Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Interview with John Alexander, Author of Timeless Tales


John Alexander lives in Frisco, TX. During the last five years of his career in the high tech industry John discovered his love for writing. He now spends full time pursuing that passion.

His work includes:

Technical books:
Co-author of two editions of CallManager Fundamentals (2001 & 2005)

Mystery/Suspense:
The Enclave (2010)

Children’s Chapter books
Amber – Autumn Mystery Series (Four Books, 2014 – 2017)

Poetry
Timeless Tales – his debut book of poetry release date August 12, 2018.

John served as Grant Committee chairman for North Texas Book Festival for two years, is an active member of SCWBI, and participates in two monthly critique groups in Frisco.

Website: http://www.alexandernovels.com
Blog: http://www.alexandernovels.com/blog1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexandernovels
Twitter: https://twitter.com/alexandernovels


Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Rusk, a small town in east Texas. I had the privilege of graduating high school with friends I’d known since first grade. After college at the University of Texas, I spent a few years in Florida, a few years in Ohio, and then settled in North Texas, with a two year stay in California inserted during the 90s.

When did you begin writing?

I coauthored two technical books in 2001 and 2004. I completed a mystery suspense novel in 2010. I began writing children's chapter books in 2014, completing a four book mystery series. I began writing stories in rhyme in the spring of 2017, releasing my debut book of ten poems August 12, 2018.

What is this book about?

The rhymes in Timeless Tales grew out of some tough times, and the stories in the book helped me to cope. I pray they will bring hope, courage, and inspiration to others.

What inspired you to write it?

Sitting in the waiting room of a doctor’s office during my wife’s office visit, one of many during the past months, feeling sorry for myself and our situation, a poem rose within me and caused me to smile. It seemed that trash kept falling on us and I wrote the first poem, Mouse in a Dumpster, in doctor’s office waiting rooms over the course of the next two days. I had written a short poem for my wife’s birthday thirty years earlier, and I wrote an open house invitation in the form of a rhyme a few years ago, but I’d never really written poetry. I found writing stories in rhyme soothing and the stories brought my hope and joy. My love of writing stories in rhyme was born out of that experience.

How is it similar to other books in its genre? How is it different?

This book is similar to other books that provide the reader with inspiration through collections of lyrical poems. Many of the poems in those collections are from the past. I think Timeless Tales is different because they are fresh and new, yet reminiscent of rhymes from years gone by.

What is the most important thing readers can learn from your book?
I hope readers are inspired to find peace and joy in the midst of their present circumstances.

Where can readers purchase a copy?

The book is available for pre-order (release date is August 12, 2018) from several sources including Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Here are some links:




What is up next for you?

I am working on my next collection of poems.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I would love feedback from readers. I have no formal training in poetry. I’m just a novice who loves the flow of rhyme and rhythm.

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