Allison Rose lives in Buffalo, New York, with her fiancé, a collie mix, chinchilla and a bunny. She has a BA in psychology and finds it fascinating, how people thinking. Also, she is proofreading books, and always loved fantasy novels. Her first novel, The Nameless, which was published in 2018 December, is also about fairies and Allison is already working on its continuation.

Where you can find her:
www.allisonroseauthor.com
https://instagram.com/allison.rose.author
https://www.amazon.com/Allison-Rose

The interview

1. First of all, I would like to congratulate again for the publication of your book! I know that it obviously feels awesome, but can you tell me about how it feels being already here, after the lots of work and waiting?

Both writing The Nameless and self-publishing was a lot of work. And putting my work out there for the first time was slightly terrifying, but it’s so worth it! It was my New Year’s resolution for 2018 that I would finally publish this book, and I’m so happy that I can finally call myself an author.

2. Did you have any story, either novel, or a movie, TV series, which inspired your book? If yes, which was that story?

James Cameron's Avatar was a big inspiration for my world of Faerie. The Nameless takes place in the human world, but of course, there are faeries in it. And they are more focused on the natural world, as they were brought up to do in Faerie. They are connected to the magic of the world around them, as are the natives of Pandora in Avatar.
I was also inspired by the movie Ferngully, which has a similar theme, but has more of a faerie vs. human aspect to it, as it is set in the human world. This is a theme in The Nameless, as well. The faeries and humans don’t understand each other at all, and thus falter when it comes to working together against a common enemy.

3. Do you have a favourite mythology? If yes, which nation's legends are that and why?

I always liked Greek mythology. I liked the idea that there were each god and goddess had a story, and they were also imperfect. In fact, they are a lot like humans in many ways.

4. Creating a universe is such fun, but also so much work. Which was the hardest part in making the backgrounds for your book, and which was the most fun part of it?

The hardest part of worldbuilding is the time it takes to iron out every detail. No matter how much you plan, there is always something you come across while writing that you need to puzzle out or just doesn't make sense with the rules of the world. The best part is when you've fully created the world. It's the coolest thing to think you've accomplished that.

5. If you should recommend a novel, what would you recommend now and why?

Well, if you like urban fantasy and faeries, Holly Black’s Tithe is one of my favorites. It’s dark and magical and the reason why I fell in love with faeries in the first place.

6. Can you get into the right mood for writing easily, or do you need any special environment to do it?

Getting into the mood to write still doesn't come easily to me. One trick I've found that works is if I'm in a distraction-free zone and I've taken a half hour to read first. Reading really inspires my need to create something just as awesome as the book in my hand.

7. Do you like making up all little details before writing, or does your story sometimes take spontaneous side paths during writing?

I do outline my stories, but sometimes my characters just take scenes in entirely different directions. And I let them do it. They usually know what they are doing.

8. Now, that you published The Nameless, do you have any other projects? And if yes, can you tell a little about it?

Oh, yes. The Nameless is a series, so I'm working on the second part of that. Also, I'm working on a companion series that takes place entirely in Faerie. They are a different cast of characters, but you will see some characters mentioned in The Nameless.

9. What was the most challenging thing for you in writing The Nameless?

The Nameless is my debut novel, so the hardest part was learning how to craft a story and write well. I spent a lot of time rewriting it. And I’m so thankful for my editors and beta readers for helping me along the way.

10. If you could live literally anywhere, in any fictional universe, where would you live and what would you be?

I've always wanted to be an elf from The Lord of the Rings. They are beautiful and magical and they live in the forest.

Thank you, Allison, for answering my questions and I congratulate again for publishing your book! 🙂
You, my dear readers, what would you ask from Allison Rose?