It’s the first Wednesday of the month, so you know that means it’s time for a special #WCW – Author Edition.
Every month I sit down with a fellow author and get to pick their mind on all things writing. We also throw a little fun in the chat because I’m random like that lol.
I’m really excited to share this month’s chat. I got to talk with Danielle Allen and I’m so excited to share our conversation.
In an industry where you can find exclusivity, I’ve come to see her as a QUEEN who not only writes amazing books but jumps at the chance to support other writers and share the shine. She’s quick with the humorous posts and even quicker with the motivational posts and quotes. Danielle is a literal gem of a person and her reader’s group is always the best kind of fun.
Let’s chat…
Thanks for taking the time to chat today, Danielle!
Let’s talk all about your writing style first…
How do you handle writer’s block?
Danielle Allen: If I’m blocked, it’s usually because I have too many things going on. Typically I will take a day to decompress. I will use the time to rest and recharge or I will use music or other forms of entertainment to stimulate and inspire me. But if I’m ever blocked, I know it’s a sign that I need to breathe.
What comes first, the plot or characters?
DA: The message that I want to convey comes first so depending on the message, sometimes it’s the character and sometimes it’s the plot.
Where is your favorite place to write?
DA: My favorite place to write is in bed! I’m probably the least productive when I write in bed but it’s still my favorite
Do you prefer writing in silence or to music?
DA: I love writing to music! I create whole playlists based off the story lines.
How do you come up with the titles to your books?
DA: A lot of my titles come from songs: Back to Life, Back to Reality, Back to December, Work Song, Broken Clocks, Trouble’s What You’re In
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
DA: I’ve written 30 books! I’ve published 28.
Who is your favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them special.
DA: I don’t necessarily have a favorite character. But I probably sprinkled more of my personality in Tatiana from Work Song.
If you were to genre-hop, which genre would you most like to try?
DA: I try to add a little something extra to my contemporary romances. If I were to ever write something other than romance, it would be mystery. I love a good mystery—book, movie, tv show, whatever!
Which of your books was most enjoyable to write?
DA: I loved writing them all. But something about the Poe inspired ones make me especially proud because I’ve never seen or heard of Poe being done in that way.
Where can readers find out more about you and your books?
DA: Follow me on social media! Follow me on amazon! Join my newsletter! Visit my website. But most directly, come to my group. That’s where all the sneak peeks and character inspirations are posted. Danielle’s Chat Room is a Facebook group I created and when I’m on Facebook, that’s where I spend most of the time.
THREE FUN FACTS ABOUT DANIELLE
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
DA: Traveling is my favorite thing to do. But I usually bring my laptop on trips with me. I love music so seeing a live show and attending concerts. I love art museums, reading, poetry slams. Oh and Trivia!! I love trivia.
What was your dream job when you were younger?
DA: Fashion Designer. Counselor. Author.
What’s your favorite food?
DA: Vegan stir fry (my recipe)
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT DANIELLE & HER BOOKS, CHECK OUT HER SOCIAL MEDIA
Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/
Instagram @ authordanielleallen
Book + Main bookandmainbites.com/
Facebook facebook.com/
Twitter @ xDanielleAllenx
Professional IG @ xDanielleAllenx
Bookbub @ authordanielleallen
Goodreads www.goodreads.com/XOXO_DAllen
My newsletter: http://bit.ly/2mfBe28
My website: www.authordanielleallen.com
The Scoop on
Danielle’s Books
Can you share something about your current book that isn’t in the blurb?
DA: My most recent release is The Delay. Trenton’s friend who asks him about his hottest holiday hookup is getting a book!
Are there any secrets from the book, you can share with readers?
DA: Things get hot and heavy pretty early during this hot holiday novella
What was the inspiration for the story?
DA: There are three hot holiday hookups in this novella series. They are all standalones. Slow News Day. Fool in Love. The Delay. I was inspired by holidays that you don’t typically think of when you’re thinking of sexy or romantic holidays. Most people go with New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, even Christmas. So I went with Groundhog Day, April Fool’s Day and Juneteenth.
What is the future of the characters? Will there be a sequel?
DA: There is no plan for a sequel BUT since Zola, Trenton’s friend, has a novel coming soon, you may see him attend her release celebration
If your book was going to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it?
DA: Trenton would be played by Trevante Rhoads
India would be played by Aja Naomi King
AUTHOR CRUSHING
Who is your favorite author and why?
DA: Favorite author is Maya Angelou. Her voice is powerful and resonates so deeply. She will be my forever favorite.
What are you reading now?
DA: I usually can’t read and write at the same time. And since I’m in the midst of a project, I’m only reading edits
Who is the author you most admire in your genre?
DA: There’s not just one. It’s so amazing to see so many authors I know build powerful brands by writing quality romance novels. I’m always so proud to see the star power of my friends rise to such heights. I would list them all but there’s truly a lot of them.
Favorite book when you were a kid?
DA: I don’t remember. But I definitely read a lot of Sweet Valley Twins and Goosebumps in elementary school.
What famous author do you wish would be your mentor?
DA: Michelle Obama please!
BEFORE I LET YOU GO, HOW ABOUT A RAPID FIRE ROUND?
Would you rather be in a room full of snakes or a room full of spiders?
DA: I would rather die
Would you rather have an endless summer or an endless winter?
DA: Endless winter
Would you rather always be an hour early or be constantly twenty minutes late?
DA: An hour early
Movie or Book
DA: Book
Toilet Paper: Over or Under
DA: Over
Morning Person or Night Owl
DA: Night Owl
