Ask the Author: Allison Larkin
Answered Questions (17)
Allison Larkin
Thank you so much, Vicky! My new novel, Home of the American Circus, just came out, and is not a sequel, but I think similar in themes and feelings. I would love to write another April book someday -- I do have a pretty solid idea of what her future looks like. But I also want to make sure there's enough of a story there to make it a book that can stand on its own legs. So it's only something I'd do if the right circumstances become clear. I really appreciate that you spread the word about the book and that you loved it enough to want more! That means a lot to me!
Allison Larkin
Hi Dan! Thank you so much! The working title of The People We Keep was Mayflower, but unfortunately that made everyone think it was a book about pilgrims. The title came pretty late in the process and was taken from a line at the end of the book. I have to admit that at first I wasn't a fan -- after spending most of 15 years thinking of this book as Mayflower, it was hard to adjust. But The People We Keep really is the perfect title for the book, and I can't imagine it any other way now.
Allison Larkin
Hi Danielle! I also grew up in Somers! I chose to set the book there because as a kid growing up in Somers I always felt like the only person who understood that a captive elephant was a tragedy -- everyone else seemed to see Bailey as a hero, and I didn't. So I wanted to set a story in Somers to tell a story about characters who are sensitive people in a place with an insensitive sense of history. But it is also a bit of a love letter to the landscape of Somers as well.
Allison Larkin
Hi Moh! I think the most important authors to read as someone who wants to write, are the ones who really speak to. you. Who is grabbing your attention? What kinds of stories do you like? How are they told? Go back and read your favorite books. Go to the library and read the first five pages of random books on the shelves. Pay attention to what makes you want to read more. That will start to shape your sense of how you want to approach story. As for books specially about writing, I highly recommend Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott!
Allison Larkin
Oh! Thank you so much for your question, Juliann! I lived in Red Bank one summer in the late 90s (and attended Jersey Shore Bartending School!). It's such a charming area and I really loved living there. I got to go back a few times to do events with River Road Books (that's such a great bookstore!) and I was so happy to see how much had stayed the same over the years!
Allison Larkin
Hi Michelle! I'm so sorry I didn't see this until very far after the fact! But if you read Home of the American Circus in your book club, please reach out! If the timing works out, I'd be happy to chat about it! I have a Book Club form on my website to request virtual visits: https://allielarkinwrites.com
Allison Larkin
Hi Priyam! Yes! You should be able to find an e-book version of The People We Keep wherever ebooks are sold!
Allison Larkin
Thank you so much, Charlotte! I'm thrilled to hear that you could relate to April so well! The People We Keep is a coming of age novel intended for adults, even though April is a younger character.
Allison Larkin
Hi Riya! Thank you so much for asking! I definitely have some ideas about what happens to the characters in The People We Keep in the years that follow the book, and I'd love to write about them again someday. I also want to make sure there's enough story to tell to be a book that could stand on its own two feet. So I hope so, but I'm not certain yet.
Allison Larkin
The best thing about being a writer is getting to connect with other readers on a personal level. When I write something and it resonates with a reader it makes me feel like I am part of a network of kindred spirits. I am infinitely thankful to have this experience. It means the world to me.
Allison Larkin
Back when I was still writing my first novel, STAY, I was editing a scene and listening to an iTunes playlist. Iowa by Dar Williams was immediately followed by This is the Sea by The Waterboys and the combination of those songs and their meanings triggered something in my brain and all of a sudden I had this image of a young musician trying to navigate the world. I started writing the book as a short story that takes place in what is now the second part of the novel, but I just kept wondering, 'How did she get here?' and 'Why did she do that?' The book grew in every direction from the questions I had. THE PEOPLE WE KEEP is the project I've worked on in between writing my other novels. Writing it has been my greatest joy so far, and it very much feels like April Sawicki appeared through those songs to lead me through every word. I'm so thankful for her.
Allison Larkin
Thank you so much, Gary! I do very often wonder what that group is up to! I'm glad to hear you'd enjoy a part two. And I'm so thrilled you enjoyed SWIMMING FOR SUNLIGHT!
Allison Larkin
Oh! Thank you so much, Cathy! I deeply appreciate your kind words about STAY and SfS! Hope you enjoy WCIBY!!! <3
Allison Larkin
Hi Téa! Thank you so much. It's wonderful to hear that you loved STAY! It sounds like you have an amazing story mapped out in your head. I think it would be an amazing idea for you to write. I know it's daunting to think about writing your own story - I was intimidated by the idea of it for years - but it sounds like you have an amazing imagination and also love books. Maybe you're a writer? The book BIRD BY BIRD was incredibly helpful to me. I realized that it's okay to write messy first drafts (and second drafts, and third drafts) and improve incrementally in the process. You don't have to sit down and write a perfect book start to finish. Just start and see where it takes you!
Allison Larkin
Hi Eleanor! Thank you so much for your message. It means so much to me to know STAY is your favorite. I have a new book coming out next April and I can't wait to share it. The ladies (and dog) of SWIMMING FOR SUNLIGHT have had a hold on my heart for the past few years. I'm excited for you to meet them.
Allison Larkin
Ooh! Hi Angel! Just seeing this now. I don't have any official plans for a part 2, but I will admit I know exactly what happens next and would love to write it all down when the time is right. :)
Allison Larkin
Hi Jenn!
Thank you! That is the sweetest encouragement! I have been very busy at work on a book for the past year, and hopefully I will soon be at a point where there's news to share about it. I also have a very long term project (started in pre-STAY days) I've been working on that may see the light of day one of these years. Fingers crossed!
XO
AL
Thank you! That is the sweetest encouragement! I have been very busy at work on a book for the past year, and hopefully I will soon be at a point where there's news to share about it. I also have a very long term project (started in pre-STAY days) I've been working on that may see the light of day one of these years. Fingers crossed!
XO
AL
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