Alan Fraser - Author Life

We spoke to Alan Fraser, author of Exploration, about his book, his life and what inspires him. Read on to find out more!

1. Did you always dream of becoming an author?

Nope! I started writing autobiographically in 1998.

2. What was your first job?

A private in the British Army (royal engineers) before leaving to get an education, taking a 2:1 in town planning and starting my professional career in town planning.

3. How did you come about writing your book? Was that your intention or did you start writing for fun?

It was my intention. I started for increased self-awareness and indeed, self-understanding.

4. What was your life like before you became an author?

The normal ‘ups-and-downs’ of life, love and children.

5. Did you face any struggles before becoming an author? If so, how did you overcome them?

Not really, unless you include childhood and adolescence, in which case, I had a crushing speech impediment (a stammer). I failed the first time to get into the army as a boy soldier (army apprentice) because of it. I managed the second time though – with divine intervention (I’m convinced of it). The doctor could see that I was supremely fit – but he hesitated to pass me ‘fit for service’ because of the speech-thing. “Go out, come back in and say ‘I’m McGill, present and correct Sir’” I walked out, convinced that what was being asked of me was impossible, I turned walked back in and found myself being congratulated as being medically fit. At that crucial moment of responding, my mind went blank – divine intervention touched my lips…it was a miracle, literally!

6. Now that you are a published author, how has your life changed, if at all?

No. I still work professionally, writing is a side-line.

7. Can you please describe a typical day in your life now?

I wake at six, breakfast, shower, dress, kiss my partner and leave for the office. It’s a 40-minute walk. I am in the office, reading e-mails by 8 a.m. I work through till 4 p.m. I do not take lunch but instead, munch on my cheese and marmite sandwiches (which I make the night before); the first rund eaten by 8.30 a.m.; the second by 1 p.m. I write a lot (policy and strategy papers, currently working closely for my host ministry, with the world bank). After 4 p.m. I get a taxi home to (our) apartment. Things settle with exchanges about the day, hugs and jokes, we eat about 8 p.m. We share cooking; about 60-40 percent in my favour. Films on T.V. or Netflix help matters to close down. I’m normally asleep by 11 p.m. – and this is all in Nairobi!

8. What is your most memorable moment of your life as an author?

Seeing the first title in print.

Exploration can be purchased directly from Pegasus Publishers and also Amazon and Waterstones.

*Please note this title is for those aged 18 and over*