Alan Gorevan Interview Published on: 20, Nov 2020
Where did you grow up? As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
In Dublin, Ireland. I wanted to be Indiana Jones when I grew up, but I never got the hang of the whip.
What was the first story you ever wrote and did you ever publish it?I began writing stories in comic-book form and tried to sell them to my neighbours. I think I had one sale and then ceased operations – probably because that was my only copy of the story.
Were you a big reader as a kid too? If so, what were some of your favourite books then?I’ve always been a huge reader. My parents encouraged me and frequently brought me to the local library. “The Witches” by Roald Dahl was one of my favourites, but I devoured everything Dahl wrote.
What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?I think there are many elements which need to work together to create a piece of writing's intended effect. Clarity and specificity are two of them, but there are vast areas for fiction writers to learn, from pacing to point of view.
How did you begin writing the story of your book, "The Message"?I loved the idea of mysterious objects and messages arriving at someone’s home. That was my starting point.
What's the hardest thing about writing suspense for you?I think mastering suspense takes a lot of study and practice. I love reading the work of writers who are great at it. Reading their work, studying what they do, and practicing it yourself is the way to get better.
Who inspired the character of Jake Whelan in "Hit and Run"?My characters are all completely fictional. None of them are inspired by real people.
How did you come up with the title of your book, Dead End?The meaning fits the content of the story, and the two words are ominous, both individually and together, so that’s a win.
If there was anything you could say to your younger self, what would you say?Keep writing.
Which is your favorite story from the collection of thrilling short stories in "Dark Tales"?I think “While You Sleep” is my favourite. A number of readers have told me how chilling they found it.
What's the strangest thing you have ever had to research online for your book?Probably searching for good locations to dump (fictional!) bodies.
What do you consider to be your best accomplishment?As a writer, I’m pleased that I managed to launch my writing career during the current pandemic. In 2020, I’ve published three novellas, a collection of stories, two novels, and I’m about to publish a third novel.
How does it feel to be an award-winning thriller writer?I’m happy to win a writing award, but it’s no excuse to be lazy. I think successful writers never stop trying to improve.
Which is the next book you are working on? Give us an insight into it.It’s a 500-page thriller called “The Kindness of Psychopaths”. The book is about the search to find out what happened to a woman who has gone missing. It’s very fast-paced and hopefully a real page-turner. Publication date is November 21st.
How has been your experience working with AllAuthor?I enjoy it. The Magic Tool and Mockup Banners are very useful for indie authors.
