Interview with Alma Alexander

Author of

Changer of Days, Fractured Fairy Tales, and The Second Star

Please tell me a little about your current work in progress.

Currently wibbling between several projects to embark on – a science fiction novel, an urban fantasy, a historical fantasy, or an epic fantasy follow-up story on my “Changer of Days” novel which has just been released as a 20^th anniversary edition. I am leaning towards the SF book mainly because one of the characters is turning insistent – but I haven’t made up my mind yet….

Where did you get the idea for this book or series?

If we’re talking about the science fiction novel I mentioned in question 1…the roots of it lie in a dream. I’ve done that before, for stories – dreamed either the whole thing or a beginning which then gets embroidered on and expanded as I start to think more about it.

Do you write in more than one genre?

Yes. Several. But mostly I swim in “fantasy” waters, with various subgenres coming into play.

Tell me about something that you believe makes your writing unique or worthy of attention.

I build good worlds, I am told. I am also told I create memorable characters who stay with the reader long after the book is over. I’ll take either as a massive compliment.

Is there anything about your personal history or personality that manifests strongly in your writing?

A great writer and a literary idol of mine once told me that the fact that I read and write a lot of poetry makes my voice a unique one – there is a certain lyricism that translates through into the prose. My love of language shines through.

What else would be helpful for readers to know about you?

I truly enjoy hearing from readers who liked my stories. So don’t hesitate to contact me (there’s a helpful form to do so on my website…)

Excluding your own work, what underrated author or book would you recommend that more people read? Why?

There is a book by a new author coming out very soon and all I can say is, keep an eye out for Colm O’Shea in 2022…

Which of your books do you most highly recommend? Why?

That would depend on what kind of thing you want to read right now. I would seriously suggest going to the Book Table on my website and browsing for whatever sort of thing takes your fancy at this moment. There’s sure to be something there that will qualify.

Which break, event, decision, or fortuitous circumstance has helped you or your writing career the most?

There is a novel – “Secrets of Jin Shei” – that sold internationally in a dozen languages, and helped to buy my house with its royalties. That helped… with everything.

What question do you wish you would get asked more often?

I don’t know. Perhaps the perfect question hasn’t even been asked yet and I don’t know I miss it…

Do you have a catch-phrase or quote that you like? What is it? And why do you choose it?

Something I am often quoted on: “If you want to be a writer, nobody can stop you. If you don’t, nobody can help you.” It all lies within you, your passion, your dreams, your faith. If that is something that a person wants, a life of words, then they should pursue it with everything they’ve got.

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Thanks to Alma for participating.

As for what I've got cooking: In two weeks I'll be participating in a give-away with D.J. Butler and some other fabulous authors. Watch for a link to enter.

If you haven't picked up the FREE prequel to my Tomahawks and Dragon Fire series you can get it by clicking here.

Or by clicking here.

I'm in the middle of book 5 of the series. If you're not familiar with the series yet, you are in for a treat, a surge of raw adventure with magic and dragons set during the American Revolutionary War. Let me share a review from another rabid reader for Clamorous Harbingers, the 3rd book in the series:

5 Stars 

A Thrilling Addition to a Fantastic Series!

August 1, 2022

Format : Paperback | Verified Purchase

The 3rd entry in the Tomahawks and Dragon Fire Series continues the action and excitement of this series and builds to a crescendo. We see the introduction of the malevolent Stone Cats, a worthy addition to the mythical creature menagerie. Set in the time of the American Revolution, the fictional crew is joined by the introduction of George Washington to the characters in the story. The skirmish at Jumonville glen is detailed with grisly detail. Note that the historical references are there for atmosphere - as the story is primarily a fantasy set in an alternate history. The battles in this book are truly epic, I can't give too many details so as not to reveal spoilers. We see further development in the cast of characters and more magic and powers. The classics quoting outdoorsman, Lee, a personal favorite has an important part to play - as do the indomitable pair - Iago and Atu, a mute midget and his eloquent translator islander friend. i really enjoyed this book - on to the next book!

