Questions About the Books, the Author & the Pages In Between
Do you use AI?
Yes. I use AI as a tool, particularly for proofreading, continuity review, research assistance, and suggestions for improving clarity and readability.
All stories, characters, concepts, and written content are created and written by James Allen. AI-assisted tools may be used during the editorial process, but all editorial decisions and final written content remain the work of the author.
Illustration concepts and creative direction are also by James Allen. Some digital illustrations are produced with the assistance of AI image-generation tools and are subsequently selected, edited, modified, and refined using conventional digital art and illustration software.
I spent more than thirty years working in technology, long before today’s AI tools existed. I view AI much as I view Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, or other creative software: it is a tool. It can assist the process, but it does not replace the person making the creative decisions.
Where does All En Crafts LLC Press fit in?
All En Crafts Press is the publishing imprint of All En Crafts, LLC. It is the name used for publishing and distributing books written under the James Allen, Seamus Ailin, and Sawdust Sage names.
All En Crafts, LLC remains the business behind the work, while All En Crafts Press provides a distinct publishing identity for the books themselves.
All En Crafts LLC Press is an independent publishing imprint and is currently not accepting unsolicited manuscripts or submissions from other authors. At present, the imprint is focused on publishing and managing works owned by All En Crafts, LLC.
When did you begin writing?
I began writing around 1980, when I entered Iowa State University. For decades, I saved my work on paper, floppy disks, and eventually USB drives. A few years ago, I began gathering and organizing everything for publication. That effort led to my first published book, Sawdust to Stardust, released June 9, 2025.
Is there a reading order?
Most books stand alone and may be read in any order. The Emerald Links novels should be read in series order. Essays from the Porch has Books 1, 2, and 3, but each collection stands independently. Under Seamus Ailin, Cats, Dogs & Critters with Tales follows a grade-level progression, so beginning with the volume best suited to the reader’s age is recommended.
Which bookshelf should I choose?
Choose Seamus Ailin for children’s stories filled with imagination and words of wonder. Choose James Allen for memoir, novels, and magazine-style essays exploring personal, sociological, and philosophical questions. Choose The Sawdust Sage for poetry and prose shaped by humor, reflection, loss, work, relationships, and lived experience.
Who are the books written for?
The intended audience varies by bookshelf and title. Seamus Ailin books are written for children, with reading levels ranging from early readers through middle grade. James Allen books are intended primarily for adult readers who enjoy memoir, fiction, and thoughtful essays. The Sawdust Sage writes poetry and prose for adults who appreciate humor, reflection, and observations drawn from lived experience. Individual book pages provide more specific audience guidance.
What formats are available?
Books are available in paperback and hardcover editions. Some titles are also available as eBooks, with additional digital editions planned. Many Seamus Ailin books offer a choice between black-and-white and full-color editions. Formats vary by title, so please use the website’s Contact Form if you have questions about a particular book.
Can I get a signed copy?
Yes. James is happy to sign any purchased copy, whether it was purchased directly from him or ordered online. Bring your copy to one of his scheduled vendor fairs, farmers markets, festivals, book signings, or other public appearances.
How can I support an author?
Purchase or borrow their books, leave honest reviews, recommend their work to other readers, follow them online, share new releases, or request their books through your local library. Visit the Support Your Favorite Authors page for more simple, free ways to help James and other authors reach new readers.
How can I contact James?
Use the Contact Form on this website to send James a message. This is the primary contact method and the only one monitored for personal responses. Reader questions and comments are welcome.
Marketing and business inquiries must follow the Author Participation Policy. Telephone contact is not available.
Is James available for events?
James participates in selected vendor fairs, farmers markets, festivals, book signings, and community events. He may also consider invitations for readings, author discussions, and similar appearances. Availability depends on the date, location, accessibility, and event requirements. Organizers should submit complete event information through the website’s Contact Form. All invitations and event proposals must comply with the Author Participation Policy.
How are AI-assisted tools used?
All stories, characters, concepts, and written content are created by James Allen. AI-assisted tools may be used for proofreading, continuity review, and suggestions that improve clarity and readability. They also assist in producing digital illustrations from James’s concepts and creative direction. James selects, edits, refines, and makes all final decisions about the finished work. For additional details, see the Artwork and AI Assistance Disclosure.
Does James accept marketing proposals?
No. Unsolicited marketing proposals will not be considered. Please review the Author Participation Policy before making any business inquiry. When James is ready to purchase marketing services, he will initiate the conversation with a researched and verified marketing vendor.
Where Can I Purchase the Books?
James Allen’s books are available online through Amazon, with selected titles also available through the Books-A-Million website. Throughout the summer and into the fall, books may also be purchased directly from James at vendor fairs, farmers markets, festivals, and other community events. Check the website and James Allen Writes social-media pages for upcoming appearances and current purchasing information. Availability in physical retail stores has not been confirmed.
Where can I find new-release information?
Visit the Most Recent Releases page to see the newest book from James Allen, Seamus Ailin, and The Sawdust Sage. Release announcements, upcoming titles, cover reveals, and publication updates are also shared through the James Allen Writes website and social-media pages.