IndieView with Alex Farivar, author of Rotting

Essentially taking what kills you, hurts you, and pollutes your
mind, and turning it into something positive. Many people often try to escape, or find a way
out, but in this book, it encourages one to dig deeper, in order to find a way.

Alex Farivar – 17 January 2019

The Back Flap

Rotting is a collection of dark and lyrical poetry, prose, and notes during a time of inquisitiveness and self-exploration. Questioning life and existence, Alex Farivar shares stories of drug addiction, suicidal tendencies, depression, self-loathing, death, passion, and sex. Far from the conventional style of self-improvement, this book dives into the various ways one can combat their demons, and the ways one can be overpowered by them.

About the book

What is the book about?

A collection of poetry, prose, and notes from 2011-2017. The book emphasizes more of the dark side of one’s mind, and the various ways one could take advantage of their disorder or pain, and direct it into art. Essentially taking what kills you, hurts you, and pollutes your mind, and turning it into something positive. Many people often try to escape, or find a way out, but in this book, it encourages one to dig deeper, in order to find a way.

 When did you start writing the book?

2011 I guess. But I didn’t start organizing, and creating this book until September 2017. I wrote the last entry in this book on December 31, 2017.

 How long did it take you to write it?

The collection spans over six to seven years, but putting the book together took me about eight months.

Where did you get the idea from?

I had a bunch of poems and prose in my archives. I figured I should do something with them.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Certainly. Especially having to decide whether to publish certain material or not due to it being very personal.

What came easily?

The fact that half of the book (perhaps more I should say) was already written by the time I decided I wanted to publish the book.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know 

Most of the poems are based off of my own personal stories as well as real-world  people, and their real demise.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

 I would definitely say Charles Bukowski, Hunter S. Thompson, William S. Burroughs, Chuck Palahniuk, and Albert Camus are amongst my favorite authors who inspired my writing. They each have their own style, and method of conveying a character’s personal conflict, and of course, the style and pace of their writing. Bukowski and Hunter S. Thompson are relatable to me particularly with substance abuse and mania. I still smoke weed, drink, and occasionally eat magical mushrooms; but I got off of heroin, cocaine, pills, and what I consider to be hard drugs in May of 2012. But the adventures, the demons, and conflicts that Bukowski, Thompson, and Burroughs endured in were captivating to me, as well as relatable. But to be honest, I believe that while one could have an influence on a person’s writing, a writer, at the end of the day, can only write what they know. It’s important not to go off of another writer’s style, and to find your own.

Do you have a target reader?

I wouldn’t be able to say exactly who my target readers are. But, with this book, it’s not for the faint-hearted to say the least. It’s more for deep thinkers who don’t mind venturing into the dark zones of their mind. This book, to me, would be considered an unfiltered self-help book. Although personally, I find most self-help books to be futile, for I’m one that believes the only way you can truly obtain self-help is within your own self, and self-care.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

It depends on my mood. If I’m in a good mood, all I need is some weed, a good meal, a quick drive while listening to music with some scenery, some more weed, and then I’m ready. Doesn’t matter the time of the day (but I prefer to write at night). But, if I’m not in the best mood, to say the least, I find myself up all night chain-smoking, smoking a lot of weed, maybe a couple of drinks, and definitely not sleeping. There have been times where I sat down at midnight to write, and didn’t punch in a single word until 4am (sometimes 6am). And depending on what I’m writing about, I like to watch films that are correlated with the tone and era of what I’m writing about. But I wouldn’t say that I have a strict method for preparation. It always depends on my mood.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

Yes, I tend to outline, and write down notes on a notepad before punching the keyboard. But a lot of the stories I have, that I still haven’t written, have been floating around in my mind for years and years, and then one day, I’ll just start writing it without jotting down any notes or outlining.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

Both. I’ll be too stoned and somewhat drunk or buzzed when I’m writing at night, and then wake up sober in the morning and say: “What the f**k is this shit?”

Did you hire a professional editor?

I didn’t hire an editor for this book. But I’m definitely hiring one for my next book, which is a fictional novel. Also, I always have my Mom proof read, and dissect my work. She’s quite the reader and writer herself.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

Not really. I’ll go on a drive and listen to music before I start writing. Sometimes, I’ll have my headphones in my ear with Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, or The Rolling Stones on a loop for a couple of hours while I write; something to set the tone if I need it. But often, I prefer silence.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

No.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I’m a first time published writer. I wanted to take the self-publishing route.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

I had it professionally done by one of my closest friends who is an artist.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

It’s my first published book, so I was winging it at first, but now, I have devised a plan to get my book in more boutique stores, and bigger bookstores. Currently I’m working on getting Rotting into Barnes & Noble.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Don’t. Unless writing is all you feel you can do in this world.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Los Angeles, moved to Orange County where I mostly grew up in the city of Irvine, and from the age of 18 until now, I’ve gone back and forth from OC to LA.

Where do you live now?

Orange Count

What would you like readers to know about you?

Just read my book and future books. That’s all you need to know.

What are you working on now?

A fictional novel.

End of Interview:

For more from Alex, follow him on Twitter.

Get your copy of Rotting from Amazon US or Amazon UK.

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