David Allan and Road Rage Book

Introduction

Isn’t it about time someone stood up for those of us who feel “road rage” without letting it affect our behavior? Most of us are careful, considerate, non-aggressive drivers who are forced to navigate through a sea of “F”s on our way from point A to point B. This book is the first of its kind to explain why we feel the way we do, and who’s really to blame!

About Allan

David Allan was born with a unique outlook on the human race. While considerate and attentive to the needs of good people, he has always believed that “F”s deserve to be exposed and ridiculed for their bad behavior.

Seen here, he experiences his very first "drawer ding."

A few years later, he came upon his first left-lane hog.

Then there was that time when young David took a header because an "F" abruptly skidded into a driveway without paying attention.

On his first day of college at the Institute of "F"-inology, he encountered yet another jerk.

People have often asked Mr. Allan what the future holds for him, and he has indicated that he intends to continue his life's work for as long as he is able .......

...... longer if necessary.

Interview with David Allan.

Let’s start with you giving us a one-line synopsis of your new book, Why We Feel “Road Rage” … And Why It’s Your Fault!

In a nutshell, it’s an illustrated, humorous rant designed to cheer up frustrated drivers.

Why this book?

I saw an aching need for frustrated drivers to be “heard.” In my research, I found that people like me don’t suddenly become frustrated, nor do we frustrate ourselves. No, the sad truth is that our emotions are strictly caused by others, after repeatedly being subjected to their clueless, inconsiderate and annoying antics.

Is that where the “Your Fault” part of the title comes from?

Exactly! I judge the human race with an exaggerated form of pass/fail grading … good people are members of Class A, and the rest belong to Class F (I call them “F”s, for short).

“F”s?

Yes … “F” stands for “F”ailure (and for “F”ault). The “F” theme is central to the book. I grade bad driving behavior using an “F” Meter. I’ve also created an imaginary, all-powerful super vehicle – the “F”-INATOR – which punishes bad driving behavior in many of the book’s episodes. I’ve even discovered a medication pr oven to reduce on-road “inflammation” … it’s called Preparation “F”.

How did you come up with the idea to illustrate the complete book in Sketchup?

I always knew that I would illustrate my book in 3D space, because I knew that I’d never be able to achieve each scene’s desired perspective and camera angle on the first pass. Also, I wanted my illustrations to be better than those of other books I’d seen, virtually all of which had “cartoonish” illustrations. Sketchup was a perfect fit for my needs. It was reasonably priced, intuitive to learn, technical support was excellent, and there were libraries available when models exceeded my skill level (in that regard, the people at FormFonts were very helpful and supportive).

How long have you been using Sketchup?

Just about a year and a half. Compared to models and scenes created by some of the Sketchup experts out there, I’m clearly a novice. But for my needs … creating simple, easy-to-understand scenes to augment my book’s text … Sketchup was ideal.

Is this a hobby or a profession?

Well, I was lucky enough to be able to take a sabbatical to write and illustrate this book full-time. But like many others, the sour economy has forced me back into the everyday working world. Authorship will be relegated to a part-time vocation for me in the future, but I fully intend to keep writing and illustrating more books.

Are there any on the horizon?

I hope to write an entire Why It’s Your Fault! series. I’ve drafted about 50 episodes so far for my next working title, Why Golf Is So Frustrating … And Why It’s Your Fault! I’ve talked with my new friend Pete Stoppel about possibly collaborating on this next book, so hopefully I’ll be able to bring this one to market more quickly than the last.

Well, David, thank you for your time today and we wish you the best of luck.

No, thank YOU! I’m thrilled at the opportunity to make new friends in the Sketchup world and with Sketchupartists.

One last thing … where can people buy the book?

It can be ordered though  Amazon , Barnes and Noble and through my site.  Oh … and don’t forget to listen to my road rage song on my website!

Author Stats:

• School attended: Institute of “F”-inology.

• Year awarded with Roads Scholarship: 2001

• Number of patents pending: 1 (the “F”-INATOR)

• Number of inventions: 1 (the “F” Meter)

• Number of scientific discoveries: 1 (Preparation “F”)

• Number of books written (so far): 1

• Number of comic strips created: 1

• Favorite number: 1

Another testimonial:

“David Allan has a way with words. His crazy, smart sense of humor makes you look at road rage in a whole new way. What used to drive me nuts on the road now just makes me laugh.”

Dianna S. – Domestic Goddess

Yet another testimonial:

“This book is basically a bible of driving frustration. [It] just had me laughing from cover to cover.”

Cruisin’ Bruce Palmer -100 FM “The Pike”
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