Digital Book Nook recently caught up with Alex Conway, Author of “Destiny: 0422.” We are excited to share this insightful interview today with our readers today.
When did you first discover that you enjoy writing and wanted to become a published author?
About ten years ago I enrolled on a creative writing class, after reading a lot of books on the train to work. Also, my uncle had just released an autobiography of his colorful life, so I thought ‘maybe, just maybe’.
It took me a while to write the whole book and the endless edits. In that time I was also writing for other projects, but this book was the one I focused on the most, going over the scenes, characters, plot.
The book had been sitting on my laptop for a while, I decided now was the time to show it to the world.
What is your favorite and the most challenging aspect of writing?
The dreaded ‘writers block’ when you don’t know which direction to take the story, I find that the most dangerous time of giving up on the story. My favorite aspect has to be the development of characters, their journeys including all the ups and downs. It gives me a real sense of achievement to mould a character, give it a voice and feel empathy.
Tell us about your latest release.
Destiny: 0422 is the story about a father (Alfred) and son (Joel) both tied to the British Army. Both are struggling to cope with their new realities as soldier and civilian. But this isn’t a war story, in fact it is set in peace time in between deployments to the Balkans. Essentially it’s a coming-of-age story, a family drama about marriage, dislocation, struggling to get by in life.
How did you come up with the title of your book?
The two main characters in the story (Joel and Alfred Lundy) have been issued army service numbers with 0422 as the same final digits. Service numbers are usually eight digit numbers and it is extremely rare to have the same last four digits as your father. Especially as they were issued twenty two years apart. The significance of 0422 replays throughout the story.
What do you hope readers are able to get from reading your story?
It’s a story about the pressures of living up to a father, and at the other end a father trying to do the best for his son. Overhanging the Lundy family is the military ‘cage’, which the Lundy family seem unable to escape, including Joel’s mother Belinda. I served in the British Army, so the characters come naturally.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
John Updike, Ernest Hemingway (The Old Man and the Sea is a masterpiece), Albert Camus, Dostoevsky. Am currently really enjoying the final instalment of the Wolf Hall series by Hilary Mantel.
Do you have any advice for writers looking to get published?
Just get the words down on paper, by hook or crook! Then it’s all about the editing. Without the words you just have ideas that will rattle around your head. Also write what you know, personal experiences can play a big part in smooth, authentic writing.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alex Conway was born in 1978 in Luton, Bedfordshire. He served in the 2nd Battalion Royal Green Jackets between 1997-2000 and was based in Paderborn, Germany. During his service he was involved in two tours of the Balkans region, serving in Bosnia–Herzegovina and Kosovo.
He now lives in London having worked for many media broadcast companies. He also works part time as a copywriter.
You can follow Alex Conway on Facebook
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