Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started writing novels at 14 and by 18 had 3 completed manuscripts under my belt. They’re in need of a major re-write before I ever let anyone read them though! I studied Creative writing and literature & Journalism and communication at university and have done freelance work as an editor.
I recently published my debut fantasy novel, Once I Rise, earlier this year and the second book in the series (name yet to be released) will be coming out in 2019. I am currently about half way through writing the third in the series with a few other stories waiting on the back burner until I do.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel is Once I Rise. I actually wrote it in response to a pet peeve I have when reading. I notice quite often a character will be described as ‘shy’ but a few chapters in any signs or characteristics associated with shyness have magically vanished. It drives me nuts! So I decided I wanted to create a character who maintained that personality trait despite growing and developing. So I guess what I’m saying is it all really started with a character, then I kind of asked myself where this character could be, what could happen to her and went from there.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I used to write all my novels entirely by hand with a 2B pencil in a university rules notebook. I was very specific. But over time, as I’ve needed to write faster, I’ve taken to writing on my computer. Other than that, I’m an evening writer with my prime time being between 6 and 9pm, which from what I’ve heard of other authors, is not the norm.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
All sorts of authors and books have influenced me, it’s impossible to really narrow it down to specifics, but I obviously love fantasy, and stories where the characters seem real, tangible, those are the ones I tend to draw from most.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on book 3 of my ‘Once I’ series. I can’t say too much more about that as book 2 is yet to be released and I don’t want to give away any spoilers.
Aside from that, I’m slowly creating plots and coming up with new ideas for future projects.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I tend to use my facebook page most (@OIR.Series) and would like to build a greater following on goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15307113.Tara_Ingham) but these things take time.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new writers is never to stop chasing. If you’re willing to put in the time and effort to really go for it and write, you’ll get there eventually. It won’t happen overnight, it may take years, but that’s all part of learning and part of the process.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That’s a fantastic question. I think the best advice I’ve ever received is to write how and what appeals to me, not what others tell me to. Authenticity makes the best stories and you can’t be authentic unless you’re writing what you want.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently rereading my entire book collection! I’ve just finished rereading the Graceling series and am now working my way through Poison study again. Once I’m done I’ll probably go and get myself some new books. There are some new releases that look incredible and I can’t wait to read them!
What’s next for you as a writer?
After I finish my current series, I’ve got a solid plan for a high fantasy novel. I’ve been working in urban fantasy for so long I think it’ll be a nice break from fact checking everything I write about every place and to be able to create my own world entirely from scratch with no rules or limitations.
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?
Only 3 or 4? I have entire series that I binge read that are longer than that! Haha.
If I could only take 3 or 4, lets see, well I might bring the dummies guide to raft building, just to be practical, but otherwise I’d probably bring along the Graceling trilogy. I love the world building and the characters, and I’ve read it dozens of times without growing bored, so I’d probably be able to handle that.
Author Websites and Profiles
Tara Ingham Amazon Profile
Tara Ingham Author Profile on Smashwords
Tara Ingham’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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