Today I have an interview with author JK Allen who talks about writing and her debut release, the
YA urban fantasy, Angelborn. Enjoy.
Interview With JK Allen
Why don’t you begin by sharing a little about yourself.
I graduated in 2010, with a degree in Creative Writing and English and decided to get really serious about my writing. It was a dream of mine to get published, and I was determined to work until I did. So I’m pleased as punched that not only do I have several works in anthologies, but that my debut novel, Angelborn, comes out September 27th!
Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?
Angelborn is a YA urban fantasy that features Ginny Gracehurst, a teen who thinks she’s just a normal girl until she gets a demon mark and is thrown into a world she never knew existed. Turns out she’s half angel and the object of a powerful half demon’s evil plans. She must work to stay out of his hands while keeping her loved ones safe.
How long have you been writing, and how many books have you published to date?
I wrote my first story the day after I learned how to write and never stopped. I have three stories and four poems in anthologies with another short story releasing in November. Angelborn is my debut novel.
When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
I’ve always been writing, but I didn’t realize I wanted to be a writer until I was deciding my major for college. I knew I liked English, but I never even knew it was possible to major in Creative Writing. My advisor mentioned it offhand and it was like a bell went off for me. It was exactly what I wanted to learn and do, and I dove right in.
What is your greatest challenge as a writer?
This is odd for me, but editing my own work has been a challenge for me. I work for a publishing company and actually do a lot of editing for them, and I love editing for others! But when it comes to my own works, I do struggle to get motivated, even though I really believe good writing is rewriting.
Do you have a favourite author, or writing inspiration?
I love a wide array of authors. I feel like there’s so much to learn from so many different writers and writing styles. I love stories with great characters I can relate to.
What advice would you give beginning writers?
Write first, edit later. I think it’s so important to distinguish between the two. It takes two completely different ways of thinking to do each, and you can really stifle your creativity by thinking too critically too soon. Get the draft out, you have time to perfect it later.
What do you like to do when you're not writing? Any hobbies?
I love being fueled by creativity, so I like drawing and painting in my free time. Also, reading is a passion of mine. And sometimes I crochet. Basically I like creating things or getting lost in imagination, mine or my favorite authors.
Are you working on another book?
I am in the middle of getting the sequel to Angelborn, Heavenfire, ready for publication in April. And I’m getting geared up to start writing the third book in the series. I’m a plotter, so I had to get my scene list and research in order first.
Angelborn by JK Allen
High school is all about boy meets girl, girl gets demon mark, and girl finds out she’s half-angel. At least that’s how it is for Ginny Gracehurst.
Sixteen year olds have a lot going on in their lives, and Ginny is no exception. Grades, homework, pimples, oh and now the sudden appearance of a demon mark. And discovering her father, who she thought was dead, is actually the great angel Grace. Who is very much alive.
With unforeseen powers growing, she has to figure out who she really is. While also staying out of the reach of a powerful half demon who is hell-bent on bending her to his will. The Alliance, an organization that is supposed to help people like her, is threatened by her potential gifts. They are more invested in their own hierarchy than in upholding their divine mandate. It’s up to her and a new friend, Aiden, to protect not just herself, but the ones she loves.
Angelborn is available on Amazon for a September 27th release.
The blog tour for Angelborn is running from Sept 14th to Oct 5th.
About the Author:
JK Allen received her BA in Creative Writing and English from Michigan State University. She wrote her first story when she first learned how to write and hasn’t looked back since. Common writing themes that can be found in her work address identity, everyday magic, and the type of strength that can be found in ordinary people. Three of her short stories and several poems are featured in anthologies, and Angelborn is her debut novel coming out September 2018. She is currently working on the trilogy as well as several shorts, while researching for a new series in the works. Her reading tastes are as varied as the genres she enjoys writing, from Jane Austen to J.K. Rowling. When she’s not writing, you can find her painting, drawing, or lost in another world between the pages of a book. Or on Facebook.
She write YA urban fantasy mostly, but also dabbles in other genres like horror and poetry. You can find her at Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Or on her Blog.
