About Russ Allen:
Hi! My name's Russ Allen and I'm the Student Ministries Pastor at a large church in Pennsylvania. I have a wife and two daughters and love every minute I get to spend with them. I write books and articles from a Christian perspective that bring a redemptive lens to our broken world.
What inspires you to write?
I'm inspired to write by looking at God's beautiful and broken world. As a result, I try to make my writing both REAL and REDEMPTIVE. I don't want to use overly ornate language and "bumper sticker theology," but instead write about the real issues and struggles that people face. However, I want to do this with a redemptive lens, pointing people to the hope we have in Christ.
What authors do you read when you aren’t writing?
From a religious perspective, the biggest influence on my writing is C.S. Lewis. I love Lewis’s writing – both his fiction and nonfiction – because it is simple yet profound. Lewis deals with difficult topics in a way that are sensible and enlightening. Interestingly, another big influence on my writing is Anthony Horowitz, a teen and young adult suspense/thriller author. Horowitz impacted my writing because his narratives are captivating and keep young readers wanting to read more. Although The Bonny Lane Club is not a suspense/thriller book, I hope it is written in a way that makes young people want to keep reading.
Tell us about your writing process.
First I begin by reading as much as I can on related topics. I take notes on these books, articles, etc. and compile them into a document. Then, I write a broad outline and make it more detailed as I continue in the process. From this outline, I begin my writing. I like to write in Word docs and format the document to look like the pages of a book (size, font, margins, etc.). This helps me visualize my writing as it would appear to a reader.
What advice would you give other writers?
My biggest advice to new authors is to not rush. Take your time, refine your craft, do your research, and be patient for opportunities. We live in a culture where we’re used to things happening so quickly. It takes time to write a good book. Slow down. It’s worth it in the end.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I decided to publish books because I enjoy writing and continued to get strong affirmation from people who read my work. My first book – The Bonny Lane Club – was independently published and underwent a thorough process before making it into print.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I think the future of book publishing is strong. I think self-publishing continues to thrive thanks to social media sharing. If someone writes a good book – it's easier than ever to gain traction.
What genres do you write?: Christian Non-Fiction; Christian Memoir; Inspirational/Spiritual
What formats are your books in?: Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
Russ Allen Home Page Link
Link To Russ Allen Page On Amazon
Link to Author Page on other site
Your Social Media Links
Goodreads
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All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.
