Category Archives: Writing

INDIANA WRITERS CENTER CLASSES FOR SPRING SEMESTER 2023

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Greetings and Salutations my friends!

Amazingly we are quarter into 2023 and SPRING HAS ARRIVED! I’m extremely excited to share my upcoming Indiana Writers Center Class Schedule for Spring Semester 2023!

Please see the links below:

Course Information


Elements of Fiction 2.0: Discounted Bundle
Instructor: John F. Allen
Dates: 4 Wednesdays: May 03, 17, 31, June 14 2023
Time: 7:00-10:00 PM EST
Location: Zoom
Nonmember Price: $270.00 (login to see your membership price)

This spring, IWC instructor John F. Allen is offering four different sections of the elements of fiction. You can register for these sessions individually or you can purchase as a bundle and save 10%. Be sure to login to your member account in order to view the correct discount. Here is the price breakdown for your reference:

Nonmember: $270; Writer/Reader Member & IPC Member: $173; Senior Member, Teacher Member, Student Member, Military/Veteran Member, Librarian Member: $151

Elements of Fiction 2.0: Dialogue vs. Narration–When to Show & When to Tell
Instructor: John F. Allen
Date: May 3rd
Time: 7:00-10:00 PM EST
Location: Zoom

This course will define dialogue and narration, their importance and how/when to use them.

Elements of Fiction 2.0: Defining Your Writer’s Voice–Discover Your Inner Writer
Instructor: John F. Allen
Date: May 17th
Time: 7:00-10:00 PM EST
Location: Zoom

This course will define the Writer’s voice and how to develop yours. This includes, but is not limited to, noticeable details regarding a writer’s style. It shows the author’s attitude, thoughts, and feelings. Your Writer’s Voice will influence the other voices in your work including: Character voice, and Narrator’s voice.

Elements of Fiction 2.0: Anatomy of a Writer–How to Use and Channel Your Life Experience into Your Work
Instructor: John F. Allen
Date: May 31st
Time: 7:00-10:00 PM EST
Location: Zoom

This class will examine the various aspects of a writer and how these aspects affect your writing. It will also examine how to use your life experience and relationships to enhance your work.

Elements of Fiction 2.0: Writing Research–How to Begin and Where to End
Instructor: John F. Allen
Date: June 14th
Time: 7:00-10:00 PM EST
Location: Zoom

This class will cover how to begin your research and where to end your research. Before you begin to write your story, a fair amount of research is necessary to authenticate your writing and keep it grounded within the human experience and in the case of literary fiction, to keep it historically accurate.

Register Online   Or  download and print a registration form.

View the IWC class registration policy

SIGN UP TODAY BEFORE ROOM RUNS OUT!

Copyright © 2023 John F. Allen Author LLC All Rights Reserved

INDIANA WRITERS CENTER CLASSES FOR WINTER SEMESTER 2023

Posted by John F. Allen Author on

Greetings and Salutations my friends!

We’ve entered a BRAND-NEW YEAR, full of growth and promise. I’m excited to share my upcoming Indiana Writers Center Class Schedule for Winter Semester 2023!

Please see the links below:

3/2 Elements of Fiction: Emotions, Viewpoint & Voice

FB – https://fb.me/e/2m8OOXayw

Website – https://www.indianawriters.org/product/32-elements-emotions/

3/23 Elements of Fiction: Setting & Worldbuilding

FB – https://fb.me/e/388LthKGk

Website – https://www.indianawriters.org/product/323-elements-setting-world/

Discount Bundle 

Website – https://www.indianawriters.org/product/23-elements-discount/

I look forward to seeing you in class and remember, TBIYTC (The Best is Yet to Come)!

Indiana Marion County Public Library 2021 Summer Reading Program, to Feature classes by John F. Allen Author!

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Hey Indy Residents!

Are you interested in learning more about Speculative Fiction and supporting your local libraries? If so, IMCPL & Indiana Writers Center have collaborated to present IMCPL’s 2021 Summer Reading Program!

I will be teaching a Basics of Writing Speculative Fiction course at various library branches throughout the month of July!

Discover an Imaginary World through Speculative Fiction
Instructor: John F. Allen

Get ready to explore the fantastical in your writing. This introduction to writing speculative fiction will cover aspects of futurism, slip-stream, sci-fi, fantasy, supernatural, and horror stories. Learn how to plot, create settings and characters, and build an imaginary world.

See the schedule below:

Monday, July 19, 6:30-8:00 PM, Spades Park Branch

Saturday, July 24, 2:00-3:30 PM, Wayne Branch

Monday, July 26, 5:30-7:00 PM, East 38th Street Branch

Saturday, July 31, 1:00-2:30 PM, Southport Branch

Click the link below for other classes being offered!
https://www.indianawriters.org/classes-events-at-the-imcpl/

Remember, The Best is Yet to Come!

John F. Allen Author Copyright ©2021

BLACK HISTORY MONTH SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW – MILTON DAVIS

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When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer and what does it mean to you to be a black writer in this society?
I dabbled in writing for a long time, since I was in the fifth grade. I didn’t decide to get serious about it until I turned 45. I feel it’s very important for us to have a voice in all aspects of this society. We have to tell our own stories in order for there to be some semblance of truth in this society, culture and world.
Do you write full time, or do you have another full-time job? What is your educational background?
I write part-time. My full time job is as a technical director for a small chemical  company. I have a Bachelors in Chemistry.
How do you best meet the challenge of juggling your day job (if applicable) and/or your family, against your writing career?
I block off at least one hour a day for writing and another hour for editing and other writing related work. My children are grown and gone, so I have a good amount of time to spend with the art. And I make sure I give my wife priority when it comes to my schedule and events.
What genre(s) do you write in, is there a favorite and which do you feel have had the most important impact on the black community? Traditionally, in mainstream media, blacks have been vastly marginalized in Speculative Fiction and fiction in general, how do you see that changing and what impact will your work have on making those changes?
I write in a variety of genres; sword and soul, Steamfunk, Cyberfunk and space opera. Of all of them, Sword and Soul is my favorite. I think they all have an effect, but I feel science fiction has the most impact on black readers because it puts us in the future under our own terms. As far as the mainstream, times are changing. Readers are demanding diversity, and the powers that be must conform.
Who are some of the major writing influences who most inspired you?
My biggest writing influences are Charles R. Saunders, James Baldwin, Frank Herbert and Phillip Jose Farmer.
Do you listen to music when you’re creating? If so, what type?
Music is an essential part of my writing. I listen to jazz mostly, but I’ll throw a little reggae in every now and then.
How long does it usually take you to complete work on a book?
It usually takes me about three months to finish a book.
What does your writing schedule look like and how many hours a day do you write?
I write probably an hour a day, two hours on weekends. I write in the morning; that’s when I’m the most creative and focused.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I hate outlines.
How many books have you written?
I’ve written 21 books.
As a black author, do you feel a personal responsibility to the black community to create content which not only entertains, but also uplifts and educates?
Yes and No. I write for myself first and foremost. However, I do make sure that what I write is of the highest quality I can produce. I do want my books to leave people with a positive sense of self, and I want them to be a temporary escape from this world.
What type of research do you conduct and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?
The level of research depends on the subject matter. I’ve done extensive research into African/African Diaspora history in order to write Sword and Soul and Steamfunk. The time I spend researching for a particular book will vary based on the subject matter.
What are some of the best resources you’ve found for research?
The internet is your friend. I also have an extensive history book collection I’ve built over the years that is very helpful.
How important is it that black creators work together to encourage, empower and educate the black community through their work?
I think its vitally important that Black creators work together. We operate under this notion that there’s only so much our there for us, and even less for Black creators. I don’t believe that. I think there’s plenty for all of us, especially if we work together. We might not get rich, but we can be comfortable and provide the content our people want and need.
What does literary success look like to you?
Literary success to me is two-fold. I want readers to like my work, and I want to be able to pay my bills. Awards and all the other stuff isn’t significant to me. If it happens I’ll happily accept it, but it’s not something I crave.
What legacy do you want your work to represent and resonate in the black community and the world?
I’m not concerned about a legacy. If anyone says anything about my work, I hope it’s that they enjoyed it and that it made them happy.
What are some of the upcoming projects you’re working on?
I’m currently working on the sequel to Amber and The Hidden City, Amber and the Enchanted Sword. I also plan on completing my From Here To Timbuktu series, as well as a few anthologies.
How can the readers learn more about your work and follow your career?
You can find me at www.mvmediaatl.com and www.miltonjdavis.com. You can also find me on instagram as @obadoro and Facebook as Milton Davis.

Author biography:

I’m a Black Speculative fiction writer and owner of MVmedia, LLC, a small publishing company specializing in Science Fiction, Fantasy and Sword and Soul. MVmedia’s mission is to provide speculative fiction books that represent people of color in a positive manner. I’ve written seventeen novels; my most recent is the Sword and Soul adventure Son of Mfumu. I’m the editor and co-editor of seven anthologies; The City, Dark Universe with Gene Peterson; Griots: A Sword and Soul Anthology and Griot: Sisters of the Spear, with Charles R. Saunders; The Ki Khanga Anthology, the Steamfunk! Anthology, and the Dieselfunk anthology with Balogun Ojetade. MVmedia has also published Once Upon A Time in Afrika by Balogun Ojetade and Abegoni: First Calling and Nyumbani Tales by Sword and Soul creator and icon Charles R. Saunders. My work has also been featured in Black Power: The Superhero Anthology; Skelos 2: The Journal of Weird Fiction and Dark Fantasy Volume 2, Steampunk Writes Around the World published by Luna Press and Bass Reeves Frontier Marshal Volume Two.

