Sharing Stories of Adversity & Diversity

What Type of Writer is Gregory?

Gregory G. Allen is not an author to be placed in a box and told he can only write in one specific genre. He is drawn to a multitude of themes that are displayed over many types of genres: Abandonment, Addiction, Autism, Divorce, Foster Care, Equality, Religion, & Sexuality to name a few.

How people 'cope with' and 'overcome from' adversity in their lives is the common thread. No matter if they are adult books that are controversial and for adult eyes only or calling on his background in children's theater and writing for young eyes - he wants to create stories that show how someone can persevere and use tenacity to make their own personal journey.

Q&A:

Q: What genre would you say you write in?

A: I'm sorry, I can't answer the question.

Q: This is an interview, we need an answer.

A: Anyone looking at this website will notice I do not write in one particular style.

Q: So if we say your name, one type of writing won't come to mind - like so many of the great writers out there?

A: Not unless those writers started out writing musicals and stage plays. Had a huge background in children's theater and loved to cover diverse themes from homosexuality to autism - writing for both adults and children. Is there a box I can check for that genre?

Q: I'm asking the questions here. Who is your favorite actor?

A: I have several, but one that comes to mind is Johnny Depp.

Q: Why?

A: He can't be classified in one genre. The guy always thinks out of the box and throws himself into every character (from adult roles to things for children...hey..another reason I like him so much)!

Q: Who do you admire as a writer?

A: I've shared many novelist and authors I really admire in interviews before, but for you - I'm going to say the guys from South Park.

Q: Are you kidding?

A: No. I like that they don't care about playing by the rules, yet produce really wonderful works of art.

Q: South Park is a work of art?

A: To many people it is. And have you seen their Tony Award winning musical? Talk about not playing by the rules.

Q: What is an overriding trait about you?

A: When I tell a story - in writing or directing, etc...I like to give the unexpected. A protagonist must do X....a story must always Y. I can't write that way. Nor have I ever directed or produced that way for the stage. I directed the musical "La Cage" set in New Orleans, changed the time period for the musical "I Do! I Do!" and created an environment for "Kiss of the Spider Woman" that was more like Guantanamo Bay since it was in the news at that time.

Q: And has that carried over into your writing?

A: Absolutely. In my books, the guy may not always get the girl and the addict may not always kick his habit - but you'll get a story where that protagonist will give all they got to overcome whatever obstacle may be in their way.

Q: Has Greg had to overcome many obstacles?

A: Greg just keeps going and reinventing himself over and over - perhaps that's why my genre's are all over the place when I write.

Q: You go back to that subject - does it bother you that you'll never be Stephen King and known for one thing?

A: Not at all. I love reading in many genres as well as writing. So if one book leans itself towards mystery - I'll go there. And if I need to do chick-lit - I have no problem calling up my inner 'chick'. We all have favorite places to shop or restaurants to eat in. Do we always buy the same clothes or same food when we return? Favorites can thrive in variety. :-)

New Release: Patchwork of Me

A product of the foster care system, Sara Butler spends her early thirties hiding from her past while striving for a normal life with her small group of quirky friends in Arizona. Seeking treatment for an invisible rash and abnormal dreams, her therapist helps her unlock a heinous past that she is unsure she wants to open. To patch her life back together, she realizes she must travel across country to Maine to confront that past in order to plan for a future.

ISBN: 9780983604945 (paperback)

Format: Trade Paperback & eBook

Genre: Fiction (312 pages)

Publisher: ASD Publishing

Price: $13.99 / $4.99

BLOG TOUR MAY/JUNE/JULY

"Patchwork of Me, Gregory G. Allen’s poignant new novel about a young women searching for her identity, captivated me! Masterfully drawn characters – a damaged female protagonist and her fascinating, wonderfully generous “gay mafia” friends – bring an edgy, heartbreaking reality to this gripping journey across the country and into the past. But it’s Allen’s wisdom and insight – the hopeful message that it is up to us to shape our life and our future – that truly makes this book special. With Patchwork of Me, Greg Allen has made my short list of favorite authors!"

