by A.E. Albert
@aealbert23
Book Title: Collecting Feathers: Tales from the Other Side
Genre: Magical Realism/Collection of Short Stories
What inspired you to write your first book?
I always knew I wanted to be a writer and I've written stories since I learned to write - but I knew I first had to live life and gain some experience - both in living and in writing - before I can achieve that.
I always knew I wanted to be a writer and I've written stories since I learned to write - but I knew I first had to live life and gain some experience - both in living and in writing - before I can achieve that.
I started writing short stories, which were inspired by everything around me - people, situations, places I've visited and places I lived in. These stories were published in my first collection titled The Year Spring Turned into Winter in 2008. I then wrote two non-fiction books, and my new collection of short stories, titled Collecting Feathers: Tales from The Other Side is out this month - November 2014. It is inspired by my fascination with life, with death and with everything in between them.
Is there a message in your book?
I would say that the main message in my latest collection of short stories is that contact with the 'other side' can happen in many ways. In fact, today I believe that this contact is not only possible - but is something that happens regularly, consciously and subconsciously. This is something that is perhaps easier to accept if explored through fiction - which is what I've tried to do in Collecting Feathers.
Is there anything in your book based on real life experiences?
Is there a message in your book?
I would say that the main message in my latest collection of short stories is that contact with the 'other side' can happen in many ways. In fact, today I believe that this contact is not only possible - but is something that happens regularly, consciously and subconsciously. This is something that is perhaps easier to accept if explored through fiction - which is what I've tried to do in Collecting Feathers.
Is there anything in your book based on real life experiences?
Absolutely - while of course the short stories in my latest collection are fictional, the situations they stem from are not. Contact with The Other Side has always fascinated me, and I explore the journey of how I came to believe in the possibility of contact with the other side - in my previous, non fiction book, titled On Dragonfly Wings.
What books and/or writers have influenced you the most?
While there are many books and writers that have influenced me over the years, I've recently read The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell, which is worth a mention - and a read. I also love Haruki Murakami's writing, and - of course - Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Paolo Coelho, both the princes of magical realism.
What has been your greatest challenge when writing?
I suppose that my greatest challenge was letting myself write what I really wanted to write. I come from a political background, I am a former diplomat, and the switch to spiritual and inspirational writing was not obvious. But once I embraced the truth of who I really was and what really interests me, it all flowed naturally.
What are you working on right now?
I am currently working on a reincarnation novel, based on some past-life regressions I've had myself. Can't say much more as it is still unfolding!
What have you learned and do you have any advice for other authors?
The most important advice I can give is: be true to yourself and to your inner voice.
About Daniela Norris
Daniela I. Norris is a former diplomat, turned inspirational writer and speaker. Her award-winning stories, articles and essays have been published in numerous newspapers and magazines. Collecting Feathers: Tales from The Other Side (Soul Rocks, November 2014) is her fourth book. She lives with her family near Geneva, Switzerland.
Find Daniela's Books At:
Amazon
www.danielanorris.com
http://www.soulrocks-books.com/books/collecting-feathers
What books and/or writers have influenced you the most?
While there are many books and writers that have influenced me over the years, I've recently read The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell, which is worth a mention - and a read. I also love Haruki Murakami's writing, and - of course - Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Paolo Coelho, both the princes of magical realism.
What has been your greatest challenge when writing?
I suppose that my greatest challenge was letting myself write what I really wanted to write. I come from a political background, I am a former diplomat, and the switch to spiritual and inspirational writing was not obvious. But once I embraced the truth of who I really was and what really interests me, it all flowed naturally.
What are you working on right now?
I am currently working on a reincarnation novel, based on some past-life regressions I've had myself. Can't say much more as it is still unfolding!
What have you learned and do you have any advice for other authors?
The most important advice I can give is: be true to yourself and to your inner voice.
About Daniela Norris
Find Daniela's Books At:
Amazon
www.danielanorris.com
http://www.soulrocks-books.com/books/collecting-feathers
About A.E. Albert
Contact me if you are interested in an author interview.
