Lee Allen's Blog - Posts Tagged "alone"
Bookstagram Author Interview
1. What does literary success look like to you?
It's something I've often considered - as I'm not sure what the measurement should be. Should it simply be by number of books published? Critical acclaim or commercial success? Topping a bestseller list or being able to stay at the top? Maybe it's longevity and building a body of work, one that becomes a legacy. I'm not sure of the answer, but then that's looking at it from the outside.
For me personally, success is simply for a reader to enjoy my work. For just one reader to have said they love my book, then all of that hard work has paid off. It turns my personal achievement into a success.
2. What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?
I usually research the next book's themes in detail before I start, while I then continue to research throughout writing, finally often double-checking details during redrafting. A lot of that research may have no direct impact on the plot or characters, or some research may only influence a small section - perhaps just a sentence. But I think context and authenticity are both very important to a story. Plus it gives me an excuse to order another pile of books for my non-fiction and reference library!
3. If you didn’t write, what would you do for work?
Well, writing isn't actually my day job. I currently work as a project manager and have done various planning and administrative based jobs. I work on my books around my day job.
Back when I was in school, I was planning to study and train to become a psychologist, specifically a forensic psychologist. I think if I wasn't on the writing path, I'd be working within a forensic or legal role.
4. How do you select the names of your characters?
Sometimes they come immediately when I think of a character; sometimes their name doesn't come until I begin to physically write the story. Perhaps I'll try out a few name ideas while I'm plotting to see whether it fits or not. Some of my main characters originally had different names, but they didn't feel right, so I thought about different names until I found the right one. Maybe it's a bit like naming your children. You think about a lot of names and maybe have a few preferences, or even think you've picked one - but when you finally meet them, you just know which name is for them.
5. What was your hardest scene to write?
It's an interesting question, but I'd have to say I haven't really found any scenes difficult to write. When I'm writing, I'm in the moment and in the heads of the characters driving those scenes.
The difficulty may come when you read the scenes afterwards. I remember when I read back a particularly violent scene towards the end of my first novel, 'Those Crimes of Passion', which was uncomfortable to visualise. There's also a traumatic memory that comes to the surface in my novella 'Alone' that comes to mind.
However, I find hard scenes very positive. I want to get them right, which brings with it challenges. If they might be difficult to read back, it suggests I've achieved it. Some things should always be difficult to write or to read - I think the danger is in us becoming too desensitised.
6. What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?
I'm not sure I can point to a particular experience, but from an early age stories had a profound effect on me. I have loved books and reading for as long as I can remember. I've known I wanted to write from a very young age. Perhaps it's the power of stories rather than language that first influenced me.
I think an appreciation of the power of language is something you develop across a period of years - the ability it has to tell those stories, and has had for millennia. No matter the specific language - be that cravings on cave walls all the way through to our plethora of modern languages - it has been a medium to communicate those stories in a way that people understand, empathise with and relate to. Everything and everyone is a story - I think that's where the power lies and is the reason we will always be in love with them.
7. Do you try more to be original or to deliver what readers want?
I think most writers, or artists in general, probably strive to achieve both simultaneously. If you consider any piece of work that's considered someone's masterpiece, it's been original, compelling and popular.
However, when I'm working on a book, I don't allow either to drive me. I get lost in the story and my characters and try to tell it in the best way I can. I expect if you were to worry too much about delivering something original or how many glowing reviews you might get or striving to write a bestseller, it's not going to work.
The story and characters come first and, when it comes to the later stages and finally releasing it, you hope it's the best piece of work you could have produced at that time. It's the readers who will decide how it's received.
Interviewed by A Limitless Reader - see the post on Instagram.
Order Bitten from Amazon, Lulu.com, and Barnes & Noble.
View all my reviews
Visit me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Follow me on Instagram
It's something I've often considered - as I'm not sure what the measurement should be. Should it simply be by number of books published? Critical acclaim or commercial success? Topping a bestseller list or being able to stay at the top? Maybe it's longevity and building a body of work, one that becomes a legacy. I'm not sure of the answer, but then that's looking at it from the outside.
For me personally, success is simply for a reader to enjoy my work. For just one reader to have said they love my book, then all of that hard work has paid off. It turns my personal achievement into a success.
