Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! I’m Kellie and I’m a bibliophile! I’ve had a lifelong love affair with books. I love the fantasy and romance of immersing myself in a great story, so it was inevitable that I take the next step and become a writer. I have released one book and am working on a second. When I’m not reading or writing, I also love baking, interior decorating, and watching dancing shows on TV. I live in North Carolina with my wonderful hubby, 15 year old daughter, and two sweet kitties.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I recently released my first book, “Soulmate” which is a paranormal teen romance. Believe it or not, I woke up in the middle of the night about a year ago with the story for “Soulmate” running through my mind and I just knew I had to try to write it – so I did!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I work outside the home and have a family to care for, so it’s hard to find time to write. Saturday morning is my sacred writing time because my family is out of the house. I settle onto “my throne” with a big glass of Coke Zero and some junk food and write till the monkeys come home.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I LOVE to read and have read thousands of books by hundreds of authors, but Dean Koontz has been my favorite since I was a teenager. I’ve read every book he’s ever written – most of them multiple times.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a sequel to “Soulmate” called “Soulsearch.”
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am just beginning to learn how to market my books – exploring the possibilities and trying things. I’ll let you know when I figure out what works!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
There’s a lot more to it than just writing! The story is just the beginning. Deciding what publishing route is best for you, formatting and submitting your manuscript, and marketing yourself take just as much, if not more, work than writing the story.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When I read this question, the first thing that came to my mind was Tony Little, creator of the Gazelle fitness machine, yelling, “You can do it!” People mock it, but it’s the best advice you can give yourself.
What are you reading now?
Al I’ve been reading lately are blogs and ebooks about self-publishing, but hopefully soon I will be able to read something just for fun again. Thanks to Amazon, my Kindle is full of freebies just waiting for me.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m halfway through the sequel to my first novel and I have plans for a third in the series. I hope to make writing a full-time career eventually, but for now I will keep writing whenever I have the chance.
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?
I have read “Watchers” and “Lightning” by Dean Koontz more times than I can count, so they would have to come. I also love “Pretense” by Lori Wick and “Midnight Sun” – the unpublished companion to Twilight, written from Edward’s perspective. I know, I’m totally random!
Author Websites and Profiles
Kellie McAllen Website
Kellie McAllen Amazon Profile
Kellie McAllen’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile