I recently had the chance to speak with Gregory G. Allen, a versatile author known for his ability to craft heartfelt stories with empathy and depth. One of the things that makes Allen stand out as an author is his willingness to break the rules. He doesn’t limit himself to the traditional frameworks of children’s books. "I tell the stories I want to tell, and they may go beyond the allotted page count for a picture book. Or, like with my monster book, when I realized it needed more, it became a chapter book instead." He lets the characters dictate the story, a creative process that brings unexpected depth and dimension to his work.
Having been in the publishing world for over a decade, Allen has witnessed many changes in the industry, but some things still bother him. One of his biggest pet peeves comes from being at the mercy of book-selling platforms. "You might think your book is coming out on X date, but then you wait to see it up there, or it takes a while to get a cover loaded." The unpredictability of release dates for indie authors can be frustrating, but he remains patient through the process, continuing to create stories that resonate with readers.
Allen’s collaboration with illustrators is one of the most exciting parts of his creative journey. He has worked with four different illustrators across five books, and he loves giving them the freedom to bring the characters to life. "I have ideas, I describe looks or pages I see in my mind, but there is nothing like seeing what they come up with. It’s such an exciting part of the process!" The visual elements of his books come together beautifully thanks to these collaborative efforts, making his stories all the more engaging for children.
Looking to the future, Allen is dedicated to using his books as a platform for empathy and inclusion. Teaching these lessons while children are young is a priority for him. "I want to keep being a voice for empathy and inclusion in my books." However, he is also exploring new territory—his next project is evolving into a Young Adult novel, despite originally being planned as a sequel to his first adult novel. This shift reflects his adaptability and willingness to follow the natural course of his storytelling.
When it comes to writing tools, Allen’s favorite might surprise you: it’s Google. "I want my books to feel authentic, so if I’m writing about a certain place, I need to do research on that area." Google helps him dive deep into locations, ensuring that every detail in his stories rings true, adding an extra layer of realism to his work.
Allen’s greatest strength as an author is his connection to students, especially during school visits where he talks about writing and inclusion. For over a decade, he’s been traveling to schools, with some inviting him back year after year to discuss his superhero series featuring a character with autism. This summer holds special significance for Allen as his superhero series now includes a third book, all compiled into a single hardcover. He is eagerly looking forward to sharing these stories with the students who’ve supported him throughout his career.
Despite his many strengths, Allen admits that editing his own work is a challenge. "I wish I were a better editor of my own work, but I keep editors employed with that being my weakness," he says with a laugh. Though he writes and self-edits before handing it off to a professional, he recognizes that this is an area where he strives to improve.
Writing has always been a part of Allen’s life, and it deeply connects with his inner child. As a young boy, he spent hours crafting stories, writing plays, and directing neighborhood kids in backyard productions. "Now as an adult, I get to pull from all of those times as I write my stories and channel that child again who always loved being a storyteller." This connection to his childhood passion for storytelling infuses his work with an authenticity and joy that resonates with readers of all ages.
Gregory G. Allen is not just a storyteller; he’s a champion of empathy, inclusion, and creativity, constantly evolving and pushing the boundaries of his craft. His passion for storytelling shines through in everything he does, whether it's writing picture books, visiting schools, or diving into the world of Young Adult fiction.
