Alexia Evans - One of the Youngest Authors in the World

Posted on 24th of August, 2020 by Admin

Lexi comes from a biracial and multi-cultural background, a fusion of western African influences and Central European values. Growing up in these rich cultures so diverse yet so similar, she was introduced to a world of tales and folklore from a very tender age, which helped her developed a keen sense for adventure and storytelling. She wrote her first book (not published) when she was 3 years old a short illustration with words, titled “how a butterfly found its way home” she has since written 5 books to date. Lexi was born in 2010, which makes her one of the youngest writers in Slovakia and in the world. She has a passion for animals, nature, fashion, photography, music, yoga, and dancing. Using her own words “I love doing a lot of things but when I sit down to write, I just let it go and the words flow all around me like I am part of the story I am writing”. Since Lexi is bilingual, she writes her books in English and Slovak language. Lexi lives in Bratislava with her parents. As our Author of the Day, Alexia tells us all about her latest book, Planet Subila.

Please tell us what Planet Subila is about.

Book Planet Subila is about 3 friends, their exciting space travel and they find a new friend beyond imagination.

Why did you write this book - where did the idea for the story come from?

I wrote this book during Covid-19 pandemic time. I used my free time to write a story for kids that are locked down like me, to cheer them up and inspire them to read.

Tell us more about Rose, Mia and Max. What makes them so special?

What is special is their friendship, curiosity and desire for adventure. They are not afraid to discover the unknown and to meet new friends. There will be more of their adventures coming…

Have you always known you wanted to be a writer?

I have many dreams and hobbies. Since I was a child I love to listen to stories and to create them. I also love to read books. I did not only want to become a writer but also a vet or botanist… I wish to do what will bring me joy and make me happy. Writing makes me happy.

What was the first character you have ever created?

It was a butterfly. I drew the whole story myself when I was 3 years old and my family helped me put it into words.

Besides writing, what other secret skills do you have?

I am good with technical stuff -especially cell phones. My family says I have unlimited energy and I can never stop playing games. I also like drawing, making crazy types of slime and I trained my dog to play hide and seek.

What was the hardest part of writing a book?

To keep writing, even when you don’t feel like it…and sometimes sitting down and focusing on writing.

Tell us more about the book cover and how it came about.

I was the one, who selected my illustrator. I like his work so much; his illustrations are colorful and playful. The cover page is important, and I wanted mine to be catchy and show kids what story is hidden inside. We discussed the cover page a few times with my family too and here it is. Having the main characters in space on the front cover and on the back the secret friend.

Why did you pick an ocean as a way to get to a mystery planet?

I love the sea. There is a lot going on under the sea we do not yet know about. Its deep and dark, yet full of life and different creatures. A lot to explore. Who knows of all the mysteries down there?

What is your favorite line from the book, and why?

“As Rose stared at Max, he looked like a bundle of jelly, flopping his hands in the air.” I like tis line because it is fun, exciting and crazy. I wish to experience that too.

If you could meet any famous person, who would it be and what would you ask them?

For sure it will be Axel Munthe, my favorite author. My grandpa used to read his books to me. My favorite is The Story of San Michele. I also visited the house of Munthe on Capri island in Italy. His villa was built on the ruins of a Roman Emperor´s villa. I am not sure, what I will ask him, but it will be great to just chat with him, mainly about his love for animals.

The other person I would love to meet is Billie Eilish. I would ask her to sing my favorite song to me.

Do you have any interesting writing habits? What is an average writing day like for you?

I like writing with my door closed, revising my text several times. What is important is putting away my cell phone while writing. I start my writing day with a goal, how many minutes I am going to write, and I will try to accomplish it. The ideal time to do my writing is in the morning, when I am fresh.

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