Newtown Literary contributor: Alex Segura

Writer Alex Segura’s work was featured in issue #10 of Newtown Literary. We interviewed him about his writing, and his answers are below. For more of Alex’s work, check out his website, or follow him on twitter. What is your relationship to Queens?

I live in Kew Gardens - have for the last six years. Before that, when I first moved to NY from Miami (my hometown), I lived in Woodhaven. So, the bulk of my time in New York, in terms of where I call home, has been Queens.

What is your favorite memory of Queens?

Oh, too many to list, I think. In terms of the literary scene, it's been at events that have brought writers together - like Noir at the Bar Queens, a reading series we launched in Kew Gardens a few years back that continues to this day. Or events like the LIC Reading Series or Queens Lit Fest or the new Queens Book Festival, where we had a strong crime fiction track of programming this year. I also value events at the wonderful Astoria Bookshop. Personally, Queens is my home and it's all about the little things, like taking a walk with my wife and son or just enjoying the community.

How would you describe the writing you do?

I write a mystery series set in my hometown of Miami, starring a former journalist named Pete Fernandez and his sometimes partner, Kathy Bentley.

How did you come to writing?

I've always been a voracious reader and wanted to tell stories. In terms of mystery writing, it started when I moved to NY and was inspired by the work of a handful of modern mystery writers. Their stories involved flawed protagonists and were very strong in terms of location and setting, so that inspired me to take a stab at writing my own series.

What inspires you?

People. Their stories. Personal experiences and how they relate to the wider world.

What does it mean to be a writer in Queens?

Queens has to fight a bit more for attention, I think. Which I like. I like being the underdog. I think once you look more closely, you'll realize Queens has a vibrant, growing literary scene.

What writing project(s) are you currently working on?

I'm finishing up my fourth Pete Fernandez Mystery, Miami Relics, and working on some comic book writing for Archie Comics. And, finally, my favorite question: What should I be asking you that I didn't?

I always like to talk about what I'm reading! I'll take a minute to plug some great Queens crime/mystery writers: Megan Abbott, Lyndsay Faye, and Radha Vatsal. They're supremely talented. Get all their books, yeah?

Thanks, Alex!