An interview with my "evil twin" Ian Alexander, author of ONCE WE WERE KINGS.

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An interview with my "evil twin" Ian Alexander, author of ONCE WE WERE KINGS.

I had the rare opportunity to sit with my "evil twin" Ian Alexander and chat with him about his book ONCE WE WERE KINGS. We had such a good time, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say I was beside myself with laughter! I hope you'll enjoy the transcript of our little chat.

[image error]Josh: Something that readers have been asking is for some dialogue between me and my evil twin Ian Alexander regarding writing and other things. Today, I'd like to welcome Ian to my blog. Hello Ian, how are you doing?

[image error] Ian: Thanks for having me, brother. You're looking rather suave today.

[image error]Josh: Thanks, Ian. But if you think flattery will cause me take it easy on you today, you're sadly mistaken.

[image error] Ian: Well! That's the thanks I get for paying you a compliment!

[image error] Josh: The last time you complimented me, I ended helping an old lady cross a busy street. She beat me over the head with her umbrella and nearly called the police saying that I was assaulting her!

[image error] Ian: Oh.

You still remember that, do you?

[image error] Josh: ….

Anyway, back to business. How does it feel to be a debut author?

[image error] Ian: I could ask you the same. But for me, it's been a very interesting ride. I've received so much support and encouragement from our mutual friends who are both writers, readers and fans. This being my first book in the genre, I was a tad anxious about how Once We Were Kings might be received.

[image error] Josh: It seems to have been received well based on the feedback, reviews and bestseller rankings. How do you feel about your book being categorized as "Epic Fantasy?"

[image error] Ian: Right. Well, I'm not one who cares a great deal for labels and such. But I understand one needs to know which bookshelf a book should be placed upon. And readers need to know which category it belongs to. As for Epic or High Fantasy, I think it could fit well in that category, but I didn't actually write this book for those die-hard fans of Epic/High Fantasy (i.e., Lord of the Rings by Tolkien, or Gormenghast by Mervyn Peake, etc.) While I hope that all readers will enjoy Once We Were Kings, I wrote it for my kids and for "the rest of us" who don't usually read fantasy. In that regard, it's a bit lighter on the world building, and it's faster paced and more accessible than what some High Fantasy fans would expect. But based on the book's feedback, it's the very thing that makes people new to the fantasy genre, and young readers enjoy it.

[image error] Josh: "Fantasy for the Rest of Us." So would you call this a Young Adult book?

[image error] Ian: Perhaps in the same way C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia are. However, both adults and young readers have told me they've enjoyed Once We Were Kings.

[image error] Josh: You've received some pretty harsh criticism for Once We Were Kings on Amazon and Barnes & Noble online. How do you feel about that?

[image error] Ian: It's only been a handful of people. But to be completely honest, I'm always disappointed when my book doesn't work for people and I always make an effort to consider their criticism, no matter how harsh or unkind. But ultimately, one cannot please everyone. I'm glad that there are enough people out there who do enjoy the book and have left reviews as well.

[image error] Josh: Ian…you've got something stuck between your glasses.

[image error]Ian: Oh, that! Thank you. It's piece of a wrapper from… er…

[image error] Josh: You did NOT raid my stash of Snickers bars, did you?

[image error] Ian: You left them wide open in the kitchen! They're practically public domain!

[image error] Josh: Mom was right about you!

[image error]Ian: That I'm the more charming of her twins?

[image error] Josh: …. Just so you know, one of my characters in Darkroom is named after you.

[image error]Ian: Oh? Really?

[image error] Josh: He's not one of the good guys.

Anyway, back to books and writing. What's next for you, Ian?

[image error] Ian: Wouldn't you just love to know? Seriously though, I'm working on some sequels and prequels to the Sojourner Series. Some of them will be short fiction and others full novels. Hopefully, I won't get sidetracked by YOUR books.

[image error] Josh: What ever do you mean?

[image error]Ian: Sometimes all you do is talk to me about YOUR book ideas and I, in my magnanimousness listen and listen and give you feedback and the next thing you know, I've wasted an entire workday on your work.

[image error] Josh: What can I say? You're a great listener.

[image error] Ian: Oh, dry up, Josh. You know my books will be the ones to come out next. We've already agreed on that. So you can relax for a while.

[image error] Josh: You obviously don't know my schedule. LOL. Well, bro, thanks for stopping by and chatting on my blog.

[image error] Ian: My pleasure, any time!

[image error] Josh: Maybe not ANY time, but in general, you're always welcome here. Oh, and one more thing, Ian.

[image error] Ian: Yes?

[image error] Josh: Those weren't Snickers Bars in the wrappers.

[image error] Ian: What? What were they?

[image error] Josh: (Doing charades gestures) Combine two words: "X-ray" and "Relax"

[image error] Ian: ?? Ex…? Lax…?

(Runs out of the room.)

______________

About Ian Alexander

When Ian Alexander's debut epic fantasy novel ONCE WE WERE KINGS first launched in ebook format in May 2011, it instantly hit three bestseller lists on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. Mr. Alexander first wrote in the fantasy genre because of a commission by a very important and influential person: His 6-year old son.

ONCE WE WERE KINGS is the legacy left to Mr. Alexander's children and the first in a series of epic fantasy novels which appeals to readers ages 8 through 98.

It's available for all ebook readers and soon to be released in hardcover!

Visit Ian's official website: www.IanAlex.com

Follow him on Twitter: @IanAlex77

And on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/IanAlex