Author's Interview with Allistar Banks.

Before we dive into our exciting conversation with today’s remarkable author, let’s start by getting to know the creative mind behind the diverse and captivating.

1. Could you please introduce yourself to us? 

Hi, I’m Allistar Banks, an author based in Wytheville, Virginia, and the founder of Characters & Words Collection LLC. I write for children, teens, and adults, including children’s stories, poetry, romance, and nonfiction.

2. Congratulations on your book! What inspired you to write it?

Hi, I’m Allistar Banks, an author based in Wytheville, Virginia, and the founder of Characters & Words Collection LLC. I write for children, teens, and adults, including children’s stories, poetry, romance, and nonfiction. My writing often explores hope, courage, healing, faith, and connection. I draw inspiration from personal experiences, the people I love, and everyday moments that hold a story. Whether I’m creating an adventure for a young reader or exploring a difficult season of life, I want readers to feel seen and encouraged. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from Lander University, and storytelling has remained an important part of my life. Thank you for having me I’m excited to share more about my books and my journey as an author!

3. What is your book about?

Nicole E. Nelson’s Great Halloween Ride is a children’s picture book about friendship, fall fun, and finding joy when things don’t go as planned. Nicole is excited about her friend Ashton’s Halloween party. After discovering that her old costumes no longer fit, she chooses a sparkling ballerina costume and looks forward to a night of hayrides, s’mores, and pumpkin carving. But when the party’s pumpkins go missing, an unexpected act of kindness helps save the celebration. Through Nicole’s adventure, young readers discover that things don’t have to be perfect to be wonderful—and that friends, family, and helping others make celebrations special.

4. Why did you choose this genre for your book?

I chose to write this story as a children’s picture book because I wanted to capture the excitement of Halloween through a child’s eyes. Costumes, hayrides, and pumpkin carving lend themselves to colorful illustrations and playful storytelling. I also wanted to explore a feeling children can relate to: disappointment when things don’t go as planned. Through Nicole’s adventure, I wanted to show how friendship, kindness, and family can turn an imperfect day into a wonderful memory.

5. How long did it take you to complete the book?

The book came together in stages, from writing Nicole’s adventure to refining the dialogue, illustrations, and layout. I wanted the words and pictures to work well together and capture the excitement of Halloween. For me, the most important part was creating a story that children could enjoy and connect with.

6. What makes your book special? 

What makes Nicole E. Nelson’s Great Halloween Ride special is the way it celebrates imperfect moments. Nicole’s costumes don’t fit, her school craft doesn’t turn out quite how she imagined, and the party’s pumpkins go missing. Yet each disappointment leaves room for encouragement, kindness, and unexpected joy. I especially love that Nicole chooses a small, crooked pumpkin and turns it into something that makes her laugh. Along with the colorful illustrations and cozy autumn activities, that moment carries the heart of the story: something doesn’t have to be perfect to be special.

7. When can we expect your next book?

I’m working on more adventures for Nicole E. Nelson, including Thanksgiving and Christmas stories. I’m excited to continue sharing her world with young readers, and I’ll announce release dates on my social media as soon as they’re confirmed!

8. Did you experience writer’s block while writing? What advice would you give to others who face it?

When I feel stuck, I find it helpful to return to the heart of the story: what Nicole is feeling and what happens next. That gives me a starting point without having to figure out everything at once. My advice to other writers is to give yourself permission to write an imperfect first draft. Take a short break if you need one, then return to a small piece—a sentence, a conversation, or a scene. You don’t have to finish the whole story in one sitting, and you can always revise what you’ve written.

9. Besides being a talented author, what are your other hobbies?

Outside of writing, I enjoy spending time with my fiancé and our cats, Pearl and Charlie. I also enjoy bluegrass music and creative projects, including designing graphics for my books. Those moments give me a chance to recharge and often spark ideas for new stories.

10. Last but not least, how did you feel during this interview? 

I felt grateful for the opportunity to share my writing journey and talk about Nicole E. Nelson’s Great Halloween Ride. It was a joy to reflect on the story and what I hope it brings to young readers. Thank you for having me and giving me the chance to connect with your audience!

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