The Author Interviews: #1: Alvin Atwater

In this series, I'll be interviewing self-published authors and writers about their books and their lives as writers.For my first interview, I had the privilege of interviewing Alvin ATWATER, author of Fragment: Book One today (16/07/2016) as part of my new blog mini-series, 'The Author Interviews'.ATWATER writes urban fantasy and his latest release is titled, 'The Destined'.What made you want to become a writer?Lack of control when it came to imagination. It makes me wonder if maybe my mom dropped me as a child. We lived in the country, so I had the vast of amount of grassy space, a trampoline, and time to orbit ideas through my head.Why did you choose to write in this genre? Have you ever considered trying other genres?Fantasy is what I love: especially urban fantasy. I’ll soon have stories that will give Iron Druid or Dresden a run for its money. I do write other genres, though mainly humour. I’ve written mystery, suspense and thriller before. But ultimately, nothing is as fun as urban fantasy.What do you love most about writing and why?World building. There’s nothing like creating your own world, its rules, and following the hero who will change the fate of that world you’ve made. Sure, in most urban fantasy, the settings take place in the existing world, but that’s fine too.What do you dislike about writing and why?Procrastination. Distraction. The internet is sometimes the biggest beast when it comes to those two words.If you could trade places with any of your characters, which would you choose and why?Ha! This is a tough question. I often begin the stories with my characters in devastating situations. I can’t imagine trading places with them: my parents or entire family would be slaughtered or I’d end of having to go fight the Greek gods –them having an unfair advantage. Still, if I had to choose, it’d have to be Kian from The Destined. Or the main character. Being able to use magic as will would be awesome!If you could live in any of the worlds you have created, which would you choose and why?Zion. Practically everything has magic and every being can use it in some way.What's your writing routine or schedule like? Do you struggle to find time to write? How do you stay organised and keep to your deadlines?On deployment, I do struggle to find time to write. Long hours during the way and a lot of six-day work weeks. A small goal that I still struggle with is at least one completed chapter a day. Two being the preferred number though.Who or what inspires you? Where do you get your inspiration?I don’t really have an inspiration. I don’t watch TV to be honest, I rarely play video games anymore, but I do love my audiobooks. Inspiration isn’t a tool for writers in my opinion. It’s an illusion. A sweet candy-tasting illusion. And there’s nothing wrong with taking it if it appears.Do you have a favourite author and if so, why do you enjoy their work?Kevin Hearne. The Iron Druid series is something that puts Dresden in its place, in my opinion. The characters are funny, memorable, and the plot is pure win.What do you find most challenging about being an indie/ self-published author and why?Getting reviews and sales. Those two are like the sun and the moon. Maybe life and death. It appears that you need reviews to get sales. But you need sales to get reviews from those readers.Thanks so much Alvin ATWATER for taking the time to be interviewed today.If anyone would like to check out Alvin ATWATER's work, you can visit his website byclicking here.