Author – Artist Alexa Wayne #interview

Please give a warm welcome to AW

Tell us a little bit about yourself

Hi! I’m Alexa Wayne, aka the OCD Vampire. I’m obsessed with Vlad III or Vlad the Impaler. I am an introvert, and I do not hide it anymore. I even believe it to be an asset for someone who is like me. I am writing and drawing all day long with my little dog, Carey, by my side.

I took many art classes to help me in my development as a well-rounded artist. I didn’t wish to rely on anyone to become the writer that I envisioned in my head. I love everything when it comes to creating something. I like doing research, marketing, graphic, and web design. I enjoy the entire process of turning a piece of art, including a novel, into something incredible.

Have you always wanted to become an artist/designer?

I grew up in the artistic world. I went to acting school for thirteen years of my life, and that included classical ballet, along with singing and various types of acting and dancing styles. If someone asked me why I love to read and watch the most, it would be Dracula or vampires in general. To me, the comic book is the most accurate form of art when it gets closer to acting. Some would argue, of course, debate it to the contrary, but acting has many faces.

Time passed, I needed something more, and that was to gain writing experience. The Geek Initiative became the first professional blog I worked for, and it was epic. I enjoy the geeky environment and the opportunity they gave me. The founder, Tara M. Clapper, and editor in chief became my first novel editor.

She gave me the backbone I needed to find my way as an artist and author. I am now the proud creator of Gothic Bite Magazine. I write paranormal suspense novels in the horror genre. It took me some time, but now I know that I am proud to be a monster nerd, and a hundred percent living in her twisted mind!

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

I find inspiration most of the time in music, books, research, and whatever is online or on television. I love to use research and other forms of art as inspiration. It is quite amazing what one can find in the most transparent or subtle places.

I also enjoy walking outside with my dog. We live in a country town surrounded by woods, so walking is fantastic around here. It’s like being lost in nature, and I put on my music and wait for inspiration to strike.

Of course, I have my secret weapon, which is going to the esoteric stores in our small and old little country downtown. It’s peaceful and quiet. It has perfect energy all around. I enjoy it, and most of the time, it leaves me with many ideas.

What are you working on now?

I am currently working on a personal comic book project as the penciler and colorist as well as scripter when it comes to my art. The inspiration is from one of my novels. My inker is Kendra Hale, as well as my editor and beta reader for the script.

As for writing, I am working on the new release of Lord Impaler Series #2, The Gravedigger. It comes out on Tuesday, January 28th, 2020, on Amazon in paperback and Kindle, free on Kindle Unlimited. I do my own graphic design, of course, and create the marketing merchandise for it as well.

Do you have any quirks while working?

I forget the time, and my dog must remind me to stop and eat. I’m often in my own little bubble, and the world around doesn’t exist anymore. I must listen to music while drawing; otherwise, my work doesn’t flow well.

I listen to relaxing music such as Marilyn Manson, Metallica, Disturbed, Exit Eden, and Dance Macabre. I know people don’t consider those relaxing, but they are to me. I love them!

What are your hopes for the future?

I would love my webzine, Gothic Bite Magazine, to become LLC and accessible enough so that we can support causes such as 4Oceans or Bats QLD. GBM is a webzine created by monsters for monsters so that gothic people have a place to go and feel welcome. We try to help the indie community as much as we can. Again, this project is possible because of my #1, Kendra Hale.

I guess, for the future, all I want is to be happy and be capable of helping people achieve their dreams. I want to be able to live off my art and writing, so I can help others. That is literally all I want.

Do you have any advice for new artists/authors about the publishing world?

I grew up in the art and publishing world. Books surrounded me since I was born. Raised by my grandparents and mother, my grandpa worked for a binding & printing company. He would often come back with boxes of books and encyclopaedia worth so much money but didn’t “make the cut” because of small printing errors.

So, my advice would be if you wish to become a graphic/web designer or illustrator, do not be afraid to stand out. I mean by that to not fit in any cookie cutters. Look at the latest trends yes, but also; don’t be afraid to find inspiration in the past. Myself, I am more of a European stylist in design than American simply because I prefer certain aspects of it. Put together your portfolio and a professional website. Don’t be afraid to pay for a professional website if you must. Graphic and web design require a certification because of the complexity of the rules and printing industry as well as online industry.

When it comes to authors, do not stop writing because people tell you that you cannot make it. It is NOT true. Do not listen to those voices. Keep writing and again, stand out. When everyone goes right for the style of writing or book cover, don’t be afraid to go left. Do not settle for anyone but yourself and how much you believe in your story. Another common mistake, do not do everything yourself. Do not fear your limits and hire a graphic designer or illustrator for your book cover. The phrase “do not judge a book by its cover” is a good lesson to learn but sadly, every one of us bought at least one book just because the cover was amazing. So, investing in editors, graphic designers and web designers are crucial parts of being an indie author. It is in those details that one can stand out from the sea of indie authors.

In conclusion, do not let fear and peer pressure dictate what you wish to become or do with your creation. Just keep going and you won’t regret it.

Do you have anything to say to your fans?

I don’t know that I have any fans. Haha! But, to anyone reading this, this phrase helped me a thousand times over, “Because you are afraid doesn’t mean that you’re not strong.” Whatever it is you dream of is worth your time and effort, and if you feel anxious, do not worry, your anxiety is lying to you, and you are going to be okay.