Alexia E. Fraser studied acting at H.B. Studio. She worked as an extra on the set of “Cosby Mysteries” with Bill Cosby, “New York Undercover” with Malik Yubo, “Central Park West” with Lauren Hutton, and the series “Prince Street” with Mariska Hargitay. As well, Alexia Fraser has written and produced three original non-fiction one act plays both off-Broadway and off-off-Broadway. The plays that have been successfully produced are “The Ryans,” “Dope the Endeavor” and “Blind Trust.”
Her fourth play “Our God is Awesome” is not yet produced, but will be in the near future. Alexia is a founding partner and Creative Arts VP of Paige Unlimited, LLC (www.paigeunlimitedllc), the production company behind her plays and other creative output. The driving force behind her writing this book is to preserve and share the loving memories of her mom.
“Memories of Mom” is Alexia Fraser’s first published book. Her second book is already partially scripted. “Write what you know” is what she believes.
http://www.amazon.com/Alexia-E-Fraser/e/B006RLBJSI
Q: It’s rare today to find an author who does nothing but write for a living. Do you have a day job other than writing, and if so, what is it? What are some other jobs you’ve had in your life? Have they influenced/inspired your writing?
A: I have a full-time job. I presently work as an Administrative Assistant which encompasses secretarial, reception and retail duties. I also worked as the Administrative Assistant to the CEO of a small engineering firm. I meet and interact with new people every day. They bring a wealth of experiences with them that is priceless. I would certainly agree that they have influenced/inspired my writing.
Q: What compelled you to write your first book?
A: I was compelled to write my first book after my mom’s untimely death. I believed she wanted me to tell her story. I felt driven.
Q: Have you always wanted to be a writer?
A: I never thought about writing. I considered myself a writer after I wrote and acted in my first original monologue for a five minute scene class in acting school. I went on to write and produce several one-act plays based on real life situations. Now my first book. Amazing! I had no idea I would write an entire book and am now on my second. WOW!!
Q: Tell us briefly about your book.
A: “Memories of Mom” is my current release. It is a touching, personal story about a strong, dynamic and loving mother’s life and death, and a caring daughter, who stood by her to the very end.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: My next exciting story will be my journey with my daughter, as she pursues her dream of becoming a professional dancer and is now, I am very proud to say, living that dream as a member of the Ailey II Company in NYC. Her tenacity, her passion, her drive is what got her there. And of course, the support of her loving parents. It is currently partially scripted.
Q: How did you feel the day you held the copy of your first book in your hands?
A: I felt overwhelmed with relief. I FELT I DID IT! I was already blessed but dare I say felt even more blessed. Certainly a combination of awesome feelings.
Q: What type of music, if any, do you listen to while you write? Do you need the noise or the silence?
A: I do not listen to music when I write. I enjoy absolute silence with my pen on paper or typing at the keyboard. At this time my brain is fully engaged in the creative process.
Q: If you could live in one of your books, which one would you live in? (If you’re promoting your first publication, feel free to talk about an unpublished piece.)
A: The partially scripted unpublished piece is about my journey with my daughter. I will come alive in those pages.
Q: How do you balance out the writer’s life and the rest of life? Do you get up early? Stay up late? Ignore friends and family for certain periods of time?
A: I try never to ignore my family or friends. The bulk of my writing is usually done very late evenings or very early mornings. So I pretty much manage to separate the two.
Q: The main characters of your stories – do you find that you put a little of yourself into each of them or do you create them to be completely different from you?
A: So far all my stories, whether my one-act plays or my book, is a little bit about me, my family and my friends.
Q: Is there an established writer you admire and emulate in your own writing? Do you have a writing mentor?
A: Marilyn Horowitz is an established writer and professor who I admire and emulate in my writing. She made me realize that I should not worry about getting it right, I should get it written. One of my writing mentors is Sigrid McDonald, published author and editor.
Q: What about now: who is your favorite author and what is your favorite genre to read?
A: One of my favorite authors is Sidney Poitier. His book “The Measure of a Man” is a brilliant read! It makes you feel like you’re sitting and having a conversation with him. This is how I believe I wrote my book. He said “I am the me I chose to be.” Powerful!
My favorite genre is non-fiction. I enjoy reading a true story.
