Interview With Author Rochelle Alexander
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been writing as a hobby for many years, but only recently have I been encouraged to publish my work. I wrote A Swan Story about twenty years ago, and it has stayed close to my heart ever since. I am now a self‑publisher, taking each step slowly and learning as I go. This is my first published book, and it reflects my love of gentle, comforting storytelling.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is A Swan Story. I wrote the first version about twenty years ago, inspired by the late Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, whose lifelong devotion to wildlife and conservation deeply moved me. Their grace, dignity, and love of nature helped shape the gentle tone of the story. The book follows Bertie, a swan raised with love and a deep sense of home, and celebrates kindness, nature, and the quiet magic of British wildlife, offering a warm tribute to two beloved figures whose stewardship and dedication touched generations.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Because I have a full time job, I find it hard to be consistent in the traditional sense, so I write by the seat of my pants. I write wherever I can, on the bus, during lunch breaks, and even on walks. If an idea comes to me, I stop and jot down a few words. I carry a little notebook everywhere, and most of my stories grow from these small, stolen moments.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I grew up reading Enid Blyton, and her stories filled my childhood with adventure and imagination. I also loved the Billy Bunter books by Charles Hamilton (who wrote as Frank Richards). As I got older, I found myself drawn to Agatha Christie’s mysteries, the worlds of J.R.R. Tolkien, and the small‑world magic of The Borrowers by Mary Norton. I’ve always enjoyed Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and P. G. Wodehouse too. All of them, in their own way, shaped the kind of gentle, comforting stories I enjoy writing.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a Santa Claus story for grownups who still believe in Santa. It’s a hybrid picture book, and my editor says it’s a lot of fun.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still learning as I go, but my best method so far has been submitting my book to free and low‑cost promotion sites and sharing it in small, steady ways. Because I work full time, I focus on simple steps I can manage, like listing my book on promo sites, using free days on Kindle, and sharing updates with readers at my own pace. I’ve found that slow, consistent visibility works better for me than trying to do everything at once.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I am a new author myself, but I have learned to go slow and not pressure myself to keep up with anyone else’s pace. Life is busy, and sometimes you only get a few minutes here and there to write, and that is fine. Small steps still move you forward. Be patient with yourself, enjoy the process, and let your story grow in its own time.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I ever heard was to keep reading. Reading keeps you learning, keeps you inspired, and reminds you why you wanted to write in the first place. Every book teaches you something, even the ones you do not finish.
What are you reading now?
I am reading Sherlock Holmes at the moment.
What’s next for you as a writer?
What is next for me as a writer is to develop the YouTube channel I created for my pets. I hope to find the time to make fun videos featuring my pets that children and adults can enjoy together. I also hope to bring some of my short stories to life. And I would like to advertise my books a little more, in small ways that feel manageable and true to me.
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?
If I were stranded on a desert island, I would bring the books that have stayed with me through the years. I would take a Sherlock Holmes collection, because I never tire of the mysteries. I would bring something by J. R. R. Tolkien for the sense of wonder and beauty. I would also take a P. G. Wodehouse book for comfort and humour, and one of Brian Jacques’ Redwall stories, especially Martin the Warrior, because it always lifts my spirit.
Author Websites and Profiles
Rochelle Alexander Amazon Profile
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