Alexandra writes mostly cosy fantasy, although she also dabbles in contemporary romance. She lives and works on unceded Bunurong land in Melbourne with her tennis-ball obsessed Labrador, Captain.

Before turning her hand to writing, previous roles included stablehand, clown, HR assistant, flower buyer, procurement manager, cleaner and human-centred designer, which is her current day job. She might have included footballer on that list if the AFLW had arrived three decades earlier; and if she had any ability.

She likes trains, books, dogs and cups of tea. Her favourite colour is green.

What's inside this episode?

• Alexandra didn’t set out to write cosy fantasy but discovered the genre fit the “fun, nice, beautiful stuff” with small, magical touches she was writing.
• She is a self-described pantser, finding joy in not knowing where the story will go and letting the narrative unfold itself.
• Alexandra reveals how her love for the Australian bush adds a distinctive layer of magic and authenticity to her novel, setting it apart from traditional fantasy worlds and resonating with readers who rarely see Australian settings in the genre.
• Alexandra credits her writers group as a major influence, describing how a conversation with them sparked the initial idea for her debut novel, and how organised writing sprints and critique sessions were instrumental in her drafting process.
• She believes writing should be enjoyable—if she’s not having fun, she questions the point of doing it—and she’s learned to embrace her own process, rejecting advice that doesn’t fit her creative style.

Listen now if you need...

… permission to fully embrace what makes your writing journey distinctly yours, and trust what works for you.

My favourite quote:

“I think every single one of [the five manuscripts] needed to be written in order for me to get to where I am now. There's no one way to write… and if it doesn't work for you, that's actually okay.”

📖 What is the last book that Alexandra read and loved? The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by S. A. Chakraborty

Thoroughly Disenchanted by Alexandra Almond is available to purchase wherever you buy your books. Alternatively, check in with your local library. If they don’t have a copy yet, put in a request!

Extra (important) information!

✨ You can find Alexandra Almond (she/ her) at alexandraalmond.com.au

✨ Download 'The ultimate checklist to prepare, write and pitch your book' for FREE!

✨ Buy The Little Black Book of Publishing!

👋🏼 Until next time friend!