Q&A with Author Dylan Allen
Have I mentioned before that I tend to turtle in social situations, especially when they include larger-than-life authors I admire? It’s funny, because people who don’t know me well tend to think I’m this socially comfortable extrovert. The reality is that I do a ton of prep work for social events, and I do a lot of advance apoligizing for the fan-girling that happens. When a local chapter of a romance writers’ organization asked me to participate in a panel about signings and author events, I was honored, excited, and a bit nervous. Then I found out Dylan Allen was also going to be on the panel. THE DYLAN ALLEN! And I freaked the frack out. Then I took a deep breath, my St@lkerSisters reassured me it would all be ok, and I accepted the invitation.
The afternoon of the panel meeting, I did all the things to prep, got in my car and drove to the pre-event dinner location, and freaked out a bit more. I convinced myself to play it cool. I could do this. I went in, sat with the others at the table, ordered a drink, and then tried not to freak out when Dylan walked in. And sat next to me.
And put me completely at ease.
Holy crap! How do some people do that?!?
Seriously, y’all. Dylan was engaging, and funny, and kind, and we all had these amazing conversations about writing and traveling and finding your way and fitting in. And at the panel, her information and input as an author was succinct, informative, and so incredibly valuable to me as an event planner.
We chatted a bit about Charm City Romanticon, forgot to get a picture (yeah, I’m still doing that), I sent her a FB friend request, and I went home on cloud 9 from the entirety of the event.
When we sent Dylan an invitiation to sign at CCR2025, I closed my eyes, crossed my fingers, and hoped she would say yes.
And I did a massive happy dance, complete with fangirl squeal and a warning alarm from the heart monitor on my FitBit.
If you haven’t met Dylan yet, you are in for a treat when you do. She is so incredibly warm and engaging. And yeah, she does give the best hugs. I am so excited to dive into her backlist. And I loved learning more about her from her Q&A. I hope you enjoy getting to know her too.
How did you get started writing?
I wrote my first book as a 40th birthday present to myself. I wrote a woman who looked like me, in a world that reflected the one I live in being fiercely protected, charting her own course and winning in every aspect of her life.
Where do you recommend a new reader start in your backlist?
I would recommend starting with Still the One or The Legacy. Both are first book in a series and great gateways into my catalog.
Do you have a favorite/most memorable scene/ part in a novel you've written?
There is a scene in my book The Sun and Her Star where my heroine gets the most satisfactory revenge on the person who has been making her man’s life a living hell. It ends with my heroine being arrested, but it’s hilarious and bad ass and so damn romantic and a much needed break from a pretty emotionally fraught part of the book.
Is there a part of your career as an author you thought was going to be difficult but has wound up being really wonderful?
I was sure interacting with readers and other authors would be hard. I’m an introvert and have always been a bit of a loner. But it turns out I just needed to find my people. I love signings and events where I get to meet my readers face to face and connect with my fellow authors more than anything else about this job.
Are there specific themes, tropes, or subgenres you’re more drawn to as an author, reader, or listener?
I love forbidden romances, fated mates, high stakes, and second chances. Throw in scheming families and an extra diabolical villain and you’ve got me!
What is your favorite part about being an author?
When a reader connects with a story on a personal level.
What do you like to read/listen to? Any favorite authors you want to send a shout-out to?
I’m a HUGE reader. I LOVE all romance -fantasy, historical, suspense and thrillers most of all. I love Leslye Penelope, Tracey Reid, Eriq LaSalle, Kennedy Ryan, Clarissa Broadbent, Elizabeth Hoyt, Loretta Chase, TJ Klune, Nikki Payne, Shanora Williams, Sarah McLean, Adrianna Herrera, NK Jemisin, Talia Hibbert, and Xio Axelrod to name a few.
Is there someone(s) who’s been influential in your life as it relates to your career?
I would say my best friend, Kennedy Ryan. She has encouraged me to master my craft, to be open to critical feedback, and not to be afraid to dream big and ask for what I want.
How have your life experiences influenced your career as an author?
I’m an immigrant and have lived all over the world. I have a huge, multi racial, and sometimes messy family that I love down to my bones. I also had a career that was influenced by my family before I became an author. My writing reflects all of those things.
This or That: 7 random questions that may or may not be book related:
Kindle or Paperback- Kindle
Beach or Mountain Vacation- Beach
Dogs or Cats- Cats
Ice Cream or Cake - Cake
Action Flick or Rom-Com- Action Flick
Tea or Coffee- Coffee
Road Trip or Air Travel- Air Travel
Connect with Dylan:
You can find more information about Dylan, her books, and how to connect with her on social media here:
