Around the Globe with SAMANTHA ALLARD

This week I begin a series of author interviews. I'll be travelling to various parts of the world to talk with them (so I may max out my credit card on expenses. lol Just kidding, I make the authors pay my travel expenses. Okay, kidding again. I actually use my newly discovered transporter. Yes, that's the truth.)

I think you'll find the answers to a standard questionnaire very interesting and I encourage you to click on the links and check them out further.

First, I start by hopping across the pond to to accept and invitation to talk with Echelon Press author Samantha Allard, a.k.a. Ella Grey. We're in the Lake District, which took me awhile to find being a few hours from Scotland, but it's full of beautiful hills and grand looking lakes. After walkign around awhile I finally found her sitting under a large umbrella, dressed for December and offering hot chocolate. When I asked her why here, she said, I’ve always liked water and I like how the weather can change so drastically, so quickly. My dad wanted to take a wide shot there, three pictures shot side by side. This only took a few seconds but when he developed the picture he could see the black clouds rolling in. Things can change so quickly.

Who is Samantha Allard and what makes you the most fascinating person in your city?
I don’t think I’m the most fascinating person in my town, I’m just complicated but then again aren’t most people?

Without revealing a deep dark secret (unless you want to), what one thing would people be surprised to learn about you?
One thing that might surprise people is that I use to collect comics, X men, Spiderman and Wolverine, which aren’t the most girly comics in the world.

What interested you to be become a writer rather than something else such as becoming an astronaut?
As far back as I remember I’ve always wanted to be a writer. Well one time I wanted to be a brain surgeon but it probably wasn’t the most realistic career choice.

Writers are readers. With which author(s) would you enjoy sharing dinner? Why?
If I could have a meal with any particular writer it would be Stephen King. I have never been able to get into his books but I really admire his work ethic.

If I were stranded on a deserted island (or suffering a four hour layover at the airport), why would your book(s) be great company?
My book would be great entertainment because it will make you laugh. It isn’t a comedy by any stretch of the imagination but it is filled with that dry British humour that we’re known for.

Share the Allard process of writing in regards to: idea and character development, story outline, research (do you Google, visit places/people or make it up on the spot?), writing schedule, editing, and number of rewrites.
My process is quite simple. I start with a basic idea, usually it’s a character and then go from there. To me writing is a very fluid process, I see where the story leads me. I usually type faster then I think so there is usually quite a few mistakes that need to be fixed. Thank god for editors.

“I think I have a good idea for a story, but I don’t know where or how to begin. Your process may not work for me. Any advice?”
I think if you’re a writer you write. You need to find you own style because in the end I believe to a certain extent a writer can’t be taught. Your skill and style can be refined but a talent to tell a story is something that’s inside of you. You really can’t be anything else.

I saw an amusing t-shirt the other day which read ‘Every great idea I have gets me in trouble.” What is your philosophy of life?
I’m a complicated woman, that’s not much of a motto for life but the truth.

Please tell me you’re not going to stop writing? What’s next for you?
At the moment I am working on the sequel to Molly O’Brien, it will turn the expectations of everyone onto its head. This one will be a heist, this time she has to go bigger and better. There is also a story in development about a girl called Art ’Artemis’ Coates. She is part of the hunters, a group mentioned in the novella.

Where can people find more information on you and your projects?
ellagrey@tumblr.co.uk www.myspace.com/ellagrey24