Biography and CV
Biography
Allene Symons has a bachelor's in philosophy from San Francisco State University and master's degrees in the fields of Communications (Journalism) and in History of Religions (Buddhism). She was a senior editor for Publishers Weekly in New York (1982-1988), and has written for consumer and specialty magazines.
Born in Long Beach, California, she has lived in Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York City. She currently lives in Long Beach, Calif.
Freelance credits include articles in Details, Los Angeles Times (book reviews and travel), and other publications. She originated and wrote the travel lit review column "Great Reads for the Restless" for msnbc.com (1999-2000).
Her latest book is Love in a Time of Caterpillars: A Memoir of Monarchs and Caregiving (Forekd Road Press, February 2024).
Her other books are: Aldous Huxley's Hands: His Quest for Perception and the Origin and Return of Psychedelic Science (Prometheus Books, 2015); Nostradamus, Vagabond Prophet: A Novel of His Life and Time (Avon Books, 1983; revised edition Forked Road Press, 2011); Adventures Abroad: Exploring the Travel/Retirement Option (Gateway/Globe Pequot, 1991), co-author with Jane Parker.
CV
EDUCATION
M.A., Communications (Journalism), California State University Fullerton
M.A., History of Religions, Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, Calif.
B.A., Philosophy (Journalism minor), San Francisco State University
TEACHING
Instructor and writing coach. Communications and Media Studies Department, Santa Ana College, Santa Ana, Calif. Assist with editing and production of award-winning student newspaper "el Don" and magazines "West 17th" and "Viento." (2002-June 2016)
Writing for Publishing. Department of Literature & Communications, Pace University, White Plains, NY (Fall 1986 and Spring 1987). Created interdisciplinary course (Communications 200) for English, Journalism and Communications majors.
Introduction to the Memoir. California State University, Fullerton (2006)
BOOKS
Aldous Huxley's Hands: His Quest for Perception and the Origin and Return of Psychedelic Science. Prometheus Books, 2015.
Nostradamus, Vagabond Prophet: A Novel of His Life and Time. Forked Road Press, 2011 (revised edition of 1983 title originally published as Vagabond Prophet: A Novel of Nostradamus and His Time. New York. Avon Books,1983).
Adventures Abroad: Exploring the Travel-Retirement Option. San Francisco: Gateway Books/Globe Pequot, 1991. Co-author with Jane Parker. Based on expert advice and 50 profiles of expatriate Americans.
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Online columnist. “Great Reads for the Restless” for msnbc.com, a travel literature review feature with emphasis on travel memoirs 1999-2000.
Contributing writer and book reviewer. "H Magazine: Homes and Lifestyles of Southern California" (Anaheim Hills). 2004 to 2006. Wrote profiles of artists and designers, travel articles, and contributed bimonthly Book Previews column.
FREELANCE
Articles, reviews and essays: Los Angeles Times (Travel and Book Review sections), Orange Coast magazine, Details, American Bungalow, Scuba Diver, H Magazine, Successful Retirement, New West, Physicians Travel & Meetings, and in various trade magazines, including School Music Dealer, Small Press, Non-Foods Merchandiser, Supermarket News.
EDITORIAL
Senior editor (New York) for "Publishers Weekly" from 1982 to 1988. Bookselling & Marketing editor. Contributing editor in California from 1988 to 1991.
Senior editor (Los Angeles bureau) for "Drug Store News" and wrote for sister publication "For the Pharmacist" magazines, published in New York by Lebhar-Friedman from 1993 to 1999. Also contributed to weekly online edition.
Associate editor (Los Angeles) "School Music Dealer" magazine, published by Windplayer, Inc., from 1999 to 2004.
OTHER
Book Publishing positions in sales and marketing for Avon Books (then Hearst Corp., now a division of Harper Collins) in California and New York, 1979-1981
Bookseller with independent and chain book stores. Bookstore manager: Rizzoli International Bookstores (Costa Mesa location) 1988-1993.
AWARDS AND HONORS
Cahners Editorial Medal of Excellence: Best News Reporting Article 1987 (from a field of 50 business magazines.
Writing Fellowship, Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, Sweet Briar, VA, July 1987
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Authors Guild
National Book Critics Circle
PEN