Ask the Author: Nancy Allen
Answered Questions (17)
Nancy Allen
Luke, thanks so much—that’s incredibly gratifying! I love 20th Century U.S. writers. If I had to choose 3, I’d pick Tennessee Williams, Harper Lee & John Steinbeck.
Nancy Allen
Jeannie, I’m so glad to meet a librarian who’s a fellow Mo State/SMSU bear! Delighted to hear that you and your husband enjoyed the article in COB Connection. About the writing: there are advantages to creating a series. Readers become attached to the protagonist, and the series can provide an opportunity to further develop both primary and supporting characters. OTOH, standalone novels are exciting to write, because the storyline, characters and setting are fresh and new. I like mixing it up, happy to do both!
Nancy Allen
Denielle! Thanks so much for reading the Ozarks Mystery series! Elsie Arnold is my all-time favorite character, and I’d love to write a 5th book. Right now, I’m finishing another book with James Patterson, but when I get a stretch of free time, I hope to focus on our girl Elsie!
Nancy Allen
Dolores, good morning to you! Ruby Bozarth, a young Mississippi lawyer fresh out of school, is the main character of my first legal thriller with James Patterson, entitled JUROR #3. I also have a legal thriller series set in the Ozarks, starring prosecutor Elsie Arnold. The first book in the series is THE CODE OF THE HILLS, but the books can be read in any order. I’m delighted to hear that you are checking out my other books; I think you’re going to enjoy the tales!
Nancy Allen
Rashel, my new series, Vigilantes Anonymous, is set in New York. I know, it’s a long way from the Ozarks!
But my upcoming release with James Patterson is set in Arkansas—much closer to home. :-)
But my upcoming release with James Patterson is set in Arkansas—much closer to home. :-)
Nancy Allen
Darren, I appreciate the interest—but I’m still busy working with James Patterson. We have a book coming out in 2021, and we’re currently at work on our third. :-)
Nancy Allen
I’m working on books for another series now, but I’d love to revisit Elsie someday. :)
Nancy Allen
Darren, I’m writing two books for a new series, but I’d love to revisit Elsie someday! :)
Nancy Allen
Karen, so glad to hear from a fellow Springfieldian. I'm delighted that you enjoyed Juror #3; and yes, if you liked J#3/Ruby, you'll love Elsie and the Ozarks Mystery series!
Nancy Allen
Kathy--so glad you enjoyed the book! As for more Ruby in the future? I sure hope so!
Nancy Allen
Oh yes indeed! A Killing at the Creek will come out in paperback on April 7. I'm so glad--because there are 2 camps these days, loyal e-readers & loyal paper readers, and we will accommodate both. Plus, you KNOW I want to hold that book in my two hands. It's a thrill! Thanks for asking, Jeanne!
Nancy Allen
A conversation with a friend. She was telling me about a botched weekend, and it hit me: the basis for the new book. Eureka!
Nancy Allen
I see the story visually--a picture in my head. Wish I knew what sparks the mental image. I'd bottle it, and drink a dose every day.
Nancy Allen
I'm writing my third legal thriller in the Ozarks Mystery series. The 2nd--A KILLING AT THE CREEK--will be released on 2/17/15. WooHoo! The first, THE CODE OF THE HILLS, came out in 2014. So now I'm crafting my protagonist's new adventure. Elsie Arnold is working on a new case, and it's an eye-popper.
Nancy Allen
You must be immune to discouragement! A lot of people will turn you away. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and carry on. Believe in the worth of your book.
Nancy Allen
For me, there's magic in storytelling. I come from a family of storytellers--my parents and siblings could hold me spellbound, recounting the ordinary in a special way. As a writer, I try to carry on the tradition, taking stories from the spoken tradition & putting them on the page.
Nancy Allen
My best remedy for writers block is to forge through it. Sit down and write something--anything--to get words flowing onto the page. Like priming the pump. This generally works--if I actually do it. (Sometimes I opt for the less effective method of tearing my hair and wailing.)
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