A Conversation with Author Brook Allen

Today in the Library we have ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Brook Allen, who has dropped in to say hello and to share some insights into her life as an author.

You are very welcome, Brook, please introduce yourself:

[image error] Brook Allen

Hi, Pam! Thanks for hosting me. I am a writer of historical fiction and particularly love ancient history. That said, I read historical fiction from all periods and sub-genres. My husband and I live in rural Virginia in the Blue Ridge Mountains and are parents to two extremely well-read and well-heeled Labrador Retrievers who answer to the names Jak & Ali. I recently completed the Antonius Trilogy, three books telling the life story of Roman statesman and general, Marc Antony. It was a fantastic experience, traveling and following his footsteps in Italy, Greece, Egypt, and Turkey. And my first book in the trilogy (Antonius: Son of Rome) won an international award recently; a silver medal in the Reader’s Favorite Book Reviewer Awards for 2020.

Which genre do you write in and what draws you to it?

Historical Fiction is my genre of choice. It offers such fascinating research and travel opportunities. My next project is American History, right here in my home county, and I’m just as excited to dig into this research as I was when I was in Alexandria, Egypt—Cleopatra’s capital city—taking notes. Historical fiction is so full of intrigue and adventure. Truly, when it’s written well, there is NOTHING boring about history!

Are you an avid reader? Do you prefer books in your own genre or are you happy to explore others?

Now that I’m an author, yes—I read all the time. And typically, I stick to my genre, but occasionally I sin and try something new.