Hey look! It’s yet another unplanned post from Allison!
This seems to be my modus operandi these days. Blogging has definitely become rather “ad hoc” this year as I kind of lurch from one fit of inspiration or interest to another in a “schedule” that has become the definition of random.
Technically, I should have been working on other blog posts at this moment buuuuut – this looked so fun that I had to participate. And really – WHO CARES? THE BLOGGING POLICE CAN’T PIN ANYTHING ON ME, SO I’M JUST GOING TO ENJOY MYSELF.
I took my cues from the amazing Christine Smith (always a safe bet, since she’s sensational). She did the Instagram Prompts below in a blog post format.
After you read my (hopefully) fascinating blog post, make sure you follow Christine, not to mention the CREATOR of this very cool tag Jameson C Smith. And don’t forget to check out her Instagram account too!
And now . . . *imitates drum roll and cymbal clash with nominal success* ON TO THE POST.
1.) Introduce yourself!
I feel like we’re going over tilled ground, here. However, it’s possible that you’re new here.
In which case, WHERE HAVE I BEEN ALL YOUR LIFE?
WAITING FOR YOU TO JOIN THE ALLISON PARTY, THAT’S WHAT.
*cough* I’m joking, of course.
Anyway, I could ramble awkwardly about who I am, but I would suggest just browsing around on this blog post or on my social media links.
Right now I’m too lazy to do anything other than paste my official author bio.
Allison Tebo is a Christian writer committed to creating magical stories full of larger-than-life characters, a dash of grit, and plenty of laughs. She is the author of the Tales of Ambia, a series of romantic comedy retellings of popular fairy tales and her flash fiction and short stories have been published in Splickety, Spark, Inklings Press, and Rogue Blades Entertainment. Allison graduated with merit from London Art College after studying cartooning and children’s illustration and, when not creating new worlds with words or paint, she enjoys reading, baking, and defending her championship title of Gif Master. You can find out more about her work at www.allisonteboauthor.com or follow her on Facebook at Allison Tebo Author.
2.) Tell us about your work-in-progress and your August goals!
My August goals were basically just to start writing again . . . on anything. I burned out in July and the Big Bad WorldBlock Monster started beating my brains out.
So August was mostly devoted to unwilling rest and poking away at the block. Very slowly….
The WIP that I’m going to be talking about on this post is one of my main goals for September (possibly for the rest of 2020).
Which is (you probably guessed it) my infamous Little Red Riding Hood retelling.
I am also now using this opportunity to announce the story’s working title: A DEADLY DECEPTION.
I’m not entirely happy with it, but it will do for now!
3.) Introduce your characters!
Warning: The following descriptions or mood boards contain mild spoilers for past books and future ones. PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Burndee: An ISTP and an insensitive and cranky baker who is learning to be less insensitive and cranky and who is head-over-heels in love with his wife and enjoying his happily ever after.
A happily ever after that will be kind of ruined in this book.
Ella: Gentle and not-very-bright Ella is a sweet-natured ISFJ who is still rejoicing over the home that has been returned to her. The bride of Burndee, Ella is struggling to balance renovating a home, running a bakery, learning magic, and dealing with the overwhelming excitement of becoming an aunt.
Colin: A happy-go-lucky and mischievous ESFP who is the prince of Ambia and an expectant father. He is learning to grow into his responsibilities as the future king, as well as changing in his relationships with those closest to him.
Cynthia: Expecting her first child and soon to be crowned queen, Cynthia is a no-nonsense, down-to-earth ESTJ. Cynthia was a former medical student who failed to graduate when she abandoned her career as a doctor to marry and support Colin, as well as co-rule a kingdom.
Poppy: Still recovering from a traumatic kidnapping, Poppy is a shy and sensitive INFP who is blossoming into a more adventurous and open person due to the new friendships she has developed. She is the former princess of Ambia’s southern neighbor, Radorria, and is now lady-in-waiting to Princess Cynthia.
Horace: Secretly a closet ENFP and the former fiance of Poppy. Unintentionally drawn into the inner circle of Ambia, Horace reveals surprising value and displays surprising talents to the group . . . and may even dare to call some of them friends.
Well, what do you think? And that’s just my main cast – there is a sizable allotment of side characters that I didn’t show here. But, hey, I have to keep some things a secret….
4.) What are you currently reading?
I am usually reading about ten books at once (I know, it’s a problem), but the first three on my list are Adorning the Dark by Andrew Peterson, The Last Atlantean by Emily Hayse and Animal Farm by George Orwell. All of them are proving to be quite interesting!
5.) Favorite genre to read and write.
I’m really not particular about what genre I read. If it’s good, I’ll read it. But, looking at my book case, the overwhelming indication is that I definitely prefer middle grade, no matter what the genre is.