All three books in the first trilogy are available for only $0.99 cents each for a limited time.

This is America -- with dragons, and magic, and monsters!

Here are links to each:

Threading the Rude Eye -- Available as an ebook and in paperback.

Power to Hurt -- Available as an ebook and in paperback.

Clamorous Harbingers--Available as an ebook - and coming soon in paperback.

For Flag Day, allow me to quote myself from Dec. 28, 2017:

"For a few minutes, the audience and players, home and away, are united in reverence and respect for the sacrifices of those who brought forth a new nation conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal, for the brave whose sacrifices have hallowed the cause; we add our devotion to the proposition, with knowledge of past imperfections, but with a desire to preserve this more perfect union." 

When we honor the flag, we honor the nation, its founders, and those who have sacrificed their blood and treasure to protect it. While some prefer to focus upon shortcomings and injustice, both real and imagined, I suggest a recollection and return to the principles of the protection of life, liberty, and property upon which this republic was founded. Theodore Roosevelt said that a successful republic must combine intensity of conviction with broad tolerance for a difference of conviction. He argued, "Bitter internecine hatreds, based on such differences, are signs, not of earnestness of belief, but of that fanaticism which, whether religious or anti-religious, democratic or anti-democratic, is itself a manifestation of the gloomy bigotry which has been the chief factor in the downfall of so many, many nations."

Roosevelt went on to explain that protesters who cannot show love for their own nation because they claim to be citizens of the world, are usually undesirable citizens where ever they may be found. He submitted that anyone who can view his own nation with the same tepid indifference with which he views all other nations is not worthy of trust. That was 110 years go, and it still holds true today. 

***
Fun Facts:
When General Gage sent his combination of light infantry and grenadiers (the elite of his army) after Hancock and Adams in Lexington, and the store of arms and powder at Concord, Dr. Joseph Warren (a fictionalized version of whom appears in Threading the Rude Eye) sent off Paul Revere and William Dawes to alert the countryside. Revere crossed the river to Charleston. Dawes traveled up the Boston Neck peninsula and the two met in Lexington. They persuaded Hancock and Adams to leave, before heading for Concord with a third rider, Samuel Prescott who was returning to his home. A British patrol captured Revere, seizing his horse's bridle, and putting they guns to his chest, but Prescott broke free and rode on. Dawes was thrown from his horse; he returned to Lexington on foot. Prescott alone reached Concord to alert the town. Local riders from Lexington and Concord roused the nearby areas.

Gage's troops were delayed by hours because the navy had not provided enough boats to transport them across the Charles River. An advance guard of 238 British soldiers  arrived at dawn in Lexington. Captain John Parker, a 46 year-old farmer and about 60 militiamen--dairy farmers and craftsmen--met them in the village green. 53 year old Major John Pitcairn (a fictionalized version of whom also appears in Threading the Rude Eye) saw the militia as a ragged collection of troublemakers. Pitcairn ordered the militia to lay down their arms. Parker commanded his men to step aside. 

Someone fired. At this time, no one knows who fired the "shot that was heard around the world." Immediately, anxious men on both sides fired. Most of the militiamen broke and ran. Several were shot down. Some of those were bayoneted where they lay. Eight were killed and nine wounded within one minute. One British soldier was wounded. The British searched the town for Hancock and Adams. Not finding either man, the soldiers started for Concord at about 9:oo o'clock. 

***

Clamorous Harbingers is on the final proof with ten chapters left. It is possible that it will go live by the end of the week -- but no promises. In the meantime, get started on Threading the Rude Eye, and Power to Hurt. Look into the column at the left for the links to the books. My feedback this week from a reader of Threading the Rude Eye: "This book is great!...Riveting!"

"Witch hunts are really only obnoxious for the witches."

"Canada is America's hat."

These were two of the comments I overheard yesterday during a game of Apples to Apples. I take no responsibility for, nor do I endorse the comments, but I did find them entertaining.

