Jennifer's Journal

 

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Author Interview - Tamelia Tumlin


Meet Tamelia Tumlin...
Tamelia Tumlin

My interview today is with romance author Tamelia Tumlin who is in the middle of a virtual tour for her latest book, DEADLY IMAGE. 

Tamelia sold her first piece of writing to Dogwood Tales Magazine while taking a creative writing course in college. That short story, titled "The Traveler," was the feature piece for that edition. A career in elementary education and a wonderful son consumed her time for some years afterward, yet the yearning to write never went away. She now pens fabulous romantic tales with to-die-for heroes and spirited heroines in her spare moments. 


Tamelia has worked with several online publishers, but currently writes for Steel Magnolia Press. Juggling motherhood, teaching and writing is a challenge, but one she welcomes while pursuing her passion. Her novels range from sweet and sassy to dark and dangerous. As a disclaimer, I should also tell you Tamelia is my niece by marriage.


JB: Weclome to the blog, Tamelia. It's a pleasure to have you with us!

Thank you for the warm welcome, Jennifer. It is an honor to be here today. I’d also like to invite your readers to visit my website www.tameliatumlin.com for a chance to win one of two $10.00 Amazon gift cards I’m also giving away at the end of my book tour.

JB: Readers enjoy a personal glimpse of what a writer is like as a person. Tell us a bit more about yourself.

I’m an elementary teacher by day and a writer by night. In between, I’m a proud mother of my ten year old son. I also enjoy reading, writing and traveling. My son has a large US map on the wall where he collects hat pins from each state we’ve traveled to. So far we have most of the Southeast covered. It;s about time to work on another region.

JB: How would readers find out more about you?

           I've recently revamped my website, www.tameliatumlin.com, to make it more
           reader friendly. My books, blurbs and current projects are listed there as
           well as my blog, "Tamelia’s Tidbits," where I share quirky posts about my
           very busy life.

JB: When did you decide you wanted to write, and what triggered that decision?

I have always enjoyed reading. In my early teens I used to read the Silhouette young adult line. During this time you were writing and selling books and my mother was trying her hand at the craft as well. So at fourteen, I thought I had enough knowledge to give it a go too. After all, I loved to read. How hard could it be? I wrote a teenage romance targeted to Silhouette's young adult line. Of course, the book never saw the light of day and it was rejected as it should have been. However, I received something very valuable with that experience even though I didn’t realize it at the time; the knowledge that I could write and finish an entire book on my own and a rejection letter which was full of encouragement from the editor and a critique of my work as well. The fact that the rejection letter was not a form rejection was a milestone in itself. That it had suggestions and encouragement was pure gold--it just took me several years to realize it. I still had quite a bit to learn about writing, but because one editor many years ago saw promise, I had the courage to hone my craft and pursue my dream.

JB: Where and at what time do you write?

My favorite time to write is late at night after my son has gone to bed and I know no one should be dropping by for a visit. I generally pen my stories on the couch with the TV on low. For some reason, I seem to need background noise in order to concentrate--which is ironic, now I think about it, since I expect my son to do his homework without any distractions. Hmm, maybe I need to reconsider that rule. Maybe he takes after me and needs some “white noise” in the background too.

JB: What is your must-have book for writing?

Kate Walker’s 12 POINT GUIDE FOR WRITING ROMANCES. Kate is a well-know Harlequin author and she has some very good advice in her book on how to craft romances.

JB: Tell us any quirks you might have about the writing process.

I generally start with a small idea and write a very bare-bones outline of how my story will play out; I usually only know the beginning and the ending and a few other details. I do fill out a short character chart with just a few notes on each character and add to it as I write. I spend a lot of time staring at the computer screen tossing around ideas in my head and hoping they will magically appear on the screen in logical order on their own. Of course, they never do. Sometimes what I write is drivel, and I have to take out chunks and start over. This may seem like a waste of time, but it actually helps me flesh out the story and get to know my characters a little better. Everything I write isn’t necessarily what the reader needs in the story, but it is what I need to dig a bit deeper into the plot or character growth.

JB: What genre(s) do you write?

I’m a romantic at heart, so romance is the main genre I write in--but with the occasional paranormal sub-genre thrown in here or there.

JB: Among those you’ve written, which is your favorite book and why?

That’s a hard question. By the time you finish writing a novel you know your characters inside and out and each of mine are special to me in one way or another. But, if I had to choose, I would have to say A TIME FOR HEALING. The hero in this story has to find his way again after a personal tragedy leaves him broken and bitter. The heroine has a past she’s not proud of and guilt she has carried around for years. Both characters must learn to heal their hearts and forgive themselves-as well as God-in order to help a teenage boy who’s headed down the wrong path. I also have a secondary character in this story, Old Pete, who not only plays a pivotal role in the story, but is also an endearing character.

JB: Do you ever think of writing in other genres?

I enjoy writing romances and I do like to dabble in several sub-genres of romance, but the only other genre I’ve considered writing is chick-lit. My writing voice tends to be a bit humorous and I think chick-lit could be a good match. Of course, there would probably be a thread of romance running through it.

JB: Can you tell us a bit about your latest release?

DEADLY IMAGE is my Inspirational Intrigue. I’ve always loved reading Steeple Hill’s Love Inspired Suspense stories so I decided to write one similar to that line. The story is about a young widow whose daughter is missing. Although she is desperately trying to find her child,  the evidence keeps pointing back to her. As the heroine faces her past, she discovers everything she had held dear was a deception. With her faith shattered and her daughter missing, her only hope lies with the hero, a special CARD agent assigned to her case. The hero has a few issues of his own to deal with, but he really wants to believe the young widow is innocent. Still, he’s determined to find out the truth, no matter what.

JB: Any new projects, works in progress?




I'm currently working on the next novella in The Gatekeepers series. This is my paranormal series involving four dragon shifters who guard the portals of their realm here on earth. The first story, A DRAGON'S SEDUCTION, was well received by readers. It's available now through Amazon.com.




JB: Do you have any advice or words of wisdom to share with aspiring writers?

My only advice is to never give up. Study the market, study the genre and pursue your dream.

JB: Thanks so much for taking the time from your busy schedule to let us know what’s happening with you and your writing. Warmest wishes for much success with your career!

Thank you for having me. It has been a pleasure talking to you and sharing with your readers.

Special Notice! Leave a comment below for a chance to win one of two free ebook copies of DEADLY IMAGE that Tamelia will be giving away in honor of this stop on her book tour! 

Also, look for Tamelia at the following locations--and don't forget to register for those two $10 Amazon gift cards she'll be giving away on her website!

           www.tameliatumlin.com

           www.steelmagnoliapress.com





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