As for what I love to write, my favorite genre is definitely speculative. Whether it is steampunk, science fiction, or a magical realism – I crave a little speculation in my storytelling.

6.) Three fun facts about your work-in-progress.
1) It’s a novel, not a novella. That’s fun for my readers. Not so fun for me.
2) This is the culmination of Burndee’s BIG ARC. He thinks I’m killing him right now, but momma knows best. It’s going to be beautiful! Painful, but beautiful. Everything in the previous two books has brought Burndee to this moment of truth and he just has to deal with it.
3) I’ve mixed and matched my spouses. Burndee and Cynthia are paired up in this novel and Colin and Ella hang out elsewhere. It was definitely fun to explore the sibling-like relationships between these respective in-laws.
7.) You get to spend the day in your story’s world. What do you do?
I’m definitely visiting The Magic Pumpkin Bakery so that I can eat myself silly by feasting on the delectable treats. I would try writing there, but there’s no way I’m going to get any work done with Burndee yelling in the back.
After gorging myself, I would probably go hang out with Ella at Rose Hall and help her pick colors for her recent home renovations, then I’d swing by the palace to have tea with Poppy, Cynthia, and Meck (if he’ll come out of hiding long enough for me to give him a pat and a crumpet).
And (I might as well just admit it), I’d spend most of my day with Colin, raising a ruckus.
There’s also one thing I would do with Horace, but . . . I’m not going to say because of spoilers. *smirks*
8.) A favorite kind of character to write.
Grumpy and sarcastic are always fun. I also adore writing characters that seem boring / dumb / annoying but are actually quite interesting and likeable if you are willing to look beyond the surface.
You’re going to see both of those in A Deadly Deception . . . just saying.
9.) What is your writing weakness?
Oh boy, how to narrow this down? 😛
I’m going to go with plotting and development. I can come up with premises all day long. Plots, not so much.
I also have a bad habit of trying to skip the brainstorming stage of a story.
I am so enamored with the nitty gritty of work that I have a natural tendency to skip dreaming and go right to drafting so that I can start producing STATS. . . which doesn’t really work.
I’m more of a worker, not a daydreamer, so it can be hard for me to sit down and really think out a draft.
10.) What is your writing strength?
I’m good at characterization and dialogue. Anything emotionally-charged is pretty easy. I can also write humor.
11.) What are your hobbies outside of writing?
I love singing and have a somewhat neglected YouTube channel. I’m hoping to post again there soon, though!
I love to bake. Sadly, I am not as good at it as Burndee is. The majority of my stuff does turn out to be quite tasty, but it doesn’t always look as Instagram-worthy as I would have liked it to.
I also love reading, playing the piano, traveling, drawing, painting, making people laugh, and GIFS.
I also have this wonderful pastime of hating popular things and loving un-popular things.
12.) Your favorite villain trope.
Hmm… a trope, you say? I’m not a big fan of tropes for villains – most of them are pretty tired and I would rather have a villain that is unique and interesting than one who is trope-y.
However, two tropes I do love, now that I think of it, is the comical villain (think Yzma in The Emperor’s New Groove) and flamboyant drama kings.
I also really love it when villains die – if that counts. *bloodthirsty snicker*
13.) A favorite book you’ve read so far in 2020.
I’m going to “cheat” here and say Issue one of T Spec Fiction. What can I say? I’m my sister’s biggest fan and I genuinely loved their work in our magazine!
14.) Writing playlist

I’m one of those (apparently?) rare writers that don’t spend a lot of time assembling the perfect soundtrack for their story.
I only turn on music when I’m really, REALLY stuck. If that happens, I’ll usually just turn on something random. Whatever soundtrack first pops into my head that more or less matches the mood of what I’m struggling to work on is usually good enough for me. I’m not picky.
15.) Your WIP’s theme colors/aesthetic
Colors: greys / greens / smoky blues / vivid scarlet
Things: ancient ruined castles / dark dungeons / rose gardens / empty kitchens / low-burning fires / cabins in the woods / magic potions / wooden cradles / glittering crowns / brooding forests / secret lakes / steampunk cars / baked goods / starry nights / uncomfortable tea time conversations / stinky-sweet domovai fur / prison keys / fencing swords / dueling pistols / royal guards.
I could go on, but that’s a spoiler gold-mine already…
*claps hand over mouth* Just control yourself, Allison. Just hold it in…
16.) Share your social media + book links!
You want links?
Goodreads
Author Website
Amazon (book links)
17.) A side character you love in your work-in-progress.
I am absolutely, one-hundred percent, head-over-heels enamored with Duke Horace Windslow. Remember him? The doughy would-be-groom from A Royal Masquerade? Do you remember what I was saying earlier about being willing to look beyond someone’s exterior because it might surprise you?
*COUGH COUGH*
*muffled squealing from off stage*
18.) What is the best part about being a writer?
