My next interview is with Fantasy Author Stephanie Allen!
Tell us about yourself! What would you like readers to know about you?
Stephanie Allen: I’m a fantasy girl! Almost every book I pick up to read has some element of fantasy to it, whether it falls under the fantasy genre, paranormal genre, or something else. I absolutely love animals. I used to ride horses competitively. I competed in Hunter/Jumpers, which was so much fun. My horse and I did barrel race one time but he was so pokey slow that we came in last!
What book or books have most influenced you as a writer?
Stephanie Allen: “Twilight” by Stephenie Meyer was one of the first authors that made me realize I loved the YA genre. I was always a fan of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien but within the last five years, my favorite author has become Sarah J. Maas. I’m a HUGE fan of “A Court of Mist and Fury” the second book in the ACOTAR series.
Who is your favorite character in your book? What do you like about them? (or, which character do you hate most and why)
Stephanie Allen: Jordan is definitely my favorite character. I love his kindness and patience. I love his entire story arc! Of course, right now readers only have a small part of it but he truly is one of the best characters in the story. He understands the meaning of forgiveness and sacrifice. While he isn’t perfect, he strives to be the best man possible.
What do you like to do other than read or write? Do you have any interesting hobbies?
Stephanie Allen: I really love to sing. I auditioned for The Voice twice (no, I didn’t get on TV). Music is an integral part of my life and I usually have it on in the background.
Alexis: Awesome! I’m a musician, too. I play violin, viola, ukulele, and a little bit of piano. I enjoy singing, even when I’m not that great at it! It must have been exciting even auditioning for The Voice.
Tell us about a mystery/urban legend from your hometown (or another place you’ve lived).
Stephanie Allen: When I lived in Marion, KY, we all knew the story of Cave-In-Rock. It sits across the Ohio River on the border of Illinois. Back in the 1800s, it was a pirate’s cave. The legends say that pirates would lure travelers to the top of the cliff above the cave and essentially murder them by forcing them into the river below. Then they stored all their treasure within the cave. I was fascinated by the cave while I lived in that area. It inspired my YA series called “Harmony”.
Alexis: Wow! I had no idea there were pirates in Kansas.
What TV shows/Movies do you like to watch or stream?
Stephanie Allen: I love to watch Japanese anime. “Sword Art Online”, “Blue Exorcist”, and “My Hero Acadamia” are a few of my favorites. I also love CW shows. “Vampire Diaries”, “The Originals”, “Supernatural”, “Arrow”, “The Flash”, “Reign”, I love them all! About once a year, I watch all ten seasons of “FRIENDS” because they always make me laugh. My all-time favorite TV show, though, is “Avatar: The Last Airbender”.
Alexis: Interesting! I’ve just started watching Avatar with my daughter. It’s a great show.
What’s your favorite animal?
Stephanie Allen: Any big cat. I have a cheetah in “Dueling Fates” but I also love lions, jaguars, leopards, any of those gorgeous felines!
Do you like playing video games? What’s your favorite game right now? Has a video game ever influenced you as a writer?
Stephanie Allen: Yes! I play games on my phone, like Clash of Clans and Brawl Stars. When I was younger, I loved to play through Final Fantasy games. I also love the old school Mario games on NES and Super Nintendo! None of them have really influenced me as a writer, although my husband loves playing Assassin’s Creed and I find those fascinating.
How do you choose what books you want to read?
Stephanie Allen: My go-to genre is always fantasy or YA. Whenever I visit my local Barnes & Noble, I always gravitate to those areas first. I do like to read romance novels as well but for the most part, I’m in a fantasy world of some sort.
Do you like Greek/Roman/Norse/Asian/African mythology or folklore? What’s your favorite myth?
Stephanie Allen: Absolutely! I’m a huge fan of Greek mythology. I don’t really have a favorite. I recently read through the Goddess series by P.C. Cast and I love all of them! I can’t decide between “Goddess of Spring” and “Goddess of the Rose” though. I love both of those so much.
What’s one subject you wish you knew more about? What kinds of things would you like to learn someday?
Stephanie Allen: I love ancient history. My brother has a college degree in history and I’m always asking him questions about various ancient cultures. I’m of Irish descent, specifically the Celtic druids, so I love learning about their dark and sometimes gruesome history. I’m also fascinated by ancient Egypt! I would love to visit the pyramids some day.
More About Stephanie Allen!
Stephanie M. Allen graduated from California Baptist University in 2009 with a B.A. in English and a desire to share her imaginative stories with the world. She loves to write fantasy, particularly centered around young adults. Aside from writing, Stephanie loves to read, ride horses, and sing. She currently lives in Wyoming with her husband and two children.
Books: Dueling Fates, Harmony, and Sealed Shadows
