This excellent author who lives in Alberta, Canada has decided to take some time to be interviewed in the first ever Hybrid Nation author interview! As the founder of the Hybrid Nation, I’m honored that this very nice woman has decided to come to me to do an interview. Just a little background, she is an Afro-Canadian author who is the author of “The Sisterhood”. If you love fantasy and middle-earth stories you should really check it out! Also, she is the winner of the 2016 Writer of the Year by Diversity Magazine! So without further ado, Alison I will ask you a series of questions and you can answer them anyway which you want. I will also ask you for any advice you may have for any future writers! So here we go!

 

Questions:

 

1. Where are you originally from?

I was born in Derby, England. My background  is also West Indian--Jamaican,  Barbadian, and Chinese.  I also have ties to Ghana.

 

2. When did you decide to begin your journey as a writer? I began this journey when I was in grade six.

 

3. What is it about writing that you love?

I enjoy creating different worlds.

 

4. What are your favorite genres to write and/or read?

I love to write fantasy, but I also enjoy writing poetry. In terms of reading, I love to read biographies, all types of fiction, poetry, and prose--including science fiction and fantasy.

 

5. When did you hear about the contest and how did you hear about the contest?

I first heard about the contest in 2015, through my work in the writing community. It was     mentioned again this year.

 

6. You told me you’re getting a masters degree and finishing up your thesis, what is your major? I’m doing a creative writing thesis on Phillis Wheatley--the first black American to publish a book of poetry and she was a slave.

 

7. How nervous were you when the results of the contest were about to be read or it was close to being crunch time? I wasn’t. I figured, what will be will be.

 

8. How much does winning the contest mean to you?

It means a lot, as it will help propel me further in terms of writing, and other things I want to do.

 

9. How vital do you think is reading is for today’s young generation?

It is important, more than ever, to expand young minds, and language helps people to analyze, which leads to a more informed, knowledgeable society.

 

10. How long was the contest and what was the process like for you when it was taking place? It was about three days, and it was a lot of work, as it was a people’s choice award--people had to vote for you.

 

11. When and where did you get the idea for your first book “The Sisterhood”?

It was at home, and it was about five years ago.

 

12. I’m sure everyone must be proud of you, with that being said what will winning this contest do for you regarding the future?

As I mentioned previously, it will help me in terms of achieving more goals--in terms of writing and so on.

 

13. What is your next book about or can you give us an idea what the idea is or do you prefer to keep it under wraps?

I prefer to keep it under wraps.

 

14. When can we expect your next work?

I would say February or March of 2017.

 

15. Do you see “The Sisterhood” being a long term series or do you plan to diversify to other titles and genres?

The Sisterhood is book one of a trilogy. It will be followed up with another trilogy.

 

16. What is your inspiration to write, what do you when you get up to encourage you?

I listen to music, go for walks, or read.

 

17. Are you a believer that being an author means you should have a love for the art?

For me, yes. It is important.

 

18. Finally we like to ask you. What advice can you give to young writers who aspire to become an author? Keep writing. By writing, you improve the craft. Keep getting your work out there.

 

19. If you have anything else you like to say that you haven’t said already, this is your opportunity now. The stage is now yours! Dreaming is important. As artists, no matter what your interests are, it is important to have imagination. As someone once said, “Without Imagination, there is no love.”
 

 

Well, that’s a wrap ladies and gentleman. It was nice talking to this brilliant and kind-hearted woman. Alison, it was an honor to talk to you and once again congrats on winning the contest, that is certainty an honor to be proud of! I wish you the best on your future endeavors and may your success continue for years to come.

 

If you enjoyed this interview leave a comment on our Facebook page “The Hybrid Nation” or drop us an email on our Contact Us page.

 

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If you’re interested in getting Alison Clarke’s book, The Sisterhood head over to the book’s Amazon page and grab your self a copy, you’ll enjoy it!

Amazon book link: https://www.amazon.com/SISTERHOOD-Alison-Clarke-ebook/dp/B00SCJPSSU/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8