What inspires you to write? 

I consider myself to be a good story teller.  I have lots of ideas and I enjoy putting pen to paper.  I have a vivid imagination and I have a passion for bringing characters to life.  I strive to make the reader want more and I enjoy writing books that grip the reader, urging them to turn the page, thrilling them and building up the suspense.

Why did you choose to write in your particular field or genre?

I have wanted to write a fiction book for a long time.  I have written non-fiction books for a few different publishers such as Bloomsbury and Continuum International, however this is the first fiction book I have written.  I enjoy reading suspense thrillers and I wanted to turn my hand to this genre to see what I could produce. 

Are you a full-time or part-time writer and how does that affect your writing? 

I write part-time. Until recently, I worked full time running a small chain of children’s day nurseries and a training company. I sold my nurseries in 2022 and have since been working part time with my youngest son, running the training company. Reducing my hours at work has allowed me to spend more time writing however, I also live on a smallholding with a variety of animals to care for so this also takes up a lot of my time. I set myself deadlines and try to stick to them as much as I can.  I see writing as being enjoyable and therefore it doesn’t feel like ‘work’ or a chore. My writing is a means of escape and I enjoy it immensely.

What have you written so far? 

To date I have written non-fiction books based around my previous career of working with children. More recently, I have turned my hand to fiction and produced my debut novel, Live or Die. I have since written a second novel and I am currently working on a series of books based on the life of a smallholder. I am also working on a handbook for the smallholder which is due to be published in 2025. I have lots of ideas!

Can you share with readers a little bit about your latest book?

My debut novel, Live or Die, is a thriller based around the main character’s desperate fight for survival when she finds herself stranded in a remote forest with no means of contacting anyone. After discovering a body floating in the river she summons all her reserves to hatch a plan to escape, however she soon realises she is not alone and the battle for survival takes on a new level, testing her wit and pushing her to the limit.

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

The evolving storyline!  When I sit down to write, my ideas just seem to take over and sometimes I can’t type fast enough. I don’t always know how the story will pan out at the start, and I am often at the mercy of my own imagination when I am writing. I get ideas at all times of day and night and I always try to have my phone or a pen and notepad handy so I can make a note of ideas that spring to mind. I think, because the book didn’t take me long to write, the whole process has been a joy.  I have harboured a dream to write a thriller for a long time and the ideas had been stacking up in my mind for years so, as soon as I decided to go for it, the whole process has been enjoyable.

If your book was made into a movie, who would you cast?

I would cast Sandra Bullock as the main character, Sally with Robert De Niro playing her fiance, Alex. I think the two would bring my story to life as they are both remarkable in their field.

What is your next project?

I have just put the final touches to my second novel, The Final Chase. I also have a sequel in mind for this one so my mind is always working overtime. I am also working on a series of humorous books about life on a smallholding. I share my home with my husband, four dogs and a variety of animals including miniature ponies and donkeys, pigs, goats, sheep and chickens so there are always some funny antics to write about. I have also been commissioned to write a factual handbook for would-be smallholders. I have quite a few projects in the pipeline!

What do you like to read in your free time?

I love a good thriller! I like a book that keeps me guessing, with lots of twists and turns – a bit like Live or Die!  I also enjoy reading books about animal welfare and I am always looking for new ideas to try out on the smallholding.

If there was one thing you could do to change the world, what would it be?

Animal cruelty.  It absolutely breaks my heart to read about animals suffering and I cannot understand man’s cruelty at times.  I think the penalty for animal cruelty should be much higher than it is and I think keeping wild animals in a circus should be banned.  It never ceases to amaze me how educated people can enjoy watching a lion ‘perform’.

Want to learn more about Allison Lee?

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