Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I created comic books and webcomics before I started writing novels. I have been married to his wife, Angel, since 1995 and we have two sons and a daughter. When I’m not writing stories or working a day job in Information Technology, my wife and I are singers, songwriters and musicians. We have been in a Christian band together since 1997. We live in Central Texas.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Jordan’s World is my latest book, published July 1st by Ambassador International. I write Christian fiction and wanted to delve into fantasy. But it ended up becoming a science-fantasy, the first book in a trilogy. This was a “from scratch” book, all new setting, characters and premise. It was challenging at first but in the end, very rewarding and original.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I only write on my laptop and I start on Google Docs. Once I am ready to submit the manuscript to my publisher, I transfer everything to a Word document and reformat the whole thing. I also get up quite early to write, I find it refreshing. As a Christian author, I also pray and study in my Bible before I start writing. I find that it sets me in a good channel for my creativity.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
A lot of Star Trek authors. I used to only read Star Trek, until a few years ago. David Mack, Dayton Ward and Kevin Dillon, Kirsten Beyer, Keith DeCandido, James Swallow and Chris Bennett are just a few. Ironically, the book that first interested me in reading books was not a Star Trek book or Christian fiction. It was Bram Stoker’s Dracula back in my teen years. I had to read it for an English class in high school and the author’s style impressed and fascinated me.
What are you working on now?
Since finishing the Jordan of Algoran series, I am now beginning a Christian steampunk trilogy. It was a new challenge to study the steampunk genre and see how to create a unique interpretation of it, make it my own in a way. And I think I’ve succeeded, which I hope readers will enjoy.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use a combination of social media: my personal Facebook for family and friends, my Facebook author page, Twitter, Instagram and my professional website (https://allensteadham.com)
I find the best method is to post something regularly, even if it’s not a big announcement. People want to know what’s going on with you as an author, so find a way to let them know,
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Make a basic plan of where you want to go as an author. Are you self-publishing? Define the method you want to use (CreateSpace from Amazon or some other method). Do you want to do print and ebook or just ebook. Find a good editor before you self-publish, even if you have pay for one. There’s a lot of them out there, check their reviews and compare; get the most for your money. Are you already with a publisher? Awesome! Decide on your image and brand, then start promoting through website and social media. You do not have to pay for most of this — except for the website; consider that an investment and get your own domain name as soon as you can). Make business cards. Find author groups you like, whether on Facebook or Goodreads or other locations. Get to know other authors and see if you can network and promote each other. Make friends, lots of friends. Accept right now that you’re a public person, even if you don’t feel like one. You are and that’s okay. You are an author, even if you haven’t published yet. Believe in yourself and your writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“The first draft will stink. Keep writing anyway.”
It’s true. It’s always true, just get used to it. That’s what editing is for.
What are you reading now?
I just finished “The Journey” by Verity Buchanan. Excellent and clean YA fiction by a very promising and clever author. I have also been reading “Grace & Lavender” by Heather Norman Smith and “The Winter Queen” by Erica Marie Hogan.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Completing the Christian steampunk trilogy, then I’m on to possibly a Christian dystopian science fiction series or perhaps another genre.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The King James Bible, Star Trek: Titan “Over A Torrent Sea,” and Star Trek: Vanguard “Reap The Whirlwind”
Author Websites and Profiles
Allen Steadham Website
Allen Steadham Amazon Profile
Allen Steadham’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account