We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alexander McCarty. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alexander below.
Hi Alexander, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I was in seventh grade middle school when I found my calling. I often finished assignments early and there was also days that we just had free time. Being an introvert, I decided to make use of that time and started my first story in composition note books. I would keep going until I had all two-hundred pages filled and then excitedly move on to the next book in the series.
As for what type of story I wrote about, well I got into anime in early middle school too. I loved many aspects (like the action, quirky characters, and the wide scope of shounen anime) but there were other aspects I found too predictable. So I decided to create my own massive story that would polish the formula and evolve it to the next level. My dual religious upbringing (both Christian and Hindu) brought me great fascination with the mysteries of the afterlife. When I wrote Of The Exps, I was creating a world to explore the potential of the afterlife and the spiritual significance of life in general. This along with my love of animals (was ovo-lactarian at the age of 5 and have been living vegan now for ten years) brought me a different perspective than most manga writers (who often see the world through an anthropocentric lens).
I started a story that was truly special and unique. Of The Exps will always be my life’s-work. I have dedicated over a decade into it. There is nothing I love more than journeying into this world and exploring it through the lens of my hundred plus cast of characters!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I write fun and thought-provoking stories, whether as novels or manga. I’m a writer who is also a passionate vegan advocate, always happy to help those who seek it. My sibling is an artist, editor and chief character designer. They are always happy to help brainstorm new characters or look over potential story routes with me. We became vegan the same day and have been close since we were kids.
My goal with writing is to open minds. I have a fresh perspective on the world because I don’t see it as existing for humans. It’s the home of animals of all shapes and sizes. My vegan worldview, along with my religious studies focus throughout my life, including my degree path in college, gives my story a unique perspective to it that no other author has.
As a writer, I try to avoid tropes, often subverting them or experimenting with them in unique ways. Destiny in my story is often used as a tool to manipulate the chosen one, rather than a plot device to pander to the audience. I do my best to avoid pandering. When choosing abilities for my characters, I like to think outside the box and connect it to their psychology.
Sphere of Compassion is the company my sibling and I built to share these stories with the world, hoping to open more hearts and minds to veganism and to being more open-minded in general. We truly want a better life for all.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
You have to LOVE writing! If writing isn’t your favorite way to spend time, then you probably aren’t a writer. It’s a creative skill that takes hours of prep work, editing and countless more hours of bringing those ideas to life. If you are having trouble keeping a good schedule, set a phone alarm, early mornings are best times but it can be whenever. Dedicate at least an hour each day to writing or planning and you’ll soon find yourself lost in the pages.
A story without a plan goes nowhere! I highly recommend outlining. I have done very few complete rewrites because I take my time and outline each chapter. When I get to a new section of the story, I plan out the entire path so I know where I’m going. I oftentimes use chapter names (or page names when I wrote in composition notebooks) as a guide to where the story will lead. Always keep something to take notes with on your person so you can write down any ideas that come to you.
Don’t buy into myths that hinder the creative process. Writer’s block isn’t a real thing. If you get stuck in a story, you simply need to weigh your options. Reread the previous chapter and then keep writing from there. The ideas will flow naturally if you just look back on what has been written. Have confidence in yourself, or even go for a walk while brainstorming the next step in your story.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
As a manga writer, I have been blessed with many incredible artists to work with! The most important thing is to respect them. I don’t set deadlines, although I do set priorities, as in the order I want the assignments tackled in. I like to give the artists freedom and definitely do not want them overworking themselves. I’ve often found that my best artists are self-motivating and fun to chat with too! It’s also super important to find the right artist for the job. One who has the right style and shares your passion for the story!
I want an artist who listens to instructions, but I always encourage them to try out their own ideas too. Sometimes it may not work, but oftentimes their ideas elevate the story and characters. A writer shouldn’t view the artist as a vehicle to get the goal of visualizing their story, but instead as a partner who is creating the story alongside them!
Most important of all, especially for long term projects, is mutual respect and support. I want anyone who works with me to feel listened to and appreciated.
Contact Info:
- Website: sphereofcompassion.com
- Instagram: linktr.ee/sphereofcompassion/
- Facebook: linktr.ee/sphereofcompassion/
- Twitter: linktr.ee/sphereofcompassion/
- Other: linktr.ee/sphereofcompassion/ has all my links
Image Credits
Gabriel McCarty, Kapumax Omega, Cesar escobar, Aisa Ha, Jessie Patchelly, White Namikaze,
