Meet Author James Allen
A Quick Note on Names
James Allen is, unfortunately, a fairly common author name. If you searched for “James Allen” before landing here, there’s a decent chance you passed one or two others along the way. You can currently find at least eight James Allen's on Amazon.
I’ve recently received a number of messages about As a Man Thinketh, the short philosophical classic written by James Allen (1864–1912) and first published in 1903. Much as I might enjoy claiming that level of literary longevity, I should clarify that I am neither English nor over 120 years old. Despite the gray hair, that particular James Allen and I are not the same man.
This particular James Allen is a contemporary writer, generally fueled by coffee and questionable decisions. Probably not true. Well — the coffee part is. The books and writing featured here are mine: reflective fiction, essays, poetry, and the occasional observation shaped by ordinary life, imperfect people, and the strange business of being human.
I have great respect for my namesake and for the lasting influence of his work. But if you’re here looking for the author of As a Man Thinketh, you’ve wandered onto the website of a different James Allen entirely — one with a website, modern deadlines, and a much stronger dependence on caffeine.
James Allen writes from a life shaped by equal parts sawdust and stories. Known as The Sawdust Sage™, he blends humor, reflection, and everyday Midwestern moments into work that feels both familiar and quietly insightful.
A retired IT project manager and craftsman by choice, James finds meaning in workshop mishaps, market days, and the steady rhythms of ordinary life. His writing now spans fiction, memoir, humor, and poetry, all grounded in the belief that the extraordinary often hides in plain sight.
With the release of his first novel, A Signal Between Notes, James adds long-form fiction to a body of work already rooted in observation, heart, and a deep appreciation for the beauty and absurdity of everyday life.
He also writes as Seamus Ailin, creating whimsical, thoughtful works for younger readers and the young at heart.
James lives in Iowa with his wife, Lexie, and their supervisory cats, Midnight and Sunshine.
James’s books are available through major retailers, including Amazon and Goodreads and can be found HERE.