Behind the Pen – Alison Tuite

Hi everyone! Welcome back to another segment of Behind the Pen where I spotlight some fun up-and-coming authors so you can discover your next favorite read! Today I’m featuring Alison Tuite, a Florida based author that I had the best time getting to know!

Your Journey to Becoming an Author

1. Can you introduce yourself to our readers?  

Hello! My name is Alison. I’m a central Florida based author of my debut novel, Sharp and Pointy Things. As a hairstylist for fifteen years and counting, I’ve shared countless stories behind the chair with clients throughout the years. I’ve always been a lover of writing as another creative outlet, starting with diaries as a child. When I’m not writing, you can either catch me snuggling with my pitbull (Fred), kayaking or reading a fantasy book.

2. What first drew you to writing as a craft? 

Writing is sharing experiences with a twist. Getting thoughts and ideas down to share with those around you. I first started writing fan-fiction and progressed from there.

3. How did your author journey begin? 

About two years ago, my father passed away. I started reading again after taking a few years break. I wanted to get lost in fantasy worlds and just have something to ease the pain. I found that self help books didn’t really help with grief of a parent and just didn’t hold my interest the same way fiction had, so I wanted to write a book centered on that loss while adding an element I love…mythology.

4. Are there any authors or books that inspired you or significantly influenced the way you write? 

Reading was still heavily a part of my writing journey. The first two books I read after my fathers loss were Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros and the ACOTAR series by Sarah J. Maas. I continued the Fourth Wing series while writing, reread ACOTAR (specifically A Court of Silver Flames), Twilight, From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout, The Coven by Harper L. Woods, Agatha Christie, Brynne Weaver’s Butcher and Blackbird trilogy and Scarlet St. Clair’s novel Terror at the Gates (she’s a beautiful soul!). The two that significantly inspired my novel were Twilight and A Court of Silver Flames. 

5. What was the most surprising part of your publishing experience? 

Honestly. All of it! I think with all first time experiences, part of the fun is learning as you go. I was lucky enough to have support from my friends, my boyfriend and even my coworkers as I went through the publishing experience and sought out other local authors to assist with any questions I had along the way.

6. Where do you find is the best place for you to brainstorm your writing? Do you have a specific area in your house or a favorite cafe where you always end up writing the best? 

I either write in my office, on my couch with my dog or at my favorite tea shop (which I mention in my acknowledgments because they are just awesome) For brainstorming in public, I put in my noise cancelling headphones and get to work.

Let’s Talk Recent Releases

1. Tell me about your most recent release. What drew you into the story? 

Sharp and Pointy Things is my debut novel. Other than loss, I wanted to write a novel about Irish mythology that wasn’t as well known while adding as much culture as I can. I love Irish mythology and it’s a part of my father’s heritage so it was an obvious choice for me.

2. Who is your favorite character in this story, why? 

Fearghas! I love how grumpy he is and his overall outlook of the world around him. I love his attitude and sarcasm.

What’s Next for You?

1. Do you have any upcoming books or novellas in the works? 

I have a few ideas brewing for a matching novella and another separate thriller/romance but nothing currently past the brainstorming phase. 

2. Where did you gain the inspiration for these next projects? 

For the novella, the idea came from the bedtime stories Ciara’s father would read to her, so that would be more of a fantasy and backstory for the novel and could possibly be read in tandem. For the other separate thriller, I’ve been watching Dexter a lot so it stemmed from there.

More About You 

1. If you could describe your writing in three words, what would they be? 

Fun, enchanting, heartfelt

2. Where can readers find more information about you? Leave your links below! 

www.alisontuite.com

Instagram @alisontuiteauthor

Final Remarks

I want to give a huge thank you to Alison for joining me for this interview. It’s always so much fun getting to know new authors and spreading the word about their works of art! I hope you all check out her debut and find a fun new author to enjoy!