Carla's Book Crush

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Sound of Violet (10th Anniversary Edition) by Allen Wolf, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

CB: Hi Allen! Thank you so much for taking the time to share more about The Sound of Violet with my readers. I’m excited for them to learn more about your work and creative journey!

AW: Thank you so much for having me! I’m thrilled to talk about this special 10th Anniversary Edition.

CB: It’s exciting that you’re having a 10th anniversary book launch! What made you decide to rekindle this romance, so to speak?

AW: You know, after ten years of reader feedback and my own growth as both a writer and filmmaker, I realized this story deserved to be told with even greater authenticity and emotional depth. Working on the film adaptation really influenced how I saw these characters. Bringing them to life on screen gave me new insights into their emotional journeys. When I went back to the novel, I felt like I was reconnecting with old friends, and I could see so much more I wanted to explore about them. The original story was close to my heart, but I knew I could deepen the characters, enhance the emotional authenticity, and create a more immersive reading experience. It felt like the right time to honor both the journey these characters have taken and the journey I’ve experienced over the past decade.

CB: I must admit, I rarely read a book and watch the movie. The books are usually so much better, and the movies are not quite what I envisioned in my head. How did you bring your words to life on the screen?

AW: I completely understand that concern! The beautiful thing about writing, directing, and producing the film myself is that I could ensure the story stayed true to the heart of the novel. I didn’t have to worry about someone else’s interpretation changing the essence of what I wanted to say. That said, I did make some intentional changes for the film. I moved the setting from New York City to Seattle to take advantage of the city’s beautiful landscapes and filming-friendly environment.

Visually, I shot the film in widescreen to emphasize Shawn’s social disconnection and Violet’s isolation. Every production design choice was deliberate, from the symbolism of Gas Works Park to the door of Shawn and his grandmother’s apartment resembling a jail door, reinforcing how Violet isn’t the only one who’s trapped. I also had an autistic crew member who regularly consulted with our lead actor, which brought incredible authenticity to Shawn’s portrayal. Having that insider perspective on set made all the difference.

CB: Which would you suggest starting with, the book or the movie, to get the full experience of The Sound of Violet?

AW: That’s a great question! I think either works beautifully, but they offer different experiences. The book—especially this new 10th Anniversary Edition—gives you much more time inside the characters’ heads, particularly Shawn’s unique perspective with his synesthesia and how he processes the world. You get to experience his internal journey in a way that’s harder to capture on screen.

The movie, on the other hand, is more immediate and visual. You can see the chemistry between the actors, experience the beauty of Seattle, and watch their relationship unfold in real time. If you read the book first, you’ll appreciate how we adapted certain scenes for film. If you watch the movie first, the book will give you so much more depth and backstory. Honestly, I hope people experience both. They complement each other in wonderful ways. If I had to make a choice, though, I’d suggest starting with the novel.

CB: From fun, lighthearted games in your writing and thrillers and inspiring true stories in your filmmaking career, your experience and voice are varied. What made you take on a romance, especially between an autistic man and a prostitute?

AW: The story actually came from my own bewildering dating experiences in Los Angeles when I was single. I was often naïve and overly trusting, sometimes painfully so, and I built those qualities into Shawn’s character. I was intrigued by the idea of someone unknowingly starting a relationship with a prostitute because I thought it would create this compelling journey full of conflict, humor, and drama.

But here’s what really transformed the story: In my first drafts, I wrote Violet as you typically see women portrayed in movies, as the “empowered prostitute” archetype. As I researched and talked to organizations that fight trafficking, I discovered that the vast majority of women in prostitution are actually victims being trafficked. That realization completely changed how I portrayed Violet and gave the story so much more depth and meaning. It also ignited a passion in me to raise awareness about human trafficking. So what started as a romantic comedy concept became something much more significant—a story about redemption, unconditional love, and the courage to see people for who they really are.

CB: How did you really get into the heart of Shawn’s character?

AW: I drew from my own experiences of feeling socially awkward and misunderstood in dating situations. That naivety and genuine desire for connection came from a real place. But to really understand Shawn’s experience as someone on the spectrum, I did a lot of research and, more importantly, I listened.

During the film production, one of our key crew members was autistic, and he regularly consulted with our lead actor. His insights were invaluable. He helped us understand the nuances of how someone with autism might process social situations, sensory input, and emotions. I also heard from a mother whose autistic son had unknowingly dated a woman caught in prostitution. Her son’s experience didn’t end well, but hearing her story helped me understand the vulnerability and pure-heartedness that someone like Shawn brings to relationships. For this 10th Anniversary Edition, I was able to deepen those aspects of his character even more, giving readers a richer understanding of his internal world.