2. What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?
I usually research the next book's themes in detail before I start, while I then continue to research throughout writing, finally often double-checking details during redrafting. A lot of that research may have no direct impact on the plot or characters, or some research may only influence a small section - perhaps just a sentence. But I think context and authenticity are both very important to a story. Plus it gives me an excuse to order another pile of books for my non-fiction and reference library!
3. If you didn’t write, what would you do for work?
Well, writing isn't actually my day job. I currently work as a project manager and have done various planning and administrative based jobs. I work on my books around my day job.
Back when I was in school, I was planning to study and train to become a psychologist, specifically a forensic psychologist. I think if I wasn't on the writing path, I'd be working within a forensic or legal role.
4. How do you select the names of your characters?
Sometimes they come immediately when I think of a character; sometimes their name doesn't come until I begin to physically write the story. Perhaps I'll try out a few name ideas while I'm plotting to see whether it fits or not. Some of my main characters originally had different names, but they didn't feel right, so I thought about different names until I found the right one. Maybe it's a bit like naming your children. You think about a lot of names and maybe have a few preferences, or even think you've picked one - but when you finally meet them, you just know which name is for them.
5. What was your hardest scene to write?
It's an interesting question, but I'd have to say I haven't really found any scenes difficult to write. When I'm writing, I'm in the moment and in the heads of the characters driving those scenes.
The difficulty may come when you read the scenes afterwards. I remember when I read back a particularly violent scene towards the end of my first novel, 'Those Crimes of Passion', which was uncomfortable to visualise. There's also a traumatic memory that comes to the surface in my novella 'Alone' that comes to mind.
However, I find hard scenes very positive. I want to get them right, which brings with it challenges. If they might be difficult to read back, it suggests I've achieved it. Some things should always be difficult to write or to read - I think the danger is in us becoming too desensitised.
6. What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?
I'm not sure I can point to a particular experience, but from an early age stories had a profound effect on me. I have loved books and reading for as long as I can remember. I've known I wanted to write from a very young age. Perhaps it's the power of stories rather than language that first influenced me.
I think an appreciation of the power of language is something you develop across a period of years - the ability it has to tell those stories, and has had for millennia. No matter the specific language - be that cravings on cave walls all the way through to our plethora of modern languages - it has been a medium to communicate those stories in a way that people understand, empathise with and relate to. Everything and everyone is a story - I think that's where the power lies and is the reason we will always be in love with them.
7. Do you try more to be original or to deliver what readers want?
I think most writers, or artists in general, probably strive to achieve both simultaneously. If you consider any piece of work that's considered someone's masterpiece, it's been original, compelling and popular.
However, when I'm working on a book, I don't allow either to drive me. I get lost in the story and my characters and try to tell it in the best way I can. I expect if you were to worry too much about delivering something original or how many glowing reviews you might get or striving to write a bestseller, it's not going to work.
The story and characters come first and, when it comes to the later stages and finally releasing it, you hope it's the best piece of work you could have produced at that time. It's the readers who will decide how it's received.
Interviewed by A Limitless Reader - see the post on Instagram.
Order Bitten from Amazon, Lulu.com, and Barnes & Noble.
View all my reviews
Visit me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Follow me on Instagram
Whispers from the Dead of Night - The Deluxe Collection
My omnibus/ebook boxset is almost ready for release!
This edition of collected tales of mystery and the supernatural will be available in ebook, paperback and hardcover. I'm currently reviewing the formatting for all three formats while the final touches are being made to the full-wrap cover, which looks incredible and I cannot wait to share with you.
If you have yet to read any of my work or have thus far read a handful of stories, this will be a great way to get a bumper collection at a bargain price! For those that prefer to read a physical format (just like me), the paperback will also have the benefit of being the cheapest and most environmentally friendly way to get hold of these stories in print, while the hardcover will be available for those who enjoy a little luxury to their books!
Look out for this very special cover reveal over on Instagram on Sunday, 19th December.
The ebook edition will be available to download from Monday, 27th December. Paperback and hardcover editions will follow shortly.
