My name is Alfred Mead. I am a creative writing undergraduate. I am an introvert acting extrovert when required. I have a personality disorder, so writing isn’t really a choice profession more a requirement, this outlet has saved my life. I don’t know how many words I’ve written over my brief three decades of life, I do know, however, that before I leave this Earth I will create one novel that, with all my strength and heart willing, be as timeless as the cosmos, so that the dust from my bones will not be forgotten.
Describe yourself in five words: ambivert, outlier, observer, sensitive, compassionate
What fact about yourself would really surprise people?
I have a high functioning personality disorder
How do you work through self-doubts and fear?
Knowing that regrets weigh more than fears
What scares you the most?
Being enclosed in a small space without possibility of escape
What makes you happiest?
Nature, spiritual activities, my dog, my finance
Why do you write?
It allows catharsis and deeper explanation of reality
Have you always enjoyed writing?
Yes, it feels like a religious activity to me
What motivates you to write?
It is the only time I can truly articulate myself, I feel the power of god in the universe of the page
What writing are you most proud of?
My poetry
What books did you love growing up?
Crime and punishment/ the bell jar/ the waves/ Genghis Khan series by conn iggulton/ the book of job/ Ecclesiastes/ Patrick Melrose series/ East of Eden
What do you hope your obituary will say about you?
Loving, kind, patient, mild, humble, spiritual, and one book of art that will remain my timeless eulogy
Location and life experiences can really influence writing, tell us where you grew up and where you now live?
Every person I’ve ever known including friendship/relationships. My best friend’s suicide, my dad’s death and destructive life course.
How did you develop your writing?
Practice/ reading/ creative writing degree
What is hardest – getting published, writing or marketing?
Marketing, for me anyways
What marketing works for you?
No idea. Haha
Do you find it hard to share your work?
Absolutely, I’m a writer not a salesman.
Is your family supportive? Do your friends support you?
Yes, but they aren’t readers
What else do you do, other than write?
University, photography, look after my dogs, spend time with my family which is a big one (I’m one of five boys)
What other jobs have you had in your life?
Wow so many, landscaping, window cleaning, dry lining, personal trainer, photographer the list goes on and on…
If you could study any subject at University what would you pick?
I’d like to continue writing to a MA or possibly PHD if my mental health allows…
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Wow, I really don’t know, somewhere in Europe for sure. Perhaps Finland? I heard it has the largest forests on Earth… I kinda feel with this apocalyptic climate change these are the last of the natural world
Tell us about your family?
One of five boys as I said, all very different lads. Mum is the glue to our family she is the strongest person I know. I’m talking hard as nails, iron of heart on her knees scrubbing floors clean while 7 months pregnant could probably give Genghis Khan a run for his money in toughness. Haha
How do you write – lap top, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk?
First draft longhand in costa then on my mac undulating different locations. I tend to procrastinate at home.
How much sleep do you need to be your best?
Eight or nine.
Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge and thank for their support?
Sure, Jackie Webb, my English teacher who’s read every crappy, grammatically incorrect draft, haha.
Every writer has their own idea of what a successful career in writing is, what does success in writing look like to you?
Listen, for me it’s all about emotional impact, I’ve set my book at the lowest possible costs. I get 20p per hard back and the kindle format is 2.99. I don’t care about the money, I want to share my art and move people the way I’ve been moved by works of fiction, by albums that give you goosebumps. I want to captivate people, make them see the world a different way.
It is vital to get exposure and target the right readers for your writing, tell us about your marketing campaign?
I have no idea what I’m doing, hence why I’m on fiver at curious hours of the night, trying not to get scammed, I’m swimming with the sharks out here! Haha.
Tell us about your new book? Why did you write it?
I was obsessed with the black mirror series and couldn’t get it off my mind. I needed catharsis for many things in my life. It came to me in a dream, the plot as soon as i woke up i promised myself i would carry it from conception to realization, no matter what.
If you could have a dinner party and invite anyone dead or alive, who would you ask?
Easy, Jesus, he had a hand creating the universe so I would like to pick his brains!
When you are not writing, how do you like to relax?
I find it very very hard to relax tbh. I walk my dog, listen to music, read, podcasts etc…
International Book Promotion 