CWV Book Corner, December: Dr. Antoinette Allen

Each month, VA’s Center for Women Veterans profiles a different woman Veteran author as part of its Women Veteran Authors Book Corner. This month’s author is Air Force and Air National Guard Veteran, Dr. Antoinette Allen, who served from 1993-1997 on Active Duty and 1997-2014 in the Air National Guard.

Allen wrote “Bras, Bootstraps, and the Bible: Stories of Resilience,” which is focused on sharing how to grow your resilience. Allen writes from the perspective as a woman of color, noting how stereotypes and trials shaped her ability to overcome adversity from childhood to adulthood. The book highlights the need for corporate, intentional and spiritual resilience as a means of being courageous. This is also woven into her military experience as a means to persuade leaders to consider becoming healers in a world that often celebrates warriors.

What are you doing now?

By day, I work for the Department of Treasury as a technical advisor, and by night I run an educational consulting company called “Two Cups of TLC,” where I offer inspiring keynotes, coaching and training in the topics of leadership, equity, diversity and inclusion, and emotional intelligence.

Where and when did you serve?

I served in the U.S. Air Force, Logistics and Personnel for 21 years. The areas I served in were Virginia, Oklahoma and the D.C. National Guard.

What is your proudest service memory?

Deciding to retire after the birth of my third child. It was a major decision because I really wanted to be a General, but I realized in that moment it was time to hang up my boots for booties instead.

What was your inspiration for becoming an author?

I felt very strongly that God wanted me to share a story to encourage others, and I wanted to capture my military experiences before too much time passed.

How has your military experience shaped your creativity or how you express yourself?

The military provided me life changing experiences and taught me that there was room for creativity. It gave me the fortitude and courage to try new things. Even in the face of difficulty, there was a safety net of support that never failed me and pushed me forward.

What advice would you give other women Veterans who may be considering becoming an author?

Do it. Determine what story you can share and begin to write it. Our lives and stories are like puzzle pieces that others can fit into their lives to make it better. If a book seems too big, start by journaling or writing poetry and short stories. Just get in the practice of capturing your essence and, before you know it, you have a book. My second book is full of devotionals I wrote over a three-year period.

How can women Veteran Authors shape society’s understanding of women Veterans’ military experience and their contributions?

I believe that women Veterans see the world differently and, as authors, we get to provide a broader perspective for other women.

What were some of your obstacles and challenges in writing this book?

I struggle with perfectionism, so it was hard for me to know when it was done. I then had to wrestle with the fear that the story would not be well received. Eventually, I realized it was my story and no one else could tell it, so I decided to tell it.

What are your recommendations for illustrating, book cover selection, and the publishing process?

I used the website “Fiverr” to hire creators to help me with illustration and the publishing process. I decided to self-publish so I could have better control of the process and get the story out sooner.

What is one significant thing we should know about you?

My life work is focused on the work of forgiveness, reconciliation and healing. I have a unique interest in helping women to heal.

How has writing this book helped you?

It was cathartic, writing is one of my contributions to future generations and especially my children. There are very few writings about women and particularly women in leadership. It is important to capture our stories.

Writing has been therapy for me, it gives me a useful way to process my emotions and no matter how painful they are I can help someone else who feels the same way, so they know they are not alone.

What is your favorite quote?

“Catch on fire with enthusiasm and others will come for miles to watch you burn,” by John Wesley.

If you could choose one woman from any point in time to share a meal with, who would she be?

My grandmother. I miss her so much and she didn’t get to meet my last two children whom she would have adored.

Are you a woman Veteran author, or do you know of one? 

If so, please visit our website to find out more information. If you have further questions, contact the CWV Outreach Program Manager Michelle Terry at Michelle.Terry2@VA.gov.