AllenMadding.COM

 While I was in South Georgia for a book signing, I spent a few days on my brothers farm.  I quickly became big buddy's with their newest addition to their array of animals.   They had a tornado set down in the middle of their farm a couple months back and were still working on the cleanup. So we worked on cutting down "widowmaker" broken tree limbs hanging in precarious manner along their driveway and around their house and pastures. I lucked out on day one getting to operate the tractor while he stood on a pallet cutting libs with a limb saw. I question sometimes how much he trust me 😂 I lucked out on day one getting to operate the tractor while he stood on a pallet cutting limbs with a limb saw. I question sometimes how much he trust me 😂 They had been working on a fencing project when the tornado hit, and I spent some time helping to complete it. Along the way we discovered a tree that had fallen on the brand new fence, so I leaned on my history of fence repair to h

I was honored to be the guest of honor at a book signing in my hometown of Camilla, GA at the Desoto Trail Regional Library -  very library that fostered my love for reading. I used to pedal my bicycle 1.5 miles to participate in their Summer Reading Program. I am very grateful for the influence the library had on me growing up and for all the wonderful friends that showed up for the event!

I had the sincere pleasure to be interviewed by Christine L. Henderson at Let's Write! It was a great opportunity to talk writing and revisit some things from my past that have shaped my present day that I haven't thought about it quite a while. Head over there and check it out!

A question that comes up from time to time is "How do you deal with writer's block" or some variation like "Is writer's block real?" Writer's block is a very real phenomenon. It is basically writing to the end of your conscious stream for a story, and it can be very daunting and frustrating to overcome. I have set on a particular writing project for months trying to figure out where to go next. So how do you deal with it? How do you as the Doors would say "Break on through to the other side?" The best advice I have come upon regarding combating writer's block, is from Ernest Hemingway. His advice to a young apprentice, Arnold Samuelson as quoted in Samuelson's book, With Hemingway: A Year in Key West. "The most important thing I’ve learned about writing is never write too much at a time… Never pump yourself dry. Leave a little for the next day. The main thing is to know when to stop. Don’t wait till you’ve written yours

I'm giving away a $10 Starbucks gift card. Sign up before midnight May 18, 2020. Sign Up HERE

Want a FREE copy of Shaken Awake: The Complete Trilogy ? Here's your chance! I'm giving away FIFTY copies at GoodReads! https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/307008-shaken-awake-the-complete-trilogy Don't wait, the giveaway ends May 30, 2020!

On Tuesday, January 7, 2014, I walked into my office on the 5th floor of Colony Square (14th and Peachtree ST, Atlanta). I sipped the tall blonde coffee that I had grabbed at the Starbucks at the base of the building and read the headlines on the Atlanta Journal Constitution app on my phone. I was shocked to read that a a 70-year-old homeless man, Charlie Perkins, was been found dead just a few blocks from where I was sitting. He had frozen to death sleeping on the street. The news rattled my soul. I looked out the window of my office at all the high rise apartment and office buildings a strong contrast of wealth and the poverty of the homeless just below them. I thought about the man in the army coat and thick military issued black framed glasses that I had just spoken to in the Starbucks as I did every morning. A man who I recognized was homeless. I thought about the older homeless woman who sat in the food court just outside the folding gate to Chick-Fil-A waiting for it to open

When I was working on my undergraduate degree, I wrote someone a thank you note. They asked a college friend if I had ever passed a composition class. That comment has remained with me for more than 25 years - etched in my brain. I struggled thru college and graduated. I have since completed a graduate degree and published a book. I write this not to garner sympathy, but as a word of encouragement. Don't let the naysayers hold you back from pursuing your dreams. Whatever you want to do, do it. Don't listen to the detractors saying you can't. Pursue it with reckless abandon. You CAN do it. Press on for the prize.

I'm giving away a copy of my new book! Enter Now! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hey Y'all, I’ve got some pretty exciting news: It’s almost time for my next book to be released! It’s called Shaken Awake - The Complete Trilogy , and it releases on April 30, 2020. My publisher, Charm House Publishing, and I want to invite you to join the launch team! Shaken Awake - The Complete Trilogy is three books in one. Shaken Awake, Awakened, and Woke! Chances are you have read Shaken Awake and Awakened and have been patiently waiting for a conclusion to the series. This is the entire story start to finish! The Shaken Awake Launch Team will be a fun and personalized group with only so many spots available, so apply now. Details are listed below: WHAT YOU WILL GET: ●       A chance to read the book before anyone else does.   All eligible team members will receive an Advanced Abbreviated Reader digital copy of the book. ●       Access to the private Facebook group ●       Interact with me personally through Facebook Live chats and other fun things