Please be aware some of Alex’s novels are 18+ rated.
- Does writing energize or exhaust you?
Both! I have fibromyalgia so some days I don’t have the energy to do much of any use. I try and write everyday (and don’t always succeed), but some days, if I feel OK I get a total buzz from the writing. It’s satisfying to create something, and the feel-good is worth a lot. On the other hand the non-writing days make me feel a bit rubbish. It does depend on what else I have done that day. I work full time, so writing is usually limited to the evenings, weekends and holidays. I enjoy it though. When it becomes a burden I will stop.
- What is your writing Kryptonite?
Gaming and the internet. I am easily distracted. I’ll just go online for half an hour before I write… just 30 minutes…. Who am I kidding?
- Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?
I have and I do. I have an erotic romance written under the name Alexa Lynsey (which incidentally just won an award from Princess of the Light blog for best Erotic Romance in 2017). The downside is the promotional aspect. It takes ages to build a following and to start over is hard. That said it has benefits as well – especially for the ‘adult’ genres.
- What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
Tori Zigler, Barbara Tarn, Joe Bonadonna, Janet Morris, Nickie Storey-Bailey, Diana L Wicker and several others. The indie author scene tends to be supportive. We share networking ideas, we offer advice on books, and promotion. We grumble to each other, and enjoy one anothers successes.
- Do you want each book to stand alone, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles series is just that – a series – but each book can be read alone to a degree. It helps to know the world and the past events but the books are still enjoyable as stand alones. The Tales of Erana series are set in the same world but stand alone – there are two novellas and a short story collection. These are the myths and legends, the old tales and the ‘side’ tales.
The Kitchen Imps – short stories in one collection so that can be read alone.
The two Legacy of the Mask novellas share a link but can be read alone and in any order.
The Watcher- A Jack the Ripper Story is a standalone.
Outside the Walls is a standalone
- What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?
Editing! Various courses to hone the craft.
- What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?
That’s hard! I think it was probably the first time I can remember going to the theatre. It was a production of Voyage of the Dawn Treader by CS Lewis. I was spellbound. That inspired a love of theatre, fantasy and storytelling. The tale and its production were amazing and I came out feeling elated. Narnia was a whole new world, in the back of a wardrobe, with the great aspects of appealing characters, a brilliant story and worldbuilding.
- What’s your favorite under-appreciated novel?
I’d say either I, the Sun or The Reader of Acheron.
9. As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
A monkey, or a squirrel. I love both animals. Both are crafty, intelligent, and twist themselves in circles.
10. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
Lots! Currently six or seven works in progress and a few other things that may one day be adapted into stories.
11. What does literary success look like to you?
Readers telling me they like the books, asking when the next book is, and making people happy with the stories.
12. What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?
That depends. I have researched such things as whether a salamander is edible (it is but you probably wouldn’t want to eat it); swamp terrain; poisons; field surgery; the airspeed velocity of a dragon, and what could make it fly. It really depends on what is needed for the work in questions. I do think research is important. Readers aren’t stupid – they will notice if something doesn’t work or is awry. There’s nothing like a screaming great plot or research hole to drop a reader right out of a book. That said it can’t be assumed that readers have the same knowledge of the world (especially a made up world) the author does.
13. How many hours a day/week do you write?
Well… I would like to say I write every single day but it’s not true. I work full time and I have a few health issues which means some days I can’t think straight, let alone string a coherent sentence together. I write several times a week, be it story, review, blog post, interview or poetry. My New Year’s resolution is to write for at least an hour a day – after all I can always delete it.
14. How do you select the names of your characters?
Baby names book, names I like the sound of or fit the characters and misspelled human names.
15. What was your hardest scene to write?
Pretty much any battle scene! Although there were some scenes in book III where a character dies and I blubbed a bit. Oddly sex scenes are much easier. I guess as usually battles contain more people doing complicated things…
16. Why did you choose to write in your particular field or genre? If you write more than one, how do you balance them?
Mostly I write fantasy, both short stories and novels, but I also write poetry and in fact have done for far longer than I’ve been writing fiction. I also dabble with horror, and erotica (although not usually at the same time!) I write what appeals to me at any given time, what I am in the mood to write. Obviously a novel takes longer than a short story, and there are different audiences, and different skills involved with both. Each have their merits.
