Tell us about yourself.:
Hi! My name's Russ Allen and I'm the Student Ministries Pastor at a large church in Pennsylvania. I have a wife and two daughters and love every minute I get to spend with them. In my free time – which is few and far between these days – I like to read, write, and work out.

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?:
I grew up in central Pennsylvania and was encouraged to read lots of books! This early emphasis laid the foundation for a future in writing. In order to be a good writer, you first have to be a good reader!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
With a full-time job and two kids under 3 years old, I don't get a lot of extensive time to write. So, I've developed the ability to consistently write small amounts over long periods of time. Most weeks, this means I can only write 2-3 pages… but after 2-3 years, this results in a book!

What authors have influenced you?
I grew up in central Pennsylvania and was encouraged to read lots of books! This early emphasis laid the foundation for a future in writing. In order to be a good writer, you first have to be a good reader!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My biggest advice to new authors is to not rush. Take your time, refine your craft, do your research, and be patient for opportunities. We live in a culture where we’re used to things happening so quickly. It takes time to write a good book. Slow down. It’s worth it in the end.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?
The best advice I've ever been given is to be faithful to God in all the small things of life. These are the things that build our character and grow our relationship with God.

What are you reading now?
Right now I'm reading The Brothers Karamazov by Dostoevsky. It's a a classic!

What’s your biggest weakness?
My biggest weakness is that I sometimes desire the finished product more than I desire the process. This can lead to rushing too quickly through projects and not seeing through all the necessary steps.

What is your favorite book of all time?
My favorite book of all time is The Lord of the Rings. There is a lot of Christian symbolism in the story and it's brilliantly written.

When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
When I'm not writing, I like to spend time with my awesome family! I also enjoy working out and staying active.

Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
One of the first stories I ever read was The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. Reading it took me into a new world and invoked deep emotion in me. Since then, I have become a big fan of Lewis's writing.

What has inspired you and your writing style?
7.) From a religious perspective, the biggest influence on my writing is C.S. Lewis. I love Lewis’s writing – both his fiction and nonfiction – because it is simple yet profound. Lewis deals with difficult topics in a way that are sensible and enlightening. Interestingly, another big influence on my writing is Anthony Horowitz, a teen and young adult suspense/thriller author. Horowitz impacted my writing because his narratives are captivating and keep young readers wanting to read more. Although The Bonny Lane Club is not a suspense/thriller book, I hope it is written in a way that makes young people want to keep reading.

What are you working on now?
Right now I am writing articles regularly for several websites, including my own – The Work of Redemption. I am also continuing to promote my recently released inspirational Christian memoir, The Bonny Lane Club

What is your favorite method for promoting your work?
My favorite method for promoting my work is social media. I like the variety that social media allows and the easy ability to share.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to write consistently at The Work of Redemption and begin surveying literature as I research for my next book.

How well do you work under pressure?
I can work well under pressure, but I certainly try to avoid the pressure as much as possible!

How do you decide what tone to use with a particular piece of writing?
Two words come to mind when thinking about the tone of my writing: REAL and REDEMPTIVE. I don't want to use overly ornate language and "bumper sticker theology," but instead write about the real issues and struggles that people face. However, I want to do this with a redemptive lens, pointing people to the hope we have in Christ.

If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
I would tell my fans that I will continue to be faithful to God and the responsibilities He's given me as a husband, father, pastor, and friend. Writing is just icing on the cake – a gift from the Lord and something I enjoy. I'll keep sharing what God lays on my heart and hope it's something that touches your hearts as well. Lots of exciting things are ahead!

Russ Allen’s Author Websites and Profiles
Website
Amazon Profile
Goodreads Profile

Russ Allen’s Social Media Links
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