The IWC is happy to feature John F. Allen in conversation about his writing life and his upcoming course with us, “Foundations of Fiction Writing.”
Instructor: John F. Allen
Dates: 3 Thursdays: July 11, 18, 25
Location: Zoom
Time: 6:30-9:30 pm EST
Cost: Nonmember: $250; Writer/Reader Members & IPC Members: $169; Senior, Teacher, Student, Military/Veteran, Librarian: $151
*The cost of this class includes at $25 manuscript fee that is directly remitted to the instructor
**if you are unable to make it live, there will be a recording of the class available.
About the Class
Foundations of Fiction Writing
These classes are designed to breakdown and identify the Foundations of Fiction so that they can be used to strengthen your writing of a story. The Foundations of Fiction may be applied to ALL genres of fiction as well as screenwriting, and comic book writing. This course will also cover why an understanding of the Foundations of Fiction is instrumental to good writing at any stage of the writer’s journey.
After completion of ALL three classes in this course, the attendees should have enough material to create or have created a rough draft of a short story. The rough draft can then be developed into a polished first draft. The instructor will be available for manuscript reviews.
Talking with John
John F. Allen is an American writer born in Indianapolis, IN. He is a founding member of the Speculative Fiction Guild and a member of the Indiana Writers Center. John began writing stories as early as the second grade and pursued various forms of writing at some point, throughout his career. He 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, and he has since had numerous novellas and short stories published by various publishers. He is currently working on multiple novel, novella and short story projects, as well as a book of poetry. John is also a freelance copywriter. John currently resides in Indianapolis, Indiana.
What writing accomplishment are you most proud of?
Outside of my initial first publication, a short story titled, “Forest of Shadows,” I’d say my short story collection, The Best is Yet to Come: Volume I. I feel that this tome best represents my writing, as the various stories cross genres and present me as a well-rounded writer…or at least I’m told.
What is your personal motto, or something like a proverb that you live by (writing related or not)?
That would be “The Best is Yet to Come,” which happens to also be the title of my short story collection series. It came to me via a 12-inch single LP my older brother gifted me as a teen. The song was titled, “The Best is Yet to Come,” by Patti LaBelle and Grover Washington Jr. The lyrics inspired me in life and as a writer, to be faithful, hopeful, and to continue looking and moving forward.
What’s your favorite thing about the IWC?
I’d have to say that there isn’t one favorite thing about IWC for me. But, three on top of the list is that firstly, I’m helping to continue, in some small way, the legacy of one of my mentors, IWC founder Jim Powell. Secondly, is being given the opportunity to share the knowledge I’ve earned from my experiences and Jim’s tutelage, with others. And thirdly, working with the staff who tirelessly help me to make the learning experience for those attending my workshops something, educational, meaningful and worthwhile for them.
When it comes to writing, what is your greatest challenge?
Time is my greatest challenge. There is so much I want to accomplish, so many stories I must share, and there is so much more to learn about the craft. Don’t get me wrong, I’m doing what I’ve set out to do, but I feel there is an unending amount of stories to share, learning, and mentoring to do. Then I suppose that’s the point of a legacy, it endures beyond the individual and shines on forever.
What’s your favorite thing about this class/what do you want your students to walk away from it with?
My favorite thing about the class is when the students get what they need to grow as writers. It’s really all about them; I’m just a guide on their writer’s journey, and I pray to be a helpful one each time. When the classes end, I want the students to have gained more than when they started. I want them to have had their questions answered and for them to have even more questions to ask. I want them to have grown as writers and be at least a little better for it all, with what I’ve been privileged to share with them on their writer’s journey.
What’s one thing that’s always in your refrigerator?
Coke Zero, lol!