A person Of several personalities
Have you ever heard of a modern age writer dabbling in intricate topics and genres? Think zombies interspersed with elements such as #Thriller and mystery along with a dash of LGBT fiction. Blasting News, continuing on its tradition to tap into the secret lives of writers is proud to present a one on one interview with the #Author writer Linda Kay Silva aka Alex Westmore who has several other feathers to her cap as a teacher, traveler and novelist.
In the beginning
To begin with, what was it that got you writing in the first place?
How did that journey occur?
a.I wrote my first story in the 4th grade and enjoyed it. Then in high school, I took every English course at the school. After reading several horrible novels, I thought, “I can do better than this.” So I wrote four terrible novels before someone said, “Write a cop novel.” So I did, and my first series was born.
What are the best books that inspired you as a young writer?
a.A Wrinkle in Time, Follow my Leader, Phantom Tollbooth.
How was the process of finding a publisher?
a.Hard. I have a 3 foot stack of rejection letters, but if you truly believe you can do something, you must keep trying. I did, and so I just kept submitting.
The Stories Thickens
What’s the story behind your pen name?
a.My publisher did research and found that men typically do not read sci-fi or supernatural written by a woman, so we went with a gender neutral name. My sales soared.
What was your first reaction on having you first ever work published?
a.I think I fainted. LOL. When you hear someone say they want to publish your book, you are speechless.
No one tells you how to be when your dream comes true.
Where did the roles of a teacher and a traveler come into the picture?
a.Everything. Curiosity is the key to a love of learning, of knowing, of wanting to discover. Traveling is the best educator. I bring so much of my travels into my writing. It has added layers and layers to my life as well as my profession.
What is your opinion of current age literature writers of the genres you write and others?
a.I think there are some fine writers out there, but then there are some who have become millionaires, who have written crap. Today, everyone is looking for the next big Hollywood blockbuster.
In your opinion, what remains your biggest achievement that you are extremely proud of?
a.My greatest writing achievement is to have one of my novels in the Holocaust Museum in DC. When I took my 5th grade class there, and they saw my book, the kids realized that I was more than a teacher.
What do you usually do when you aren’t writing or aren’t on the road traveling?
a.I write a bad ass Harley, I rescue tortoises, I play tennis, build ponds, and laugh a lot.
I am one of the happiest people I know. I wake up every morning in a great mood.
Are you currently working on a writing project? If so, what is it about?
a.I am. I have a new publisher…Inspired Quill, so I get to do some different work. I am working on a book called The Girl at the Front Desk, which is about a teenager who works at an assisted living facility. It is funny, poignant, and she learns there is not much difference between a Senior in high school and a Senior Citizen. I am almost done with that.
What novels would you say are a must read for literature lovers?
a.The Thirteenth Tale is one of the best novels I’ve ever read. Anything my Poe, Faulkner, or Fitzgerald.
Some things that only a few people(that not even your fans or readers) know about you?
a.I have a bathroom decorated in all Marvel Comics things. I wanted to be a colorist for Marvel when I was younger. I will smoke an occasional cigar, I will watch any movie where a zombie eats a person, and I am a morning person.
What remains an unforgettable line or quote that has been with you since the beginning?
a.If you aren’t part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.
If given supreme linguistic authority over the English language, what words would you love to introduce and what changes would you make that would become universal?
a.I would delete all comma rules. I would get rid of all the made up words in the last 20 years. Words like ginormous. I HATE that word.
What are the writers, both classical and modern, that have played a role in inspiring you and your works?
a.Elizabeth Peters, Rita Mae Brown, Poe, Hemingway, Clive Cussler.
After so many years in the writing world, what are you opinions on the industry?
a.It has changed so much that it’s hard to keep up. Amazon has changed everything. Sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worst. Technology has changed everything as well. We can now get books in the snap of our fingers. I love it.
If given the choice of turning any of your works into a movie or a television series, which one of your works would you like to see on the big screen?
a.Hands down, the Echo series. It is set in the bayou and has fantastic paranormal characters.
What does LK Silva do for fun?
a.Party! LOL. Okay, not really. See above.
I ride my Harley, hang with my family, travel, and teach. I LOVE teaching.
What according to you would be LK Silva’s and Alex Westmore’s opinions for each other?
a.LK would think that #AlexWestmore is crazy, slightly reckless, fun, and adventurous. Alex would think that LK is confident, brilliant, funny, and strong. Great question, by the way.
Any advice for upcoming writers?
If you want to BE a writer, write. Don’t talk about it. Don’t tell others about the book you want to write. Writers write. Period.
Author of popular series such as The Plundered Chronicles, Riders of the Apocalypse, The Silver Legacy and much more, Alex Westmore is 5 time award winning author of 35 novels which span a diverse list of genres. Check out her work on Amazon, Twitter and Facebook.