Fun Fact: The British, having utterly failed to understand the position of the American colonists, decided that the best answer to the Boston Tea Party was the adoption of the Coercive Acts aimed at punishing Boston and Massachusetts. The Coercive Acts closed Boston Harbor until the damages for the loss of the tea were repaid, restricted Massachusetts' town meetings and made the governor's council an appointed body, made British officials immune from prosecution in Massachusetts, required colonists to house and quarter British troops on demand, and also extended freedom of worship to Catholics in Canada and allowed the continuation of their judicial system.

If the British thought the Coercive Acts would isolate Boston and Massachusetts from the rest of the colonies and prevent the fomenting of unified resistance to British rule, they should have thought again. The colonies sent supplies to Boston, formed committees of correspondence, sent delegates to the First Continental Congress, and mobilized resistance to the crown. Parliament's actions succeeded in pushing the colonists toward rebellion rather than reconciliation.

The drawing above, illustrates the perception of the Coercive Acts -- forcing the colonies, represented by the native woman, to drink the tea.

***

I endeavored to finish writing Clamorous Harbingers, book three of the Tomahawks and Dragon Fire trilogy. I completed the draft on Friday night -- except for the paragraph or two I remembered that I needed to add after I went to bed, which I did add on Saturday. I could go on about how fabulous the trilogy is, and how fabulous is the book which ends this first part of the saga, but modesty restrains me. Now it's time for the editing. It shouldn't take long.

Oh--I just saw an actor in a role who reminded me of the commander in Tomahawks and Dragon Fire.

It's Brian Thompson in Dragonheart (1996). That is how I pictured the commander's face, complete with the moustache and beard. The only thing missing is the silver, rune-marked cylinder at the end of his beard.

***
I finished this book last week, or maybe it was the week before. It was on sale for cheap, maybe even free--I don't remember which. It's currently priced at $4.99, and the rest of the books in the series are $8.99 each.

I can see why Harlan Ellison once called Dan Simmons the best writer in the room. Hyperion, the first book in the 4 book Hyperion Cantos, could be described as--or rather, this is my shorthand description for it--The Canterbury Tales meets Keats and The Wizard of Oz in space. Dan Simmons has won several awards for his work, and this book was a Hugo Award winner. As you might expect, Simmons' writing is very nearly flawless. He shows a lot without revealing too much. Canterbury Tales' style, the characters in this epic take turns telling their own stories as they journey on a pilgrimage to The Shrine or Temple of the Shrike, near the Time Tombs on the planet Hyperion--which is named after Keats' unfinished poem. Time is a critical element in the story. One character's child is involved in a strange occurrence at the Time Tombs, and begins to age backwards. Another character has strange encounters with a warrior woman traveling through time. Travel by spaceship creates unusual time hitches in the aging process, such that some characters can be hundreds of years old in actual time, whereas their real age is much less. It's all very complicated. Religion is another significant theme. There's a priest, and a Jew who has lost his faith, and the whole religion of the Shrike complication. In addition to all of this, formidable enemies from outside threaten to attack, and one of the pilgrims is also a spy.

The book is long. long. long. I actually stopped about 60% through and read a couple different books to cleanse my palette, having grown fatigued with the story. One of the characters, a poet, is so obnoxious and foul-mouthed, that I could not stand to read his story. I may have skimmed part of that particular recitation. That may have been the primary reason that I needed a break from it before I could tackle it once more. Finally, the book ends without the completion of the journey. I shouldn't really complain about that, as I've done similar endings in my series. However, with a book of this length, I expected an ending more satisfying than what I got.

I have to conclude that Dan Simmons is a superlative writer -- and there are not many to whom I give that sort of praise. However, Hyperion wasn't a dish to my taste. I can't see myself resuming the tale. While I am curious about the further development of the story, the characters, and what may happen at the Temple of the Shrike, I didn't enjoy the experience sufficiently to want to invest in the remaining books.

