We’re looking forward to introducing you to Allen Plone. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Allen, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: When was the last time you felt true joy?
The questions asked are all interesting ones. I’ve chosen to respond to the question of when I felt true joy. I find it difficult to answer since I have felt joy on many occasions. As a writer, I feel true joy when one of stories or poems is accepted for publication. I felt true joy, recently, when one of my children’s illustrated books, “Music Fairies,” was accepted for publication by Pegasus Press. To be published is the ultimate goal of a writer, even if they don’t admit it. Yes, I have joy at the process of writing, but, I think, being published exceeds the joy of writing. I’d be remiss if I didn’t say that I have joy over many moments with my wife and daughter. I think a better question for me is when did I first recognize joy in my life.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I have, since graduating with a doctorate from UC Santa Cruz, been writing and directing in live theater, ads, feature films and commercials. My commercials have won many awards, including the CLIO, which is the epitome of awards in the advertising business. My theater work, as a director, has brought me the most joy, since what I love best is working with actors. It’s writing, though, especially now, that gives me the most pleasure. I love writing poetry, I have four books of poems published, and scripts. My scripts, as to be expected, are character driven. I also love writing children’s books. My latest book, “Music Fairies,” has been accepted for publication by Pegasus Press. Currently, I’ve just completed another children’s book, “The Angel Who Sang,” and just finished my latest screenplay, “What If….”
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
I grew up in a relatively poor house. We sometimes didn’t have enough money for food. I was well-liked by other kids in school and considered smart, both of which helped my get past the financial poverty. As a child of the sixties, well not so much a child as a young college student, I felt the pull of San Francisco, moved from Philadelphia to San Francisco, went to school at SF State, lived in the Haight and discovered a different life than the one offered to my in Philly. A confirmed Hippie until 1969, I came out of that space wiser and very different. Reflecting back on my childhood, one of the more telling visions is how I saw myself. I have a sister, three years younger. She is and always was, considered very pretty. I was, on the other hand, considered very smart. So I saw myself as very smart but not very good-looking. Even through many relationships with women, I never considered myself a desirable man. Until I met my wife, now of 47 years. We met as UC Santa Cruz, where I was taking my PhD, and teaching. Through her love, I was able to see myself in a very different way. So, without question, the relationship that changed not only how I see myself, but how I live my life, is my marriage and undying love for Carol, and my daughter Denise.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
It isn’t one fear, it’s several, led, I think, by the fear of success. I still have a difficult time considering myself a success, although my career speaks the opposite. I like to believe that my lack putting myself out there, from not submitting my work on a regular and frequent basis, to not pushing myself in an industry, entertainment, that demands it of you. I grew up taking care of my sister, my mother, thinking of my needs secondarily. I believe this propensity kept me from putting myself and my needs before all else. Art is a selfish business and I lack that selfishness, although from any perspective, my career has been very successful. I am nagged by the feeling that it could have been more.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Let me name my heroes, not in any order but all with love. John Steinbeck, Mary Oliver, Carol Plone, John Coltrane, Dave Van Ronk, Malcom X, Li Po, Lao Tsu,
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
Though the very nature of the question begs the validity of my answer, I think my Buddhist studies have led me to believe strongly for the need to be compassionate to all living beings. The inherent contradiction in my answer is that to consider that I know more than some others is not a compassionate thought. I am an animal activist and 32 year Vegan and meditator. I believe, to reiterate, that every person should feel compassion for all living beings.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.howimaketheworld.com
- Instagram: allen.snowlion@gmail.com
- Linkedin: allen.snowlion@gmail.com
- Twitter: allen.snowlion@gmail.com
- Facebook: allen.snowlion@gmail.com
- Yelp: allen.snowlion@gmail.com
- Youtube: allen.snowlion@gmail.com
- Soundcloud: allen.snowlion@gmail.com
Image Credits
All the images were taken by me, Allen Plone. I have been an art photographer for forever.