Are you sitting comfortably, the fire crackling, a mug of cocoa in hand? Then let us begin…
A journey through fog and darkness, destination unknown…
A sexual obsession spiralling out of control…
A forbidden love…
A killer who preys on the lonely…
An investigation into a haunted monastery…
A visitation on Christmas Eve with diabolical intentions…
A night-time escape through the forest…
This deluxe edition of "Whispers from the Dead of Night" also includes novellas "Alone" and "The Jack O’Lantern Men", novel "Bitten" and brand new short story "Will o’ the Wisp".
Alone
The past refuses to stay buried when Jessica accepts an invitation to spend Christmas with an old flame and finds herself stranded by a snowstorm…
The Jack O'Lantern Men
A father and daughter recount their experiences with the demonic entities known as the Jack O’Lantern Men…
Bitten
PC Holleigh Ryder faces the most challenging case of her career in the hunt for a vampiric serial killer…
Will o' the Wisp
Coming to the aid of a young woman, a young man finds himself seeking answers to questions that may be safer left unanswered…
Pre-order the ebook boxset 'Whispers from the Dead of Night - The Deluxe Collection' from Amazon now! That's four books plus a bonus short story for just £7.77!
Visit me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Follow me on Instagram
This edition of collected tales of mystery and the supernatural will be available in ebook, paperback and hardcover. I'm currently reviewing the formatting for all three formats while the final touches are being made to the full-wrap cover, which looks incredible and I cannot wait to share with you.
If you have yet to read any of my work or have thus far read a handful of stories, this will be a great way to get a bumper collection at a bargain price! For those that prefer to read a physical format (just like me), the paperback will also have the benefit of being the cheapest and most environmentally friendly way to get hold of these stories in print, while the hardcover will be available for those who enjoy a little luxury to their books!
Look out for this very special cover reveal over on Instagram on Sunday, 19th December.
The ebook edition will be available to download from Monday, 27th December. Paperback and hardcover editions will follow shortly.
Are you sitting comfortably, the fire crackling, a mug of cocoa in hand? Then let us begin…
A journey through fog and darkness, destination unknown…
A sexual obsession spiralling out of control…
A forbidden love…
A killer who preys on the lonely…
An investigation into a haunted monastery…
A visitation on Christmas Eve with diabolical intentions…
A night-time escape through the forest…
This deluxe edition of "Whispers from the Dead of Night" also includes novellas "Alone" and "The Jack O’Lantern Men", novel "Bitten" and brand new short story "Will o’ the Wisp".
Alone
The past refuses to stay buried when Jessica accepts an invitation to spend Christmas with an old flame and finds herself stranded by a snowstorm…
The Jack O'Lantern Men
A father and daughter recount their experiences with the demonic entities known as the Jack O’Lantern Men…
Bitten
PC Holleigh Ryder faces the most challenging case of her career in the hunt for a vampiric serial killer…
Will o' the Wisp
Coming to the aid of a young woman, a young man finds himself seeking answers to questions that may be safer left unanswered…
Pre-order the ebook boxset 'Whispers from the Dead of Night - The Deluxe Collection' from Amazon now! That's four books plus a bonus short story for just £7.77!
Visit me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Follow me on Instagram
Whispers from the Dead of Night - The Deluxe Collection
FOREWORD
Are you sitting comfortably, the fire crackling, a mug of cocoa in hand? Then let us begin…
It gives me great pleasure to introduce this deluxe collection of all my supernatural stories to date. Ever since I was a child, I have adored omnibuses, collections and boxsets. What could possibly be better than not just one book, but multiple books collected in one special edition or packaging? Amongst my prized possessions are included many such collections of works of some of my favourite authors. Long have I dreamt of presenting my own collected works, to celebrate having achieved a dream.
"Whispers from the Dead of Night" was originally conceived as such a collection – to collect three seasonal supernatural novellas along with three or four bonus short stories. But both "Whispers from the Dead of Night" and "Bitten" expanded as I worked on them, the former into an independent seven story collection and the latter into a full-length novel.
Yet, still I pondered releasing an omnibus edition featuring all four books. "Whispers from the Dead of Night – The Deluxe Collection" is the result, including novellas "Alone" and "The Jack O’Lantern Men" and novel "Bitten" alongside the original seven short stories and brand new short story "Will o’ the Wisp".
