Goldie Alexander is an Australian author who was born in Melbourne just before World War II. She writes fiction and non-fiction books, short stories and articles for adults and children of all ages. In this interview, Goldie talks about her books, her love for drama, reading and writing.
Voicu Mihnea Simandan: You have been a story writer for most of your life. How has your writing evolved over time?
Goldie Alexander: I began my career as an author writing books for young adult and adult short stories. Since then I have written in almost every genre, some 67 books, short stories, articles, play scripts, even a verse novel. There is always another genre I’m interested to try.
VMS: UnKind Cut (2007), a murder-mystery and the sequel to UnJust Desserts has the making of a Shakespearean drama. It seems to me that in this novel you’ve accessed that part of your brain that loves of both drama and literature. Please comment.
GA: UnKind Cut is the 2nd of a murder mystery trilogy that began with UnJust Desserts and is followed by UnFair Coverup. They all printed in hardcopy and also up on kindle and other ebook sites. I was interested in following the fortunes of a small group of people who live in the southern coast of Australia and their attempts to preserve the environment. I also saw this as a microcosm of what is happening in this country. Using ‘Julius Caesar’ was a metaphor for anyone who thinks they are so wealthy they are beyond the law.
VMS: You have written across a wide range of genres. How did you find the transition?
GA: I enjoy it. I think I would be very bored if I only wrote the same things all the time. However it acts against me in terms of promotion as readers don’t know where to place me.
VMS: Do you employ similar skills when writing books targeted for an older readership?
GA: Yes. All books regardless of audience use the same skills: creating convincing characters, settings, planning, plotting, structure, Point of View etc etc.
VMS: Some people believe that children no longer read and, with the availability of affordable e-readers, many believe that, sooner or later, children will no longer want to hold books in their hands. Please comment.
GA: Maybe they won’t want to hold hardcopy books. But I think they read a lot, only not what we expect them to read. This new generation still want stories, and still enjoy reading, if maybe on iPhone, iPad or Kindle. I never give up on people no longer wanting to read. The way they read might change, not their need for stories.
VMS: You are very active online and maintain an excellent blog and website. How important is it for writers these days to be “out there” on the Internet, interacting with their fans?
GA: Yes, keeping a blog is very important. But it’s not my favorite activity. There are writers only known for their blogs. By the time someone gets around to filling in their blog, their facebook page and twitter, how much time is left for actual writing?
VMS: You’ve been on quite a few school visits. What were some of the highlights of these visits?
GA: Meeting both the children and their teachers. I get ideas from the children and constantly admire how hard their teachers work.
VMS: Some five years ago you spent a short time in Romania. What impression has the country made on you?
GA: Parts of the countryside were very beautiful. But a lot of work will need to be done to bring the country up to 1st world standards. Also I felt very sorry for the gypsies. They were treated as second class citizens.
VMS: Do you still read children’s books and young adult fiction?
GA: Of course. My advice for all potential writers is READ, READ, READ.
VMS: What book are you working on right now?
GA: A book sent in the mid 50’s. But I have several books still looking for a suitable publisher that I return to, for a final polish.
VMS: What is your writing routine?
GA: I get up and go to work. I’m quite fixated on this. Too many writers get easily distracted.
VMS: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
GA: Read lots, write lots and persevere, persevere, persevere.
VMS: Thank you for your time.
GA: It’s been a pleasure.
Voicu Mihnea Simandan
Bangkok, Thailand
November 1, 2011
