Thursday, January 19, 2012

Interview with non-fiction writer Alexia Fraser


Today's guest is non-fiction writer Alexia E. Fraser. Alexia has been writing for a while, Memories of Mom is her first book.

Bio:
Alexia Elizabeth Smart-Fraser was born in the beautiful island of Jamaica. After marrying her high school sweetheart, Edward, she migrated to the United States. She is the proud and loving mother of two children, son Sean and daughter Paige.

Alexia studied acting at H.B. Studio. She worked as an extra on the set of “Cosby Mysteries” with Bill Cosby, “New York Undercover” with Malik Yubo, “Central Park West” with Lauren Hutton, and the series “Prince Street” with Mariska Hargitay.

As well, Alexia Fraser has written and produced three original non-fiction one act plays both off-Broadway and off-off-Broadway. “The Ryans,” “Dope the Endeavor,” and “Blind Trust.” Her fourth play “Our God is Awesome” is not yet produced, but will be in the near future.

Alexia is the original founder and partner of her production company, Paige Unlimited, LLC (www.paigeunlimitedllc) of which she is the Creative Arts VP. Memories of Mom is her first published book. She was driven to share her story after seeing how her mom suffered unacceptable nursing home and hospital care. Her second book is already partially scripted.

“Write what you know” is what she believes.

Welcome, Alexia. Please tell us about your current release.
Memories of Mom is a touching, personal story about a strong, dynamic, and loving mother’s life and death, and a caring daughter, who stood by her to the very end.

What inspired you to write this book?
I was inspired to write this book, because I wanted to share my mom’s love and grace with the world!

What exciting story are you working on next?
My next exciting story will be my journey with my daughter, as she challenged her dream to becoming a professional contemporary ballet dancer and is now, I am very proud to say, living her dream as a member of the Ailey II Company in NYC. Her tenacity, her passion, and her drive is what got her there. And, of course, the support of her loving parents.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I considered myself a writer after I wrote and acted in my first original monologue for a five-minute scene class, in acting school. I went on to write and produce several one-act plays based on real life situations. Now my first book. Amazing! I had no idea I would write an entire book and is now on my second. WOW!!

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I do not write full-time, but I would love to. I have a full-time and a part-time job at the moment. I am also the Creative Arts VP for Paige Unlimited, LLC, a company that was formed after I started producing my original one-act plays, off-Broadway and off off-Broadway.

I am often asked where do I fine the time to write? and I would reply, I just do. It comes naturally to me. It is something within, something, I cannot explain. No big deal.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
An interesting writing quirk of mine would be my habit of writing in the wee hours of the morning when everyone is asleep. Peaceful and quite. No music.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
As a child, I always wanted to be a wife, a mother, and an actress/model. Definitely something relating to the arts. Now I am a published author.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
In writing Mom’s story, I also wanted to document the pain and suffering she endured during her last lap of life. All at the hands of the very health care professionals charged with her care. Mom did not die from her illness, she died at the hands of negligence!

So far, I have been getting wonderful reviews from readers: “The book was touching and emotional; It made me laugh and it made me cry; You have inspired me to write a book.” Some are saying they cannot wait for my next book or when is the movie coming out? These are just a few. Hearing comments like these truly makes me feel complete. My job is done! Thanks MOM!

Memories of Mom is available in hardcover, paperback, and e-book on Amazon, Lulu, and Barnes & Noble. And at all major online bookstores.

Memories of Mom, you’ve got to have one!

Thank you Lisa, for having me.

It's been a pleasure, Alexia. Thank you for stopping by.

Here are the places you can connect with Alexia and find her book:

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon | Amazon Kindle | Lulu | Barnes & Noble

1 comment: