1. Why did you decide to write a spy/crime novel?

I’ve always been a fan of crime stories. Especially heist stories, because they bring different types of characters together, forcing them into situations they otherwise would avoid. I also enjoy putting together plots, and most crime novels use Chekov’s guns and red herrings to fool both the reader and characters. It’s a lot of fun.

2. What inspirations did you draw into the characters? (people you know, movies, etc.)

I don’t actually use any outside inspirations for my characters. Typically, I start character sketches once I’m finished world-building a novel. The world-building informs what kind of society the character grew up in, which heavily affects how they react to things. From there, I decide what kinds of characters would work best with the plot, and how they all fit together. Each character gets a backstory, previous jobs, names, height, weight, family background, etc. Although little of that information makes it into the novel itself, I still use it to inform their actions.

3. How long did it take you to write ILLUSIVE?

About eight months. It was four months to get the first draft and four months of editing.

4. When did you start writing?

I started seriously writing when I was sixteen. I always knew I wanted to tell stories, but that was about the time I sat down and decided I needed to get better at writing. It’s like any other skill – it takes years of practice.

5. What do you think about the cover?

If I ever meet my cover designer in person, they are going to get a big, big hug. I adore it; the noir feel, the helicopter in the background, the gritty details of the city… I’m a fan. A big fan.

6: You see someone at a bookstore, checking out your book; what do you say?

“That’ll be $19.37.” (More often than not, I’m the cashier since I work at a bookshop.)

7. What is your all-time favorite book?

I can’t narrow it down to one. If I was only allowed to ever read one series again, it’d have to be Harry Potter. It’s still one of my all-time faves.

Thanks for stopping by!

Xander