Introducing… Alexia Andriamandroso
Today’s MAWFYP author is Alexia Andriamandroso.
Passionate about books and children, Alexia has a bachelor’s degree in Education Sciences, and a master’s degree in Writing for Young People. She moves around a lot, and draws her inspiration from the people and cultures she encounters – her heartfelt poems and stories are her way to remember them. Like a shot in the dark that bloomed into dawn, Alexia once said during an English presentation in high school: ‘If I ever have the courage, I’ll become a writer.’
What is your writing routine?
Unfortunately, I’m not as disciplined as I wish to be; I often need pressure to get the work done (e.g. deadlines). So when I do, this is what a day of writing looks like for me: a shower, a cute outfit, a good breakfast, a prayer for inspiration and focus, and a word count goal — usually 500. Since I resonate well with external motivation, I like to have something to look forward to when I reach a milestone, and by something, I really mean a sushi date with my partner when I’m finally satisfied with a scene that was painful to write!
Who is your favourite author and how have they inspired you?
I don’t have a favourite author per se, but I’ve always been drawn to heartbreaking stories — books that are heavy with sorrow, grief, and the loss of and/or quest for a sense of self. I used to love the classical French plays they made us read at school, especially tragedies (e.g. Phèdre by Jean Racine). I think my writing reflects my tastes: I tend to tackle pretty difficult topics, though I wrap them in comforting moments of light, hope and love.
What was the inspiration for your manuscript?
Wherever is inspired by my own lived experience and the story takes place in cities I’ve actually lived in. I came up with it for the MA and it took me some time to find a theme and a plot, but then it just made sense to write about what I know: growing up as a diaspora kid, with its joys and struggles. Making it a verse novel was the obvious choice when I discovered the genre through Dean Atta’s Black Flamingo, which I loved so much.
Who is your favourite character in your book?
My favourite character has got to be Fitia, my protagonist’s second love interest. She randomly appeared to me one day and has truly pushed the plot forward ever since. I secretly think of her as the backbone of my book because she helps me keep the story from falling apart. Of course, I’m also a sucker for some complicated romance!
What inspires you first: character or plot?
My writing is very character driven, possibly because that’s what I prefer to read. I spend a lot of time figuring out who my characters are and that’s what will explain the choices they make for me. It can be difficult though: I barely see the biggest picture while I’m writing and sometimes find myself face to face with a blank page wondering ‘now what?’. At the end of the day, it’s all just fun and games… and lots of tears.
Describe your perfect day.
It’s Saturday and it’s hot outside. I wake up early enough to complete a workout before a quick road trip to the beach with my family; we’re singing old R&B songs as the sea appears on the horizon. I order a seafood platter and a mocktail for lunch. I enjoy the water for an hour or two. I spend the rest of the afternoon tanning and reading a good book. When we head back to the city, my mind is filled with ideas, and my heart, with joy.