Interview With Author Thomas Alexander Pyron
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a creative writer and self-published author who focuses on heartfelt, character-driven fiction. I’ve written several books, including Chasing Shadows, a story that explores friendship, grief, and healing from a young teen’s point of view. I enjoy writing stories that feel real and emotional, while still being hopeful. Most of my writing is connected to a larger fictional world I’m building — with newspaper clippings, school events, and side stories that tie it all together. Chasing Shadows is the first official book in that world.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Chasing Shadows. It was inspired by the idea of my life and what it means to truly belong — especially after trauma or loss. The story follows a quiet eighth-grade boy named Alex who moves in with a new family after years of emotional neglect. Slowly, he begins to heal through new friendships and the kindness of others. I drew from personal experiences and emotions to write it honestly and hopefully. It’s a story about found family, growth, and how small moments can change a life.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to build out fictional worlds in layers — not just with the story itself, but with supporting materials like in-universe newspapers, journals, and side characters with their own arcs. I also work visually, often designing logos, newspaper covers, and mock school flyers to help immerse myself in the setting. It’s a mix of storytelling and world-building that blends fiction with reality.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m drawn to stories that blend survival, emotion, and big-picture ideas — often told through very human characters. Books like Old Man’s War by John Scalzi, World War Z by Max Brooks, and The Howling series left a lasting impression on me. I’ve also always been fascinated by Planet of the Apes — not just the concept, but the atmosphere and commentary beneath the surface. I tend to lean toward older, moodier stories that mix action and meaning in ways that stick with you long after the last page.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on the sequel to Chasing Shadows, Beyond the Shadows, which picks up during the second half of the school year. It dives deeper into the characters’ emotional growth and introduces new challenges, including a young boy with trauma of his own who slowly learns to trust again. I’m also expanding the fictional world with creative companion material like newspaper clippings, school flyers, and journals from multiple characters’ perspectives.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, I’m just getting started. I’m branching out and trying different avenues including Buy Me a Coffee, Patreon, and free Kindle promotions. Sites like Awesome Gang, Reddit book communities, and Goodreads help spread the word without a big marketing budget. I try to focus on authentic outreach — not just promoting the book, but talking about the characters and world behind it.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t wait until everything’s perfect — just start. Write the book you wish someone had written for you. Be honest with your characters, even when it’s uncomfortable. You don’t need a fancy setup or a huge following. Just keep showing up, keep telling the truth through your fiction, and don’t let fear of judgment stop your story from getting out there.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You can’t edit what you don’t write. That stuck with me. The first draft is yours — messy, raw, honest. The second draft is for the reader. Also: just finish the story. No matter how you feel about it, crossing that finish line changes everything.
What are you reading now?
Honestly? Not much at the moment. Life’s been too overwhelming to sit still and read. Between writing, promoting my work, and trying to keep everything afloat, reading for fun has taken a backseat. But I’m hoping to dive back in soon — probably with something character-driven that hits emotionally and reminds me why I started writing in the first place.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m working on the sequel to Chasing Shadows and companion material like school newspaper archives and student notebooks. There are more stories to tell in this world — especially about kids who are healing, growing, and finding their place. Long-term, I’d love to bundle the series into a special edition with all the worldbuilding materials woven in.
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?
Old Man’s War – Even when you are old, you still have purpose. The Lord of the Rings for adventure, and probably a survival guide like World War Z because… well, desert island. I might not last long on optimism alone and there might be zombies.
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