Q: Where you have lived and what you have experienced can influence your writing in many ways. Are there any specific locations or experiences that have popped up in your books?
A: I grew up on the island of Jamaica. Naturally that influenced my writing in many ways. In addition to my mother’s story, “Memories of Mom” contains geographical, historical and cultural facts pertaining to the lush Caribbean island of Jamaica.
Q: What is your writing space like? Do you have a designated space? What does it look like? On the couch, laptop, desk? Music? Lighting? Typing? Handwriting?
A: My writing space is cozy and quiet. It is in the office/library/guestroom. I work at a modest desk with a lamp and a desktop computer. I prefer to handwrite my manuscripts from which I type and make initial changes. I know this is laborious. I literally have hundreds of hand written pages and typewritten drafts stacked in one corner of my writing space. I need storage!
Q: Is there anyone who has inspired, motivated, encouraged or supported your writing?
A: Besides God, my loving husband, and my family, I have been inspired, motivated and encouraged by a wide supporting cast that helps me to stay focus on my endeavor. I feel truly blessed and in return I offer support to those who wish to follow my lead.
Q: Is there any particular book that, when you read it, you thought, “I wish I had written that!”?
A: Most definitely! Of all the books that I have read, I am most impressed by the sixty six books of the Holy Bible. Of the sixty six books of the Bible, I would have loved to have authored the book of Acts. This book is rich in the history of the early Christian Church as the followers of Jesus sought to spread his message of redemption and salvation.
Q: Is there anything you’d go back and do differently now that you have been published, in regards to your writing career?
A: Not really. I feel I am where I am suppose to be regarding my writing. I am happy! “The Lord is my Shepherd.”
Q: In my experience, some things come quite easily (like creating the setting) and other things aren’t so easy (like deciding on a title). What comes easily to you and what do you find more difficult?
A: Creating the setting and deciding on the title comes naturally to me. The difficulty comes with trying to secure a first time self published author book signing at your neighborhood Barnes & Noble because you’re not a celebrity or former head of state.
Q: Do you have any book signings, tours or special events planned to promote your book that readers might be interested in attending? If so, when and where?
A: I will be on a virtual book tour in January. The tour starts January 3rd and runs until January 27th on www.pumpupyourbook.com. I am doing a Tea ‘n Talk on January 7, 2011, please click this link for details http://www.facebook.com/events/212353015516671/. See you there!
Q: It’s one thing to write a book and another to edit it. How do you feel about the editing process? What was it like to edit your book?
A: Editing my book was a learning experience for me. I enjoy it because I had a professional editor who edited and worked with me to have it ready for publishing.
Q: Now that you are a published author, does it feel differently than you had imagined?
A: I am asked this question a lot. My answer is usually no. I feel the same as I did before I had my book published. My main focus now is marketing and promotion. I would love to give back and if my book happens to be successful. Then I would feel differently because I would be able give back on behalf of my mom.
Use this space to tell us more about who you. Anything you want your readers to know. Include information on where to find your books, any blogs you may have, or how a reader can learn more about you and writing.
I was born in the beautiful island of Jamaica. After marrying my high school sweetheart Edward, we migrated to the United States. I am the loving mother of two children, son Sean and daughter Paige.
In writing Mom’s story, I also wanted to document the pain and suffering she endured during her last lap of life. All at the hands of the very health care professionals charged with her care. Mom did not die from her illness; she died at the hands of negligence!
So far, I have been getting wonderful reviews from my readers: “The book was touching and emotional; it made me laugh and it made me cry; you have inspired me to write a book.” Some are saying they cannot wait for my next book or when is the movie coming out? These are just a few. Hearing comments like these truly make me feel complete. My job is done! Thanks MOM!
“Memories of Mom” (M.O.M.) is available in hardcover, paperback and e-Book at Amazon.com, Lulu.com, http://www.lulu.com/browse/search.php?fListingClass=0&fSearch=Memories+of+Mom, Barnes & Noble.com and on all major online bookstores. Books are also available at the Bestseller Bookstore in Hempstead, NY. Get the latest updates on my book at: http://www.amazon.com/Alexia-E-Fraser/e/B006RLBJSI
www.alexiafraser.blogspot.com. I am on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Memories of Mom, you’ve got to have one!
I would like to thank The Hot Author for having me. This was a wonderful interview!
Alexia Fraser, Author
