Alena Dillon
Author Interview - Alena Dillon
Author of The Happiest Girl in the World
“From the acclaimed author of Mercy House comes a gripping new novel about a young woman’s dreams of Olympic gymnastic gold—and what it takes to reach the top”
Author Interview - Alena Dillon
Author I draw inspiration from: I am blatantly ignoring the singular here because that would be impossible, and narrowing it down to three. I hope that’s okay: Ann Patchett, Elizabeth Strout, and Wally Lamb
Author Interview - Alena Dillon
Favorite place to read a book: On a rocky cliff overlooking the ocean. There’s a particular secret nook two miles from my house that is my happy place.
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with: Hermione Granger. She’d get us out! But not before she fixed the zipper on my jacket.
Author Interview - Alena Dillon
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author: I started writing my first novel in fifth grade, which my dad accidentally deleted from his computer. When he realized it was gone, we cried together on my bed. But the next day I started it all over. That’s probably the moment. The longing to begin again.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook: They all have their magic! I started listening to audiobooks since I gave birth last year. It’s the only way to keep up with my reading habit while making sure my son doesn’t totter away. Ebooks are great for travel, but there’s nothing like having a solid book in your hands. Paperback for practical use, hardcover when I’m feeling fancy.
The last book I read: A collection of essays on early motherhood called Homing Instincts by Sarah Menkedick. It’s gorgeous.
Author Interview - Alena Dillon
Pen & paper or computer: Computer mostly, but pen and paper for revisions.
Book character I think I’d be best friends with: I already mentioned Hermione, and Jo from Little Women is probably a typical answer, but those two were my first instincts. I’m going to go with Diana Barry from Anne of Green Gables. She is game for anything.
Author Interview - Alena Dillon
If I wasn’t an author, I’d be a: Failing stand-up comedian
Favorite decade in fashion history: I’m feeling this decade. Whoever made yoga pants acceptable outerwear really understands me.
Place I’d most like to travel: So many! I’ll say the French Riviera.
My signature drink: Dry jalapeno cider. Perfect balance of spice and sweet.
Favorite artist: Whew. I don’t know. I get inspiration from Brandon Stanton, the Humans of New York photographer, and I really dig the work of a colleague named Cindy Adelle Richard who paints French vintage watercolors. Look her up! She’s on Etsy and Instagram.
Number one on my bucket list: I love to travel, and have been fortunate to visit many spectacular places. But there are so many more destinations to explore, food to sample, wine to sip. And places I’d like to return. So for my bucket list, just more.
Anything else you'd like to add? A thank you for these questions, and for your interest in Mercy House! I’m so excited and grateful for its positive reception.
Find more from Alena Dillon:
Facebook @TheAlenaDillon
Twitter @TheAlenaDillon
Instagram alena.dillon
