Interview with Alexandra R. LaFlam

Published 2021-11-20.
What do you read for pleasure?
Yes, I tend to read books that will strengthen my DBT & Reiki skills. I seem to only read non fiction books. I really enjoy learning something from what I read and I always ask myself, "What can I take away from this book and use in my own life?".
What is your e-reading device of choice?
My cell phone, because it's so accessable!
Describe your desk
My "desk" is my couch. I tend to write on my phone's notebook but then I edit my writing with my Chromebook. I have an optional center console on my sofa that I always leave down and it's always got a black coffee or an iced coffee on it for motivation. (I ALWAYS need my coffee lol)
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in poverty in Vancouver, BC, Canada. The complex of 21 buildings that I grew up in was 20% of the lower income housing for the area. My tough upbringing taught me to be thankful for any blessings in my life. I certainly don't take anything for granted and I never will.
When did you first start writing?
I first started writing very young. I grew up around my oldest brother Lance who is a very talented writer and musician himself. His dedication to his art form encouraged me to put my blood, sweat, and tears out on paper when I needed to the most. I think the first poem I ever wrote was when I was 10 years old. I have definitely noticed the growth in my writing over the years and strive to improve more in the future.
What's the story behind your latest book?
This book is a journey of my narrative poetry regarding what it's like to be in active addiction with untreated mental health issues in Vancouver, BC, Canada where we are experiencing a very deadly opioid crisis. It's an insight of what it's like to be in active addiction, fighting for/receiving help, and then living a life in early recovery. I hope this book can provide perspective to reduce the social stigma of untreated mental health and addiction issues.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
It's always been a dream of mine to copyright and to self-publish my narrative poems for as long as I was a regular spoken word poet 10 years ago.

I feel like if one is able to find the right team, self-publishing seems better so that someone else won't own the rights to my art. Additionally, no one will be able to modify my work either.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
Smashwords has allowed me to publish my ebook online and I'm so excited to share my writing with the world! I appreciate that there is a platform for Indie Writer's like myself.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Writing is very therapeutic and extremely cathartic for me. I like to write about the challenging aspects I experience throughout my life as I'm still trying to find a meaning to the sufferage of the world.
What are you working on next?
I recently started doing some family history research on my Dad's side and found a very interesting story of my ancestry. I wouldn't mind completing a biography about my family and I's life story.

I do still have a lot of poetry to release so I will most likely release another Chapbook before I work on the project I mentioned above.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
My loved ones are the only reason why I'm still here. I wake up everyday for them. From my Partner to my Family, I love them all so much!
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I enjoy spending time with my Partner and my two dogs. I have a Pug and a Shiba Inu. They're both so adorable! I am definitely a homebody so I enjoy relaxing at home the most.

If I'm getting out of my apartment you'll find me going for drives with my partner or going for a hike to be one with nature.

When I'm kicking back at home, I love being a hobby chef and enjoy nurturing the ones I love through cooking and preparing meals for them!
What is your writing process?
Coffee beside me and my baby pug on my lap!
How do you approach cover design?
I like to keep cover design as simple as possible. I personally use Canva to create my book covers.
What do your fans mean to you?
My "fan's" mean everything to me because that means that they've either lived a similar life and found comfort in my writing or they're trying to understand the perspective of addiction and mental health issues.
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
I usually just Google to find what I'm looking for.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
I remember writing my first poem when I was feeling sad as a kid. The writing is probably awful if I were to read it today lol. I have greatly improved my skillset since then.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
I used to power read as a kid so I'm unsure which was first. However, I remember the first book that impacted me was called, "The Way of the Peaceful Warrior" by Dan Millman. It's a philosophy book that made me start thinking about life from a different perspective and reminded me of early mindfulness.
Who are your favorite authors?
I enjoy the breathwork and meditation books by Max Strom and I like reading Dan Millman. Yasmin Bowland also has great writing about astrology (including her book, "Moonology"). Last but not least, I enjoy any book by Rebecca Campbell!
Smashwords Interviews are created by the profiled author or publisher.

Books by This Author

Scattered Lights in the Darkness
Price: $2.00 USD. Words: 9,260. Language: Canadian English. Published: November 19, 2021 . Categories: Poetry » Female authors
This book is a journey of my narrative poetry regarding what it's like to be in active addiction with untreated mental health issues in Vancouver, BC where we are experiencing a very deadly opioid crisis. It's an insight of what it's like to be in active addiction, receiving help, and then living a life in early recovery. I hope this book can provide perspective to reduce the social stigma.