Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a British author, now living in Spain and enjoying my life trying to learn Spanish and making more friends, as well as trying new foods and tapas with local wines.
I started my writing journey in 2014 while on a year long road trip in a motorhome through over thirty states in North America. Writing a book was something I’d always had an urge to do and finding time on my hands I set to and experimented. Now, six years later, I am enjoying it more than ever as I allow my characters to drive the story and they tell me how it should end.
I have flitted through a few genres and although generally write about strong willed and determined woman, the genre is not always romance. Also to my amazement I have penned a few nonfiction books, one of which, ‘How to Write a Simple Book Review’ has won awards and is highlighted as a best seller.
I am also in the middle of writing 26 short sexy reads (one for each letter of the alphabet) using Cyra May as a pen name. Each one of these very short stories has a professional at the centre and are like a ‘peek through the window’ of some ones life. A short snap of a moment in time.
Humor runs through all my stories, even the non fiction. We all mostly find something each day to smile at and I find that ‘thing; when I’m writing even my nonfiction books have little cheeky bits on them. When I am bashing away at the keyboard my husband very often says, “why are you smiling,” and I realize I am either in character mode, or reader mode and reacting to the conversation or information.
I write as a panster, which means I do not ploy or plan my books, I write each chapter from scratch and just type away. This is what I mean when I say the character write their own story. I become that character and try to put myself in their shoes and do or say what they tell me. I hope you enjoy my books and will always answer any emails with questions or feedback. As an Independent Author I support new authors and find the support system absolutely fantastic and pass it on when I can.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Equalizer: Foxxy’s Tipping Point Foxxy: The Equalizer Book1 has just been published (April 2020)
I always make sure my female characters have strength, so Foxxy came out of an idea about a woman who is actually is as low as they can go and then finding her hidden strength, not only to help herself but to help others.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Apparently my face tells the story while I type. I smile when something good is happening, especially during dialogue passages, and frown when I am writing about something bad. I also seem to bash the keyboard a lot harder as I am trying to prove a point.
As mentioned before, I do not plot my books. I do not even know the names of my characters until they appear. I start typing and they come. A bit like, ‘If you build it they will come’. The hardest part of the writing process to me is the opening paragraph, once I have that I am off and running. I do sometimes overnight mull over situations and think about where the story can go, but I find it is best not to force it. The more you plot the more complicated it becomes. I honestly don’t know how some writes, like J K Rowling does it; she planned every Potter book well in advance.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
This is a difficult question because although I do read a lot, most of the genres I enjoy are crime, mystery or thrillers and those authors tend to have a different style. I would love to write like Ian Rankin, but I find I am in too much of a hurry to tell the story than to fill in so much periphery detail. However, authors who have influenced me and my writing are the ones who gave up their time to answer my thousands of questions and to put me back o the right road. Tamara Ferguson is one who I have to mention. I call her my guru and her work ethic never ceases to amaze me.
What are you working on now?
I am now working on The Equalizer: Foxxy’s Process of Elimination.
Foxxy: The Equalizer Book 2
Foxxy is coming into her own now. She has settled in the USA with Richard, her Robin Hood, and their friend Jerry. Having set her up with her own business, Foxxy now is able to go forth and right the wrongs, and help other women who are victims.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use a variety of methods for promoting my books and would never just commit to one website or platform. On saying that, however, some work better than other and ones like Awesome books, where you can build an author profile to allow readers an insight into your life and character, work very well.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just do it.
Never say you are an aspiring author, you are either writing or you are not. You may not be published yet, but you will get there. I would also say that if you are writing fiction, then try to create a character or theme that has mileage and build a series. My mistake was jumping about with genres, short stories, novellas, nonfiction etc. I have a series of a few Christmas books with different characters and themes for each one, but I think you need to get the reader to invest in a character and want to read the next installment.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You are an Indie Author for a reason.
As a newbie on the block in 2014 I spent a lot of time trying to work out what the rules were and how to do everything according to the book. I read an article that basically said, do what ever you want, write how you want. Don’t follow a prescriptive formula, just because everyone else does. I think that is why Indie books are popular because they are different.
What are you reading now?
I have a few books on the go and can’t really say what they are. I read a lot of books through the review clubs/websites, so I can help and support writers by leaving feedback and reviews.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To try and re establish my author platform. Last year (2019) was a very disruptive one for me and I found my writing being out on hold. This year I have my mojo back and I plan on getting at least three Foxxy Books under my belt. I may even try to write another one for the Christmas Kiss series. so watch this space.
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?
First one without any hesitation would be Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. My absolute favorite and I am sure this is why I like to write about good strong women characters.
Second one would be any Janet Evanovich Stephanie Plum stories, They always make me laugh, but again a great female character.
Third ‘Boat building for Beginners’, so I had a chance to get of the island once I had read the other two books a few times.
Author Websites and Profiles
Allyson R. Abbott Website
Allyson R. Abbott Amazon Profile
Allyson R. Abbott’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account