Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve just begun my professional writing career, although I have been writing since grade 6. My debut book has been published by Iguana Books. I have a published literary fiction short story that was selected in the “Just Words Volume II”’ anthology published by the Canadian literary magazine, Blank Spaces.
I live in Canada, married with 2 kids and a 20lb cat who is a master at blackmailing you for more and more food and kills any plant within sight.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s a rhyming picture book called “Wonder Walk” which is geared towards preschoolers and the kinder crowd. I was inspired by the daily walks that I had taken as a first time mom with my then-infant son. I feel that the very relatable activity of enjoying a walk in the sunshine with your kid/s and the universal theme of bonding between a parent and child as shown in “Wonder Walk” will really appeal to parents and caregivers.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a multi-tasker by heart and always seek to “kill 2 birds with 1 stone”. So I write on my iPad, while sitting beside my son as he watches his cartoons, does his puzzles and the like. I engage, talk to him, and then also go back to my writing. Sure this means, that I don’t write as fast as many authors do, but I also get to be present for my kids.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read very widely and try to absorb the writing style, characterization, the dialogues, the descriptions and what works for what genre. Sure, there are things that worked for that particular time and era, which wouldn’t work today, for example the obvious melodrama in gothic novels like “The Castle of Otranto” It’s always fun to observe the changes in the style of writing and which genres were popular when and what the collective reading tastes have to say about the society of that time.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a psychological thriller that’s got a good deal of murder, gore, messed up family dynamics and characters who have a lot of grey in them. It’s funny, I go from children’s picture book to this very dark theme!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I tend to like Instagram as I can showcase myself as a person behind the writer, someone who loves traveling (lots of travel pics up there). I find that eventually if people can relate to you, like you and aren’t constantly bombarded with book promo messages all the time, they would be more inclined to buy what you are selling.
I’m getting more into Twitter too, after avoiding it for many years as I thought 140 characters were silly! It was very encouraging to see that recently a video I tweeted a book reading I did at the MoonBeam Children’s Bookstore in Toronto was retweeted by others and now being seen by so many more people!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Not many people tell you this: book marketing is a daily and constant grind. There are so many things to try and there is no one strategy that’s THE Jackpot.
You have to decide what your goal is with your books, keep at it daily, have little successes, pat yourself on the back for those mini successes so that you get motivation to keep going, pivot away from strategies that aren’t showing the results you want, and keep trying different things.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It’s important to take time for self-care. I usually take a day off where I’m not doing any book marketing or writing.
What are you reading now?
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. I’m 3/4 of the way done.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m querying literary agents about another children’s book that I have written, well, it’s more of a early middle grade fiction.
To continue writing, reading and learning about the craft of writing.
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 take the following:
Persuasion by Jane Austen (I have read this novel 3 times, watched the 1995 & 2007 movie versions countless times)!
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by You Know Who (lol)
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Carrie by Stephen King
Author Websites and Profiles
Ilham Alam Website
Ilham Alam Amazon Profile
Ilham Alam’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
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