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. :-)

Spring 2012: Patchwork of Me

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.

Available in print & eBook April 15, 2012

ISBN: 9780983604945 (paperback)

Format: Trade Paperback & eBook

Genre: Fiction (312 pages)

Publisher: ASD Publishing

Price: $13.99 / $4.99

"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 of What Your Therapist Really Thinks About You

“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