I am a young British author, about to graduate from the University of Cambridge with a degree in Spanish and Russian. My passion for writing stretches further than does my memory. I have always wanted to be a writer, and in the summer of 2012, I decided to take the plunge and pen my first full-length novel. My writing focusses primarily on the themes of youth culture, growing up, and sexuality.
Do you plan everything or just let the story flow?
I’ve found with previous writing projects that unless I plan out the story chapter by chapter, I never seem to get round to finishing it. I think writing without a plan can work well for a lot of authors, but I need a clear structure to keep me writing. If I don’t know what’s going to happen next, I often get bored and give up on the project altogether.
What drew you to the M/M genre in particular?
I have always liked to draw on my own experiences for my writing and, as a gay male, writing about male/male relationships seemed natural. Though I do not consider what I write to be erotica, I do like to explore sexual relationships within my writing, and as a gay man myself, I feel like I have some authority to write about this accurately.
Do you write in other genres besides M/M?
At this early stage in my writing career, my writing has focussed primarily on male/male relationships, however I prefer my stories to be defined as contemporary realism rather than by the genders of the protagonists. I would like to write something in the science fiction genre at some point, and I have plans to start working on that at some point this year.
Where do you dream of travelling to and why?
I’ve wanted to go to Iceland for ages, but am yet to get round to it. Iceland appeals to me because it feels almost otherworldly, like an alien planet. I would like to explore the countryside there and forget all about planet Earth for a little while.
Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?
Angel is a story about a young university student, Lewis, who is struggling to adjust to the banality of everyday life after the end of an exciting summer romance. Feeling alone and isolated in the vacuity of his student lifestyle, Lewis seeks meaning through helping people less fortunate than himself. However in his quest to find meaning and respite from his personal grieving, Lewis ends up in a vicious cycle of meeting with older men who are willing to pay him for his services. Lewis is forced to confront his own demons, as well as question the measures he is willing to take in order to help his new homeless friends.
What have you learned about writing and publishing since you first started?
I have learned loads about the publishing industry, especially how competitive it can be. I never thought it would be so difficult to convince people to download a book for free, but it’s a testament to the wealth of great literature out there that the electronic publishing industry has become so lucrative and competitive.
What's your favourite book or who is your favourite writer?
The Rules of Attraction by Bret Easton Ellis is my favourite book. Though it’s set in the 80s, its depiction of the lives of disillusioned young adults is just as relevant and cutting today as it was back then. At once bitingly funny and satirical while also heartfelt and even tragic, I’d recommend it to everyone enjoys a good campus novel.
Blurb of your latest release or coming soon book
Cambridge University isn't everything Lewis wanted it to be. Still hung up on a lost love affair from the past and surrounded by friends he loves and loathes in equal measure, Lewis' life takes a dramatic turn after a chance encounter with homeless Rosie. Desperately seeking meaning among the vacuous student lifestyle, Lewis embarks on a quest to help those without homes and without voices.
Through a string of secret and sordid affairs with strange men he meets online, Lewis tries to raise money for his new homeless friends. Along the way he'll encounter a transvestite with the lips of Brigitte Bardot, a gorgeous French traveler, and a slew of lonely men willing to pay for satisfaction.
But as Lewis delves further into the depraved, secret life of Cambridge's backstreets, his faith in humanity and hope for his own future decline rapidly. How low is he willing to sink to make some cash?
Any websites/places readers can find you on the web
www.alexnorrisbooks.com
www.creativia.org
Zipper Rippers will be reviewing Angel at a later date :)
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