Novelist Alex Woodard chats with me today about his new literary fiction, Analog Sun.
Bio:
Alex Woodard lives with three horses, two dogs, two chickens, and two beautiful humans on a small ranch near the California coast.
His first novel found an early supporter in Woody Harrelson, who said, “Ordinary Soil brings to haunting life the desperate realities of the American heartland, but also offers a glimpse into a better future . . . a call to action for all of us.”
His nonfiction For the Sender book, album, and concert series has garnered praise from Huffington Post (“important, enlightening, and ultimately inspiring”), Deepak Chopra (“a beautiful tribute to the resilience of the human spirit”), Dr. Wayne Dyer (“an inspiring, thought-provoking, and life-changing work”), and Billboard magazine (“one of the year’s most touching, unique releases”), among others. Alex has also toured nationally behind several critically acclaimed albums, earning a few prestigious industry nods while sharing the stage with some of his heroes.
Analog Sun, a sequel to Ordinary Soil, is his second work of fiction. Zach Bush, MD, a renowned wellness advocate, has already endorsed the short modern-day fable with “Stunning, with a twist I didn’t see coming. Analog Sun is the perfect antidote to our digital overwhelm—and a beautiful invitation to a more meaningful, joyful life.”
Welcome, Alex. Please tell us about your current release.
Analog Sun is a short, modern-day fable about navigating between the world we built, which is increasingly digital, and the world that built us. The story follows Adam, a likable but lost, addicted soul, as he tries to make his way from California to his home in Oklahoma without money or a phone.
What inspired you to write this book?
I got off social media quite a few years ago, which people around me said would be a death sentence for a career in the creative arts. They were wrong, and I’m a lot happier now. Being away from social media sort of sharpened my awareness of how toxic it can be, which expanded into a broader interest in writing about not only digital detox, but also the power of nature to inspire and heal. Are you really going to be on your deathbed saying to yourself “I wish I’d spent more time on my phone”? That’s kind of the central question of the book.
What exciting project are you working on next?
My mom is very deep in Alzheimer’s, and I’m working on a book about her journey. Ever since she started showing signs, actually, which was about 15 years ago. I’ve never taken this long on a project, but then again, there hasn’t been an ending to write yet…and while I don’t know if ‘exciting’ is quite the right word, I think the story will translate to other families who are experiencing the same kind of thing.
Do you write full-time? If so, what’s your workday like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I’ve been full-time in the creative arts for almost 30 years, either as a musician or a writer. That said, doing anything full-time becomes quite a slog and tends to suck the joy and passion out of the process. So I try to find a balance between being in nature (which for me looks like the ocean), taking care of my horses, and writing, in equal measure. Some days I’m more successful at achieving that balance than others!
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I never gave it much thought, to be honest. I worked as a child actor from age 5 until I was about 12, and didn’t have much room for dreams. I was a happy kid, but busy.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I’m not sure if other writers do this, but I tend to write shirtless.
Just kidding! One quirk is to set a song on repeat and write to it. I get into a really great rhythm that way…I just need to remember to do it more often!
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Just the encouragement to walk away from whatever screen you’re looking at right now and go outside. Even if that means a parking lot in the rain.