Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in my hometown in rural northern Nevada. My husband and I have a grown son and live with a very spoiled golden retriever. After finishing a long career working for local and state government I decided to pursue my dream of writing. My favorite past time has always been reading. I also love to bake and weave in several delectable desserts in my books.
I was first introduced to creative writing in middle school. With the encouragement from my English teacher I wrote a column for our local newspaper through my junior high years. It wasn’t until I retired from my career in government about three years ago that I decided to revisit what I enjoyed doing and start a second career writing novels. To date I’ve published five novels and am working on my sixth.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, Pieces of Home, is fourth in my Hometown Harbor Series. It focuses on Ellie, who is the resident baker in the picturesque town of Friday Harbor. It was inspired by the idea of a child being rejected by her mother and the life she made in spite of this hardship. Ellie is facing new challenges in her life and during her journey of self-discovery she is confronted with a painful piece of her past.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to do my best work in the morning, so I concentrate on writing early. I like to listen to music while I write, especially soothing piano. I drink a lot of chai tea and have been know to partake in the occasional chocolate treat for fortification. I also use a ton of sticky notes and markers to organize my stories.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been a lifelong reader, so I know I’ve been influenced by hundreds of authors. I read to escape and for enjoyment, so I tend to think of authors I enjoy like David Baldacci, Lee Child, Maeve Binchy, and Kristin Hannah come to mind.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on my second book in my Cooper Harrington Detective Novel series. This series features Coop and his loyal golden retriever, Gus. Set in Nashville, Coop is a snarky t-shirt wearing lawyer turned private detective, who with the help of his dog and faithful friend and assistant, Annabelle, work to solve murder mysteries with plenty of twists.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I like using Facebook to connect with readers and find that sites like yours are a great way to introduce readers to my books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Finish the book…keep writing! One other tip would be to research all the publishing avenues available and pick the one that fits you best.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write another book. I think it is key, especially for indie authors to continue to write and publish books.
What are you reading now?
I just bought the Irish Cottage by Julie Gauvin.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to get my new mystery out by summer and will be busy promoting it and my other books. I usually get inspired to write by visiting a new place, so hope to squeeze in a trip and start writing a new book in the fall. I have an idea for a thriller and would love to work on that soon.
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?
The practical part of me would want a book on how to get off a desert island, but the reader in me would want a few of my favorites~To Kill a Mockingbird, The Camel Club, Little Women, and the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon because I love them and they are nice and long.
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Tammy L Grace Website
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