Today, Norm Goldman Publisher & Editor of Bookpleasures.com is pleased to have as our guest Dale Allan author of A Prayer For The Devil.

Norm:

Good day Dale and thanks for participating in our interview.

Dale:

Thanks for having me Norm; it’s my pleasure to meet with you!

Norm:

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? As a follow up, has your environment and/or upbringing influenced your writing and if so, how?


Dale:

One single tragic event has influenced my writing more than any other: when I was 12 years old my father was murdered. What I did a few weeks before his death would have profound impact on my life. With my father away on a prolonged business trip, I sent him a letter.

 I still remember sitting at the rickety wooden desk in the corner of my room and struggling to write three pages long hand - it seemed to take forever. Excited and proud of my accomplishment, I convinced my mother to give me a stamp and I ran several blocks to the mailbox to mail it.

After my father’s death while he was on that trip, my uncle called our house and specifically asked to talk to me. He told me that my dad must have read my letter at least fifty times – it seemed like whenever they weren’t busy working, he was reading and rereading the note. When he was buried with my hand-written letter in his pocket, I truly understood the power of writing.

Also, during freshman year of college, I elected to take a creative writing course. Once our first assignment was graded, my professor asked me to see her after class. Assuming this only meant bad news, I waited in trepidation for what seemed like an eternity. However, when we finally met, she seriously encouraged me to think about a career in writing; I will never forget her encouraging words! So, like many other people, a great teacher had a tremendous impact on my life. At this point, there’s nothing I enjoy more than starting with a seed of a story line and growing it into a compelling novel!

Norm:

What motivated you to write A Prayer For The Devil and did you know the end of your book at the beginning?

Dale:

I’m constantly watching the news and reading about current events around the world. I thought that the subject of radical Islam was extremely topical, and when I decided to link terrorism to the priesthood, I knew I had a winning formula.

I always write the same way – I have an initial idea for a plot that I find interesting; then I sit down and write the first five to ten chapters. At that point, I begin to dream about the characters and they become very real to me.

While writing, I actually see the events of my books unfolding in my mind’s eye, similar to watching a movie. When I’m “in the zone,” I’m engrossed in the plot right along with the characters, feeling and experiencing the same things they are – sometimes even leaving me breathless!

So to answer your question specifically, no, I didn’t know the end of the book at the beginning; it evolved along with the story.

Norm:

What was your main focus when you created your protagonist Luke Miller?

Dale:

I wanted to create a character who was likeable and someone readers could relate to. I also wanted the reader to understand the turmoil and pain he was experiencing. While writing, I was able to feel Luke’s internal struggles with his faith and his unrelenting desire for justice. The fact that his identical twin brother was killed in the Bombing in Boston helped me understand and develop his rage even though he’s a priest.

As mentioned in the book, every time Luke looked in the mirror he felt like he was looking at his dead brother. No matter what he did, he couldn’t escape the fact that his sibling was brutally murdered. And the fact that his brother’s young children couldn’t tell them apart only added to the emotional dimensions of the main character.

Norm:

Is there a message in your book that you want your readers to grasp?

Dale:

My main goal is to keep anyone who enjoys reading fiction entertained and immersed in the book so that they don’t want to stop reading. I also want the reader to learn something interesting from the story. In A Prayer For The Devil, readers will learn about the history of Boston, the life of a priest, and the extremes of radical Islam. The book clearly contrasts the far reaching aspects of Sharia law and the loving nature of compassionate Muslims.

Norm:

How much of the book is realistic?

Dale:

I pride myself on doing extensive research in order to use facts and figures to support the plot, making the story as realistic as possible. The Internet is a great resource, and although I use it extensively, I prefer to discuss topics with actual subject matter experts. When you’re sitting face to face with someone, you can see their emotions and conviction as they discuss a controversial subject. I met with several priests and law enforcement members while researching A Prayer For The Devil.

Norm:

Do you agree that to have good drama there must be an emotional charge that usually comes from the individual squaring off against antagonists either out in the world or within himself or herself? If so, please elaborate and how does it fit into you novel?

Dale:

Yes, I think most people can relate to someone who struggles to decide to stand up for what’s right. In my novel, Luke, the main character and priest, is thrust into the world of high stakes politics and radical religion. I think readers will find themselves rooting for him as he searches for his brother’s cold-hearted killer. I hope, the image of a compassionate, forgiving priest who is struggling with his desire for revenge moves readers.

Norm:

What is your secret in keeping the intensity of the plot throughout the narrative?

Dale:

A tremendous amount of initial editing involving multiple passes through the book. I probably cut at least a hundred pages out of the original manuscript to insure I wasn’t wasting the reader’s time. I purposely keep the chapters short and moving without any fluff. Often a large number of pages in a novel is a contributing factor to a higher price. When I’m reading a novel, it annoys me if I can tell that the author is just filling space – I won’t do that.

Norm:

What has been your overall experience as a published author and how has the feedback being?

Dale:

Other than the writing, which I enjoy immensely, the feedback been the best part of this project. So far, I’ve received nothing but positive responses. I recently had a reader send me a note commenting that A Prayer For The Devil, was “Way better than Patterson!”…that was a tremendous compliment! Many readers have told me that they really like the various characters and have felt connected to them. And most readers have said they can’t wait for the sequel and the movie.

Norm:

Where can our readers find out more about you and A Prayer For The Devil?

Dale:

My WEBSITE contains lots of additional information. In addition, readers can connect with me directly on Facebook and Twitter at: DaleAllanAuthor

Norm:

What is next for Dale Allan and is there anything else you wish to add that we have not covered?

Dale:

My second novel, working title It Could Happen To You, has already been completed and will be published next. It weaves an exciting and suspenseful tale about an innocent Good Samaritan who is unexpectedly thrust into the national spotlight after a chance encounter with diplomat’s criminal son. My third novel is well-underway, with about twenty five chapters already completed, and it too is going to be a real page-turner! Readers can go to my website (www. DaleAllan.com) to see the excerpts and prologues.

Norm:

Thanks once again and good luck with all of your future endeavors.


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