17. How long have you been writing?
I assume you mean how long have I been writing to publish? Book I was published in 2012. If you’re asking how long have I been writing stories ans poems I was probably about 7 when I started….
18. What inspires you?
Everything.
19. How do you find or make time to write?
Hiding from the internet😉. I don’t go out much, I don’t have kids and so I have free time. In between gaming, reading, spending time with my partner and my doggy, and gardening, writing is what I do.
20. What projects are you working on at the present?
Book IV, a couple of short stories, a novella, a fantasy recipe book and a few other bits and pieces.
21. What do your plans for future projects include?
Possibly a roleplay game based on the world of Erana, a fantasy recipe book, at least two more novels, a Roman fantasy book and more anthologies.
Author Bio:
British-born Alexandra Butcher (a/k/a A. L. Butcher) is an avid reader and creator of worlds, a poet, and a dreamer, a lover of science, natural history, history, and monkeys. Her prose has been described as ‘dark and gritty’ and her poetry as evocative. She writes with a sure and sometimes erotic sensibility of things that might have been, never were, but could be.
Alex is the author of the Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles and the Tales of Erana lyrical fantasy series. She also has several short stories in the fantasy, fantasy romance genres with occasional forays into gothic style horror. With a background in politics, classical studies, ancient history and myth, her affinities bring an eclectic and unique flavor in her work, mixing reality and dream in alchemical proportions that bring her characters and worlds to life.
Her short novella Outside the Walls, co-written with Diana :L Wicker received a Chill With a Book Reader’s Award in 2017.
Social Media links
Amazon Author page http://amzn.to/2hK33OM
Facebook Author Page http://bit.ly/FB2j0bbdZ
Twitter http://bit.ly/Twi2hJZ3h9
Goodreads http://bit.ly/GR2iqokvK
Library of Erana Blog http://bit.ly/Blog2iAWL3o
Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-butcher-8342ab13b/
Tumblr https://libraryoferana.tumblr.com
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.co.uk/abmonkey/
Books
The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles series – an adult fantasy/fantasy romance series, with a touch of erotica.
The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles – Book I
In a dark world where magic is illegal and elves are enslaved a young elven sorceress runs for her life from the house of her evil Keeper. Pursued by his men and the corrupt Order of Witch-Hunters she must find sanctuary. As the slavers roll across the lands stealing elves from what remains of their ancestral home the Witch-Hunters turn a blind eye to the tragedy and a story of power, love and a terrible revenge unfolds.
(18 rated.)
Audio editions narrated by Rob Goll
Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2bPpspP
Amazon.com audio http://amzn.to/2iBgmQV
Amazon UK http://amzn.to/2i2KJfE
Amazon UK audio http://amzn.to/2iXfIdc
Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2iB9PWl
I-books http://apple.co/2j0pYW2
Audible UK http://adbl.co/2bGqZvO
Audible http://adbl.co/2hHT8El
Bundle Rabbit https://bundlerabbit.com/members/ebook/overview/XDOAydON
The Shining Citadel – The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles – Book II
Who rules in this game of intrigue where magic is forbidden and elves enslaved? Journey where beliefs shatter like glass, truth is unwelcome and monsters from ancient times abound: share the romance and revenge, magic and passion, and the wages of greed in a world of darkest fantasy.
(18 rated)
Now in audio narrated by Shakespearean actor Rob Goll.
Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2c5LghC
Amazon UK http://amzn.to/2iqOXkr
Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2hHRv9K
I-books http://apple.co/2j0B4u8
Amazon UK http://amzn.to/2iOOWoB
Audible UK http://adbl.co/2iSW5GF
Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2j1DSnF
Audible.com http://adbl.co/2i3tf5t
https://bundlerabbit.com/members/ebook/overview/1wz3Jw2N
The Stolen Tower – the Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles – Book III
What stalks the land cannot be, but is.
