Local author interview with Allison Brennan

What kind of books do you read for fun ??

Mysteries, thrillers, romantic comedies

How did you get into writing ??

 I’ve always written stories, as long as I can remember. When I was13, I wrote Stephen King a fan letter after reading THE STAND and told him I wanted to be a writer “when I grew up.” He sent me a postcard

and said, “If you want to be a writer, write.” But I didn’t get “serious” about writing until after Brennan #3 was born in 2001. I realized that if I ever wanted to be published, I had to finish one of  the hundreds of stories I started.

What inspired you do a book ??

 My stories always seem to be complex and long. Writing short is hard work!

Do you have another job besides writing ??

 No. I used to work in the California State Legislature, but now I write full-time. I didn't know that about you.

Chocolate or Vanilla ??
 Chocolate

Ereader or Book ??
 Book

Barnes Noble or Indie book store ??
 Depends. BN is more likely to carry my books, but also tend to be more difficult to sign at, don’t always carry backlist titles, and many of the stores don’t put my book out on time. Indies don’t usually carry my books, but when they do, they have the best customer service and love when I come in to sign.

Best experience with a fan ??

 When an editor (who isn’t mine!) approached me at a conference and When an editor (who isn’t mine!) approached me at a conference and When an editor (who isn’t mine!) approached me at a conference and told me she loved my books. It surprised me, but totally made my weekend!

Was it hard to get into the publishing world ??

“Hard” is relative. I wrote five books before I sold, but I also only had one plan—find an agent and have her (or him) sell my book to a major publisher. It was difficult—meaning, I had to make a lot of sacrifices—to find the time to write while raising my family and working a day job. I needed to develop a thick skin, be critiqued, and learn to be self-critical while also learning how to recognize whensomething I had was good. I had to face rejection (over 100 times) and deal with a lot of uncertainty. It’s harder in some ways to STAY

published.

Whats on your night stand ??
My 7-year-old daughter’s Babysitters Club book. The DVD MAX PAYNE (don’t ask me why, but it’s there!) a lamp and a phone. Oh, do you mean what I’m reading? I don’t read in bed (my husband doesn’t like any light when he’s sleeping.) In my book bag (which has my current reads) is Jonathon Kellerman’s MYSTERY (an ARC) and on my iPad is Stephen King’s FULL DARK, NO STARS.

Favorite color ??
Green

What do watch on TV ??
Too much! My new favorites are DETROIT 187, DARK BLUE, SHERLOCK and JUSTIFIED. My long-time favorites are SUPERNATURAL and LAW & ORDER SVU. I really miss LIFE and HEROES. Those are some good shows, I just watched Justified and have watched SVU for many years.

Writing and kids ? How do you do it
I don’t sweat the small stuff and my writing time is sacred.

What are you working on right now ??
IF I SHOULD DIE, book three in the Lucy Kincaid series.

Bloggers and books ?? Do they help with book buzz ??
 I was skeptical at first, but I think bloggers who review, if they have developed a following (which they can only do by being honest in their reviews without—IMO—being mean) can help create buzz.

Music playlists ?? whats on yours ??
Lots—I have over 2,000 songs on my iPod. Nickelback, Three Days Grace, the Howling Diablos, and The Who are probably my most listened to bands.

Does being in California or Northern California affect the story ??
No . . . though I did learn that it’s easier to write a book set in areas I know well, like Sacramento, than in areas I’ve only been to once!

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I have only read your supernatural book and I have a Lucy Kincaid book to read. I also like you have 5 kids. I do hope that we can meet up soon, and wish you much continued success. Out of all the authors interviewed you are the one with the most books published.