Interview with Alison G. Bailey, Author of the Dance

17 Jun 2016

What can you tell us about your new release, The Dance?

The Dance is a contemporary romance that shows what happens after the happily ever after. At the beginning of the book we meet high school sweethearts, Bryson and Will, on their wedding day. The couple has their perfect life all mapped out until a year into the marriage things begin to crumble. With the help of an old acquaintance, Hart Mitchell, Bryson discovers her true self. This isn’t a love triangle or a story about cheating. The Dance is about love, strength, forgiveness, and courage. It’s a thought-provoking and unique journey about following one’s heart.

Who is your favorite couple from literature?

Petruchio and Kate from The Taming of the Shrew. I know technically it’s one of Shakespeare’s plays. What can I say, I was a theater major. 🙂

What makes your world go round? Why does it bring you joy?

Being around family, friends and my dogs. Also the reactions I get from readers. I want my books to have a purpose. I want the reader to be entertained but I also want them to feel the story. I tend to write about subjects that are unique to the romance genre. I’ll never be able to explain fully how it feels when a reader contacts me because they were impacted by one of my books. Being an author is a lonely business and I never know if I’m stepping too far over the line. But when readers tell me they felt the entire gamut of emotions while reading something I created, I know I’m doing right by them.

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

I love when the inspiration for a story hits you hard and the characters won’t stop talking. There have been times when I can’t type fast enough to get the ideas out.

What TV show have you binge watched recently?

Grace and Frankie on Netflix and I watch at least three episodes of Friends every night.

You’ve written and produced several plays in your life. Has your experience in theater influenced your novels in any way?

My theater experience has been a huge influence on my writing style. Theater is driven by dialogue, which is my favorite thing to write. So my characters like to talk to each other. A lot.

What scene in The Dance was your favorite to write?

Honestly, the entire book was my favorite to write. Because I spend so much time crafting my books, even when not at the computer I’m always thinking of the characters and plot, at some point I get tired of the story. I never got tired of writing the Dance. I feel its my best work so far. The characters and plot are multilayered and the storyline is very unique.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

When my nephew was 3 years old he was at the kitchen table attempting to scoop ice cream from the carton. My sister reached for the spoon but he wouldn’t give it to her. As my nephew continued to dig, he said, “I gotta try, Momma.” Words to live by.