INTERVIEW: High Fantasy Author Dana Alexander

Dana Alexander

Southwest, USA

Good morning, Dana! Welcome to Vision and Verse, the blog dedicated to Art and Authors and those who love them. Can you tell us a little about what you've written? 

A Lara Croft meets Lord of the Rings-style fantasy series, blending what one editorial reviewer called, “Tolkienesque fantasy” with modern-day technology and ancient myth. Fans of strong heroines, love that transcends lifetimes, and a bit of magical realism will be most drawn to this series. 

Sounds wonderful! What is your favorite genre to write? 

Primarily fantasy, but I love to blend that fantasy with other elements for crossover appeal, where I can attend to details without miring a reader in too many of them. This series contains romance, light sci-fi elements, ancient mythology, and a hint of true scientific theory woven into an adventure, a quest to rescue two worlds. 

Favorite food. 

Growing up in the southwest, I tend to prefer authentic Mexican food. But in general, I like to taste various flavors of different cultures. I’ve been gravitating toward vegetarian with the improved flavors.

Tea or coffee? 

Tea throughout the day. But I’ve also come to find comfort in a single cup of espresso from my mini machine each morning.

Pizza or ice cream? 

Actually, I don’t favor either.

Wine or beer? 

It really depends on the venue. I like a crisp ale in the summer but also a dry chardonnay. With an allergy to both, I’m unfortunately limited on my intake of either.

Where would you like to visit? 

Scotland. New Zealand is as far as I’ve really traveled, meeting some of the nicest people. But I’d really like to see Scotland and one of the places I included in book two, Doune Castle.

(I think I could fill a plane with the number of authors I talk to who want to go to Scotland! Hmm...maybe when this is all over?)

Favorite musical artist.  

I like many genres of music, from blues to rock, possibly too many to choose a favorite artist. However, I recently discovered the beautiful Scottish melodies of Loreena McKinnett, that really take a listener to another place.

Do you listen to music when you write?  

I won’t listen to music when I write, but sometimes certain 

songs will inspire details for scenes. 

Like what? 

An example is “Hells Bells” from 

AC/DC that helped the creation of a fight scene develop.

What makes you laugh? 

Believe it or not, my husband. After several years, and I don’t know how, he still manages quick wit and humor to keep things interesting and fun.

He sounds like a keeper, Dana. Favorite work of art or sculpture. 

I like many forms of art, but esp. the highly imaginative creations of Alexander Jansson or illustrative work of Gary Benfield. One of my favorites, though, is the Kuan Yin statue the previous homeowner left us that watches over our Koi pond.

How old were you when you started writing? 

I believe I was about age ten. I’d write all sorts of short stories.

Do you plan out your book with outlines and notecards? Or just write? 

I’m what most writers would call a pantser. I write/fly by the seat of my pants. I have a general idea of the story arc, more detail about the characters, and sometimes even the ending. As I get details I’d like to include, I’ll jot them in a notebook but only refer to it once or twice throughout the entire writing of a novel. I like to let the details of the story flesh out as I write. It’s important to let the muse speak/work through me. In some instances, there have even been occasions where the idea I have will appear in a documentary I stumble upon within a day or two of developing or writing about it.

Describe your perfect evening. 

Oh, to dream! A quiet, dimly lit space, outside or in, with no distractions or deadlines. Perhaps watching the sun set on the beach, toes sunk in the sand, or sitting beside a fire in the mountains with the crisp, clean air and a perfect view of the stars above the treetops.

Where do you get your inspiration? 

I often get inspiration for characters from average people, a look they might have or a mannerism. I created a character in book two from a woman I met at my local drycleaner who had the most beautiful wrinkles (so many) I’d ever seen on one small face.

What do you do when you get a writer's block? 

I try to identify what other area in my life needs attention and clear it. Many authors can write through a block. I will most assuredly cut everything I write if I try to do that. So, it’s best for me not to try to force write in such times.

Who is your favorite author? 

Several authors appeal to me, but Diana Gabaldon writes with such detail and characters that I feel I could know in person that it allows me to connect with the story.

Best book you ever read. 

There are too many to name only one. I have several that as a child inspired me; Where the Red Fern Grows, Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Great Gatsby, The Grapes of Wrath, To Kill a Mockingbird. But I read anything from Margaret Atwood to Marcus Sakey, and even a couple debut authors, if I like the plotline.

Last book you read. “The Cuckoos Calling” by Robert Galbraith (aka J.K. Rowling)

What would you do for a living if you weren’t a writer? 

I’d probably return to Medicare policy and audit.

Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most and why?

That’s a tough one, as I’ve had many early influencers in my life, but unfortunately not many that were good. Not by choice per se, but by circumstance. The outcome, as a survivor, taught me strength, compassion, and appreciation for the little things. I’d have to say it’s a tie for one primary person as a positive influence; my son who, despite his challenges, I’m convinced is a wise, old soul in a young body and the absolute kindness of my late father-in-law, who believed it better to leave people happier than they were when you met them.

If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why? 

J.R.R. Tolkien. I’d want to hear how he was inspired to create his fantastic Middle-earth, the language of the elves and his thoughts on mythopoesis – the art of producing mythology.

What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer? 

The best advice I received; to read everything, even things you don’t like, to see what it is you love and don’t care for about the writing or the constructs of sentences.

Amazon Buy Link for Boxed Set:
https://www.amazon.com/Three-Keys-Books-1-4-ebook/dp/B0896QJ5TV
Individual Book Links: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Z9C2RJ4. 

Readers can also find my books at B&N, Apple, Kobo, etc., or even on my website. I also have a free offer for readers who want to "Join My Newsletter" on my website: https://danaalexander.net/ 
 🙂 I do very much appreciate the opportunity you've provided to be listed on your beautiful site. 
Thank you, Dana. It is my pleasure to introduce my audience to such quality writers as yourself!

Do you have some other links for us to follow you?

Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Z9C2RJ4

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDanaA/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8312253.Dana_A_Alexander

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorDanaA

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