Allie Millington is the author of the new middle grade novel Once for Yes. She also has written the middle grade novel Olivetti. She lives near Atlanta.
Q: What inspired you to write Once for Yes?
A: The inspiration from this story came from both a place of empathy and anger. I live near Atlanta, where too often you see trees torn down and old apartment buildings being demolished. It’s upsetting to watch history and homes wiped out just so something new can take its place.
Thinking of all the lives and communities that are affected by these decisions fueled much of this story, along with empathizing about how it might feel to be the building itself.
Q: Why did you decide to have the building be a character in the story (as you had a typewriter character in your novel Olivetti)?
A: I’ve always been drawn to writing from unique perspectives, especially objects that hold memories and meaning for people. I thought having an apartment building as a narrator would be interesting, not only because they hold meaning for many people, but they are also full of stories themselves.
Though using a non-human narrator certainly has its challenges, I also find it endlessly enjoyable trying to see the world from a new lens. I think that’s where empathy plays a big part within my writing.
Q: The Kirkus Review of the novel says, “This contemplative story explores themes of community, resilience, and healing through poetic prose that’s infused with heartache and wonder. A heartfelt story about loss and connection.” What do you think of that description?
A: It’s wonderful to have received such a thoughtful review from Kirkus! With writing a book about heavy topics like loss, I wanted to be sure it was still infused with hope, humor, and heart. The importance of community was also at the forefront of my mind as I wrote this book. I’m very grateful Once For Yes has come off that way to early readers!
Q: Did you know how the story would end before you started writing it, or did you make many changes along the way?
A: I actually did know how this story would end before I started, which is a very rare occurrence for me. The tricky part was I didn’t know how to pull it off, or how to make the ending feel realistic and yet satisfying for readers.
As with all of my stories, the characters paved the way forward, and helped me figure out where the story needed to go. While the original idea for the ending stayed the same, how I got there and all that happened in between changed a good bit along the way.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I am currently drafting my third middle grade novel, which is set to release in Fall of 2026. This book also includes another unique narrator—an old leather trunk that has a bit more to it than first meets the eye.
It’s another multi-narrative book, but it’s the first time I’ve ever written in epistolary format, which has been fun to explore.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: Thank you for asking! I have a picture book releasing on May 13 called When You Find A Hope. It’s an emotional, allegorical story that follows the journey of a girl and her Hope, and has beautiful illustrations created by Anne Lambelet.
When You Find A Hope is now available for preorder anywhere books are sold – and I’ll be launching a special preorder campaign in the next few weeks!
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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