Welcome to BookEnds, Alexandra Overy

Fun story: I found out after I signed Alexandra that several of my agent friends wanted her book. But she’s mine now! I’d been dying for a book that featured a complex “villain” as a protagonist, and Alexandra not only delivered, but she delivered a character that I understood and had a vision for. Nothing makes an agent happier than finding a book they can champion.

Tell us a bit about your writing process. Where do you write, and how often?

I try to write a bit every day, though as I’m currently in college full time it’s sometimes difficult, though I tend to spend a good amount of time procrastinating schoolwork by either writing or planning my next MS. I also like to handwrite, especially early on in the process, as my thoughts seem to flow better that way!

What do you love about writing Fantasy?

There is so much I love about writing fantasy, it’s hard to know where to start! I love the scope that you have, that you have such freedom in creating new worlds. I also love the challenge of creating characters that readers understand and relate to, even when they’re in situations none of us will ever experience. I also like that it really feels like an escape – I can get away from the everyday world and dive into the new world I’m writing.

What book do you wish you had written, and why?

There are so many! Top would have to be the Harry Potter series (of course), as I love it so much, but other than that Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard. She just has an amazing way of making the reader really feel what the characters feel, which makes her books stay with you long after you’ve finished them. Also, The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare because she writes such great characters. They manage to feel real and relatable even as they battle demons – I could read their stories forever!

Where can readers find you on the web and social media?

Twitter: @alexandraovery

Goodreads: Alexandra Overy

Blog: alexandraovery.com/blog

What’s the last book you read?

A Darker Shade of Magic – V. E. Schwab (I loved it!)

What’s your favorite piece of writing advice you’ve received?

Write what you love. I’ve seen that in several places, so I’m not sure who to credit it to, but it’s definitely stuck with me!

Plotter or pantster?

I am most definitely a plotter. Plotting is one of my favourite parts of the process actually! I always plan everything out before I start, and if I get stuck I’ll plan out a scene in even more detail to help me get through it.

Do you have a writing playlist or a vision board? If so, what’s on them?

I don’t tend to have vision boards, but I do have lots of playlists! I have a different one for each project, to help me get into the right mindset for it.

Do you get inspiration from any TV shows or movies? If so, which ones?

I definitely do – but probably TV shows more than movies (I have an unhealthy Netflix obsession). I love the way they weave the past and present together in Once Upon A Time – and how the stories never turn out how you expect. I also love the show Merlin, which creates such loveable characters. One of my recent favourites is the adaptation of Lev Grossman’s The Magicians, which brings so much magic and emotion to the screen. I watch too much TV, so I’ll stop there – otherwise I could probably list TV shows that inspired me for days!

What excites you most about joining the BookEnds family?

I still can’t really believe that I am joining the BookEnds family! I have always loved the feel of the agency (from when I first clicked on the website!), especially as it really is like a family, as everyone supports each other and works together. I have felt so welcomed, and I’m really excited to be working with Natascha!

What advice would you give to other authors in the query trenches?

I would say don’t give up – you never know what’s just around the corner. And try not to take rejections too personally (though that’s easier said than done, of course). I know it’s so hard to keep going through rejections, but the right agent for you is out there.