Allan is a multi-genre author who I met when I joined the Seasonal Paths anthologies, which he publishes in addition to contributing to it. He also publishes a writing blog called South Branch Scribbler, where he has kindly featured yours truly. I hope you enjoy my chat with him!
Who are your writing heroes and why? Is there a book you go back to often?
I am a huge fan of Bryce Courtenay’s novels. He started later in life to go on to write over 20 bestsellers. His success encouraged me to start writing when I realized it is never too late to start a dream. His novel, Matthew Flinders’ Cat remains one of my favourites.
What are your writing rituals or superstitions? If you have many, just give us the weirdest one.
My only ritual, if you can call it that, is I love the quiet and solitude of early mornings and that is when I am most productive.
What do you enjoy most and least about writing?
I love how a story develops from an idea and to be able to stretch it into a story. The part I enjoy the least would be the editing process. I’m not good at grammar so I am very grateful for editors.
Plotter, pantser, or combo? Do you wish you could be more one or the other?
Panster, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I tried plotting but it never went as I initially planned and the result was the outlining was a waste of time for me. I’d rather be writing.
Do you believe in the advice that you have to kill your darlings? Are you are ruthless darling assassin? Do you have a darling graveyard?
In my novel, Wall of War I did kill one of my darlings. It was pertinent to the story and needed to happen. I didn’t plan it that way as she is a character I enjoyed creating in the first book before Wall of War. It has to be done sometimes to carry the story forward but no author enjoys it.
What has surprised you most about the writing life?
The terrible people trying to take money from naïve authors online. When you finish your first story, the big question is “What now?”. Unfortunately, the internet is full of sites promising you great things if you will give them your money. I’ve heard of too many authors getting ripped off.
How do you keep your confidence up in the face of bad reviews (if you have any, of course)?
Oh yes, I’ve had some. I can’t please everyone. The first one really hurt but I got over it quickly when others told me how much they enjoyed the story. That’s what we need to remember. Even if someone gives you a bad review, there are others who will love the story. My most recent bad review came from a totally unexpected source and yes, that one stung. Not about what he said, but by who it was.
Is there a famous author (let’s say living, since the dead ones smell) you’d love to hang out with? Why?
As I mentioned above, Bryce Courtenay would be someone I’d love to have a chat with. His stories are amazing and I’d like to know what inspired them, his habits, and just to shake his hand and say thank you for the stories. Unfortunately he passed away several years ago.
Tell us a bit about your books, and which one you’d like people to start with to get to know your style.
I love all my stories but there are two which mean a lot to me. Wall of War will always be my favourite. Then one of my newest, One Bedroom Ark, which is very dear to me. I love stories of older people helping younger folks and this one started as a short story I published in my collection titled A Box of Memories.
What is your workspace like, and how does it help or hinder your writing?
I have a desk and computer in our second bedroom. I am surrounded by books, notepads, pencils and everything I need.
What are your future plans for writing? Is there a new genre you’d like to try?
I already dabble with historical fiction and action/adventure as well as short stories. I’d like to try more general fiction like One Bedroom Ark. I have the next three novels already planned for the future. One is a Vol. 3 of the Alexander series. The next is an Action/Adventure with two of my characters from previous books who join to fight crime. I want to get better at writing humor, so the third is my stab at that about three retirees with lots of cash and nothing to do so they decide to open a restaurant serving breakfast only and the profits go to the homeless to be fed and housed. It also is based on a short story from A Box of Memories.
More about Allan
I live in Dieppe, New Brunswick, Canada, with my wife Gloria. I began writing in my mid-50s with no intention of stopping. Happily retired, I spend most mornings working on my stories and publishing the Scribbler. The rest of my days are spent with book-related projects, time with family, and on other important issues such as napping and taking life easy.
Website: www.southbranchscribblr.com