Interview With Author Pinar Tarhan
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a freelance writer and novelist. I mainly write romcoms and romantic comedy dramas as well as non-fiction articles.
My romance novels are short, escapist, fun, and passionate tales even men can enjoy. I feature big and colorful ensemble casts, entertaining dialogue, and multiple POVs. I come from screenwriting, so my novel writing is fast-paced. Plot is really important to me, and so are character and dialogue.
I want my readers to step into a happier and more exciting version of this world. Sure, sad things happen and conflicts escalate. But it all ends happily, and hopefully, the journey is both emotional and hilarious.
So far, I’ve written 3 novels and two non-fiction guides.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
A Change Would Do You Better is my third romcom novel, and it’s the second book in the A Change Would Do You Good romcom series. Even though both books can be enjoyed as standalone, they follow mostly the same cast. And the second book picks up from where the first leaves. But both books end in HEA, and there are no cliffhangers.
Because I love my characters from A Change Would Do You Good and the cast is large, it felt natural to turn this into a trilogy. The first book follows Janie as she overhauls her life eight months after a devastating loss. Her new neighbor and friends bring much needed distraction, chaos, and fun to her life. She is however no way ready for her downstairs neighbor Kevin, a hunky pro surfer who has more depth than he lets on. And the fact that he doesn’t believe in love or has never experienced tragedy create a lot of obstacles despite their insane chemistry.
Per the name of the novel, change is a big theme. Some characters choose it, and some are forced to deal with it. But in the end, it’s a charming tale of finding love (again), forming strong friendships, living life to the fullest, and making your dreams come true.
I think it was partly inspired by the month I spent in California when I was 15. I hung out with a quirky set of people. And even though my characters are nothing like them, I love the idea of people coming together through interesting circumstances and forming all sorts of relationships.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so, other than my characters keep living in my head and talking to each other until the end.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I grew up reading Enid Blyton, and then at about 12, I discovered my love for twisty legal thrillers thanks to John Grisham. Jane Austen is amazing and timeless. And I do love Sophie Kinsella, Katie Fforde, and Jenny Colgan. But I am crazy about good movies, TV series, and rock music. You notice my love for pop culture when you read my work. It’s all one big, happy blend.
What are you working on now?
I’m writing the follow-up to A Change Would Do You Better, which will be the third and last book of the series. And I have the plots ready for the next three novels.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still figuring these out. But I do love updating my blog Addicted to Writing writing.pinartarhan.com), and I have a newsletter attached to it. I am very active on Facebook and Instagram. I use Amazon Ads, and I love the communities of Good Reads and Bookbub.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. It might take a long time. And no matter how long it takes, it’ll be full of ups and downs. The word rollercoaster is the perfect metaphor because even though it can get scary, it is super fun. And we did choose to get on the ride, so breathe. And don’t give up.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There is no such thing as overnight success. You don’t know how many years/books/desperate times/almost quittings/rejections that overnight success took, so don’t compare yourself to people.
What are you reading now?
Non-fiction: Marie Forleo’s Everything Is Figureoutable.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing and publishing A Change Would Do You Best, the third and final novel of the romcom series, and starting a standalone romcom set in Hollywood.
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?
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen,
Can You Keep a Secret by Sophie Kinsella,
The Highland Fling by Katie Fforde,
and one big and useful guide on how to survive on a desert island with no skills and a weak immune system. 🙂
Author Websites and Profiles
Pinar Tarhan’s Social Media Links