting the right spices can make the meal more edible. In the book, I use the vegetable as an analogy of life. Life too can be bitter. However, it is what you do with the bitter-ness of life that can really drive you to move on with life.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My writing is influenced by the books I read. There was a point in my life where I mimicked the writing style of writers that I admire. However, I have learned that it is more important to develop my own voice so as to be the best writer possible. Maybe I am not answering your question directly but I try to do anything to stay true to my voice while writing. In this way, I feel that the reader would be able to connect with me in a honest way.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The first book that really impressed me was Don Quioxte by Cervantes. I read it in the 11th grade and was drawn by the humor, imagery, and crisp writing of the author. This title turned me on to other classics such as the work of Dostoevsky: Crime and Punishment and The Brothers Karamazov. I believe that everyone should read Kafka’s Trial, simply for its existentialism. Toni Morrison remains one of my favorite writers. I’ve read many of her books but if I had to choose one it would be Song of Solomon. It offer a window into African American culture and the forces that, unfortunately, arise to destroy this culture. I do read poetry too but there are so many poets that influence my work; it becomes difficult to choose among them. What I do like, however, is discovering new poets. One such poet is the Indian-Welsh writer Tishani Doshi. Her book Everything Begins Elsewhere came into my life at a time I needed to read something that articulated how I was feeling.

What are you working on now?
I am always working on something new. I am sitting on three completed manuscripts (two poetry, and a short story collection). I’ve started working on personal essays and social criticism writing. These formats help me expand the reach of my skills as a writer. In other words, they push me in the direction I feel I am destined to go and that is being the best at what I do as a wordsmith.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is a tough question because I am finding out that the toughest thing in producing a book is promoting it. My mother has a lot of friends so she has been helpful in putting my book in the world. Thanks, mom!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I always tell new writers to keep writing. It’s the same advice I give myself everyday. Sometimes the easiest thing you can do is stop what you are doing. But you have to keep moving. Life is waiting to be captured by your words. So, keep writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It is important to surround yourself with fellow writers. I have met so many writers who do not see me as a competitor but as a comrade. Producing art can be a lonely endeavor that is why it’s important to go out and mingle with like-minded artist, and push each other along.

What are you reading now?
I have a practice of only reading one book at time. I think it has to do with my view of a book as an organic entity and I like to give that entity all my attention when reading it. Right now I am devouring The God of Small Things by the talented Arundhati Roy.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to keep publishing my work. I want to travel, see the world, and write about it.

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?
1.Go Tell it on the Mountain, James Baldwin 2. Sent for you Yesterday, John Edgar Wideman 3. Love, Anger, Madness by Marie Vieux-Chauvet

Author Websites and Profiles
Elvis Alves Website
Elvis Alves Amazon Profile

Elvis Alves’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account