I’m grateful to Al Sirois, a fellow Regal House author, for sharing with us his writing journey.
Hi, Al. What genres do you work in?
Science fiction, fantasy, mysteries, horror… Young Adult & Middle Grade.
How do you start a novel/story/poem?
When something I’ve read sparks an idea for a setting, or a character.
What feeds your process? Can you listen to music and write or not… can you write late at night or are you a morning person… when the spark happens, do you run for the pen or the screen or do you just hope it is still there tomorrow?I’m a morning person. I write easiest early in the day before “dull care” sinks its claws into me. No music; I’m a musician, so I get caught up in the beat or the lyrics. So, silence is definitely best.
What’s the hardest part of writing or publishing?
Marketing! I suck at it. I don’t enjoy it. I like being in front of people, so that’s not the issue. Some folks are natural marketers, but I’m not.
Who is your favorite character from your book(s)?
So many. I particularly like Arrizida “Zida” Yokoi from my early novel, Blood Relations. I’d like to get back to her story.
How would you like your books to change the world?
Basically I would like people to view each other with more tolerance and understanding. If I could do that through my writing, I’d be very happy indeed.
What would you tell your younger self?
Don’t give up. It’s a crazy business, but it’s worth it in the long run.
Who has supported you along the way?
My wife, Grace, has been my biggest fan, an occasional collaborator, and the love of my life.
What’s next for you?
Apart from The King’s Ghost, which is coming out as of July 21, I have a Young Adult book coming out next year, The Rockets of Greenwood Lake, which is based on a true story. Also, I am working on the third in a series of five cozy mysteries, starring female rock drummer Alexandra “Cozi” Walsh. Three of these are completed, and one has been published. When those are done, I want to write a book more or less in homage to Edward Eager’s fantasies, like Magic at the Lake, Half Magic, and so on. I loved those when I was a kid, and I have a good idea for one; all I need is to find the time to write it. I’d like to self-publish a few more books, as well. I have enough ideas to keep me going for the rest of my life.
Al is a retired web guy, now self-employed as a writer, ghostwriter, developmental editor, & illustrator. He has published children’s books, science fiction, fantasy, cozy mysteries, and horror, with occasional works of mainstream fiction. He lives in North Carolina with his wife and their cat.