Ask the Author: Alexis Grove
Answered Questions (7)
Alexis Grove
A concept I had when planning False Idols was that people who consider nuances and multiple points of view and seek fair outcomes -- i.e., nice guys -- get slowed down trying to weigh all the different factors they're considering and lose the initiative to people who are guided to fast certainty by narrow-minded provincialism and self interest.
So I wanted a character with the apparent insight and empathy to be a powerfully good protagonist but who was tragically unable to take up that mantle due to indecisiveness. That's Nick. To explain the apparent contradiction between him being super intelligent, athletic, and handsome yet friendless and ineffective, I gave him deep insecurity due to his pained relationship with his parents and more immediately because of his rejection by his peers after his surgery.
Nick's obvious mirror image is antagonist Laura.
After I created Nick and Laura I decided I needed a strongly decisive second protagonist because, you know, somebody's gotta get something done. Hence, Sarah.
Nick's more specific traits and experiences are inspired by a number of people (including myself) that I've observed being unable to decide what they want or to get their way. Whether they had a great idea but got overruled by someone who was willing to yell louder, or whether they were too torn between competing loyalties to take a strong stand, or whether they were just not full of gumption at a certain critical moment, they all failed because of hesitation and thoughtfulness and compassion to do/say/decide/get something they should have. We've all been there some times. Nick's there most of the time.
That's the Nick of book one. In a way, the entire trilogy tracks the arc of Nick figuring out who he is and what he stands for and finally -- maybe tragically late, but finally -- asserting himself. If you keep reading the series, you'll notice very significant changes in this character. You'll definitely know what I mean when you read it.
So I wanted a character with the apparent insight and empathy to be a powerfully good protagonist but who was tragically unable to take up that mantle due to indecisiveness. That's Nick. To explain the apparent contradiction between him being super intelligent, athletic, and handsome yet friendless and ineffective, I gave him deep insecurity due to his pained relationship with his parents and more immediately because of his rejection by his peers after his surgery.
Nick's obvious mirror image is antagonist Laura.
After I created Nick and Laura I decided I needed a strongly decisive second protagonist because, you know, somebody's gotta get something done. Hence, Sarah.
Nick's more specific traits and experiences are inspired by a number of people (including myself) that I've observed being unable to decide what they want or to get their way. Whether they had a great idea but got overruled by someone who was willing to yell louder, or whether they were too torn between competing loyalties to take a strong stand, or whether they were just not full of gumption at a certain critical moment, they all failed because of hesitation and thoughtfulness and compassion to do/say/decide/get something they should have. We've all been there some times. Nick's there most of the time.
That's the Nick of book one. In a way, the entire trilogy tracks the arc of Nick figuring out who he is and what he stands for and finally -- maybe tragically late, but finally -- asserting himself. If you keep reading the series, you'll notice very significant changes in this character. You'll definitely know what I mean when you read it.
Alexis Grove
They say reading fiction makes a person more empathic. I think that's even truer for writing fiction. Writing, and constantly thinking about characters with different personalities and different flaws, helps me relate to and think about my own triumphs and frustrations in life. When faced with a challenge, I can even consider how different characters might react to it, and then decide which reaction or combination of reactions is most admirable. And then I can go try to act that way myself.
Alexis Grove
The most helpful thing for me was realizing that I can really, really benefit from thoughtful reviews from other writers. And that with social platforms like Goodreads and Wattpad and Critters.org, it's not actually that hard to find people will to trade reviews. After a couple of years of slaving alone, making this realization really helped me improve my writing quickly.
Alexis Grove
It's hard because I have two young kids who require a lot of attention, and I work full time. So I have to be very disciplined about setting aside time and using it effectively. Generally, if I've gone through all the planning to arrange for a couple of hours to write, I'm so excited that I have no problem getting inspired. (I had that problem more often before I had kids when I had so much spare time that I could always tell myself "meh, I'll write tomorrow.")
Alexis Grove
I force myself to write something. Anything. Just get it out on paper. The first page or so might be terrible but eventually I get into the flow. I can always come back later to cut and revise.
If I have a particularly difficult scene that I can't get started on, I might start halfway through the scene, or just after it. Once I have bits and pieces of it, I can fill in the harder parts.
If I have a particularly difficult scene that I can't get started on, I might start halfway through the scene, or just after it. Once I have bits and pieces of it, I can fill in the harder parts.
Alexis Grove
I'm working on the sequel and "threequel" to False Idols. I have draft manuscripts but they're not ready to go yet.
I also have another concept in mind that I won't have time to develop it for a year or two while I work on the Aeon trilogy. It's now in the form of a short story and is called the Science Prophet. You can find it under that name on Wattpad.
I also have another concept in mind that I won't have time to develop it for a year or two while I work on the Aeon trilogy. It's now in the form of a short story and is called the Science Prophet. You can find it under that name on Wattpad.
Alexis Grove
My latest book, False Idols, is about people with neural implants that give them instant access to whatever information they want. The first inspiration for this book came when I was dealing with a tangle of wires between my computer, printer, screen, phone, and so on. I got really frustrated and thought someone should invent technology that let me access all these devices directly with my mind. Ironically, I eventually decided that the "MindWave" neural implants must be plugged in to be used...
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more