CB: What did you learn about autism and maybe even yourself along the way?

AW: I learned that autism isn’t a deficit. It’s a different way of experiencing and processing the world. Shawn’s synesthesia, where he experiences colors as sounds, became such a beautiful metaphor for seeing the world in unexpected ways. I learned about the importance of authentic representation, not portraying autistic characters as stereotypes or as people who need to be “fixed,” but as fully realized human beings with their own strengths, challenges, and capacity for deep love.

As for what I learned about myself… I think this story helped me understand that my own social awkwardness and naivety weren’t weaknesses. They were part of what made me empathetic and open to seeing people beyond surface appearances. Shawn taught me that sometimes what the world sees as a limitation can actually be a gift. His ability to see Violet for who she really is, beneath all the pain and trauma, comes from his unique way of processing the world. That’s something I carry with me.

CB: I find it interesting that you wrote most of the book while at Disneyland. How did “The Happiest Place on Earth” inspire you to write about one of the saddest professions?

AW: The contrast might seem strange, but I think Disneyland actually provided the perfect environment for this story. I’ve been there over 500 times, and what I love about it is that every attraction is built around a story—stories about hope, transformation, and overcoming darkness to find light. Even the “scariest” rides end with triumph over evil.

Writing at places like Flo’s V8 Diner in Carsland or in front of the castle, I was surrounded by families experiencing joy and connection. That constant reminder of hope and happiness actually helped me write Violet’s story with more compassion. I never wanted her story to be exploitative or purely dark. I wanted to show that even in the darkest circumstances, love and redemption are possible. Disneyland reminded me every day that transformation is real, that people can find their “happily ever after,” and that’s ultimately what this story is about—two people finding their way out of darkness together.

CB: How did you choose Violet’s character? Was it the sheer juxtaposition or something else?

AW: Initially, yes, it was the juxtaposition. The dramatic irony of Shawn not realizing who Violet was seemed like fertile ground for both comedy and drama. But as I mentioned earlier, my research completely transformed how I understood her character. When I learned that most women in prostitution are victims of trafficking, often with histories of childhood sexual abuse, Violet became so much more than a plot device. She became a real person with trauma, dreams, and a desperate desire for freedom.

I realized Violet needed to be someone who had given up on genuine love, someone who had been so hurt that Shawn’s pure-hearted kindness would seem almost impossible to her. The juxtaposition became less about their circumstances and more about their perspectives on love—Shawn believing in it wholeheartedly despite his challenges, and Violet having lost all faith in it despite desperately needing it. When those two worldviews collide, something transformative happens.

CB: What do you hope that readers take away from Shawn and Violet’s story?

AW: I hope readers learn to see people more deeply, looking past surface appearances and circumstances to recognize the beautiful, complex human beings underneath. Shawn shows us what it means to love unconditionally, to see someone’s true worth when the rest of the world has written them off. Violet shows us that it’s never too late for redemption, that healing is possible, and love can transform you, no matter what’s happened to you.

On a practical level, I hope this story opens people’s eyes to the reality of human trafficking. If even one reader recognizes the signs and helps someone, or if one person feels seen and understood because of Shawn’s portrayal of autism, then this book has accomplished something meaningful. But most of all, I want readers to believe that genuine, transformative love is possible, and it’s worth fighting for.

CB: What next creative adventure do you have on the horizon?

AW: I’m continuing to grow Navigating Hollywood, an group I started that meets on studio lots where entertainment professionals listen to books together and share their perspectives. I also host and produce the Navigating Hollywood podcast where I interview entertainment professionals about their careers and spiritual journeys. Those conversations inspire me. I’m also working on my next film and another novel.

I enjoy creating stories that bridge entertainment and faith, tackling difficult subjects with honesty while offering hope. The response to The Sound of Violet has shown me there’s a real hunger for stories that don’t shy away from darkness but ultimately point toward light. That’s the kind of work I want to keep creating.

CB: Thank you again, Allen, for taking the time to share more about yourself and your book. We wish you the best on your 10th anniversary book launch!

AW: Thank you so much! I’m so grateful for readers like yours who care deeply about stories and the people behind them. I hope this 10th Anniversary of The Sound of Violet touches hearts and maybe even changes some lives along the way.