Today I'm talking with Alle Wells, an independent author who writes Southern/Historical Fiction. I've reviewed Alle's books on this blog and I have to say, she is one of my favorite indie authors! To find out how to buy Alle's books or where you can find her online, follow the links at the end of the interview.
Author Alle Wells
Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in the coastal region of
Briefly describe the novels you have written and the genre(s) that you write in.
All of my books are Southern Fiction. They are also historical, depicting life during the 20th century. My stories have a common thread. Each story tells the story of one life and the role that the times, the environment, and the decisions they make play in the character’s life.
My first novel, Lame Excuses, is the story of a woman who grew up in a fast food restaurant in the 1960’s that initiated her love for food. Railroad Man is my second novel, the story of a handsome railroad engineer in the 1930’s whose love for women ruled his life. The most recent, Leaving Serenity, is about a girl who seeks freedom from the confines of a small, close-knit community during the 1970’s.
What inspired you to write your first novel and/or become a novelist?
I’ve always loved reading and writing. Compiling and recording historical data and publishing newsletters for non-profit organizations has been a big part of my career. One day, I read an article in the Charlotte Observer about self-publishing. I started writing Lame Excuses that afternoon.
What made you choose to self-publish?
When I started writing my first novel, I looked into a few small publishing companies. As a new novelist, I can’t justify the fees that most small publishers charge.
When naming your characters, do you choose names at random or does each character's name have a meaning to the story?
I choose names that fit my character’s demographic setting. One day I took a snapshot of names on a war memorial in a park to get ideas from that community during a specific time.
How much does your upbringing and/or lifestyle today influence your writing?
Lame Excuses is a good example. I grew up in a fast food restaurant just like Emily. Today, I see so many people in the South, young and old, who have debilitating food addictions. That is what inspired me to write Lame Excuses.
How long does it usually take you to write a novel?
Three months.
Do you schedule your writing time or write at random times?
I started out writing randomly, when I heard the words in my head. Recently, I’ve found that I need to schedule a day for writing. At the moment, that day is Sunday. Any time I find to write in addition to that is a bonus!
Which of your novels are you the most proud of, and why?
I am most proud of Railroad Man because it appeals to both men and women, and I’ve never had a bad review!
If a mainstream publisher offered you a publishing contract, would you want it?
My stories are very personal to me. I doubt that I could agree to the cookie cutter image that mainstream publishers require.
Are there any self-published authors whose books you enjoy reading?
Deanna Sletten, of course! There are so many talented Indie Authors in every genre. I read and review Indie books for my book blog, Alle’s 5-Star Reviews. I try to stay neutral and not choose one author over the other.
Books by Alle Wells
Based on the life of Annette Bevels, "Leaving Serenity" takes the reader back to the quaint atmosphere of main street America in the 1960's where everyone speaks the same language and success is measured by conformity. At sixteen, she falls in love with Jack Harris, a romantic hippie with an unsavory past. Leaving Serenity, Annette creates a new identity and becomes the master of her own destiny. Her journey to success is inspiring and empowering.
(Read my review)
Forty-year-old Emily Halley sits in a wheelchair, reflecting on her life that began in a short-order café in the early 1960's. She shares her love for the café that provided everything she needed and demanded nothing from her. A misdiagnosed and ignored medical condition leads her to a tragic and unsatisfied end.
You can find Alle online:
Blog: Alle's Five-Star Reviews
Website: Alle Wells
I hope you all will try one or all of Alle's books. She truly is a talented writer.
Cheers,
Deanna
Deanna,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for featuring me on this lovely site! What a beautiful tribute to my stories!
Alle