– Terri Giuliano Long

Author of In Leah’s Wake

"A page-turning, thought provoking, and addictive tale. Allen’s vivid characters are rich and real and thoroughly enjoyable."

-Spencer Seidel

Author of Dead of Wynter

"This book is for anyone who treasures friendship, asks big questions, looks for the truth, or simply enjoys a great story."

-Pamela Milam, MA, LPC

Author & Columnist

“It's a kaleidoscope of unexpected twists and turns, emotional and psychological. It's soul-searching; self-discovering, humorous and romantic ... it's a Patchwork of Me!”

-Arthur Wooten

Author of Birthday Pie

What's New!

Patchwork of Me Blog Tour May/June/July

Book Signing for Chicken Boy in Nutley, NJ 5/20. 1:00 pm

CHICKEN BOY book singing in Hawthorne 5/6. Greg will be talking to classes in NJ this week about the book.

Modern-Day Algonquin: A Round-Table Discussion in Huffington Post

Greg & Author Kergan Edwards-Stout discuss Life, Art & Love in Huffington Post

Greg will be discussing WELL WITH MY SOUL on the Timothy Hodge radio show Thursday, 3/15 at 5pm EST.

Greg was on the radio in Central New Jersey Monday, March 12 talking about Chicken Boy and the MeeGenius Author Challenge. Listen to the podcast.

Chicken Boy: The Amazing Adventures of a Super Hero with Autism

has been named the People's Choice Winner in the MeeGenius Author Challenge - garnering the grand prize. Full Story

Greg recently sat down with author Kergan Edwards-Stout and the two discussed their books Well With My Soul & Songs for the New Depression for The Advocate.

Greg's 2nd novel Patchwork of Me comes out on April 15, but already has a review out on blogcritics.

Greg is thrilled to join other authors and publishers at the 4th annual Rainbow Book Fair in NYC on Saturday, March 24 from 11-5:30. Join us at the LGBT Community Center at 208 West 13th Street. A day full of books, readings, signings from some of the best GLBT writers around.

Children's Picture Book

Chicken Boy: The Amazing Adventures of a Super Hero with Autism has won the People's Choice in the MeeGenius Author Challenge after two rounds of voting. I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, comments, and sheer volume of votes the book received. Thanks to everyone who voted and shared the story!

Special thanks to Dennis Culver who cleverly illustrated the book.

You can buy the eBook on the MeeGenius site here: Chicken Boy: The Amazing Adventures of a Super Hero with Autism

Read the full press release! Full Story

The book is available in print by ASD Publishing.

What People are Saying About Chicken Boy!!!

"This will be a great resource for kids with autism who want to feel better about themselves, to unleash their inner greatness and for parents and teachers who want to promote a positive view of autism to their offspring and students."

-Anne Carpenter, Librarian and Information and Referral Specialist

Autism Society of Michigan

"I'm completely behind Chicken Boy and believe it would be a great door opener to so many people who have misunderstood Autism." - Texas

"Important that "normal" kids understand how autistic children "see" every day life." - New Jersey

"Thank you for putting autism in the perspective that everyone can understand. Understanding leads to acceptance!"

"I think this book is not only enlightening for children but for many adults as well." - New York

"I work with, and advocate for, autistic children and their families. I wish I could hand this book to each new family as they tell me their son or daughter has just been diagnosed with Autism." - California

"Every teacher should be aware of this book & should read it in every class at every grade level. There are a lot of children now being mainstreamed in to regular classes & this would bring so much awareness." - New Jersey

"I work with autistic children and this story portrayed a deeper understanding of the special mind of a child with autism." - Illinois

"What a sweet touching yet true and funny way of appreciating and loving a child for who he is." - New York

Chicken Boy in the News During the Contest:

March:

Nutley Sun: Hawthorne resident wins award for Nutley-inspired book

Hawthorne Gazette: Hawthorne Man Wins Top Prize

February:

BaristaKids: Chicken Boy Makes the Final Round

Montclair Times Managing Director Named a Finalist

Hawthorne Gazette Hawthorne Man's Book in Contest

Dallas Observer Children's Inspired Stories

Writer on the Road Inspiration in the Eyes of my Godson