Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve mostly written text books but always had a secret novel in the works. A group of us got together and all confessed that we secretly wanted to write a novel – but since we were already accomplished in our own areas (animators, illustrators, jewelry makers) we were afraid to fail. So, we decided that as a member of “The Sh!tty Writer’s Club” – it is OK to fail and be bad. You just have to write it. So…we did. The other’s are not far behind me on their journey to a completed bad book! The approval to be bad – was a great release. I have 2 text books published prior to this.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Amazing Darkness is the latest book and first fiction book I have published. The characters from the book, Brandy and Susan, are actually from a different novel I started in ’05. It was a murder mystery titled “Running in Place”. There was no caving involved. Then in ’06 I found caving and wondered what would happen if I put the characters there. Then they met a new character, Alexander, and he fell in love with Brandy. I fought it for months then gave in and wrote this love story.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I travel extensively so write mostly in planes or hotels while not at home. Though my FAVORITE is to sit on the porch at home, overlooking the valley, smoke cigars and write away.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
What books do I read? I read anything with good characters. I used to listen to books from audible while traveling. It would be hilarious to listen to me comment and critique the dialogue while I drove “What’s the matter with you? A female detective would not say that.” At the point that I started becoming very opinionated about what I read – I knew I was ready to actually write a book. My favorite writers: King, Koontz, Cormac McCarthy, Lisa Gardner, Hugh Howey, Andy Weir to name a few. The character in this book, Alexander, is heavily influenced by Chelsea Quinn Yarboro’s St. Germaine character.
What are you working on now?
I am very curious to find out where Alexander and Yindi from “Absolute Darkness” came from. The next novel is titled “Alexander” where we will find out some surprising background to Yindi and Alexander’s relationship.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still figuring this one out. I’ve relied heavily on this website: http://www.readersintheknow.com/ and on books on self publishing by Rick Smith.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read lots. Write lots. Keep going. You’ll hate it. You’ll love it. You’ll hate it again.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Odd, I can’t think of any. Perhaps I didn’t listen so therefore learn the hard way. That could be it.
What are you reading now?
Sherlock Holmes.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Next for me is to figure out this marketing thing. It is harder than writing and I’d much rather be writing. However, the finished work deserves some love and attention first.
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?
1) Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy
2) A thesaurus
3) Fabric of the Cosmos by Brian Greene
Author Websites and Profiles
Tina O’Hailey Website
Tina O’Hailey Amazon Profile
Tina O’Hailey’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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