Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was a self-confessed, enabling, co-dependent. With God’s help I am enjoying a transformed life with my husband Tommy. We have been together for more than twenty six years and he just celebrated ten years of sobriety. I have owned and operated the famous biker bar Johnny’s Bar & Grill in Hollister, California for almost twenty years. I hope to one day sell the bar and pursue my writing career full time. In the meantime the bar continues to supply me with plenty of material for my writing endeavors.
As one of four children of a single mother, I came by my care-taking tendencies at an early age. When I became a single parent myself at seventeen, my sense of responsibility was compounded. Having a dysfunctional upbringing and an A-type personality made me an excellent candidate for codependency. Having overcome it, I share many life experiences to offer help and healing to those who know the suffering codependency brings.
I offer one on one coaching sessions to those who want to face the issue of codependency head on. I hope to help others see and accept the part their enabling behavior plays in the scope of their loved ones alcoholism. I’ve been known to say, “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”
I have had articles published in three major biker magazines and have contributed many essays to my local paper. Despite having only a tenth grade education,I am blessed with ability to touch people with my words. Using my God-given talent to help others that struggle with codependency has been a dream of mine since I found recovery.
Born Again in a Biker Bar was originally published as Miracles and Grace in an Unlikely Place / Memoir of a Christian Woman Biker Bar Owner. I changed the title and cover in hopes of reaching a new audience. This is my only published book.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I wrote Born Again in a Biker Bar in hopes of helping other codependents. My prayer is that I can help them to avoid the many pitfalls and tragedies I endured because of my problem and to offer them hope. Just knowing that you are not alone in your misery can be transforming.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I try to start writing as early in the day as possible. I need quiet to write so I bought my husband a pair of wireless headphones so that he can watch TV without interrupting my quiet time.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Joyce Meyer has been my greatest influence. She has written to many wonderful self-help books to mention. I enjoy Max Lucado and John Maxwell. I also really like Anne Lamott and when my editor told me that my writing style reminded her of Anne’s I just about did a back flip. What a huge compliment.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the third draft of my first work of fiction titled She Found Happiness on the Way Through Hell. Writing fiction is really fun because you really don’t know where the story is going to go.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve promoted my book the best through biker conventions and my bar. This is my first effort to to promote a giveaway and I hope to see hundreds of copies downloaded. Facebook is a really good place to spread the word too.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep your butt in the chair and never give up. If you believe in yourself anything is possible. For my part prayer was a huge help too. With God’s help all things are possible.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Concentrate on who are becoming and not the person that you were. My favorite quote by Joyce Meyer is, “I’m not where I need to be but thank God I’m not where I used to be.”
What are you reading now?
Writing Deep Scenes by Martha Alderson and Jordon Rosenfeld. You can never stop growing as a writer.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to seek an agent and take a shot at traditional publishing with my next book. I hope to grow subscribers to my website and enlighten and entertain as many people as possible.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
My Bible number one, actually I’d have to have at least two of them because I like reading different versions. Battlefield of the Mind would be important for my sanity.
Author Websites and Profiles
Charisse Tyson Website
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