I am thrilled to introduce you
to the author of
‘The Light Beyond The Storm Chronicles’
Alexandra Butcher
I am a British author, residing in the South West of England but originally from beautiful Buckinghamshire. I have been writing for years, although only self-published for just over a year. From a family who all enjoy reading and creative pursuits I am an avid devourer of books, including fantasy, sci-fi, historical romance and crime. Other than writing and reading I enjoy movies, the theatre, especially musicals, natural history and history.
The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles – Book 1 is an adult dark fantasy/fantasy romance with a touch of erotica. A beautiful young elven sorceress flees for her life in a dark world where magic is forbidden and elves live as slaves. Running from the house of her evil Keeper she must find a way to survive and to fulfil her destiny in a society where her very existence is illegal. Watching her are the Order of Witch-Hunters; the corrupt organisation that rule by fear and ignorance and a mysterious wealthy nobleman, lord of an idyllic valley who is not all he seems. As the slavers roll across the lands stealing elves from what remains of their ancestral home the Witch-Hunters turn a blind eye to the tragedy and a story of power, love and a terrible revenge unfolds.
Book 1 Is available on Amazon as an e-book and paperback, Smashwords, Kobo, Barnes and Noble and i-books.
The Shining Citadel – The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles Book 2, although it can be read as a standalone, follows from book 1. In this tale our adventures set out to find the Shining Citadel, an elven city lost in the mists of time and magic, believing it to hold secrets which may help to free the elves. However not is all as it seems for a trap is set, and unwelcome truths abound.
Not to mention bad guys, monsters and, of course, passion.
Book 2 is available on only Amazon at present although will be appearing on the other platforms later in the year.
Who was your favourite author from childhood?
I don’t think I have a single favourite author, but I did really enjoy CS Lewis, Willard Price and Richard Adams. I also went through a stage of reading books about ponies…
Who would you say has been the greatest supporter of your writing?
My best friend Diana, she is a great motivator and a great sounding board. As another author she knows the pitfalls and the joys of writing and self-publishing and she is not afraid to tell me when something is a silly idea.
Can I also say, and it does sound a cliché I know, but my parents have been supportive. I lost my mother to cancer last year but even when she was dying she was so proud I had managed to write and publish a book. Even in the midst of her own troubles she was very supportive.
How long did The Light Beyond the Storm take to write?
Book 1 took about a year, maybe slightly less. Book 2 took longer, partly because it is 50000 words longer and I decided I needed to change the ending. Also, as I said my mother was very poorly so that, obviously, took my focus away from writing.
If you had to describe The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles in only three words, what would they be?
Magic, mayhem, passion.
What genre is your book listed under? And if you could create the perfect genre for your book, what would you call it?
Sadly a lot of the genre categories on Amazon aren’t particularly helpful, especially if the books are multi genre. I would say mine are dark fantasy romance, however they do have erotica elements. Many of the e-book sites have different criteria and the paperback categories don’t always tie in. I suppose the “ideal” genre would be fantasy romantic… or something like that.
Is there any advice you feel you could give to aspiring authors?
Be patient. You won’t get sales immediately, building a following takes time and effort. Not everyone will like your book, sometimes people simply decide a book is not for them, no matter how great it is. Even the most famous authors get bad reviews. It happens, it hurts but try not to take it too personally the next review may be glowing. It is hard not to be upset by bad reviews but they are one person’s opinion.
Are you working on another book? And, if so, what is it about?
I have just started book 3 of the series, I am also working on short stories, some of which are for anthologies.
Do you have a website where readers can find out more about you and your writing?
http://www.libraryoferana.wordpress.com is my blog, which does feature my books, but also interviews with other authors, readers and reviewers.
Links:
Book 1
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/290716
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-light-beyond-the-storm-chronicles-alexandra-butcher/1114796078
http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/The-Light-Beyond-Storm-Chronicles/book-4lzAA27q60yzQ2NaAscODA/page1.html?s=EoDEVaiU1EabblheOQP9iw&r=1
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/light-beyond-storm-chronicles/id615134765?mt=11
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/light-beyond-storm-chronicles/id615134765?mt=11
The Trump Diary 
Thanks, it was a pleasure to be interviewed.