A Fevers of the Mind Quick-9 Interview with Stephen Allen

with Stephen Allen:

Q1: When did you start writing and first influences?

Stephen: I have been writing from about the age of 7 or 8, these were mostly short stories on whatever subject caught my attention at the time.

Q2: Who are your biggest influences today?

Stephen: Today I am still influenced by poets such as Robert Frost and have always loved the works of Philip José Farmer when it comes to short stories.

Q3: Where did you grow up and how did that influence your writing? Have any travels away from home influenced your work?

Stephen: I grew up in Northern Ireland where there is a strong oral tradition when it comes to story telling. Everyone has a story to tell and the Irish never hesitate to tell them.
I have traveled extensively to many countries on business and always try to absorb local cultures and weave them into my writing.
I currently reside in Austria.

Q4: What do you consider your most meaningful work you’ve done creatively so far?

Stephen: Currently I am putting the finishing touches on a full length novel, and have been working with a publisher getting it finalised for publication.

Q5: Any pivotal moment when you knew you wanted to be a writer?

Stephen: I have always known I wanted to write for a living, and have never stopped writing all of these years.

Q6: Favorite activities to relax?

Stephen: I listen to all kinds of music and play several instrument. I am also an avid fitness enthusiast.

Q7: Any recent or forthcoming projects that you’d like to promote?

Stephen: All my free time is being spent on final edits on the previously mentioned novel.

Q8: What is a favorite line/stanza from a poem of yours or others?

Stephen: This phrase from, “Petals Of Deceit,” has always been my favourite

“Rose petals pressed dead between hand written pages
Rescued from the final insult, among crumpled words
And this mornings half eaten discarded Danish”

Q9: Who has helped you most with writing?

Stephen: An English literature teach I had in grade 8 really took me under her wing and helped me a great deal.

Links:

https://throughthecrackedwindow909748923.wordpress.com/

A non-fiction story by Stephen Allen (stoicpoetry) : “Samuels Grace”

3 more poems by Stephen Allen (stoic poetry) : Edge of Dawn, Hard World & Broken

Poetry by Stephen Allen (Stoic Poetry) : Lonely Walk & The Veil

2 poems from Stephen Allen : Sanctuary & Second Chance

2 Poems by Stephen Allen : ‘Petals of Deceit’ & ‘One Day Further’

Bio: Stephen Allen was born and raised in Northern Ireland before relocating to Canada. I have lived in the US and currently reside in Austria. I have a novel and a poetry book self published, as well as several short stories. (Amazon KDP) I also have a blog on WordPress; Through The cracked Window (revisited)