Interview with Danielle Allen
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Danielle Allen is the guest of the blog today!! I’m so thrilled to have her be a part of this interview series!! I have fallen in love with her book, Sweatpants Season!
What is your favorite thing to do when you aren’t wearing your author hat?
My favorite thing to do is listening to music. I love music so much–the way it has the power to set a mood, change an emotion, set the tone, and bring back a memory is powerful.
What is the most recent book to make you cry?
I can’t remember the last book to make me cry. It was probably something by Brittainy Cherry. Her work tends to be tearjerkers 🙂
What would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal? Why?
I would choose a crown as an avatar because it represents queenliness. And a queen exudes power, grace, regalness, confidence, but best of all, a queen is in control of her own destiny.
What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?
Just being cognizant that I’m staying in the mindset of how men have expressed themselves in different situations so that I stay within a male perspective during specific scenes.
How do you select the names of your characters?
Randomly 🙂 Usually, the name of the main character pops in my head when the story line does.
Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Not any hidden secrets, but there are definitely little nuggets that people who know me may pick up on and smile.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
10 weeks
What does Black History Month Mean to you?
Black History Month is an opportunity to feature the important contributions of Black Americans. While the intention is well-meaning, Black History Month is problematic because it implies that the many, many contributions of Black people should be relegated to just one month of the year. If diversity was truly embraced to the capacity that it should be, every month would be a good month to discuss the many ways in which our society benefits from Black artists, writers, creators, musicians, inventors, scientists, etc etc. So the problem with Black History Month surfaces when February is the only month Black Americans are celebrated in the main stream.
What are you currently reading?
Now that I’m done writing upcoming release, I’m about to start The Hate U Give
If you could go back and give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Trust your gut–always!
Do you have any tips or hacks that help you stay organized in life, writing or social media?
Be authentic in everything you do. In your life, in your writing, and when you interact with others, be sure you are being true to yourself.
Do you relate more to one of your characters than the others?
I’m probably most similar to Tatiana Green from Work Song because she’s a confident, plus-size woman who loves fashion, film, and football.
How amazing is Danielle?? Seriously, I’ve had such a great time chatting with her! If you enjoyed her interview, please share with your friends on Facebook or Twitter!
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