Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a single mom of three boys, living in Austin, Texas. I worked in IT for over a decade before moving to education. I’ve dreamt of being a writer since I was 10 years old. It’s been a long road getting to the point of finally publishing an actual novel, but I finally made it. I’ve written two novels and one novelette. The novelette is based on Moira’s Song and provide back story to one of the book’s main characters. The second novel is currently in the editing stages and isn’t available yet.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled Moira’s Song. I started writing it in 2008, shortly after my youngest was born. For a long time I struggled with it. I kept writing but everything felt wrong. Three years ago, my oldest decided to format the hard drive on my computer without telling me. Wiped it clean–including Moira’s Song. I sat in the living room, crying over all that lost work when it hit me. Moira was a vampire. That’s why it felt wrong to write about her as if she were normal. When that inspiration struck, I finished the first draft in 5 weeks.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Sometimes I talk out loud while I’m writing. While I have the basic idea of the novel plotted in my head, a character will often break out and do something unexpected. Something even I didn’t expect. But it always fits and makes the twists and turns that much more exciting. That’s when you’ll hear me lean back and say, “I can’t believe that just happened!”
What authors, or books have influenced you?
By far, the biggest influence has been Anne Rice. After that, Stephen King and Neil Gaiman.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently editing a tech thriller and writing the second book in the Moira series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word of mouth is great. I’m still working out the kinks on the rest of it.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Read. Write. Read. And then write some more. Even if all you have is thirty minutes that day, write. And don’t try to edit on the first draft. It can destroy the creativity. At least for me it does. I had some days that were so hectic, my writing time was while I was waiting in line to pick up my children from school.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Stephen King wrote a book called ‘On Writing’. It was the single best book about the process I’ve ever read. If you want to be a writer, read it. I kept trying to fit into the mold of someone who outlines. It didn’t work for me. He doesn’t outline either. When I realized he didn’t, it freed me to allow my creativity to take over. But that doesn’t work for every writer. The important thing is to find YOUR method and use it.
What are you reading now?
Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman and Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have 4 books planned for the Moira series. I’m working on the second book and plan on releasing it early Spring of 2018. Then it’s straight to work on book 3 and 4.
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?
That’s a tough one. I like to hoard books. Interview with a Vampire. All the Pretty Horses. And the Harry Potter series. Of course, that series alone puts me over the limit.
Author Websites and Profiles
Tawnya Lee Website
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