Where magic is outlawed a troll Shaman calls from her deathbed to her heiress, Mirandra Var, daughter of the storm. Mirandra vows to find her missing kin, sort friend from for, and claim the dangerous secrets guarded by unthinkable creatures. If she succeeds she will become the leader of her tribe. If she fails there will be no tribe to lead.
Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2ivJjeL
Amazon UK http://amzn.to/2hKF4Ns
Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2hKOZTv
I-books http://apple.co/2iBiA2E
Bundle Rabbit https://bundlerabbit.com/products/detail/stolen-tower
Tales of Erana series
In a world where magic is illegal, and elves enslaved dare you hear the tales of old? Five tales of myth, magic, and monsters from the world of the Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles.
Audio editions narrated by Michael Legate
Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2j0yyEh
Amazon audio http://amzn.to/2hKoUoZ
Audible.com http://adbl.co/2hKOKHP
Amazon UK http://amzn.to/2j0DJnK
Amazon UK audio http://amzn.to/2iBbmM8
Audible UK http://adbl.co/2bxgVrw
Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2i31N56
I -books http://apple.co/2hKO19z
Tales of Erana: The Warrior’s Curse.
He who bargains with monsters beware! A hero forges an unholy bargain with a witch and learns magic never forgets.
Audio editions narrated by Rob Goll
Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2hHZKm9
Amazon.com audio http://amzn.to/2hKOk4v
Audible.com http://adbl.co/2buD5qk
Amazon UK http://amzn.to/2j0EZXP
Amazon UK audio http://amzn.to/2i2Woev
Audible UK http://adbl.co/2bGSoi4
Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2iBu6er
I-books http://apple.co/2j0GNQz
https://www.createspace.com/6358394
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1534782052/
Tales of Erana: Just One Mistake
Coel, the bard, thinks his life has taken a turn for the worst, but he hasn’t met the Thiefmaster yet. An ill-conceived notion of earning more money to pay off his debt and escape a dark past leaves the minstrel in a situation he can’t escape and with a deadly bargain. Will he survive his mistake? Who is this mysterious patron?
Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2pQADCj
Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2orn0s9
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/696686
Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2puZ4WL
Print Editions
Amazon.co.uk https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1546421726/
Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1546421726/
Audio
Amazon audio http://amzn.to/2sp7Hqk
Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2tikBCW
Audible.co.uk http://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Sci-Fi-Fantasy/Tales-of-Erana-Audiobook/B071WXK5D3/
The Fire-Side Tales Collection
The Kitchen Imps and Other Dark Tales – six short tales of mayhem and mischief.
Naughty imps, missing socks, cunning thieves and baffled gods feature in this collection of short fantasy fiction.
Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2l8t7Qq
Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2lSvsn3
Audible.co.uk http://adbl.co/2b8oxRZ
Amazon.com – audio http://amzn.to/2lE6EfM
I-Books http://apple.co/2lihgjs
Audible UK http://adbl.co/2brX3D0
Audible.com http://adbl.co/2mfQPPA
I-tunes http://apple.co/2l8Fg7H
Bundle Rabbit https://bundlerabbit.com/products/detail/kitchen-imps-other-dark-tales
Outside the Walls
Co-authored with Diana L. Wicker
(Expanded edition)
When the tide of war flows who will be caught in its wake? A short fantasy tale of a woman’s determination in time of war.
Amazon UK http://amzn.to/2lU4vyN
Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2msdchv
Print edition http://amzn.to/2lUbTKG
Smashwords http://bit.ly/2lJwb7p
I books http://apple.co/2lStWRQ
Bundle Rabbit https://bundlerabbit.com/products/detail/outside-walls
Audio – Narrated by Melanie Fraser
Amazon.co.uk audio http://amzn.to/2mtHX53
Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2kUP1vi
Audible.co.uk http://adbl.co/2brX3D0
Audible.com http://adbl.co/2lSzqfn
Of Blood and Scales – in Heroika: Dragon Eaters
The fate of the Kingdom of Ilmar rests on a dying child. Only the truly courageous dare to face the ultimate foe and save the realm.
Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2lRDLPf
Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2lHCrN4
Amazon print UK http://amzn.to/2mpBNnn
Paperback US http://amzn.to/2mwZbhY
Audio – narrated by Rob Goll
Audible UK http://adbl.co/2bnbGu1
Audible.com http://adbl.co/2kXAQp2
Amazon audio http://amzn.to/2mpH6mC
Shattered Mirror: A Poetry Collection
Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2mivxAU
Smashwords http://bit.ly/2mpNkmH
https://www.createspace.com/6444126
Bundle Rabbit https://bundlerabbit.com/products/detail/shattered-mirror
Audio
Amazon UK audio http://amzn.to/2mjUUm1
Amazon.com audio http://amzn.to/2lU6C5u
Audible UK http://adbl.co/2cyCQgQ
Legacy of the Mask Tales
Echoes of a Song
A dozen tumultuous years after the dramatic events at the Paris Opera House Raoul, Comte de Chagny is still haunted by the mysterious Opera Ghost – the creature of legend who held staff at the Opera House under his thrall, kidnapped Raoul’s lover and murdered his brother. In Raoul’s troubled imagination the ghosts of the past are everywhere, and a strange and powerful music still calls in his dreams.
Madness, obsession and the legacy of the past weave their spell in this short, tragic tale based on the Phantom of the Opera.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M1P25XF
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01M1P25XF
Madam Giry finds herself embroiled in the tragedy unfolding at the Opera house; mystery and murder stalk the corridors and, it is said, a ghost haunts the place. Giry knows the truth, for she recalls the caged man she met so many years ago. This is her story, their story.
When murder and mystery begin at the Opera House one woman knows who is behind it, and what really lies beneath the mask. Secrets, lies and tragedy sing a powerful song in this ‘might have been’ tale.
A short, tragic tale based on characters from Phantom of the Opera.
A Legacy of the Mask Tale.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073TMFF9M
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B073TMFF9M
The Watcher – A Jack the Ripper Story
The year is 1888, and the place is Whitechapel, in the very heart of London. But the heart is bleeding. A mysterious killer is stalking women of the streets – his true name is unknown but his legend will go down in history. This is a short tale of Jack the Ripper.
18 rated for scenes of violence.
Amazon UK http://amzn.to/2xdkprc
Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2v6EUsb
Smashwords http://bit.ly/2xtps6k
Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2v6xDZs
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-watcher-a-jack-the-ripper-story/id1273647143?mt=11
Bundle Rabbit https://bundlerabbit.com/products/detail/the-watcher
For anthology pieces please check the author profiles
Writing as Alexa Lynsey
Tales of the Golden Mask – An Initiate’s Tale
Sultry and sensual adventures to warm your cold winter nights or steam up your long summer days. Set in a fantasy world where nothing is quite what it appears, an old book and a strange golden mask bring power and pleasure.
The first installment in the Tales of the Golden Mask
Adult rated. 18+
Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2jTx530
Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2oKfMRx
Smashwords http://bit.ly/2pwYGti
Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2kSCtAK
Print edition – Amazon UK http://amzn.to/2okGYFt
Print edition – Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2pexUGn
Bundle Rabbit https://bundlerabbit.com/products/detail/tales-golden-mask
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33977537-tales-of-the-golden-mask?from_search=true
Alexa Lynsey walks the paths of fantasy regularly; she enjoys writing sultry fiction and ‘sex and sorcery’ stories and reading a wide variety of fiction and fact. A passionate historian and nature lover she sees beauty and knowledge everywhere. When not writing saucy tales her other self is a poet, fantasy writer and blogger.
Contact email GoldenmaskALBD@gmail.com
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Alexalynseyauthor/?ref=bookmarks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GoldenMask17
I hope you enjoyed getting to know Alex. As you can see she is a prolific author and she has lots of stories to share now and in the future.
Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers 