Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My life rotates around travel. If I don’t have a plane ticket booked, I turn funny. I have travelled around all the continents and have plenty of my own stories, but I love to read and write fiction. I didn’t want to write a book about myself, that’s not my thing.
I am currently writing my second novel, after my first came out earlier this year.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘The Misadventures of a Reluctant Traveller.’
When I was a kid I had this friend that used to sleep-walk. It got so bad that his parents had to lock him into his bedroom every night. One night he went missing, which terrified his parents, but luckily they found him at the train station in his pyjamas.
One thing that always stuck with me over the years was: where was he going? Did he have a plan or a destination?
That is the inspiration for this novel.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know. I don’t really know how other authors write. I do most of my writing in my head when I day-dream. Then when the beginning and the end are solid ideas I carry a little book where I write down little ideas as I have them. If they fit I include them in the story. I need quiet to write…I like to wonder in my mind and type what I see.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to number, I guess. I like authors like Jeff Long, Chuck Pahlaniuk and George R.R. Martin and Salman Rushdie, authors that can transport you into their stories.
What are you working on now?
My second novel is a complete change from the first in style, but it is still Travel-fiction. Its a horror story based on a Pacific island. I recently travelled to the Pacific and I had a story stick in my head while I was over there. I’m hoping this story will flow once I get into it.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Goodreads is an excellent place to bridge the author-reader gap. All authors are readers anyway…so it’s good to be able to talk directly with people about what you are reading and writing at the moment and get fair reviews and constructive crticism so that you don’t practise your mistakes, but learn from them. You may even become a better writer.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Patience, I guess. It’s a very slow process writing and releasing a book. Writing the book is only a third of the work…..then you have to submit, edit and design it and then comes the marketing. There is no rush, release the book when it is ready and don’t expect success to happen right away. Your book needs momentum…it could take years before it is noticed properly, but if your story lasts longer than you do then you have a success.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Always carry toilet paper with you.” A travellers motto.
What are you reading now?
I have just started the monster task of reading the Game of Thrones series. Should take me a couple of years to get the time to finish them all, but I will sneak the odd book in just for a change.
What’s next for you as a writer?
The more I travel, the more ideas I get. So I think that as long as I keep travelling there will always be another book in progress. Hopefully people will understand and enjoy my style and if one person loves a book…then I will see it as a success.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Too hard! I love ‘The Descent’ by Jeff Long…very intimidating. That is definitely one of my favourites. Any book that gets the blood pressure up.
Author Websites and Profiles
Dean MacAllister Website
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