As an advertising copywriter by day, Woodbury native, thrill seeker and debut author Allan Evans always had a desire to write something for more than just clients. Inspired by personal paranormal experiences in his home, his children and the great state of Minnesota, Evans released his first novel Abnormally Abbey in September, short story Silent Night in December and book one of the Killer Blonde trilogy this month.
His journey to publishing took an unconventional route. After receiving many rejections for his original manuscripts, Evans set out to Twitter, a haven for the literature world, to enter a pitching event. Tweeting the premises of his novel in just 280 characters using the hashtag #PitMad, he was soon discovered by Immortal Works Press.
“If you have given up after 100 rejections then you have given up too soon,” Evans says.
Through a “like” of the tweet by Immortal Works, Evans was given the “OK” to directly send his query for Killer Blonde, and eventually Abnormally Abbey, without going through an agent.
“There is a thrill of discovering a new author and being able to find a good book and bring it into the world,” director of acquisitions at Immortal Works Beth Buck says.
As a new author, Evans says it is important to find your own voice with a specific, intentional viewpoint. However, this doesn’t happen overnight. He explains that a unique perspective is developed throughout the rigorous revision process. “For me, that’s where the magic happens,” he says.
What makes Evans’ writing so unique is his ability to balance spooky suspense with light-hearted humor, making the story more relatable to the reader.
“He is aware of what he is doing which makes it enjoyable,” Buck says.
A Thrilling Read
Abnormally Abbey
14-year-old Abbey has always been able to see ghosts. After being sent to a troubled teens camp in River Falls, Wis., Abbey must use her powers to solve a mystery that could save the lives of her friends.
Killer Blonde: Book One
With virtually identical looking women being murdered in Minnesota, pressure to get this Twin Cities killer of the streets is higher than ever. With investigator Cade Dawkins on the case, he soon realizes that this ravenous killer may have his own agenda beyond just killing blondes.
Silent Night: Short Story
A part of the Haunting Yuletide anthology, this short story tells the tale of Hannah’s visit to her fiancé’s family farm for Christmas. Failing to inform her of one of the holiday traditions, Hannah finds herself in the oddly quiet living room with eyes of terror staring back at her.
These thrilling stories are available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Google Play, among other locations.
