Interview with dark fiction author P.D. Alleva

Dark fiction author P.D. Alleva is here today before the holiday to chat about his new novel, the first in a series, Twisted Tales of Deceit.

During his virtual book tour, P.D. will be awarding a $50 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky, randomly drawn winner. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit his other tour stops and enter there, too!

Bio:

P.D. Alleva is an author, psychotherapist and hypnotherapist specializing in trauma, addiction and mental health. He is the author of several books, including fiction novels, Indifference and A Billion Tiny Moments In Time…, Seriously Twisted; These Gods of Darkness (Poetry), Let Your Soul Evolve (1st and 2nd ed), and Spiritual Growth Therapy: Philosophy, Practices and Mindfulness Workbook (non-fiction).

He has developed behavioral protocols for addiction and mental health and teaches mindfulness, Buddhist meditations and manifestation techniques to his patients as a means and alternative to using pharmaceuticals. Go to spiritualgrowththerapy.com to learn more. Mr. Alleva offers a special discount on his video tutorials for his readers, so please use Promo Code 7474 for a special 90% discount.

He is currently in private practice with his wife, Lisa. He lives with his wife and children in Boca Raton, Florida.

Welcome, P.D. Please share a little bit about your current release.
Twisted Tales of Deceit is the first book in the Beyond the Chamber Door series. The book features three stories, The Calculated Desolation of Hope, Somnium and Knickerbocker, tales that chronicle a dark influence on human hearts, dreams and the human ego. The series features multi-genre, independent stand-alone stories in each installment within a universal theme that blends adventures of good vs evil, light vs dark and a shared spiritual philosophy.

What inspired you to write this book?
I’ve always been intrigued by the concept of a dark influence on our choices and actions including the dark hearts of the powerful and corrupt, as well as the consequences of an inflated ego and karma. Knickerbocker (the featured story in this book) is a retelling of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hallow with a modern day twist. I’ve worked in the addiction field for over a decade and used the industry as a theme for the characters who are consumed with an inflated ego that ultimately leads to their downfall. The Calculated Desolation of Hope was influenced by a dream I had a few years ago. The story chronicles young and innocent hearts and how power and manipulation steals their dreams. Somnium was influenced by my daydreaming antics in school. It is a story of Charlie, a young, lost dreamer who’s influenced by a demon in his mirror who dangles Charlie’s dreams to force him to bend to his will.

Excerpt from Twisted Tales of Deceit:
The Horseman kicked his steed, raising his sword as he barreled toward Crane.

“Shit!” Crane said and started to run. “What the fuck is going on?”

Galloping hoofs slammed against the ground, picking up speed. Crane’s heart jumped and pounded in his chest. His face was as ashen as the blood that had rushed to his pumping heart. The sound of hooves came close, too close, and he heard the backswing of the sword. Crane jumped and landed right into a headstone, smashing it to pieces. His head immediately started to bleed.

The Horseman stopped and dismounted.

Crane’s vision was blurred, but he could see the Horseman coming at him, sword in hand.

“What do you want from me?” Crane yelled, starting to cry, the pain in his head and the fear in his heart too overwhelming for him to shove down and forget about.

The Horseman approached quickly, his boots stomping on the ground with a heavy thud. Crane scampered to get to his feet, cutting his hand on the broken headstone. The sound of the Horseman’s sword, that metallic ting, rang in Crane’s ears, offering him only a split second to react.          

The Horseman swung that mighty blade toward Crane’s head.

Crane leaped away, and the sword cut through the headstone.

“Cut my head off!” Crane gathered strength through anger, his adrenaline pumping, bringing clarity to his foggy mind. Crane jumped at the Horseman, slamming into his torso. Both fell to the ground. The Horseman dropped onto his back, his sword leaping from his hand.

What exciting story are you working on next?
Book Two, Presenting the Marriage of Kelli Anne & Gerri Denemer, a dark fiction love story, was just released. I’m currently writing book three, titled The Rose, a dystopian sci-fi novel about alien vampires at the tale end of World War III. The Rose is also a prelude to a trilogy I’m currently writing titled The Indigo Trials. Book Four in the series is about a 1940’s socialite whose sculpture comes to life after a break up with the love her life. Title is Golem. There will be nine books in the Beyond the Chamber Door series. Although each book is independent elements, themes and characters will continue throughout the series, ultimately leading to a romp through hell in the final book. My interests have always leaned towards sci-fi, romance, dark fiction, and gothic horror. I’m also a conspiracy theorists and a student of spirituality, philosophy, theology and quantum physics. Of course I include these interests in my books.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

As far back as I can remember. I’ve always been a writer. Between short stories, poetry, fiction and non-fiction, my passion for the written word and the creative process has always been what brings the most joy into my life. I wrote a story in second grade about an escaped Hamster who years later terrorizes the school in search of its owner. I wrote my first novel in sixth grade.

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?

Full time writer, part time psychotherapist in private practice. I wake up around 5 am every morning and begin the creative process; basically listening to music to get myself in the right mood for whatever story I’m currently working on. I write for at least two hours every day, and often three to four hours. I’ve got a lot of stories to tend to. Also a big part of being a writer is promotion, I spend a lot of time creating and sending out social media posts, promoting and of course book tours. Psychotherapy days are on Saturdays and Wednesday and Monday evenings. I also have four children so my days are hectic and often wild. Hence the 5am wake up call.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Getting into character. Music always drives the mood required to delve into the story. My wife always laughs at me, standing in the backyard, head phones on (every once in a while I jump into an air guitar solo) staring into the unknown. I’m Italian too so the hands come up along with the thoughts pertaining to the story.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Full time writer, able to pay the bills and live the dream by writing novels that truly make a grand impact on the reader and society.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
There are so many interesting stories on the way so feel free to follow my social media accounts for updates on new releases. And please support indie authors; we’re an eclectic group who toss our hearts and souls into a ring of fire. Encouragement and positive reviews make our days. Thank you for reading my post, I’m grateful for it.

Links:

Amazon | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Thank you for being a guest on my blog!

Thank you for hosting Lisa!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway