Welcome, Tamara. Tell us a little about yourself. How did you start writing?
I’ve been writing since I was a kid. I loved reading. I read everything under the sun and that helped boost my imagination. So I started telling my 3 little sisters stories which turned into writing them.
I can’t imagine having three sisters. I had brothers. Yikes! What drew you to this particular genre?
I’m a sucker for romance. Maybe it’s deep down inside I still feel like a 15 year old girl with way too many crushes.
We have that in common. Have you ever considered another genre? And if so which one?
YA, for the same reason I stated above.
Where do you start when writing? Research, plotting, outline, or…?
I start at the outline. I get the plot for the story, then the characters start working their way into my pysche and then I can’t stop writing until I’ve outlined at least half of the story.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned so far that’s improved your writing from this first book to now?
Check and recheck, and when you think you’ve made sure to cross all your t’s and dot all your i’s then check all over again. Nothing is worse than seeing an obvious error when you manuscript has been submitted.
An organized woman. I do admire that.
How many hours a day to you spend writing? Do you have a routine?
I really wish I had a routine but life usually gets in the way of that. When I do get the time to just sit and write, I do so for at least 2 hours off and on.
I call it Lifeus Interferus. Latin, I do believe. Writers are afflicted with same.
If you could give a new writer or even a younger version of yourself advice what would it be?
Don’t give up. You might feel like giving up sometimes, but don’t; just keep plodding along and you’ll get where you need to be.
What’s your favorite “non-writing” activity?
Going to book stores and attempting to buy all the books I can carry without assistance.
Funny.
What’s next for you in terms of writing?
I’m working on a Young Adult novel. It should be fun!
If I can remember that far back, young adults have way too much fun and lots of angst. I’ll be interested in reading your new book.
List a couple of your favorite authors we would find you reading
when taking a break from your own writing?
Neil Gaiman, Dianna Wynne Jones, Cynthia Heimel, Stephen King. I could go on for days.
Ah, Stephen King, one of my faves. I just finished Mr. Mercedes.
Where can we find you over the next little while?
List fun facts about yourself.
um Let’s see, I love music and I swear I can sing but I can’t. I’m addicted to the cleaning supplies aisle anywhere. I love collecting recipes and quotes. I’m obsessed with my 6 year old niece. I’m dying to go on a cruise. I love trying new foods and I don’t trust robots!
17. Answer the following:
a. Favorite Drink: Blue Hawaiian
b. Favorite Food: Breakfast for dinner
c. Favorite Movie: Lost in Translation
d. Favorite Summer Activity? Long walks
e. Favorite Winter Activity? Short walks, haha. Actually love making hot chocolate with my Fiancee after going Christmas shopping.
f. Favorite Vacation Spot (somewhere you’ve actually been): Seaside/ Boardwalk areas.
g. Dream Vacation Spot (you haven’t been there yet): Tokyo
h. Dream TV/Movie Character you’d love to interview: Queen Guinevere from BBC’s Merlin
i. What’s the one question you’d love to ask them: Who is your dressmaker?
j. If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Paris
Tell us a bit about your current release. What inspired it?
The Trouble with Playing Cupid is my first completed book. The idea came about when I was having a fun chat with a friend about gorgeous celebrities and we wondered what would it be like if we could date one. That conversation went on for hours, it was great.
What is your favorite part of this particular story.
I love the part when Tom and December first talk on the phone and they shyly flirt with one another even though they didn’t think that would ever happen.
Title & Genre of Book: The Trouble with Playing Cupid is a contemporary romance.
“Since you don’t remember that text message, I’ll have to remind you. Who wants to see December’s drunk text?” Trace asked grandly, to an already foaming at the mouth crowd. “Don’t you want to see it too, Tom?”
“Not if she doesn’t want us to, Trace.” Tom said, kindly and December fell in love all over again. She might as well enjoy the feeling while it lasted because once Tom saw it, things would become very awkward. She hid her face in her hands and squeezed her eyes really tight, hoping for a power shortage.”
Now available on all Kindle devices
And NonKindle devices