Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Allistar Banks is a prolific author, having published five books in the last two years called A Colorful Balloon Ride, Lenny the Lizard and His Green Scarf, Spring Brings Summer, Girl Rise, and Cracking the Happy Weight Code. She was born and raised in McCormick, South Carolina. Ms. Banks is a graduate of Lander University in Greenwood, SC and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications in 2013. She has been featured in the Index-Journal, The Press and Banner, McCormick Messenger, Lander University’s magazine, and interviewed on WZLA 92.9FM. She is now honored to be on a future broadcast with the CBS Sunday Morning Show for her children’s book called A Colorful Balloon Ride, which teaches one to five-year-old’s their colors by using objects of carnival food and nature on Mary and Emily’s hot air balloon ride around the County Fair with Mr. John. She is best known for children’s and young adult fiction books that teach new concepts and emotional development. Besides writing, she enjoys reading romance and family drama, hiking, doing yoga and Pilates, spending time with her family and friends, pet sitting, and playing with her dog Sylvia.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Cracking the Happy Weight Code which is inspired from how I healed from having a bad relationship with food ever since middle school and I have kept a healthy weight now for fifteen years since the age of fourteen. In the book, talks about a young teen girl named Alli Billings who struggles and overcomes food addiction, body image, and low self-esteem and confidence. She learns to use biblical principles to maintain a healthy lifestyle and following healthy recipes to learn how to eat healthy and clean.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Nicholas Sparks, Dorothea Benton Frank, Rachel Hollis, and Meg Cabot have influenced me as an author.
What are you working on now?
I am working on two gratitude journals one for teens and one for adults. I am working on two cookbooks one for diabetics and one for weight loss.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
www.allistartheauthor.com
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would use an outline and join Facebook groups to get the word out there about your books in your niche. I would send press releases to your local newspapers to gain exposure from the community and get featured in your college’s magazine for your books.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up hope.
What are you reading now?
I am reading Through My Lens by Patrice Rivers.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Publishing my gratitude journals and cookbooks.
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?
Sunday’s at Tiffany’s by James Patterson.
The Help by Kathryn Stockett.
Brown-Eyed Girl by Lisa Kleypas.
Author Websites and Profiles
Allistar Banks Website
Allistar Banks Amazon Profile
Allistar Banks’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account