Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Alyssa Hall
Book Title: Wanting Aidan
Released: 03/26/21
Genre: Detective Mystery/Suspense
Interview by Heather L. Barksdale
What inspired you to write “Wanting Aidan”?
Hall: Wanting Aidan started out quite differently when I began writing it, but once I had developed Rita, I wanted justice for her, and I wanted Aidan to be a bright, intuitive person. I also wanted my characters to have struggled growing up, as I did, and I wanted to show their strengths and determination to overcome those struggles. The power of the human spirit.
How did you come up with the names of your main characters?
Hall: I liked the name Joe, I feel it’s a strong name. None of my characters have names that I can personally relate to, but I tried to choose names that, to me, would fit their individual personalities. When I closed my eyes and envisioned each of them, I wanted the name to fit in my mind, although I realize it was more difficult to attribute certain names with my weaker characters.
Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process or your book?
Hall: My childhood was not easy, myself growing up as a child of refugees from Russia, as illustrated in my first book, “Trusting Claire.” I’ve seen what difficulties can do to people, and how it’s sometimes surprising to see who has the conviction and constitution to overcome hardships. Sometimes the answers can surprise us, as it’s not always the strongest.
If "Wanting Aidan" were adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?
Hall: I would like to see perhaps Asa Butterfield in the role of Stefan, someone like David Leon or Henry Cavill to play Joe, William Moseley or Douglas Booth to play Simon, Jodie Tyack to play Joe's daughter Susan, Carlotta Antonelli to play Aisha, and Millie Bobby Brown to play Rita
When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?
Hall: When I feel some writers block I focus on a different part of the story. Perhaps something small, like a scene, or a conversation, and that often creates more ideas for the story.
Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?
Hall: I am not an academic, and I have no real previous writing experience. I didn’t think writing would be possible for me, but I had a dear friend who believed in me. Suddenly I didn’t know how to shut it off, the ideas were flowing. I have just started my fourth book, Hero of Blackpool.” in one and a half years. My third, “Romero Pools”, is currently being published. I think if you truly believe in yourself, you can accomplish anything you set you mind to.
What is your favorite book, genre, and/or author?
Hall: I am a huge fan of mysteries, preferably cerebral mysteries. My inspiration comes from ladies like Ann Patchett, Allison Brennan, Ann Cleeves, A.S.A. Harrison, and Louise Penny.
What are you working on next?
Hall: My next book, Romero Pools, is currently being published. It is first and foremost a love story, and it takes place across the country, between Tucson Arizona, Toronto Ontario, and Buffalo N.Y. Separated by a near fatal car crash, the story involves two lost lovers wondering if they could ever re-unite, if they are still alive. There is a big element of mystery and intrigue, and possibly a murder. It features the return of characters from my first novel, Trusting Claire, but this novel takes place about 20 years later.
I am now working on my fourth novel, Hero of Blackpool, which features the return of Joe Parrott, from Wanting Aidan. I have had many requests to bring back Joe, who has proven to be a very likable character.
Learn More About the Author and Wanting Aidan here:
website: www.alyhallwriter.com
Twitter: @alyhallwriter
Facebook: Alyssa Hall (Alyssa Hall Writer)
Interested in checking out the book for yourself?
Find it for purchase here:
Interested in submitting your book for review? Visit my review page for guidelines and submission requirements.
review