Today, I'm featuring an interview with Tara Tyler to celebrate the release of Windy Hollow, the third book in her Beast World middle grade fantasy series. It's a really fun book, perfect for readers of all ages - you can read my review here.
Grab your favorite beverage and a snack, sit back, and find out what Tara has to say about writing, cookies and penguins.
Author Interview
1 - What inspired you to write this book?
Way back when I used to do the A-Z challenge, one year I was promoting Broken Branch Falls. For Z day I came up with a new character name Zolaf, and he was a were-ogre... he was causing trouble because he was an outcast and I built an entire story) WINDY HOLLOW) around him.
2 - Do you have any writing rituals?
I always write my first drafts on paper. I buy a dedicated notebook and go to town!
3 - What's more important - character or plot?
It depends on what kind of story you’re trying to tell. For my adventure stories the plot is very important, but with my middle grade series, the character is also very important in how he deals with everything that happens. and if readers don’t like the characters the plot won’t even matter!
4 - What do you like best about being an author? What do you like the least?
The best part is meeting readers and knowing me I have touched their lives hopefully for the better! The worst part is all the waiting and insecurity, blech.
5 - What's your favorite cookie? If you don't like cookies, what's wrong with you? Oops, sorry, scratch that. My follow-up question was meant to be far more polite - "Why don't you like cookies?"
Chocolate chip cookies are my favorite dessert in the world! I agree, who doesn’t like cookies?!
6 - A penguin walks through your front door wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he there?
“Which way to Mexico?”
It was Cinco de Mayo of course!
7 - What else would you like us to know about you?
I used to be afraid of dogs and bees. Now I love dogs and I tolerate bees...
About Windy Hollow
In BROKEN BRANCH FALLS, Gabe and his friends go on a quest to save their school, blowing up all the rules, and discover their origins.
Then they go to CRADLE ROCK and meet some real live humans, scaring them into attack mode. The Beasts realize they have to spread the truth ASAP.
Now, school's out, and Gabe is ready for a break from all the drama...
Gabe and his friends fly over the Great Sea for the wedding of the century: a dragon prince and a beautiful harpy. But Gabe can't relax on this vacation. Besides competing in rigorous wedding events, he overhears the nearby human village WINDY HOLLOW is in danger from an evil human scientist and a vengeful were-ogre experimenting on beasts. Gabe and his friends risk crossing the mountains to help, despite several warnings.
Maybe he's going too far this time, but he's in too deep to quit. It's do or die, hopefully not die!
Pick up a copy on Amazon - Ebook and Paperback
About the Author
Tara Tyler has had a hand in everything from waitressing to rocket engineering. After moving all over the US, she now writes and teaches math in Ohio with her husband and one boy left in the nest. She has two novel series, Pop Travel (sci-fi detective thrillers) and Beast World (fantasy adventures), plus her UnPrincess novella series where the maidens save themselves.
She's a commended blogger, contributed to several anthologies, and to fit in all these projects, she economizes her time, aka the Lazy Housewife—someday she might write a book on that... Make every day an adventure!
You can connect with Tara on her Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Newsletter
EDITOR'S NOTE: Thanks for being on the blog, Tara! You have excellent choice in cookies. I hope that penguin made it back to Mexico in time for the Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
What's on your reading list? Have you ever been to a dragon wedding? What's your favorite cookie?
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Find out more at ellenjacobsonauthor.com
I always write my first drafts in notebooks. I write faster that way - when typing, I feel like everything should be right and it inhibits me.
ReplyDeleteI used to write my first drafts in notebooks, but I'm awful a typer and it takes me forever to type it in.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a grand adventure!
ReplyDeleteNice interview, ladies! Congrats on the new release, Tara. I wish you much success with it.
ReplyDeleteEllen, I read your ARC. Nice job! Your series is just humming along. :) I haven't written a review yet, but I will. I promise. As for my reading list, it's verrrrry crowded. Currently, I'm reading Tawna Fenske's new book. (If you've never read her stuff, she writes romantic comedies with lots of laughs, heat, and innuendo.)
thanks for having me, Ellen! i so enjoyed this interview.
ReplyDeleteand thanks for stopping by, you guys--i appreciate the support!
Delightful interview! Best wishes on the book release, and Happy Writing to you both.
ReplyDelete