Interview With Author Tanner Grage
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Many books written by addicts tend to be based on their past experiences after they
have gotten clean. However, I wanted to offer readers a glimpse into the life of an active
and still using addict, shedding light on the challenges and struggles they face on a daily basis.
By doing so, I intends to challenge any conscious or unconscious biases that people
may have towards addiction.
#2
-Grage has high hopes for his book, as he believes it has the potential to reach a wide
audience and inspire many individuals going through difficult times.
I want to share my story by providing a raw and honest account of addiction, aiming to
instill hope and resilience in my readers. Wanting them to realize that despite the
immense challenges they face, success and a better future is not beyond their reach.
The decision to self-publish my book speaks to my determination to be heard. This
industry is often dominated by traditional publishing houses, but the choice to take matters into
My own hands demonstrates my unwavering commitment to this cause.
With that being said this is my first and only book I’ve written and published
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my book is Rockin’ the Baby
I was asked by someone “What inspired me to start writing?”
Well.. truth is
It’s my version of therapy, allowing me to harness my emotion through expression and control my thoughts. For me, the decision to start writing was inspired by the reality I was living that most would say “this can’t be real, this shit only happens in the movies.”
Except this ain’t no motion picture film set, this “shit” actually happened. Life can feel like a rollercoaster at times with all the ups and downs and chaos of unexpected turns, but facing it head on and riding it out is what caused me to overcome my fear or the False Evidence Appearing Real.
What Inspired the Author to Start Writing
Writing can be a powerful and therapeutic tool for expressing one’s thoughts and emotions. For many authors, including myself, the decision to start writing is often inspired by personal experiences and a desire to share their stories with the world. In my case, the journey to becoming a writer was not an easy one, but it was driven by a deep need to be heard and a longing to make a difference.
As a young student, I struggled with various subjects in school, particularly English. Writing essays and completing assignments seemed like an arduous task, and I never considered it as a potential career path. However, despite my difficulties, there was a spark within me that longed to communicate with others through words.
In my early years, I had aspirations of becoming a rapper. I would write poetry and rhymes as an outlet for my emotions. These lyrics allowed me to express myself and connect with others who may have been going through similar struggles. Writing became somewhat of a therapeutic practice, a way to release and make sense of my thoughts and experiences.
However, as life took its toll and I faced personal hardships, my writing became sporadic. Heavy drug use consumed me, and I lost touch with my creative side. I became closed off, unwilling to share my innermost thoughts and feelings with anyone. This feeling of isolation manifested in my writing habits, with my words being locked away in a notepad, hidden from the world.
But as time went on, I realized that hiding my stories was not the answer. I felt the need for someone to listen and understand. In an ironic twist of fate, I decided to share my life story through a book. I guess it was a way of taking back control of my narrative, allowing me to reclaim my voice, and to let go of the fear that my past could be used against me.
Its therapy, a way of calming the anxiety by creating a safe place for me to be able to allow myself to relax and not have to feel the need to be on edge all the time or be defensive like I have to be on guard all the time, a place where I could be vulnerable and yet protected. It allowed me to reflect on my experiences, to process my emotions, and to uncover truths about myself that I may not have otherwise discovered. Writing became a journey of self-discovery and healing, a way to make sense of the chaos that had surrounded me.
But perhaps above all else, writing became a means to inspire. Through my words, I hope to touch the lives of others, to offer solace to those who may be going through similar struggles, and to remind them that they are not alone. I want to share my story with the world, to let others know that it is possible to overcome adversity and find redemption.
In conclusion, the decision to start writing was fueled by a combination of personal experiences and an innate desire to be heard. Despite my initial struggles with English and the hurdles I faced along the way, writing became a therapeutic outlet, a safe space where I could express myself freely. It was through writing that I found the courage to share my story with the world, to let go of the fear and embrace vulnerability. Writing has become not only a means of self-expression but also an opportunity to inspire and connect with others. I am ready for the world to hear my story, and I hope that it resonates with those who read it.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to break through the barrier by actually during directly to the reader and in the form of a present and active using addict. Many books written by addicts tend to be based on their past experiences after they
have gotten clean. However, I wanted to offer readers a glimpse into the life of an active
and still using addict, shedding light on the challenges and struggles they face on a daily basis.
By doing so, I intends to challenge any conscious or unconscious biases that people
may have towards addiction.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I was inspired by another author by the name of Ger Duany, I was in the lunch room at work and this lady was sitting across the table from me reading a book and I looked at the back of the book and seen a man’s face and wondered why he had looked so familiar. Then as I looked just a little past the lady just over to the next table, there he was, the author of the book she was reading. I had been working with this man for the past few weeks. I had gotten to know him and ended up buying and reading his book. Mr growing up with the Nuer community, it gave me a better understanding of what my friends parents had to go through in order for them just to get here so that they could provide a better life and future for their kids.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on getting reviews and marketing
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t find any promoting yet to be honest
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Make sure you do your research and plan ahead of time and carefully make sure you apply all steps needed in order to release your first book
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If it ain’t broke don’t fix it
What are you reading now?
I am currently not reading anything, I’m focused on trying to get my message out
What’s next for you as a writer?
Focusing on my mission and the message and creating a strong relationship with those in need
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 Daily stoic
A survival guide
An empty journal
The book of enki
Author Websites and Profiles
Tanner Grage’s Social Media Links
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