Well, I’m never bored. 🙂
Okay, seriously. I think the best part about being a writer (aside from the fact that it’s pretty much a license to have imaginary friends and do weird things in the name of research) is the way writing allows us to share God’s truths with the world.
Jesus Christ used stories to communicate with us during His ministry, because stories are really the only way a human begin can understand anything beyond their immediate reality. Being a writer is like having a light saber pressed into my hand. It’s brilliant, it’s powerful, and I have the choice to wield it for good or for evil. Stories can cut through hearts and lies and darkness. It’s a sobering responsibility, but it’s also amazing.
19.) A genre you want to write.
I would really love to write contemporary fiction – specifically small town fiction or middle grade books. I am positively PINING to write contemporary fiction but . . . I’m intimidated by it.
All my work already has a tendency to turn into rambly day-in-the-life stuff, so I’m afraid that if the pressure and direction of the world building demands were removed from me, my fiction would be REALLY rambly and slow. *grins*
20.) You’re an author on a Q&A panel! Which authors are sharing the stage with you? 

You didn’t clarify whether the authors with me have to be living or dead. Can they be ghosts? Can I be a ghost? Can I arrange to have all of the authors I want with me to time travel to some alternate reality where we can all exist simultaneously and record a broadcast? WHAT ARE MY PERIMETERS HERE?
Okay, I’m going to do two versions. Both of them are equally fanciful.
Scenario 1). I am a world famous author and no one would turn down the opportunity to be on a panel with me.
THE PANEL:
Emily Golus: Emily is so much fun and so sweet, I would hang out with her in ANY capacity, but I think she would give the most awesome talks on world building. Just check out her fiction – she rivals Tolkien for detail!
Mollie Reeder: Who wouldn’t want Mollie on their panel? She’s smart and talented and I would love to sit next to that much greatness. I also think a class in characterization and dialogue from her would be fantastic.
Donita K. Paul: She’s a writer that reminds me so much of C.S. Lewis. I would be honored to be on a panel with Donita and to have her teaching on the subject of how to infuse fiction with spiritual truths.
Jonathan Rogers: He’s one of the few living authors I know of who remind me of Sid Fleischman; his writing is so imaginative and quirky. Some classes from Jonathan on how to write humor and how to inject free-wheeling fancies into your fiction would be fun.
Scenario 2) I have contacted Doctor Who and he has used the Tardis to retrieve the authors of my choice from the ancient past and we are broadcasting from an alternate reality where time doesn’t exist.
THE PANEL:
C.S. LEWIS: DO I EVEN HAVE TO EXPLAIN? It’s C.S. Lewis. I would probably be speechless with awe and shyness in his presence, but I don’t care. I just want to listen to him and soak up his wisdom and I would love to hear a discussion from him on how to weave allegories into fiction.
FRANK BAUM: He had the most amazing imagination and seemed like such a genuinely interesting person. I think he would give great tips on how to have fun as an author. He also seemed to really care about his readers, and I love that.
P.G. WODEHOUSE: It would kind of like being on a panel with my imaginary (British) uncle. I always think of Wodehouse as sweet, amusing, and slyly irreverent. He’d be the man I would trust to break the ice!
Helen MacInnes: This competent and savvy writer would be a honor to be around. She was a flag-waving, whistle-blowing, America and free-nations first kind of writer – and destruction to all terrorists, Communists, and Socialists. Definitely my kind of woman. I think a class from Helen on how to weave conservative morals and good propaganda into fiction would be wonderful.
Constance Savery: She’s one of my favorite authors of all time – she HAS to be on my panel. Aside from the fact that I would love to meet her, a class on how to write good and moral characters who are still engaging and a class on how to make holiness relatable would be invaluable.
WOW, that was hard. There are so many authors (both living and dead) that I really love and I would go through a lot to be in the same room with them, let alone on the same panel.
21.) One way you’ve grown as a writer + one thing you want to improve on.
I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I actually had to walk away from this and think hard about how I’ve grown as a writer because I literally could not think of anything at first.
So, it turns out that the thing I’ve learned and the area I still want to grow in are the same thing.
One of the most valuable things I’m beginning to learn is to let things go and to not get so wrapped up in my schedule and deadlines.
I would like to learn how to achieve a better balance and to stop pushing myself so hard. Very few things are worth the sacrifice my health, and in the past I’ve allowed a lot of my publishing goals to interfere with my physical and mental well-being.
I have gotten better about this, but I would like to improve even more in pacing myself, and to be more okay with the fact that good things taking time. After all . . .
22.) Goal check-in + a snippet!
I am actually new here…so I suppose The Allison Party is now complete. 😛 This was a fun post to read! Your WIP sounds amazing, and I hope everything goes well with it! And the GIFs. XD
HEEEEEY, SAMANTHA! WELCOME!
Haha! *ducks head* *holds back a grin* I hope you enjoy the party. 😉 I’m glad you enjoyed the post and the gifs. Thank you so much for your good wishes and kind words about my WIP!
Pt. 1
OH MY GOODNESS. OH MY GOODNESS. This post was filled with so much epicness and I was soaking up every. single. word. ALL THESE TIDBITS ABOUT YOUR RIDING HOOD STORY. *SHRIEKS* I’m so glad I inspired you to do this post! I am honored. ^_^
Okay, but your descriptions and aesthetic boards for all the characters are AMAZING and drool-worthy and so perfect. Also I am IMMENSELY excited to hear that we get more Horace. He totally deserves some more attention, and I cannot wait to see what comes of it! AND that sounds SO MUCH FUN mixing the couples. I am HERE for more Burndee and Cynthia banner. HERE FOR IIIT. But also…
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO TO BURNDEE??? I’M SO SCARED. (And kind of excited.) BUT SCARED. This book is going to destroy us, isn’t it? I better steel myself now.
Pt. 2
Your answer to #21 rang with me SO HARD. That is the very thing I’ve been trying to improve on too. I, too, tend to put my schedule ahead of my own wellbeing which is, well, Not Good. Obviously. I like stats too, and often my own health AND creativity suffer for it. Finding that balance is forever a work-in-progress, isn’t it? *sigh*
*DEVOURS SNIPPET WHOLE*
OH MY WORD. Riding Hood is a rambunctious little boy???? I ADORE THIS. ADORE IT. And oh, stars alive, if even precious Ella can get a bit putout with him we are in TROUBLE. I am so ready for thisss. XDDD
Thank you for this absolute goldmine of delicious Allison-ness. I am grinning so hard right now! I adored every single word of this post! <3
ACCCCK – CHRISTINE! *blushes* You are too sweet – I love your enthusiasm! You did inspire me – and you have many times! <3
THANK YOU!! I had fun putting them together! I am absolutely delighted to see that people are interested in getting more Horace. *grins* He's my boy, and I hope people love him!
HAHAHAHA. I CAN'T TELL YOU. Except to say, that you can trust me to ultimately give my characters a happy ending . . . after the suffering. 😉 I'm so mean, I'm sorry....
Your answers on YOUR post about finding balance resonated with me, too! It IS a work-in-progress. I don't think we'll ever fully conquer it. At least it gives us something to keep focusing on though, I guess??
*grinning and wiggling with glee over your snippet enjoyment* AHHH. Your excitement is contagious and gets me so excited for this story! ? You never fail to be a bright star to me, Christine. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HILARIOUS AND BEAUTIFUL AND UPLIFTING COMMENTS, I LOVE THEM SO MUCH. ?
I would love to be on a panel with you, Allison! 🙂 And barring that, to hang out sometime (even if only virtually again).
My creative output right now is hampered by being SO VERY pregnant. (All the store clerks are certain I am having a baby this week instead of October, haha).
I have all of these story ideas but am quickly running out of energy. I suppose my goal is to rest while I take care new baby, and then make realistic goals for 2021 as I get back into a rhythm and get these mermaid stories done!
*SMILES* Aw, thank you so much, Emily! That really made my day! 😀
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I can only imagine! ? But, no matter how long it takes, I will be VERY EXCITED to see what you offer the world next!
‘But you aren’t allowed to leave until we talk! *seizes by the collar with an unyielding extroverted strength*’ *Clutches collar with an explosive introvert panic* “NOOOOOOO!”… Kidding, kidding. I can be social for a while.
I had a feeling that Horace would be back, with more character than first impressions showed. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens.
Love that snippet! A story with Burndee learning how to cope with an incorrigible child sounds most amusing.
HAHA! Around this neck of the woods, you just can’t get away from being social. *scrambles after you to hand out free hugs*

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YOU HAVE GOOD INSTINCTS! I hope Horace delights a lot of people. Thanks so much for commenting, Blue – I’m very glad you enjoyed the snippet! <3
So glad to see you joined #AbouttheAuthorAugust! I loved hearing about your writing journey and process. Your character boards are sooooooo pretty. *heart eyes*
AND THAT SNIPPET.
Happy writing!
I loooooved the snippet, Alli!❤ It’s always great to see Burndee and friends again.
As you can tell by the date on your post compared to the date on this comment, I’m very behind in reading blog posts. ? My artistic goals for September were to launch my Etsy collection early (it was originally scheduled for October) and to just keep editing my WIP and critiquing stuff for crit group. As you know, the Etsy collection got launched, so I can check that off.? And the editing will be an ongoing goal for the foreseeable future. I’m very glad to have found a great critique group to walk with me through it.? I also have one flash fic out on submission. I’ve been trying to take a lesson from you and send it right back out when it gets rejected. This is submission number 7. Here’s hoping this will be the one, or if not, that I’ll find the right home for it soon!