So many things inspire me to write and dream, but I have to thank God first for being the inspiration that remains constant in my life. I thank Him for his love and mercy. I also thank him for making me a dreamer. I will not limit my life with little dreams, but instead I am stretching my imagination and putting my faith in the Dreamgiver.
I am also inspired by my family and friends who encourage me with their stories, wisdom, support and love.
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."
~ Dr. Howard Thurman.
I am also inspired by my family and friends who encourage me with their stories, wisdom, support and love.
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."
~ Dr. Howard Thurman.
An Interview with Allyson
When did you start writing In The Name Of The Father?
I started writing In The Name Of The Father in the summer of 2000. It was the summer before my senior year of college. I wrote a few pages and put it down and worked on it until 2005.
What book other than Bible has made an impact on your life?
One of the books that made an impact on my life is the Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson. In this book Wilkinson shows us how to identify and overcome obstacles in life. He begins with a compelling modern-day parable about Ordinary, who dares to leave the Land of Familiar to pursue his Big Dream. I read this book right before I moved to Miami in faith that I was going to take a step closer to the purpose God designed just for me.
When did you start writing?
I started writing poems and short stories in elementary school. I think my passion for writing blossomed from a homework assignment.
What is one of your favorite novels?
One of my favorite novels is the Coldest Winter Ever by Sistah Souljah. This is one of my favorites because I was drawn into the novel from the first line. The description of the main character’s entrance into this world was so vivid I wanted to read more. I couldn’t put the book down until I finished. It was like watching a movie in words.
What kinds of books would we find in your library?
You will find a variety of titles in my library from inspirational to marketing books. Years ago I read fiction mostly. Now I tend to read books that will help me create and sustain wealth, and improve my mental, spiritual and physical health. When I want to relax and take my mind on a journey I read fiction.
If we listened to the playlist on your ipod what would we find?
You would find a lot of R&B and gospel. I am a helpless romantic and I must admit love songs dominate my ipod. You would probably be shocked by some of the oldies music I have mixed in. I even have the song, Don’t Mess With Bill, by the Marvelettes. I added the song for my mom’s sixtieth birthday party, but I love the tune and I still listen to it.
What advice would you give people who desire to be published?
My advice is to never give up on being published. You may get discouraged by the rejection letters, but rejection is a part of the process. It’s similar to someone editing your work, it may hurt to see the criticism but it is necessary to create a stronger product and a stronger writer. What you continue to pursue is that which you are most passionate about. I would also suggest polishing your manuscript as much as you can before submitting it to a publisher.
What gets the creative juices flowing?
Typically my creative juices are stimulated when I’m asleep or daydreaming. I keep a notepad by my bed so I can jot ideas down before I forget them. Sometimes, I am inspired by a quote, sermon, song, or a person.
What do you do when you have writer’s block?
When I have writer’s block I get up from the computer and I try to rest my mind. Sometimes I will shut the computer down and try to forget about writing and let the ideas flow naturally. I find when you have to write something for some reason it becomes more difficult. Usually, ideas will come to me while I’m resting and then I will return to my computer and let words flow.
I started writing In The Name Of The Father in the summer of 2000. It was the summer before my senior year of college. I wrote a few pages and put it down and worked on it until 2005.
What book other than Bible has made an impact on your life?
One of the books that made an impact on my life is the Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson. In this book Wilkinson shows us how to identify and overcome obstacles in life. He begins with a compelling modern-day parable about Ordinary, who dares to leave the Land of Familiar to pursue his Big Dream. I read this book right before I moved to Miami in faith that I was going to take a step closer to the purpose God designed just for me.
When did you start writing?
I started writing poems and short stories in elementary school. I think my passion for writing blossomed from a homework assignment.
What is one of your favorite novels?
One of my favorite novels is the Coldest Winter Ever by Sistah Souljah. This is one of my favorites because I was drawn into the novel from the first line. The description of the main character’s entrance into this world was so vivid I wanted to read more. I couldn’t put the book down until I finished. It was like watching a movie in words.
What kinds of books would we find in your library?
You will find a variety of titles in my library from inspirational to marketing books. Years ago I read fiction mostly. Now I tend to read books that will help me create and sustain wealth, and improve my mental, spiritual and physical health. When I want to relax and take my mind on a journey I read fiction.
If we listened to the playlist on your ipod what would we find?
You would find a lot of R&B and gospel. I am a helpless romantic and I must admit love songs dominate my ipod. You would probably be shocked by some of the oldies music I have mixed in. I even have the song, Don’t Mess With Bill, by the Marvelettes. I added the song for my mom’s sixtieth birthday party, but I love the tune and I still listen to it.
What advice would you give people who desire to be published?
My advice is to never give up on being published. You may get discouraged by the rejection letters, but rejection is a part of the process. It’s similar to someone editing your work, it may hurt to see the criticism but it is necessary to create a stronger product and a stronger writer. What you continue to pursue is that which you are most passionate about. I would also suggest polishing your manuscript as much as you can before submitting it to a publisher.
What gets the creative juices flowing?
Typically my creative juices are stimulated when I’m asleep or daydreaming. I keep a notepad by my bed so I can jot ideas down before I forget them. Sometimes, I am inspired by a quote, sermon, song, or a person.
What do you do when you have writer’s block?
When I have writer’s block I get up from the computer and I try to rest my mind. Sometimes I will shut the computer down and try to forget about writing and let the ideas flow naturally. I find when you have to write something for some reason it becomes more difficult. Usually, ideas will come to me while I’m resting and then I will return to my computer and let words flow.