Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I dipped my toe into the wonderful world of writing & publishing with a non-fiction inspirational book titled, Breathe. Breathe was written in conjunction with my husband’s (David Williams) photography. The purpose of Breathe was to allow the reader to pause for a moment, find gratitude, and breathe.
October 10, 2017 marks the date of my debut historical fiction novella, Becoming Mrs. Smith. This is the first book in a 3 book series. The story begins in 1935 in the fictional town of Cedar Springs, South Dakota and takes the reader on a journey through WWII and beyond. Becoming Mrs. Smith is an emotional story and one that is sure to having you laughing, crying, and cheering right along with the characters.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Becoming Mrs. Smith was created out of a necessity for more sleep on my part. You see, I was in the middle of writing a novel titled, A Man Called Smith when two female characters from that novel decided to emerge and attempt to persuade me (read pester) into writing a story from their own perspectives.
For weeks on end, usually around 2:30 am (when I should have been sleeping), these two female characters assaulted me with pleas, questions, and the occasional demand too. The one character, was Violet, the leading lady in Becoming Mrs. Smith. The other was Bernice, the leading lady in Stealing Mr. Smith.
So, as you can see, they won the battle and I paused the writing of A Man Called Smith and decided to start the series with two novellas. Violet’s tale of Becoming Mrs. Smith is the first. Violet, by the way, is the much more polite character of the two.
Now that Becoming Mrs. Smith has been released, I am deep in research and prose as I tackle the somewhat noisy and at times, bossy Bernice for her tale of Stealing Mr. Smith.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Aside from early morning conversations with my characters, I don’t think I have any unusual writing habits. I am a bit of a planner in that I map out where the I think the story will go. Of course, I am also very open to guidance from my characters and more often than not, they lead and mold the story through subtle actions and dialogue.
Writing is a co-creative process. I observe the world around me, make note of conversations, and dive into the historical details of the past seeking a true sense of the human condition.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Big Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert. She has a fantastical way of eliciting a response in me and gives me the courage to share my stories with the world.
What are you working on now?
Stealing Mr. Smith is at the top of the work pile right now. Bernice is loud and pushy and a lot of fun to create. I also continue to add insights and thought into A Man Called Smith as I work on Stealing Mr. Smith as the two merge with one another and yet at the same time, stand on their own.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Being confident and proud of your work is the best approach to promoting your books. This means, write the best book you possibly can, enlist the help of a qualified editor and take their advice while you stay true to the story.
Getting the word out about your book is a lot more manageable and enjoyable, if you believe in the product you created. And of course, research. I spent just as much time researching how to create an effective book launch as I did writing the book. I anticipate the next book launch will go that much smoother and easier with the knowledge I gained along the way.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Believe in yourself. Don’t give up when things get challenging or messy. The writing process is messy but like all of life’s challenges, you must wade through the mess to reach the other side. The other side is always worth reaching.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do what you are passionate about and the rest will fall into place. I have a 70/30 rule that says as long as I am enjoying 70% of the work, then I can put up with the less than enjoyable 30%.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading Jodi Picoult’s Sing You Home.
What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing! I love every part of the writing process and look forward to getting to know my characters, my settings, and watching the big magic as it unfolds before me.
What is your favorite book of all time?
My all time favorite book is, Left Neglected by Lisa Genova. I tend to be a read once and done kind of girl, but I have re-read Left Neglected at least once a year since it was published and now that I mention it, I will be putting it back on the “to read” pile again for this winter.
Author Websites and Profiles
Tanya E Williams Website
Tanya E Williams Amazon Profile
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