We caught up with the brilliant and insightful A.N.PORTER a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, A.N.PORTER thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

I once lived in a North London apartment, and one night I had a strange encounter. I awoke in the middle of the night to turn over. I opened my eyes briefly and saw two little girls sitting at my desk drawing and playing a board game. I was terrified! I covered my head and could barely breathe under the covers. I looked up again to ensure I was not dreaming… However, they were still there… This was the inspirational starting point for my work of fiction, my debut novel Phantom Wedding.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

After graduating from university I worked in London in the entertainment industry in various roles, such as Music PR, PA to a celebrity, and as a performer.

My debut novel “Phantom Wedding is a socio-political psychological thriller / socio-political horror. It encapsulates political and social themes of racism, colorism, capitalism, class, status and power, socialism, religion, and new age ideas and practices, it also explores the theme of the ‘Power of celebrity’ and pop culture as a construct and the influence that ‘celebrity’ has on individuals and of course, it embodies of all this within the world of the supernatural.”
My debut novel has various reviews:
‘A modern urban chilly novel that will have you laughing and jittery simultaneously… one thing is for certain… you will not want to put this book down…’
‘It is a fresh modern voice which takes the reader on a synchronous rollercoaster journey of stomach-churning laughter and fear.’
“Patsy, a twenty-nine-year-old graduate working in music PR, was elated to receive the keys to her new North London flat. After all, acquiring a flat in the capital these days was like gold dust – so she couldn’t have been more pleased. But she soon realises that this is no ordinary flat. She gets an eerie feeling, accompanied by strange sightings and unsettling noises. It quickly becomes apparent that there is something or someone else occupying the same space. She is not alone… Her world is soon turned upside down when strange unexplainable events unfold. What or who is determined to make their presence known? Patsy has hopes and dreams of getting married and starting a family with her fiancé Ben, but she quickly realises, that she may just get more than she’d bargained for… “

Various themes exist within the book which are not normally found in horror. For example., Elements of colorism and racism, which Patsy herself at times has experienced. The book also explores the theme of the ‘Power of celebrity’ highlighting people’s attitudes towards the pop star Tia Sash.

Phantom Wedding is available in Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, and all good bookshops and libraries
Also available from my website: www.alison-naomi.com
Instagram @alison-naomi1
https://www.instagram.com/alison.naomi1?igsh=czJlZnVkcWhnMGp4&utm_source=qr

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Writing the novel has been rewarding. To see the joy and excitement from readers has taken me by surprise! I had previously been used to writing Press Releases for pop stars, bands, and public figures whilst running my media consultancy. However, writing a novel caused me to dig deep and let my creative imagination embark on a journey of storytelling. I hope readers continue to enjoy reading the novel and wait in anticipation for the sequel!

Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

n/a

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alison-naomi.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alison.naomi1?igsh=czJlZnVkcWhnMGp4&utm_source=qr
• Twitter: https://www.x.com/alison_naomi
• Other: Tik Tok: @anporter

Image Credits

Darren Oderinde
Natalia Tomash