Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Paige.
Hi Allison, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always had a love for creating. I started by sketching and photographing enough to drive my parents crazy. I would go through rolls of film within minutes and sketchbooks piling up in every corner of my room. When I wasn’t putting together images I was writing. Through all of these outlets, I made up all sorts of stories that I shared through words and photos. I followed my love for photography first, putting sketching and writing to the side as minor hobbies. I excelled in photography and have had the opportunity to work with some wonderfully amazing individuals to create eye-catching portraits. As much as I loved my photos, I still felt like I was missing something. I still had stories built up inside of me that I couldn’t express with a camera. I picked up writing again and on December 1, 2019, I published my first book, “After the Bees”. I swear that story opened a gateway to so many others. My second book will be published later this year and I currently have three working manuscripts with many more ideas waiting to be written.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Yes and no. I’ve been very blessed to have opportunities fall into my lap, but I’ve also had to work my butt off to get what I want. The balance always reminds me to be humble and never take an opportunity or accomplishment for granted.
Writing has been my biggest challenge, whereas, I’ll admit, photography has always felt like the right place at the right time kind of moments. Don’t get me wrong, there were plenty of challenges in photography. I’ve held shoots together by the skin of my teeth but that was usually because I had an amazing team or model willing to put in as much work. When you self-publish you take care of everything. There’s no agent or publisher to do all of the heavy lifting for you. It took a while to find the right editors, beta readers, and cover artist, but that’s what made part of the journey more rewarding. I also have a lot of deadlines to meet in writing, whereas photography I typically work on personal projects at my leisure. I’ve had betas readers miss deadlines, which pushes me back with my editors, and it starts a whole domino effect that can be really stressful.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a photographer and author.
In photography, I am best known for my creative portraits where I incorporate movement and the occasional fantasy elements that allows me to stand out. Charleston is mostly known for its pastel and airy artists, whereas I lean into the darker side of creation and try to use elements no one else would. Two of my favorite shoots I used multiple-colored fabrics and gold leaf, both of which were published. I have a lot of pride in both teams it took to complete these projects and what we created together.
For my writing, I am incredibly proud of publishing my first book and sharing it with the world. That initial leap was one entirely of faith and it has been uphill from there. I write dark fantasy/sci-fi with Biblical and mythological themes. While these elements are not new to the world of fiction, the storylines and characters are. I wanted to write something no one had read before and go against every cliché of the genres. I know there are no stories like mine and it is a great feeling to give readers something new to tear through.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Bringing happiness to others through my work makes me happy. Outside of that, and most importantly, my supportive family and friends bring me so much joy. I am very blessed by the people I get to share my life with.
Pricing:
- Creative Portraits start at $150
- Books start at $16.99
Contact Info:
- Email: allisonpaigeofficial@gmail.com
- Website: www.authorallisonpaige.com
- Instagram: shewriteswithknives and southskyphotography
- Other: www.southskyphotography.com