The journey to this collection from the original conception of "Alone" has been a long one; one I could not have achieved without the unending support of my readers. Your feedback consistently keeps me going. Special mention must go to my family and friends – amongst you, my first readers and those that provided me with my first feedback across all eleven of these stories. Thank you too to my cover designers for the fantastic work on all eight covers ("A Deathly Shade of Pale" and ‘"Twas the Night Before Christmas" having also been released separately digitally).
For those of you who have read some or all of these stories before, I hope you enjoy once again coming on this journey with me. For anyone who has found this collection anew, I hope you enjoy this bumper selection.
Thank you. I appreciate each and every one of you. This is for you.
___
A journey through fog and darkness, destination unknown…
A sexual obsession spiralling out of control…
A forbidden love…
A killer who preys on the lonely…
An investigation into a haunted monastery…
A visitation on Christmas Eve with diabolical intentions…
A night-time escape through the forest…
The past refuses to stay buried when Jessica accepts an invitation to spend Christmas with an old flame and finds herself stranded by a snowstorm…
A father and daughter recount their experiences with the demonic entities known as the Jack O’Lantern Men…
Coming to the aid of a young woman, a young man finds himself seeking answers to questions that may be safer left unanswered…
PC Holleigh Ryder faces the most challenging case of her career in the hunt for a vampiric serial killer…
___
Whispers from the Dead of Night - The Deluxe Collection is available to download for Kindle, Kobo and NOOK, and from Google Play now!
Paperback and hardcover editions are also available to order from Lulu.com.
Visit me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Follow me on Instagram
Are you sitting comfortably, the fire crackling, a mug of cocoa in hand? Then let us begin…
It gives me great pleasure to introduce this deluxe collection of all my supernatural stories to date. Ever since I was a child, I have adored omnibuses, collections and boxsets. What could possibly be better than not just one book, but multiple books collected in one special edition or packaging? Amongst my prized possessions are included many such collections of works of some of my favourite authors. Long have I dreamt of presenting my own collected works, to celebrate having achieved a dream.
"Whispers from the Dead of Night" was originally conceived as such a collection – to collect three seasonal supernatural novellas along with three or four bonus short stories. But both "Whispers from the Dead of Night" and "Bitten" expanded as I worked on them, the former into an independent seven story collection and the latter into a full-length novel.
Yet, still I pondered releasing an omnibus edition featuring all four books. "Whispers from the Dead of Night – The Deluxe Collection" is the result, including novellas "Alone" and "The Jack O’Lantern Men" and novel "Bitten" alongside the original seven short stories and brand new short story "Will o’ the Wisp".
The journey to this collection from the original conception of "Alone" has been a long one; one I could not have achieved without the unending support of my readers. Your feedback consistently keeps me going. Special mention must go to my family and friends – amongst you, my first readers and those that provided me with my first feedback across all eleven of these stories. Thank you too to my cover designers for the fantastic work on all eight covers ("A Deathly Shade of Pale" and ‘"Twas the Night Before Christmas" having also been released separately digitally).
For those of you who have read some or all of these stories before, I hope you enjoy once again coming on this journey with me. For anyone who has found this collection anew, I hope you enjoy this bumper selection.
Thank you. I appreciate each and every one of you. This is for you.
___
A journey through fog and darkness, destination unknown…
A sexual obsession spiralling out of control…
A forbidden love…
A killer who preys on the lonely…
An investigation into a haunted monastery…
A visitation on Christmas Eve with diabolical intentions…
A night-time escape through the forest…
The past refuses to stay buried when Jessica accepts an invitation to spend Christmas with an old flame and finds herself stranded by a snowstorm…
A father and daughter recount their experiences with the demonic entities known as the Jack O’Lantern Men…
Coming to the aid of a young woman, a young man finds himself seeking answers to questions that may be safer left unanswered…
PC Holleigh Ryder faces the most challenging case of her career in the hunt for a vampiric serial killer…
___
Whispers from the Dead of Night - The Deluxe Collection is available to download for Kindle, Kobo and NOOK, and from Google Play now!
Paperback and hardcover editions are also available to order from Lulu.com.
Visit me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Follow me on Instagram
