Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been an entertainment writer and interviewer for more than 10 years, talking to personalities such as Billy Corgan from Smashing Pumpkins, Dane Cook, Taylor Momsen from The Pretty Reckless, Chuck Palahniuk, and baseball legend Pete Rose. I have also covered everyone from Jerry Seinfeld to President Obama.
I’m the author of DRAMA DOLLS, ANONYMOUS (which was starred reviewed by Publishers Weekly), HELLO FABULOUS!, and HELLO LESBIAN!
In fiction, I enjoy everything from psychological horror, fast-paced thrillers, dark suspense, stories with lots of action, transgressive fiction, and unexpected plot twists. My favorite authors are Chuck Palahniuk, Bret Easton Ellis, Gillian Flynn, Christopher Buckley, Clive Barker, Craig Clevenger, and Charles Bukowski.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
DRAMA DOLLS is the new novel. I saw a documentary about grown men who dressed up as dolls. They ventured out in public, running their errands, basking in the attention given to them. The dolls thought they were beautiful. The perception by the bystanders was the opposite. The dichotomy was amazing to see. I thought, “How disturbing!”
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Other than writing about grown men who dress up as cheerleaders, not really. My writing process is simple – I think (or read) of an interesting idea and expand on it. Before I write anything down I work the storyline(s) in my head until there is enough material. I always have the ending in mind before writing; it’s easier to write to an ending.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My two favorite authors are Chuck Palahniuk and Dave Barry (Big Trouble). These two specifically got me excited to read novels again. I also enjoy what Gillian Flynn is doing with her books. There’s something about people doing crazy things.
What are you working on now?
I just finished DRAMA DOLLS (launched October 1st) so now I’m in between novels.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have about 4,000 Twitter followers and I generally write my own press releases and blitz them out across the web. But the best promotion is word of mouth. If I’m selling paperbacks, I do most of my promotions via Comic Conventions where I can physically talk/sell to the reader.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t worry about trends. Write what you want because you love to write.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Chuck Palahniuk, author of FIGHT CLUB, once told me writing is like a mistress with your full-time job being your wife. Keep working until you make enough to write for a living. In Chuck’s words, however, it was keep seeing your mistress while keeping your wife full-time; until it’s time to leave your wife for your mistress.
What are you reading now?
SHARP OBJECTS by Gillian Flynn. Found it for $.88 at a Goodwill.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have an idea for another novel. But I can’t say. Not because I’m secretive, but by the time I start writing it, it may be a different idea.
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?
This is unanswerable. Too difficult.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jason Tanamor Website
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