We’ve been huge fans of Alexia Purdy for a while now. With an impressive range of books that span different genres including Poetry, Romance, Fantasy, and Horror there’s something for almost everyone!
She’s currently working on The Withering Palace (A Dark Faerie Tale #0.1) and
History of Fire (A Dark Faerie Tale #5) *snoopy dance*
Why did you decide to become a writer?
I learned to read at a very young age and was fascinated at the worlds I could immerse myself in. I’ve wanted to create worlds like this ever since, for others to enjoy and read.
Who/what are your writing inspirations?
My inspiration has come from a variety of authors. I enjoyed reading Alice Hoffman, Cassandra Clare, Charlaine Harris, Margaret Mitchell, L.M. Montgomery and so many others. I could go on and on. I really love classic stories with epic details, the longer the better.
What are your favorite genres to read?
I enjoy paranormal fantasy the most and contemporary literature. I do read some romance now and then but not often.
What do you hope readers take away most from your writing?
I hope that the stories take them away from their life and submerge them in the worlds I created just for them to lose themselves in. I hope that the story stays with them long after the last page is turned and that they can relish being transported to another realm for even short amount of time.
Who’s the favorite character of yours that you’ve written and why?
I absolutely adore Benton. He’s one of my favorite characters because he reminds me of someone, but I can never put a finger on who he reminds me of. He’s snarky, smart, vulnerable, loving, and of course handsome. I think that people will enjoy seeing a lot more of him in my upcoming novel: History of Fire, the fifth novel in A Dark Faerie Tale series.
What is your writing style? Outliner/Planner or Seat of the Pantser?
I’m a mix of both. I thrive in disorganization. I mostly write as a pantser, but I have done some crude outlines of novels that help me stay on track, but I almost always deviate from them when in the mode because the characters tell me what’s going to happen, not the other way around, so it’s hard to predict what’s going to happen. It surprises me as much as it will the reader.
If someone wanted to become a writer, what tips would you give to them?
Write everyday. Even if it’s a paragraph. Carry a notebook everywhere for ideas, possible titles, character outlines etc. It comes in handy. Find that time of the day you’re most creative, use it to write and keep at it. Writing is a thankless profession, and a lonely one so if you can’t tolerate the lone environment and then, when you do start getting reviews, the harsh criticism of others, then this isn’t for you. You have to have tough skin and a sense of sick humor.
Have you ever purchased something from a late-night infomercial? If so, what?
OMG, I have. I think I’ve bought all sorts of stuff, maybe a guitar was my biggest one. I also have bought teeth whitening kits, baking stuff that I never use, and exercise dvd’s that go unwatched. All good intentions when I bought them.
If you could collaborate with any other author(living, dead, or undead) who would that be and why?
I’d love to work with Anne Rice, though she scares me for some reason. She seems so intelligent and poised, I don’t know if I could stand being next to her, but I loved her vampire stories.
If you weren’t a writer, what would you do?
I already did everything I wanted to do before being a writer, which was my ultimate goal. I’d probably still be an RN, working in Neonatal intensive care, like I did for 13 yrs. I loved it, though it’s hard on the body to work the long hours and it’s stressful.
Coke or Pepsi?
Coke. I just quit drinking it too, so boo! I want some now…
Thanks for having me!
Oooh sorry about bringing up the Coke then! Thank YOU for joining us!
