Before there was a published book, there were homemade comics, creative inventions, and pages covered in brainstorming ideas. Alex’s author journey didn’t begin with a big plan but it definitely began with curiosity. In this conversation, he shares how a super banana, a brave spy, and a lot of determination helped him discover that creating stories is one of his favorite things to do.
HOW DID YOU START WRITING IN THE FIRST PLACE?
I started writing with my friend. We made comics together. They were short, like five or ten pages, but we made a whole series. It was about a super banana who ate a magic apple and got superpowers. I thought that was an excellent idea. We got to number nine before we stopped, which is still a lot of bananas.
After that, I wanted to try something different. That’s when I made my spy character. He doesn’t have superpowers. He’s just a normal boy who dares to do things. I like characters like that because they feel possible. You don’t need a magic apple to be brave.
DID YOU WRITE YOUR FIRST BOOK ON YOUR OWN?
Yes. I searched my brain for ideas really hard. I had papers everywhere. Figuring out the cover took so many hours that when I finally did finish it, that was all I could write that day. Covers are serious business.
I usually would write a few pages and then ask my mama to read them. I wanted to know if the story made sense to someone else and if there were spelling mistakes. The ideas were mine, though. I like working alone and then showing people what I made. That part feels exciting.
YOU ALSO INVENT THINGS. IS THAT CONNECTED TO WRITING?
Yes. Inventing and writing feel almost the same. Sometimes inventions don’t work, but that doesn’t mean they’re bad. Some inventions just make good noises or change the afternoon. Stories can be like that, too. You don’t always know what will happen, but starting is the important part.
Creating makes days more interesting. That’s why I keep doing it.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO KIDS AND ADULTS WHO WANT TO MAKE STORIES?
Think. Imagine. Create. And don’t give up. And also have fun. If you’re enjoying it, you’re probably doing it right.
WHERE CAN READERS FIND THE BOOK AND MORE ABOUT YOU?
SPY AT THE AIRPORT is now available as a paperback and hardcover on Friesen Press, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and many other platforms. Hopefully soon in bookshops and school libraries too.
I also have my website, where anyone is invited to visit and follow my journey as a writer – www.alex-books.com
On social media, I can be found on Instagram @alexpalamariu