1. First, introduce yourself a bit. What is your name (or pen name) and where are you from?
I’m Reed Alexander, a horror author from the Capital Region, NY. I specialise in the horrific, the macabre, and the bizarre.
2. Next, tell us a bit about your most recent work. Is this your first published book? What is it about and what genre would you classify it as?
My most recent book is a collection that includes a reprint of the first two books I traditionally published. These are all cosmic horror (cosmic horror creature features, as I like to call them). The first is Shadow of the Mountain, is a direct head nod to H. P. Lovecraft’s Whisperer in the Darkness. In the second, a private detective uncovers an apocalyptic plot when she discovers a tweaker on the run from a mysterious cult. In the third, a nuclear chemist races to find a cure for an alien virus while her plant is in lockdown. Finally, something waits for us at the bottom of the ocean, something that comes from the void of space.
3. Tell us a bit about your main character; what are they like, how did they come about, and what are some of their strengths and weaknesses?
In the Shadow of the Mountain centres around a fellow named George McGinnis. He’s a happy-go-lucky, jolly fellow who was just out to enjoy some winter sports. In the plot, he’s pushed to the limit, his skills challenged, and his spirit tested. He was modelled after my good friend George. I just transposed him onto paper. In the Beginning follows Joan Summerset, a deeply cynical private detecting. She’s basically a reflection of my own personal cynicism. Likely what I’d look like if I just completely gave up on fighting for the right thing. In Another Kind, Silvia is just your typical family woman. She never wanted to be special and never expected to be a hero. She’s forced to make hard choices, unthinkable choices, that test her morality to its limit.
4. What was your hardest scene to write in this (or any) book?
Actually, the hardest scenes for me to write is a collection of chapters from one of my self-published titles that I typically referred to as “The Kids.” These three chapters deal with extremely serious childhood trauma, all of which are based on true stories from people I personally know. Writing it hurt emotionally and I don’t think I’ve ever been able to challenge myself like that ever again.
5. Did you go the traditional route when publishing your book or did you choose to self-publish?
My first two books I self-published. The last seven were traditionally published. I prefer traditional publishing as it gives me a family and support.
6. What would you say is the most difficult part of your writing journey and what advice would you give to other writers?
The most difficult part was breaking in, getting that first trad published piece in print. I got rejected so many times. This is why I originally self-published. I never gave up on traditional publishing, though. What I can tell all aspiring authors is this “Get used to the word no, and do not give up.” Your work could be amazing and you’ll still get rejected. There are so many reasons why writers get rejected and it has nothing to do with your ability as a writer or the quality of your work. Keep fighting.
7. Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
I also have a series apart from my collection. This will hopefully one day involve many spinoff series from the same world. While I like to joke that all my cosmic horror stories take place in the same world, it would be hard to place them all together.
8. What are some of your favourite authors and books and what inspired you to become a writer in the first place?
The pen COMMANDS ME! I have to write. I have to. Even if no one ever read any of these books, or if I never got published, I’d still write. I can’t stop. I was mostly inspired by science fiction and horror. Heinlein, Harlan Ellison, Lovecraft, King. Loved their work.
9. What would you say has been the best way to market your books?
Talking directly to people. Nobody knows who I am. I don’t have a name that carries any weight. People buy my books when I can talk to them.
10. Are there any tropes, clichés, or writing styles that you dislike and, if so, what are they and why?
As long as you’re not making a point to sew a narrative that is in of itself bigoted or racist, anything goes. I don’t write romance, I don’t read romance, but I think it’s valid. It’s all valid so long as you’re not being a complete piece of human garbage with the narrative you’re trying to sell.
11. Do you read reviews of your book and, if so, how do you handle negative feedback?
My one-star reviews are my favourite. I can’t help but get a chuckle out of some of the shit these so-called critics have to say.
12. What are some of your quirks as a writer? Do you like to plot everything out or do you prefer to just “wing it” and see where the story takes you? Do you listen to music when writing and, if so, what do you listen to?
I’m what’s referred to as a “pantser.” I almost always write from the seat of my pant. I have to plot my most recent work and I’m completely out of my element.
13. What is the best advice you’ve ever had when it comes to writing and what advice would you give to new writers?
Seriously, you’re going to get rejected and it’s okay. Keep going!
14. What’s next for you? Are you currently working on any new books or stories?
Yup, just finished a title I call The Diabolic Mind, and already started working on a new one.
15. Finally, feel free to plug your social media, website, and links to Amazon, GoodReads, and other relevant sites below, and detail any current offers available for your book/s:
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