About Alan Spade:
Alan Spade worked for eight years for the press, reviewing video games. In his youth, he acquainted himself with the classic French authors, while immersing himself in the works of H. P. Lovecraft, Isaac Asimov, J. R. R. Tolkien and Stephen King.
That wide range of influences is reflected in his style, simultaneously approachable, visually evocative and imaginative.
Alan likes to say that “a good book is like a good old pair of shoes: you feel at ease inside, comfortable.”
The Breath of Aoles is his third book: previously, he wrote a fantasy novel for two years, between 2001 and 2003, but after submitting it to publishers, he decided the story wasn’t good enough. He didn’t try to publish it anymore. Then he wrote a Science Fiction short stories collection, and then, for six years, The Breath of Aoles.
What inspires you to write?
With a new book, I try to challenge myself: with a “what if” challenge, or sometimes it could be writing in another genre.
Writing Fantasy and Science-Fiction allows me to let my imagination rule!
With a work in progress, I like to read again what I have written the previous day and then, to let my mind wander here and there.
Beyond that, everything I experience, personally in my life or vicariously, can be an inspiration.
Tell us about your writing process.
I am an outliner who also likes building his story in the process of writing it. I like it when my own story surprises me, and the surprises may come from an unexpected plot in the storyline as well as directly from the main or secondary characters. Everything is possible as long as the consistency of the story is preserved.
I do create character sketches during my writing.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
Yes, I listen to them. I learn more about their personality along the course of the story, so when I get back, I am able to refine, improve or stress some salient points about their personality.
What advice would you give other writers?
Sales may vary, but it is necessary to have fun when writing your book, because the reader will be able to ascertain whether you had fun. Writing and being published is as much a way of life as an art and a business.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
After two bad experiences with one small and one middle press, I decided to self-publish.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
Authors’ discoverability will remain the main goal, but traditional publishing won’t be a prerequisite for achieving discoverability in most cases.
What do you use?: Professional Editor, Professional Cover Designer, Beta Readers
What genres do you write?: Fantasy, Science-Fiction, Mystery and thrillers
What formats are your books in?: Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
Link To Alan Spade Page On Amazon
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