Allison Pittman is bringing a new edge to Christian fiction. The success of her debut novel, Ten Thousand Charms (Multnomah, 2006) proves just how ready readers are to welcome this new voice. Seeing her book in print is the fulfillment of not only a life-long dream, but also a commitment she made to use that voice to bring glory to God. Despite the well-intentioned advice from editors, agents and other authors to “not quit her day job,” Allison walked away from a stable, 17-year teaching career to pursue writing full time. So far, true to His word, God has been faithful to bless that obedience. Ten Thousand Charms is the first installment of the “Crossroads of Grace” series, with two additional titles under contract.

When she isn’t busy working on her next novel, Allison is busy working as the leader of her church’s Theater Arts Group. She writes scripts and directs the ministry’s drama worship. (In a pinch she even does a little acting herself.) The experience of writing for a live audience prepared her heart for the inevitable rejections that are a part of any writer’s journey. Nothing can induce more fear than waiting for 2,000 people to laugh at a funny line, or more pain when they don’t!

Much of Allison’s successful pursuit of writing can be attributed to the ever-present encouragement of her critique group, which has been meeting every Monday night since July, 1998. With her participation and leadership, the group has grown from a small gathering of four ladies sharing cookies and tea, to over 30 members whose combined publishing experience encompasses more than 100 publications, including an annual devotion book published for each Advent season.  

Allison makes her home in Universal City, just outside of San Antonio, Texas with her husband, Mike, and their three sons.