BLACK FRIDAY SALE!

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The Kobo Black Friday Sale
***LIMITED TIME ONLY***
Friday, Nov 29th through Monday, Dec 2nd!
My short story collection, The Best Is Yet To Come is on SALE!

TODAY get your copy of The Best Is Yet To Come, for only $0.99!
CLICK THE LINK FOR DETAILS!
#writemind
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-best-is-yet-to-come-27

THE BEST IS YET TO COME

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AVAILABLE NOW!

PERSONAL RENEWAL

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It’s March.
We’re already into the 3rd month of 2018 and you may find it odd that I’m talking about resolutions.
I’m not referring to the hollow New Year’s traditions which most people make with earnest intentions, but usually fall short and say, “Well, there’s always next year!” No, I’m talking about PERSONAL RENEWAL. It’s about real, attainable and determined change.
It’s taken me years to come to this point in the road of my journey and I can’t afford to turn back, backslide or waste another moment or squander any opportunities I’ve been blessed with. At nearly a half century in age, time is of the essence.

JFA 5
So, starting yesterday, almost a week before you’re reading this, I came to recognize that there will be some extensive changes in what I do and how I do it.
This not only applies to my writing career, but also to every facet of my life. In fact, the changes started much earlier, but I am now starting to take stock of them regarding my writing.
To my loyal readers, expect more from me, expect better from me and expect more of me.
To those who may be joining me at this point in my journey…stay tuned, TBIYTC (The Best Is Yet To Come)!!!

Codename: Knight Ranger Official Blog Tour Master Link List

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Codename Knight Ranger Official Blog Tour Banner

KNIGHT RANGER POSTER ART 2My blog tour in support of Codename: Knight Ranger launches Monday, 2 November 2015! Check out Seventh Star’s announcement here. This blog post will serve as the master list, and I’ll add live links to the each post as soon as I know they’ve gone up.

It’s going to be an exciting week and I hope you come back frequently to check it out.  I want to thank all of the book bloggers who volunteered to be a part of the fun.

The complete blog tour is as listed:

Monday, 2 November 2015
On Cloud Eight and a Half (Guest Post)

Tuesday, 3 November 2015
Author Interview with Pete Welmerink

Wednesday, 4 November 2015
Armand Rosamilia Guest Post
RJ Sullivan Top 5 Post
Book In The Bag Author Interview/Guest Post

Thursday, 5 November 2015
Darkling Delights Author Interview

Friday, 6 November 2015
Beauty in Ruins: Science vs Superstition, Military vs Monsters? (Guest Blog)
Sheila’s Blog (Guest Blog)
Bee’s Knees Reviews

Saturday, 7 November 2015

Sunday, 8 November 2015

Please check in regularly to see the list fill in, and leave a comment below as the tour progresses and to let me know what you think.

Thanks & remember TBIYTC!!!

Sign Up For The Codename: Knight Ranger Blog Tour (Urban Fantasy/Spy-Fi)

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Tomorrow Comes Media invites you to return to the world John F. Allen introduced in The God Killers, in a week-long celebration of his latest urban fantasy release, the Urban Fantasy/Spy-Fi novella Codename: Knight Ranger! The tour runs from November 2, 2015 through November 8, 2015, and you can sign up by clicking HERE!

KNIGHT RANGER POSTER ART 2Synopsis: Captain Alexandre Cornelius “Neal” Du Bois is a US Army Ranger and decorated war hero. When his unit is ambushed by supernatural hostile forces while in Afghanistan, only Neal survives. When he wakes up in a secret government facility, Neal discovers that his whole life has changed forever.

A shadowy government agent named Elijah Bishop arranges for Neal’s brain to be transplanted, without his permission, into a bio-engineered body capable of amazing feats. Armed with advanced body armor and weaponry, he becomes the epitome of the Ultra Soldier.

To protect his family and those closest to him, he must let the world and everyone he loves believe he is dead. With assistance from Dr. Avery Clarkson–the scientist responsible for his new body–Neal reluctantly utilizes his superhuman abilities to work for Bishop and his organization called G.E.N.E.S.I.S. (Global Espionage Network of Elite Supernatural Intelligence and Surveillance), in order to track down those responsible for the slaughter of his unit and keep the world safe from supernatural terrorist forces.

JohnAllenAuthorPhoto_NewAbout the Author: John F. Allen is an American writer born in Indianapolis, IN. He is a member of the Speculative Fiction Guild and the Indiana Writers Center. He began writing stories as early as the second grade and pursued all forms of writing at some point, throughout his career. John studied Liberal Arts at IUPUI with a focus in Creative Writing, received an honorable discharge from the United States Air Force and is a current member of the American Legion. John’s debut novel, The God Killers was published in 2013 by Seventh Star Press. John currently resides in Indianapolis, Indiana with his wife and son.