Today we’d like to introduce you to Alan Elliott.
Alan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m a native Dallasite who writes books about science, history, and imagination. I’ve written 25+ non- fiction books, two children’s picture books, stage plays, and am co-writer of a full-length movie. My most recent books are Texas Ingenuity (Biographies of famous Texans) and a picture book, Willy the Texas Longhorn.
Some of my other non-fiction books include Images of America: Oak Cliff (a pictorial history of the Oak Cliff section of Dallas), Currents in American History (a brief history of the United States, with Terry Bilhartz), and A Daily Dose of the American Dream, Stories of Success, Triumph and Inspiration (366 American success stories.)
I also recorded a Bob Wills type song about Big Tex on iTunes (and YouTube) titled “The Legend of Big Tex.” Recently, I transitioned from a teaching career (30+ years) to concentrating on my writing projects.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
A writing career is rarely a smooth ride. Like most artistic endeavors–it’s more like a roller coaster. An author’s life almost always consists of long periods of hunkered-down writing that produces a lot of worthless scribbles occasionally interrupted by moments of inspired creativity. Patience and persistence are the best virtues for writers.
An author’s life is as much art as it is a business. In art, you have to create something from nothing — and do it again and again even when you’re not in the mood. In business, you have to plan, manage, and promote your work constantly and consistently to the marketplace. As a result, both sides of your brain get a workout.
Writer – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My focus as an author has changed over time. My first book was a children’s picture book. I loved it (and still love it). Like most artists, I also had a “day job” — teaching. A blending of the two interests ended up producing other types of books — how to, biographies, and other non-fiction. These were great experiences, and I’ve ended up having over 25 non-fiction books published.
However, over the years I kept wanting to revisit the more creative side of writing. Some of my non-fiction books, like Texas Ingenuity, were about creative people whose lives and imagination made Texas into the great state we have today. Taking a cue from all of these other Texans, I’ve continued to seek ways to write stories (and music) that entertains and enlightens my audience.
I was fortunate to work with Leon McWhorter in writing and producing a full-length family-inspirational comedy called Angels Love Donuts. I was privileged to work with musicians like Jim Baker and Milo Deering to record my song, “The Legend of Big Tex.” Most of all, I’ve always wanted to write more children’s books. That came to fruition when Pelican Publishing published my latest picture book, Willy the Texas Longhorn.The illustrations for Willy the Texas Longhorn by the great artist Stephanie Ford made the story come to life.
I’m continuing to work as a member of the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) to write and submit other book ideas to publishers with the expectation that more picture books are on the way.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success for an author is when readers enjoy your work, or it inspires them. After writing A Daily Dose of the American Dream, which contains inspiring stories of inventors and innovators, I got a call from a total stranger who told me that the book had helped him decide between careers — he chose the one that would help the needy of the world.
It was also a success when my book, Willy the Texas Longhorn (whose theme is “believe you can”), was chosen by a number of professional Santas at a recent convention, to read to children (as Santa) at events, parties, etc.
A few years ago, I was told the story about a 90+-year-old man that, after watching the movie “Angels Love Donuts”, who contacted the members of his family to tell them how the message of that movie changed his life. These and other similar stories are the gems that define success for an author — at least for me.
Pricing:
- Willy the Texas Longhorn (Picture book) $16.99
- Texas Ingenuity: Lone Star Inventions, Inventors & Innovators $21.99 softbound or $30.99 hardbound
- A Daily Dose of the American Dream: Stories of Success, Triumph, and Inspiration $14.95
- Images of America: Oak Cliff $21.99
- Legendary Locals of Oak Cliff $21.99
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alanelliott.com
- Email: ace@alanelliott.com
- Twitter: @alancelliott
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
