At AuthorsWiki, we are privileged to have had the opportunity to connect with Alex Pearl, a Author from United Kingdom, whose unique voice and creative spirit shine through in their latest work, One Man Down. Their book, already making waves across leading platforms, invites readers into a world shaped by imagination, experience, and purpose.
Alex Pearl is an ex-advertising copywriter turned novelist. He has written four novels, two non-fiction titles, and has contributed to three anthologies. His novels, in order of publication, are Sleeping with the Blackbirds, The Chair Man, A Brand to Die For, and One Man Down. His non-fiction works include 100 Ways to Write a Book and Random Ramblings of a Short-sighted Writer. In addition, Alex has contributed to the anthologies The Clock Struck War, The Faintest of Tickles, and Crime Songs.
In this conversation, the author opens up about the deeper motivations behind their storytelling, their personal and literary journey, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Whether you’re a fan of thoughtful writing or someone looking to understand the creative process, this interview promises valuable insight and inspiration.
AuthorsWiki : Apart from writing, what is your occupation for livelihood?
Alex Pearl : I’m retired. But I used to be an advertising copywriter in London. Over the years I worked for several different agencies – some large, some small. And I wrote press advertisements, posters, TV commercials, radio commercials, websites and Direct Marketing pieces, as well as brochures and literature. My clients spanned every form of commercial enterprise from coal and energy to soap, cars, and financial services.
AuthorsWiki : Tell us something about your first book.
Alex Pearl : My first book was an urban fantasy written for children and young adults. Entitled ‘Sleeping with the Blackbirds’, it was written while I was waiting to be made redundant by a large advertising agency I was working at that was going through a gigantic global merger. This joining of forces of two lumbering giants was described at the time as being the equivalent of the Hindenburg coming to the rescue of the Titanic. Anyway, by the time I was given my marching orders my manuscript had been completed. The book was published by PenPress and it went on to get Longlisted by the Book Viral Millennium Awards 2018 and selected by the Indie Author Project in 2019 for distribution to libraries across the US and Canada. I had officially become a novelist.
AuthorsWiki : Would you like to tell us about your published books?
Alex Pearl : My second book, which I self-published, was a a very dark thriller based on the 7/7 terrorist attack on London’s transport system. My protagonist is a fictional survivor of that atrocity who ends up in a wheelchair with survivor’s guilt and a keen thirst for retribution via the internet. The book required a huge amount of research and took around 3 years to complete. It went on to become a Finalist in the 2021 Wishing Shelf Book Awards. My next book, ‘a Brand to Die For’ was a comic murder mystery set in the London advertising world of 1983.It is in fact the first murder mystery set in a London ad agency since Dorothy L. Sayers penned ‘Murder Must advertise’ back in 1933. The sequel to ‘A Brand to Die For’ was ‘One Man Down’, which was taken up by Roundfire Books and published in 2025. I’m now writing a third in the series.
AuthorsWiki : Where did you get the inspiration for publishing books?
Alex Pearl : Self-publishing has now become a great deal easier thanks to the internet and Amazon and other platforms. It’s no longer a mysterious business governed by publishing houses and literary agents. So the advent of technology and the success of other self-publishers has been my inspiration.
AuthorsWiki : How do you manage your time to write a book?
Alex Pearl : I am retired. So I have plenty of time.
AuthorsWiki : What is your favorite writing method — the one in which you write the most?
Alex Pearl : Writing away from my own comfort zone where there are no distractions. I sometimes accompany my wife at conferences and end up parking myself in a café or quiet corner and writing on my laptop.
AuthorsWiki : When did you start writing, and how did your interest in writing begin?
Alex Pearl : I started writing professionally as an advertising copywriter back in 1980. But my interest and love of creative writing began at school when I was in my teens.
AuthorsWiki : Is there any special achievement in your life that you would like to share with us and your readers?
Alex Pearl : That’s easy. Raising with my wife, two remarkable and talented children of whom I am inordinately proud.
AuthorsWiki : Are you planning to write or publish a book in the present or future?
Alex Pearl : Yes. A sequel to my last murder mystery, and a sequel to The Chair Man. Watch this space.
AuthorsWiki : Would you like to give a message to your readers and fans?
Alex Pearl : Massive thanks for reading my books and supporting me. Without you, it wouldn’t happen.
AuthorsWiki : Every writer has their own ideal. Do you also have an ideal writer? And what are your favorite books that you always want to read?
Alex Pearl : It’s an impossible question to answer. All writers have their own inimitable way with words and spin on the world. But I do have a very soft spot for Charles Dickens. He was in many ways the father of the modern novel. He wasn’t a particularly good role model in terms of his personal life and the appaling way in which he treated his wife. But as a writer, he was pretty incredible and is up there with Shakespeare.
AuthorsWiki : Apart from writing, what are your other hobbies that you enjoy in your free time?
Alex Pearl : I like listening to music – classical and jazz. I like walking on Hampstead Heath. I like gardening. And I like painting large abstract works on glass.
AuthorsWiki : Would you like to remain in the writing world in the future as well?
Alex Pearl : Yes. Most definately. Writers are generous, very personable, and the best company.
How to Buy Author’s Book-
You can buy the author’s book from your favorite e-commerce store-
- Buy from Amazon
It was a pleasure speaking with Alex Pearl, whose journey and reflections offer a meaningful glimpse into the creative life of a writer. We sincerely thank them for sharing their time and wisdom with the AuthorsWiki community.
If you enjoyed this conversation, feel free to explore more about the author’s work through the links above, and don’t hesitate to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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