Interview with Alice Ivinya
Hey y’all! I’m so sorry that my blog has been quiet lately. Life decided I needed a good kick in the pants, but all is well now. For my first post back, I wanted to start off with a bang. A bang in the form of the very lovely, Alice Ivinya. She’s a USA Today’s bestseller and a wonderful weaver of words. Seriously, her book The Widow and The Beast really saved me during my recent struggles. It was exactly the escape I needed. If only I could walk the Faery path in real life. Alice and I quickly bonded over our children’s love of pretending to be anything other than humans. On top of being a wife, mother, and author, Alice is also a charity vet. She helps people with reduced vet costs so that their animals may have the best life possible. We definitely need more people like Alice in the world! If you love fairytale retellings and animals, I highly encourage you to read Alice’s work and follow her socials!
When and how did you start writing?
I've written ever since before I can remember! My first series I wrote between 8 and 10 which is a very weird story about four kids who run away from home, steal a boat and become leaders of the sharks. It is very odd and I would never let anyone read it!
I wrote my first full length novel at 11 and many through my teenage years. I didn't get a book published until I was in my twenties, however.
How do you find time to work on your writing?
I work as a charity vet treating dogs and cats for free or reduced cost three days a week. The rest of the time I'm mostly looking after my three year old son acting as a pirate or dinosaur or superhero.
I normally write in the evenings after my three year old has gone to bed. I can often manage an hour or two of either writing or marketing!
However, I am about to take a step back from my work as a vet, which will hopefully mean a whole day to write a week.
Though I find my job very worth while, it can also be physically and emotionally draining, so it can be hard to write after a long busy day!
What is your favorite genre to read? Which one to write?
I love to read epic fantasy, young adult fantasy, fantasy romance and historical fiction if there is lots of politics and action!
My favourite to write is young adult fantasy.
If you could be in any fantasy world, which would it be?
Narnia, no question. I love every aspect of that world. But it would have to be just after the fall of the White Witch when it was full of magic and not humans!
How do you get yourself out of a gloomy day?
Normally walk the dog or have an early night! I find I destress the easiest when walking in the countryside. I live quite close to the Mendips which are wild hills where a lot of the King Arthur myths are based. I love to loose myself there.
How many books do you have published?
I think it's now 11 full length, 2 novellas and about 10 short stories. I start to loose track!
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
To shape-shift into any creature, including mythical ones. Then I could do everything! Fly, swim, travel, hunt, protect, hide!
Do you have an author you look up to?
Many! Amy Harmon and Sylvia Mercedes are inspirations for me! And I love love love Brandon Sanderson.
What are you most proud of in your life?
My son. He's only three, but I'm so proud of him. My husband is also completely awesome.
What are your future writing plans?
I'm hoping to release at least three books next year! The first two books in Kingdoms of the Faery Path (the prequel, The Widow and the Beast has just come out.) And I also have a surprise book I'm half way through that I can't wait to finish!
I will also have two short stories coming out in anthologies and one novella in a multi author series.
What is the best advice you were given as an author?
Never stop writing. You get better quicker than you realise!
Do you have an tips for aspiring authors?
Don't give up. It's hard to see the change until you're looking back from a distance.
Short bio:
Alice is a USA Today Bestselling author. She lives in Bristol, UK, and has loved fantasy all her life. Her favourite authors are Brandon Sanderson and Holly Black. When she's not off gallivanting in other worlds, you can find her looking after her young son, working as a small animal vet, hanging out with her church family, or walking the best dog in the world with her husband.
Blurb for The Widow and the Beast:
In this world, fairytale monsters are very real...
Faery has been under a curse for two hundred years, twisting its inhabitants into monsters. Now all who walk the Faery Path risk their life and their sanity.
Determined to find her missing husband, Aoife sets off down the Faery Path alone. She knows the rules. She must not eat the fae food, strike a bargain or leave the path. But she discovers a world far more terrifying and beautiful than she ever imagined.
And it doesn't want her to leave.
Please sign up to my newsletter and get two of my short stories for free! https://sendfox.com/aliceivinya
And come join in the fun on facebook! www.facebook.com/groups/aliceivinya
