I saw on your website
a link where readers can learn something about you personally, http://www.daleallan.com/ Is
there something not written there that you would like to share with your
audience?
To expand on the website
narrative, one single tragic event has influenced my writing more than any
other: when I was 12 years old my father was murdered. What I did a few weeks before his death would
have profound impact on my life. With my
father away on a prolonged business trip, I sent him a letter.
I still remember sitting
at the rickety wooden desk in the corner of my cluttered room and struggling to
write three pages long hand - it seemed to take forever. Excited and proud of my accomplishment, I
convinced my mother to give me a stamp and I ran several blocks to the mailbox
to mail it.
After my father’s death,
my uncle called our house and specifically asked to talk with me. He told me that my dad must have read my
letter as least fifty times – it seemed like whenever they weren’t busy working,
he was reading and rereading the note.
When he was buried with my hand written letter in his pocket, I truly
understood the power of writing.
With the first novel
under your belt, how are the other novels shown on your website progressing?
My next book, working
title It Could Happen To You, has
already been completed and will be published next. It weaves an exciting and suspenseful tale
about a Good Samaritan who is unexpectedly thrust into the national spotlight
after a chance encounter with diplomat’s criminal son. My third novel is well-underway, with about twenty
five chapters already completed, and is going to be a real page-turner!
What is the heart and
passion of your writing, the reason you do what you do?
As mentioned above,
I learned the power of writing at a young age.
I’ve read a lot of novels, so I’m motivated to create interesting story
lines that are unique and haven’t been used before. While writing, I actually see the events of
my books unfolding in my mind’s eye, similar to watching a movie. When I’m “in the zone,” I’m engrossed in the
plot right along with the characters, feeling and experiencing the same things
they are – sometimes even leaving me breathless! This is both emotionally draining and
rewarding. Writing is my passion,
something I feel I’ve been meant to do!
Who do you think or
of envision reading your book? Is there
a specific audience you are trying to reach out too?
My goal is
to keep anyone who enjoys reading fiction entertained and immersed in the book so
that they don’t want to stop reading. I
also want the reader to learn something interesting from the story; that’s why
I pride myself on doing extensive research in order to use facts and figures to
support the plot. If I can transport the
reader to another time and place while they’re reading on a cold rainy night or
during a day on the beach, I’ve accomplished my goal.
Was there a
particular event or thought that caused you to begin writing and keeps you
writing?
Certainly, my young letter
to my father before his death had an impact.
Also, during freshman year of college, I had to take a creative writing
class…once our first assignment was graded, my professor asked me to see her after
class. Assuming this only meant bad
news, I waited in trepidation for what seemed like an eternity. However, when we finally met, she seriously encouraged
me to think about a career in writing; I will never forget her encouraging
words! So, like many other people, a
great teacher had a tremendous impact on my life. At this point, there’s nothing I enjoy more
than starting with a seed of a story line and growing it into a compelling
novel!
Is there anyone or
any place that fuels your passion for writing?
Yes, sitting in the
family room of my house with my feet up, my computer on my lap, and the
television on. I don’t know why, but
this works best for me. I often write late
at night.
Who are some of the
authors you follow?
I enjoy reading
novels with creative and interesting plots…. Nelson Demille, John Grisham, and
Dan Brown come to mind. I also like some
of James Patterson’s older works. I
recently had a reader send me a note commenting that A Prayer For The Devil, was “Better than Patterson”…that was an great
compliment!
What are some of you
favorite books to read? Why?
Any Demille book,
especially the ones with the John Corey character – I enjoy his writing style
and wit. Most Patterson novels keep me
turning pages as fast as I can. Dan
Brown’s Angels and Demon’s was a
masterpiece - the amount of detail and insight into the Vatican was
impressive.
Are there any genres
you don’t particularly enjoy?
Not really from a
genres standpoint, but I don’t like when any writer uses excessively graphic
descriptions of violence or unwarranted profanity to get a point across. In my novels, I try to keep the violence at a
distance and profanity to a minimum, if I use it at all.
One last question, if
you could put your whole life, every facet of included into a summary statement
that when others read it gives them a glimpse of who you are what would that
statements look like?
Follow your passion with patience and persistence,
always remembering that with God, all things are possible!
