What can I say to introduce this fine, upstanding citizen?
I’m going to declare first up that I’m completely and utterly biased. He’s my husband.
He’s the author of a ripping yarn called Defender - a return to the old-school action thriller – also a former action man, a besotted Dad, and altogether very loved.
I’m so proud that he is on the brink of realising his childhood dream.
In advance of the book launch this Friday night, please give it up for Chris Allen!
Describe yourself in three words.
Driven by family.
What are you passionate about?
Anything that gives me more time at home!
Do or don’t you do the social media thing?
I definitely DO do the social media thing. It took me ages to finally succumb, but now I see just how invaluable it is both personally and professionally.
How did you find yourself in the land of Twitter?
I was ordered to get onto Twitter by my (beautiful) wife. (Ed: thanks, Gorgeous) At first I just didn’t get it, but now I think that it’s absolutely amazing. The contacts that you can make and the information that you can share is mind boggling. It represents a huge – if not limitless – extension of your communication boundaries.
Do you have any other social media involvement?
Yes, I have quite an extended network on LinkedIn and I also ‘do’ Facebook. These avenues are important when many of your friends live abroad. LinkedIn and Facebook have enabled me to reconnect with friends I haven’t seen for years. I’m a huge fan.
What are you currently playing with in the social media sandpit?
How did you get where you are today?
By being true to myself and trusting my gut.
What are you doing at the moment that excites you?
Well, apart from everything to do with raising our son, I have just released my first novel entitled Defender of the Faith (update: Defender and it’s sequel, Hunter, are are both best-sellers published by Momentum, and Avenger is due out late-2013!). The publication and promotion of the book is something that my wife (did I say that she’s very beautiful) (Ed: keep going, Gorgeous) and I are doing together and the whole process has really has taken on a life of its own. It is all-consuming but incredibly rewarding at the same time. We’re loving every minute of it, especially the realisation that you can deliver a product and brand that is the equal of, if not better than, any equivalent the production delivered by a major publishing house.
What is your secret to getting big things done?
Getting the right people onboard and giving them your fullest encouragement and confidence.
Name any dream brands, companies, personalities you would love to collaborate with.
Alex O’Loughlin, Ian Fleming (unfortunately RIP); Jon Favreau.
Favourite quote:
‘To the brave belong all things’: the motto of the Celts.
How do we find you online?
On the Internet somewhere… all my social links are at intrepidallen.com and I blog at intrepidallen.com too.
Should probably declare my bias too – however, speaking from an entirely neutral position – Chris the book is amazing! I am half way through and look forward to reading it before bed every night (and at lunch, and when i walk down the street – well you get the idea). Congrats on following your dreams and i totally agree – your wife is beautiful!