If Only They Knew

1. What type of books do you write?
I write fiction thrillers. It's a genre that i think is just so exciting and full of possibilities that in fact it normally strays into other domains. I love being able to provide the reader with twists and turns, I strive to leave the reader thinking 'I didn't see that coming'.

2. What is the latest book you have written?
'If Only They Knew' is my first and latest book! It's a fiction thriller (surprise) with almost apocalyptic elements. In essence, it's a story of betrayal and greed. When the world is brought to its knees by a series of environmental disasters, simple commodities become valuable currency. Amidst the chaos, Alfie and Porter are forced to reevaluate their lifelong relationship as they are made to choose between their friendship and the natural resources which are left.

3. Is it a series?
This is the first book of two. The sequel 'Now They Know' is currently being written and I expect to you to be able to feast your eager eyes on it but summer 13'.

4. When did you start writing?
This was my first attempt actually at writing in story form. I graduated from University with a degree in Sports Journalism so 1,000 word articles were more my forte. Writing an entire manuscript was completely alien to me and caused me to doubt myself through the initial process as I just felt a complete novice. I arguably of course still am, however to be represented by a literary agent and published on my first attempt gave me great belief to continue pursuiing this passion of mine.

5. What prompted you to start writing?
My love of the English language probably first and foremost. My grandfather always did and still does possess the most impressive vocabulary I've ever encountered. Just listening to sentences he would craft fascinated me beyond belief, and soon I was so keen to learn all these elaborate words and notions he concocted I became very meticulous in my study. As I've got older and read many novels myself I realised my interested in reading and writing exceeded the realms of reporting, and in fact my creative senses really craved to tell a story - and write it my way.

6. Who are your main influences?
My grandfather of course is my main influence. Though he is unpublished, without him I severely doubt I would have found my way to writing period. James Patterson is my favourite author, I'm a huge fan of the Alex Cross series. His stories are always fast-paced and gripping, he brings the entertainment factor that authors of this genre should aspire too. Robert Ludlum, John Grisham, Dan Brown and Dick Francis are other authors I greatly respect and enjoy. You could say I'm very mainstream with my reading material.

7. What is in the future for you with reference to your writing?
I'm currently working on 'Now They Know' and building up the reputation and audience of it's predecessor 'If Only They Know'. My home town of Hemel Hempstead has reacted very well to the books release, so a book signing of sorts when the paper back version comes out is certainly in the pipeline. Other than that, you'll catch me around Goodreads (http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6192135.Alex_McCarthy), Twitter (@Al_Mac8), Book Blogs (http://bookblogs.ning.com/profile/AlexMcCarthy) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/AlexMcCarthyAuthor) promoting my work and taking a keen interest in any and all things fiction! Should you wanna ask me anything or just have a chat, I regularly interact on all of those networks.