Hello and welcome to my blog, Author Interviews. My name is Fiona Mcvie.
Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us your name. What is your age?
Hi! My name is C. J. Allison. This is a pen name but the initials are my first and middle, and the last name was the street I grew up on. My friends call me Chris. I’m 48 years young!
Fiona: Where are you from?
I currently live in Maryland, but I grew up in SW Pennsylvania. Steelers girl!
Fiona: A little about your self (ie, your education, family life, etc.).
I’m a divorced mom of one son who is a senior in HS. I recently adopted two kittens after my golden retriever had to be put down. I work full time as a Business Analyst at a small company that processes mail for non profits and government.
Fiona: Tell us your latest news.
I just finished my third and final book (maybe) in my first series. I’m hoping to have it published in January. I’m excited about this book. I’m excited to get it out there.
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I’ve been in the indie world supporting a few authors as their beta reader for about 4 or 5 years now. I never really wanted to write, but I started one about two years ago and my author friends kept encouraging me to finish it. I finally did in May and then the second book just kind of poured out of me. I finished that one in two months and now my third was just finish last month. It’s been a whirlwind really and unbelievable.
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I’ve always did the journal thing growing up. I won a poetry award in middle school and have always been better at putting down my feelings in word. I still never really thought of myself as a writer. It’s therapeutic. I’m merely a vessel for my characters to speak and tell their stories.
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
Finding Patience was something that took a long time to get out. Like I said earlier, two years. Patience is a little bit of me and again therapeutic to tell her story. I’m a hopeless romantic but yet I’m a bit cynical. It was fun giving her a hea.
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
Patience it the main character and the title says it all. She finds herself, but Chance finds her too and together they find love.
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?
I sit and just write. It can cause writer’s block if I’m not in the mood or in the right frame of mind.
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
All of my books have a little bit of me. My fantasies, my dreams. Patience is me. Carrie is my fantasy and Jamie is based off of one of my closest friends. A little sprout of a girl that is hell on wheels.
Fiona: To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?
No, like I said, I sit and I write. Sometimes it’s full sentences, something it’s just thoughts that I go back and redefine.
Fiona: Who designed the covers?
My first two covers were done by Freya Barker of Rebel Edit and Design. I designed my last cover.
Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Don’t give up on love. Love comes in different scenarios and none of them are wrong. There may be obstacles, but love always wins.
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? Who is your favorite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you?
I’ve been so busy writing, that I haven’t had the chance to explore new authors. My one clicks are Kirsten Ashley, Scott Hildreth, TM Frazier, and Freya Barker. They all have different writing styles, but weave a great story. Freya’s are all older characters, which I really love. Being older myself, I love to read stories of love found later in life. It gives me hope (LOL) that I have a chance to find it again.
Fiona: Outside of family members, name one entity that supported your commitment to become a published author.
I have an army. My author friends that I beta read for are always there.
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
No, I don’t. I love it, but I just want to tell a story here and there. I couldn’t imagine doing it full time.
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Not a thing. It’s still in edit so I could change something, but really, I love how this one turned out.
Fiona: Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?
How much music plays a role. I hit a block and heard a song on my lunch break at work. I couldn’t wait to get home and write about it and actually finished it that same night.
Fiona: If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?
I never thought about it. I guess for Patience and Chance I see Alexandra Hetherington and Justin Hatley (which just so happen to be a couple on This is Us)
Fiona: Any advice for other writers?
If I didn’t have my author friends to bounce things off of, I’d be lost. Go to a book signing as a reader and talk to the authors, make connections.
Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?
I appreciate any and all feedback. I got a three start rating, but it was constructive and I took it as such. Make sure you leave reviews. They really do help.
Fiona: What book are you reading now?
I just finished the Outskirts/Outliers by TM Frazier.
Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
No, I don’t. I used to go to the library during the summer and bring home five books a week. I still read about that now, although I’ve slowed down with writing myself.
Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?
I laugh and cry over the littlest things. My son can have me laughing until I cry sometimes. I can cry over a good song, sad commercial. I’m sensitive.
Fiona: Is there one person, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?
Oh wow. There are a few. The man of my dreams? Just kidding… no I’m not.
Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?
Just writing. I used to paint and do crafts, but my focus has been on writing lately. I can be a bit ADHD and focus on one thing at a time.
Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
The Walking Dead and Outlander are my more recent. I also love detective shows on the ID Channel.
Fiona: Favorite foods, colors, music?
I love pizza, bacon and everything that’s not good for you. My favorite color is black, but I have a lot of reds and pinks too. I love all music. I have everything from Heavy metal, Country, soft, classic and dance.
Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?
I would be sitting on a beach with a good book in my face.
Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone?
She believed in love.
Fiona: Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and special offers?
https://cjallisonauthor.wixsite.com/mysite
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/C-J-Allison/e/B071WKGCFZ/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Current Series Link: https://goo.gl/m9CX9i Available on Kindle Unlimited.
Author Website: https://cjallisonauthor.wixsite.com/mysite
Author Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/cjallisonauthor/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16905737.C_J_Allison
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c.j.allisonauthor/
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