An interview with IBOR entrant Alex Arch

In this series of interviews we speak to the entrants of this year’s inaugral IBOR contest.

Author name: Alex Arch

Book entered: The Source of Strife

Sale link to book: https://a.co/d/hsRGoYz

If you were telling a fellow fantasy reader about your book over a drink, how would you describe it?

I would say it’s as if John Wick, Red Dead Redemption, and Mistborn had a baby. It’s got magical guns, a unique magic system, and an epic fantasy feel overall. The story doesn’t follow conventions. It’s about two people overcoming their pasts against all odds while forging an unexpected friendship.

What made you decide to enter IBOR, and what are you hoping this competition gives your book?

After being cut at the lottery phase in SPFBO, I was a bit let down by the luck aspect of it all and saw Corey’s post about it. I thought it was such a great idea, one I’m sure many people wanted. He acted on it and I plunged head first. I’m really just hoping people find my book and read it! If I can get a few reviews in the process, it’ll be awesome!

Who do you think your book is really for?
Adult readers who love losing themselves in a new unique world. Those who want something different in terms of story structure, characters, and tropes. If you want a story that explores mature themes where every parcel of the world is thought-out and means something, then this is for you!

What do you think your book does best?

It’s hard to chose just one! I would say, for me, it’s the characters. I work really hard to create believable characters and make them grow through hardships and tribulations. But I’ve also been complimented on my magic system!

What kind of experience are you trying to give the reader?

Usually my goal is to leave my readers asking questions about a deeper meaning. For The Source of Strife though, my wish is that they feel hopeful about the future, that no matter how dark things get, there’s something better awaiting them. I hope they can see how important they are.

 Are there any fantasy books that feel like a good ‘neighbour’ for yours on a shelf?

I think it’s a mixed bag. I would say it has the complex magic system of Mistborn, a friendship like Ciri ans Geralt from the Witcher, and a world like The Dark Tower.

 Has the book changed since it was first released?

Not yet! But then again, it’s pretty new!

 Is this a standalone or part of something bigger?
I’ve made sure this book can be a contained story, but there’s a few loose ends that will be explored in subsequent books. It is currently planned as a trilogy.

 What’s a piece of feedback you’ve had that made you stop and think, “Yeah, that’s fair”?

Some beta readers thought my magic system was a bit too complex and wanted a visual help at the beginning of the book. I added it and agree it helps to see it organized in a diagram. That way you can see it's much simpler than it seems.

Where do you find your inspiration?

I can find it everywhere, really. Sometimes it’s in media like songs, shows, books, etc… But most of the time I write to process my own thoughts and feelings , so I find inspiration in my chaos!

 Are you working on anything currently?

Yes! Along the ideas that I write in ever-growing documents, I’m working on a Middle Grade fantasy and the sequel to The Source of Strife.

 Why do you think IBOR is the right place for this book?

SPFBO is the first competition it could enter since its release and it got cut in the lottery. It's an epic fantasy, it’s indie, and it needs more readers. From the magic system that influences every part of the world to the tourmented characters, it’s got a lot of things to like and I think those who want to read a story unlike anything that’s out there will love it!