As well, he is a member of the National Writing Project at Penn State University. Allen’s articles on character development have been published in hard copy magazines and e-zines. Prior to establishing a writing career, he ran a successful architectural woodworking business for twenty-six years and, in 2006, received the Colonel Holt Business Achievement Award. Allen holds a 50-ton Coast Guard Captain’s license and has captained numerous ocean going sailing adventures. His true love has always been writing, and today he plies the craft of writing on a full-time basis.