Hi Alan Reynolds, can you tell us how ‘Flying with Kites‘ was born?
It was January 2010 when I had an idea for a story. It was based on a real incident that took place in the 1990’s and something that had stuck with me. How could it have happened? The idea turned into a reality and ‘Flying with Kites’, my first novel, was born. Written in just three weeks, the book is a moving tale of two refugees fleeing the Kosovan War and being resettled in a tower block in Gateshead in the UK. The novel also reflects the society in which the migrants find themselves, where job prospects are minimal, and money is short.
The book has now sold over 12,000 copies worldwide and attracted critical acclaim, winning a prestigious Wishing Shelf Book Award in 2014. A screenplay has been completed and is being considered by film producers.
I have just completed my 16th novel with ten published. My writing is undertaken around my ‘proper job’ as a Learning and Development consultant.
Books:
Flying with Kites
Taskers End
Breaking the Bank
The Sixth Pillar
The Tinker
The Coat
Valley of the Serpent
Smoke Screen
Twelve: A Date with Obsession
Exfil
Trent Island
‘The Sixth Pillar’, ‘Valley of the Serpent’, ‘Smokescreen’ and ‘Twelve-A Date with Obsession’ were finalists in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards, in 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019. ‘Flying with Kites’ a winner in 2014.
Where available:
https://www.alanreynoldsauthor.com/
You can read the first chapters here.
All books are available on Amazon.
What sets your books apart from all others?
All my books are different, most have a psychological element to them. According to feedback and reviews, it’s the strength of the characters and plots that draw readers in. All the stories have an immediate connection with the reader. I always try to inform and entertain. I’m not sure if that’s important or not; people say they learn a lot from my books.
Who is your target market, who should be reading your books?
Adults – 16 plus; I attract a lot of female readers, but anyone who enjoys fast paced, intelligent books will enjoy them.
What authors inspired you most and how so? What do you admire about each one?
My favourite authors are: Robert Harris, Michael Dobbs, and Andy McNab.
Robert Harris is a brilliant storyteller. Michael Dobbs’ books are full of political intrigue, and Andy McNab is an action-packed writer. All three have influenced me in different ways.
What advice do you have to offer in support of other authors?
It’s all about the plot and characters, keep the pace up and leave your readers with a feeling they have been entertained.
What is your genre of choice and why?
Thrillers; I like working out a plot and developing the characters as necessary in good thriller.
How’d you come about discovery of your writing talent, gift or ability?
A good question. I had an idea for a book and just started writing; I finished it in three weeks. It was very well received which gave me the confidence to write another. I have now written 16.
What are your future writing endeavors?
I have just finished two books – historical novels, and there will be a third to make it a trilogy.
Is writing for you synonymous with living and breathing, or just something you do as a hobby, and how so and why?
It’s not life and death but it’s something I enjoy and as long as my readers keep enjoying my books I will continue writing. It’s certainly more than a hobby.
What do you feel we need to hear or read more of, that is rare today in a book?
All my books have a degree of learning or ‘eye-opening’. I like to challenge readers. I think that is what I look for in a good book.
What changes in the literary world would you most like to see?
I have experienced a lot of arrogance, particularly from the London literary world; I would love to see a bit more humility and support for new authors.
Indie/Self-Published Author and/or Traditionally Published? What do you favor more and why?
I am traditionally published through an independent publisher. As long as the quality of writing is not diminished, I am comfortable with any format.
How is your writing controversial, profound or mind boggling, or how would you describe it?
I am not afraid to tackle controversial topics: ‘The Sixth Pillar’ explores Islamist extremism; ‘Exfil’, the Iranian nuclear crisis; ‘Trent Island‘, water pollution; ‘Twelve-A Date with Obsession’, internet dating; ‘The Tinker’, the Irish problem; ‘Valley of the Serpent‘, the ecological effect of uranium mining; ‘Taskers End’, mental health. The Coat, people trafficking.
What do you hope to accomplish with your literary creation? What change or enlightenment do you want to bring about in your reader if any?
Just to get them to think. I try to challenge my readers.
What’s the greatest compliment that you ever received regarding your literary accomplishments and what did this remark do for you, how did it transform your life or your writing?
Being compared favourably (and better!) with some established best-selling authors. Being given compliments is always motivational. I can’t say it transformed my life but it does give me the confidence to continue.
What’s the most memorable criticism you received regarding your literary works and how did this remark transform you as a writer or influence your writing if at all?
I always take criticism on board, as long as it’s constructive. I haven’t any specific examples.
If you could ask a question of your favourite author of all time, what would the question be?
Who does your marketing?! Without the support of a major publishing house, marketing is very expensive. With better marketing I would sell more books and get to a wider audience.
What have you sacrificed, if anything, to be a writer, or to write as you do? What have you gained from writing, how has it rewarded you personally?
I’ve not really sacrificed anything. My job allows me plenty of free time and with the Covid pandemic writing has kept me sane!