Fun Facts: The Tea Act of 1773 might have been a stone calculated to kill two birds. If it was, it didn't. The British East India Company had dire financial problems. The American colonies disputed parliament's authority to tax and control them without elected representation. Parliament addressed both issues through the Tea Act with a tax of 3 pence on tea imported to the colonies. Of course existing legislation had already prohibited the colonies from importing tea from anyone other than Great Britain. Prior to 1773, the EIC didn't actually sell tea to the colonies, but sold it wholesale in Britain to merchants who then resold it to merchants in the colonies. As a result of a colonial boycott on British products, in 1770 Parliament had actually repealed most of the taxes in the Townsend Acts. The tax on tea was one of those not repealed; it was maintained as a show of authority to tax the colonies. With repeal of the Townsend taxes, the colonies lifted the boycott and trade flowed--including tea taxed at 3 pence per pound. However, in 1772 Parliament put a duty of 10% on tea imported into Great Britain and restored other taxes on tea. As a result, tea sales in Britain fell, but the EIC kept importing the tea, creating a tremendous stockpile of unsold tea. As one would expect, this created a financial crisis for the EIC. Additionally, the tea tax was used to pay the salaries of some colonial governors and judges. Parliament's solution through the Tea Act of 1773, was to refund the EIC's duty on imported tea, and to allow the EIC to export tea directly to the colonies. The EIC appointed merchants in the colonies to receive the tea on consignment who would sell the tea for a commission. The three pence per pound tax in the colonies remained in place to provide the salaries for governors and judges.

Americans learned of the Tea Act while 7 ships laden with tea were on the way to the colonies. The Sons of Liberty began to raise protests, and forced the consignees in Charleston, Philadelphia, and New York City to resign. The tea ships in those ports returned to England. In Boston, two of the tea consignees were the governor's sons. The Boston consignees did not resign. The Dartmouth arrived in Boston loaded with tea. By law, it was required to unload within 20 days or have its cargo confiscated. The Sons of Liberty urged the captain to send the ship back without paying the tea tax. Governor Hutchinson refused to allow the Dartmouth to leave. Two more tea ships, the Eleanor and the Beaver arrived. In December 1773, a small band of colonists, some of whom were dressed as native Americans, went aboard the three ships and dumped overboard the entire shipment of tea.

Seeing that a little tax resulted in a little rebellion, the British Parliament decided to up the ante, or rather to compound one mistake with another, by passing the Coercive Acts of 1774 to make an example of Massachusetts to discourage colonial resistance. We'll visit how that worked out on another day.

***

As if often the case, my prediction last week for completing Clamorous Harbingers this week proved overly optimistic. At about 118K words, the action packed story which completes the Tomahawks and Dragon Fire trilogy which is the first part of the epic story in the flintlock fantasy/alternate history of the American Revolutionary War. I will endeavor to complete the fantastic tale this week.

***

I've completed my vidangel watch of The Last Kingdom season 4. While not as good as the first two seasons, it was better than season 3 in some ways. King Edward has been a disappointment from the start, and with only a couple exceptions, he consistently chooses the worst option available. His mother, on the other hand, has been a complete termagant through the first three seasons. In the fourth season she makes an about face, proving to be the voice of reason which Edward largely ignores. Uhtred's son figures prominently in the early episodes of the season, and his daughter rises to prominence in the later episodes. Aethelhelm, despite having one of the coolest names, becomes the evil advisor who is easy to loathe. Brida, Uhtred's former friend is my odds on favorite to die a violent death in an upcoming season based on her implacable hatred for Uthred, because he allowed her to be taken prisoner by the Welsh. Brida and Edward are the weakest characters in season four in my opinion. Uthred's companions, Finan, Osferth, and Sihtric, are the most likable. It would be nice to see them developed further. Sigtryggr, the new Dane du jour, also has interesting potential for future development. I suspect the season 5 will be the last for Aethelflaed (Edward's sister, and new Queen of Mercia)--if the series follows the actual history. I give the season  3.5 Saxon brooches out of 5.

