Interview with K. M. Allan

Facebook Pin LinkedIn Email

Hello everyone! Welcome back to another author interview for this blog. Today’s author is none other than K. M. Allan, author of the Blackbirch series! Get to know her below and read all about her work!

1) What does writing mean to you? What do you think the purpose of writing is?

For me, writing is a creative outlet that brings a certain balance to my life. I notice a difference in how I think and feel when I don’t write, so I would say that makes its purpose a benefit to my well-being.

2) What particular genre do you write in? Why are you passionate about that genre?

I’m open to all genres, but my debut series was magical realism. I chose that genre because I love the idea of the real world having a spark of magic to it. There’s just something about combining the mundane every day with the impossible that appeals to me.

3) What does being a writer mean to you?

It’s the culmination of a lifelong dream. I don’t remember wanting to be anything other than a writer—a dream that started because I was a big reader as a kid. I remember how in awe I was of the stories I read, so getting to write such stories now means a lot to me.

4) Where and how do you find inspiration?

From a lot of places. I can get an idea when I’m out taking a walk and letting my mind wander, or something can spark after reading a book, watching a movie, or listening to a song. I’ve found that inspiration usually pops up from the most unlikely places or thoughts.

5) What challenges do you face as a writer and how do you combat them when you sit down to write or even just prepare to write?

I think everyone has a fear that what they’re writing isn’t good enough. I’ve certainly had that kind of impostor syndrome sneak up on me. There’s also balancing writing with everything else in your life. For me, having a writing routine that I can stick to has been the biggest help in establishing a writing habit, and it’s that consistency that helps push through when that impostor syndrome rears its head. If you can write your way through a bad day, you usually find a good writing day on the other side of it.

6) Where can we find some of your writing?

My writing advice can be found on my blog. I started it back in 2017 when I began querying, so it’s followed my journey from agent and publisher submissions and rejections, to broken small press contracts, to self-publishing, and everything in between that I’ve learned about those situations and the art of writing.

My books (a four-part series) can be found at all the usual online retailers.

7) Where can we reach you?

At my blog: www.kmallan.com, and I’m pretty active on Instagram and Threads.

https://www.kmallan.com
https://www.instagram.com/k.m.allan_writer
https://www.threads.net/@k.m.allan_writer

8) What are some interesting facts about you?

I’m an identical twin, and my writing space gets overrun by two ragdoll cats who like to steal my chair whenever I get up.

Info About My Latest Book

Blackbirch: The Collector is the fourth and final book in the Blackbirch series. Released in November 2023, it is the culmination of 22 years of dreaming, ideas, writing, and editing.

Blackbirch

The monster Josh Taylor feared is free—and it’s all his fault.

Not only have Josh’s actions put his family and friends in danger, but they’ve also thrown Blackbirch into elemental chaos, forcing the town to evacuate.

Fleeing with his friends, they uncover long-held secrets and truths that lead to danger and loss, making Josh question if his magick is enough to defeat a creature willing to violate the laws of nature to claw its way back to life.

It’s Collector versus Collector in this epic conclusion to the Blackbirch series, and there’s only room in this world for one.