I recently had the chance to visit with a very talented author.  So, without further delay let’s hear from

Meg Allison

Did you always know that you wanted to be a writer?  Or was there something else you wanted to be when you grew up?
There were several things I wanted to be while growing up. I had a scientist phase when I wanted to be an astronomer or an astronaut. Then I had a glamour phase which included: supermodel; actress; and singer. I actually wound up as a newspaper journalist with a degree in Mass Communications. I often wrote little poems or daydreamed, but deciding to actually be a fiction writer came later.

Wow, I read you have five children and you, also, home school. How do you do it all?  What is the secret to your success?
I do it all by not getting it all done. LOL! Something usually suffers—most often it’s the housework. I succeed by making priorities and sticking with them. My family comes first, followed by writing and then the housework. The dust, cobwebs and dirty dishes will always be there…literally…so I’ve come to accept a certain amount of disorder. We don’t live in filth, but Martha Stewart would probably have a cow if she were to visit unannounced. ;) It also helps that the kids are getting older and are more able to help.

Tell us a little about what makes Meg…well, Meg.
I grew up as a shy, only child of a wonderful, loving and supportive working mom. Being alone a lot meant I had to make my own fun and use my imagination. Sometimes it was tough, but it really shaped the person I am today. That upbringing and my religious convictions keep me grounded and on a fairly steady path. I know what I want; I know what I’m worth as an individual; and I know what’s really important in life.

You write in several genres, do you have a favorite and is there something you would like to try?
My two favorite genres are suspense and paranormal, which blend together perfectly. I would someday like to try a Young Adult novel because my oldest daughter has such a hard time finding books she enjoys. It’s a scary thought, however, because she’s a really tough critic.

Tell us some of your favorites…foods, movies, music, authors, books, colors, and any others you want to share?
I love fast food, dark chocolate, and meat-and-potatoes types of dinners. I also love lots of fruit in the summertime. My taste in movies tends to lean toward either light romantic comedies or mysteries and suspense. One of my all-time favorite authors is Heather Graham—I adore her paranormal romances. My taste in music is very eclectic and evolves depending on my moods. I like artists such as: Keith Urban; Evanescence; Lifehouse; and Journey. My fifteen-year-old daughter has introduced me to a lot of new music in the last two years.

Do you have a writing schedule that you follow?
I try to write a little each day, but basically grab time when I can whether it’s in the van waiting for dd1 to finish her Tae Kwon Do lesson or late at night after everyone’s gone to bed. However, now that I have a series underway and my editor is anxious for the next book, I’m going to have to create a more consistent schedule.

What do you consider your greatest strength?  Any weaknesses?
My greatest strength would probably be either my sense of humor or compassion. I don’t think you can easily get through life without one or the other. My weaknesses would include the tendency to procrastinate and a lack of faith in my own abilities.

What was the best piece of advice you received when you were first starting out?  Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
The best advice I was ever given was to never give up. I’d pass that same advice on with one addition: the only time you fail as a writer is when you stop trying.

Do you enjoy hearing from your readers and what is the best way to contact you?
Of course I love to hear from readers! They can either sign my website guestbook or e-mail me at: meg_allison_author@yahoo.com

What would a perfect day for you involve?
A perfect day would involve a good book, and nowhere to go, nothing to do as a spring thunderstorm rumbles outside.

Do you have a favorite character and what makes them your favorite?
One of my favorite characters is Maggie O’Brien from Alaina’s Promise. She is the hero’s mother and was a joy to write. She has a vibrant, up-beat personality along with a mothering nature that just really speaks to my heart.

What does your family think of your writing?  Are they your biggest fans?
My family is very supportive. They help me get through the deadlines and the worries when I’m waiting for a response on a project. They celebrate like crazy whenever I get a new contract or that box of author copies comes to the door. They brag to their friends, co-workers and anyone who will listen about my writing. I couldn’t do this without them.

If you could travel to any place in time, past or future, when and where would it be and why?
I would love to travel back in time—to maybe the 1700s, North America—and see what the countryside really looked like back then. I’d love to meet some of my ancestors, talk to them and get to know them as people instead of only names and dates on a page.

Where do your story ideas come from?
My ideas usually flash into my head like a scene or short clip from a movie. Once I write it down, I then spend time working out the who, what and why of the story. I also get a lot of ideas from songs.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?  Current or upcoming releases?
I have three stories coming out this year!

Table for Two, a rom com novella from By Grace Publishing comes out in July.

Charmed, another rom com novella, will be out with Moonlit Romance in September.

Dream Walk, a full-length paranormal romance, will also be out this September from Samhain Publishing, Ltd.

I’m excited about all my stories, but Dream Walk most of all because it’s the first in a series, The Sentinels, which I’m working on for Samhain. I think the readers will really love the world of the Sentinels, including this hero and heroine.