Strap down the grey matter and hold on to your cerebellum (not to be confused with antebellum or parabellum) Clamorous Harbingers will give your mind a ride! (Yes. I was listening to Boston when that bit of self promotional inspiration came to me).

Not yet, but soon. My proclamation is premature as I've not yet completed the book. However, "Havoc!" has been cried, and the dogs of war let slip. The battle at the cache to shape the future of empires and liberty's struggle has commenced.

Perhaps I should go into television repair. I performed a life-extending surgery on our television. The IR sensor which reads the remote had gone bad. It had started as a frequent but not complete failure to respond to the input from the remote control. In a matter of days, the failure to hearken waxed into willful rebellion such that all commands had to be given by physical administration. Wife picked up a new remote, but the TV's fault, like that of Brutus, lay not with the stars or the remote, but within itself. I did some searching, narrowed down the problem, and postponed action when I couldn't find the correct part in stock. A few days later, I, like Ayn Rand's Atlas, shrugged, escaping the burden of indecision and located the replacement part online. I waited until Saturday to perform the operation.

Here is the part I removed (It's held in place by two screws and attaches to a little plug by the white connection at one end.):

The main difficulty was in opening the patient to get at the components within. I prepped the TV for surgery by removing all the cords which connected it to power and auxiliary units, and moved it to the operating table. I should have taken pictures of the operation, but I didn't. Something like 300, or twenty-some screws held on the back cover - plus another eight which attached the stand. The operation--performed without anesthetic, I might add. I was awake the entire time--was a complete success. The patient has fully recovered and now hearkens to our commands.

***

Here's something short of a book review:

I read this. I thought about dropping out several times, but kept at it. I enjoyed Flint's 1632, but this one not so much. The story is told by Ignace, the strangler's manager. Ignace is clever and amusing. As a result, the humor in the story is more clever than entertaining. Rife with parody and satire the story references Dante's Inferno and other works (none of which spring to my recollection at the moment). The action has a cartoon-like quality, and provided me with the same amount of satisfaction. Great writing by Flint, but not quite a palate-pleaser for me. It's still free at the big river store--at that price, you can get it and judge for yourself.

***

This is the first story (to the best of my knowledge) that I have read by Manly Wade Wellman--who deserves to be read if only for the sake of his memorable name.

The Devil's Asteroid is a short story. It takes place on an asteroid where the protagonist is stranded by the Martians. I was able to predict most of the story's developments before they happened, but the narrative allowed me to feel smart and self-congratulatory in doing so, rather than that the writing was predictably unimaginative. It's also free--a quick, pleasant read.

***
I also read this short work:

The other editions have more interesting covers--but this version was free, and still is. One of the other editions claimed to be unexpurgated, so this one may be sanitized. It's a middle of the road sword and planet story by the Queen of Space Opera, and who was also known for her work on the movies The Big Sleep (1946), Rio Bravo (1959), Eldorado, and others. She also worked on an early draft of The Empire Strikes Back (1980), but she died before the movie went into production.

I see that her first novel was a mystery novel in the style of Raymond Chandler. So we have something in common (see my novel Smoke). Black Amazon of Mars ended Brackett's period of high adventure writing (according to Wikipedia).

As for the Empire Strikes Back: Her early draft was not used, but many of its story elements are in the final movie. Here is a PDF of that script. The opening looks the same as the actual movie, except Luke and Han ride white snow lizards (which I first misread as snow leopards--which would be super cool) instead of Tauntauns. Most importantly, Luke's father is a distinct character from Darth Vader. If you ask me (which you haven't, but I won't let that stop me), as I've probably mentioned before, that single decision (Vader as Luke's father) laid the foundation for the complete ruination of the franchise (See the prequels, and the final desecration--they all trace back to that ill-conceived brain vapor). Of course, I should expound on this sometime, but not yet. Also, in Brackett's script, Lando was one of the last surviving clone storm troopers. You can get more details on that script here.

So much for a book review become Bella Siderea trivia.