Interview with The Writer - Tarrah Anders

It is my great pleasure to introduce several writers to you in a course of twelve fellow-writers who have agreed to be interviewed by me.

The aim is, to have a short introduction to a writer’s life, the honest Q and A which might interest readers in their books.

Next in the line today will be: Tarrah Andrews

Introduction:

Please, first tell us about yourself as a writer and a person:

Hi, I’m Tarrah. Well, my real name is held secret to protect like a superhero, so Tarrah is my pen name. As a writer, I am all about staying realistic with my characters and creating them as three-dimensional characters for my readers to fall in love with. As a person, I am a social worker by day housing the homeless and always a wife and a parent. I’m an avid superhero lover and always looking for my next adventure.

What was your last book and what genre was it listed under?

The last book I finished was Froze, the 2nd book in the Melted Series and just released September 1st. I write in the romance genre and this book was a contemporary erotic novel.

How do you determine what genre your story is listed under?

I write specifically in this genre, I go in between plain contemporary and contemporary erotic.

What made you decide to become a writer and who (or what) inspired you?

In one way or another, I’ve always been a writer. As a young kid, I prided myself in short stories and poetry. As an adult, the passion laid dormant for some time until I read something that changed the passion from the back of my mind to the forefront and the here and now.

Are you self-publishing or going the traditional way?

I am a self-published author, preferring this method, so that way I’m not restrained in what I write and have more creative power and no pressure on deadlines.

Who would you name as your literary inspiration?

Stephen King, Judy Blume, R.L. Stine all shaped me. I would love to say the typical Jane Austin, but I’ll be honest and I’ve only seen the movie, never read the books!

Are you reading the same genre as you are writing under?

Yes. I read very little out of my genre, but I believe that to be a good writer, you should read as much as possible.

Is writing your main income or do you have a different day job?

Writing is a side thing. I am a social worker by day, mother and wife 24/7

How do you fit writing into your everyday life?

I write when I can, on work breaks, during naps, when a particular idea/ phrase jolts me from my everyday life, the notes section of my phone is filled. I sometimes take my toddler to an indoor playground where he can run free for a few hours and I can get some words into my manuscripts.

How do you deal with ‘writer’s block’?

I stop working on whatever I am writing, and either read something, start on another project or go about my daily life.

What do you find easy about writing and what do you find the hardest?

Much of the time, I let the words flow, I find that being easy. Another easy thing is starting a story. I’ve got several started, the hardest part at times is finishing it.

Who are your favourite writers and which books are your favourite ones?

I have no one particular writer, however I would give props to Judy Blume and R.L.Stine for giving me the love of the written word from a very young age.

Do you think advertising on social media as a self-published writer is effective?

I believe the stigma of being a self-published author is lessening. I think that the indie author community is bigger than before and I find that we are all very supportive of another. I personally boast about my indie author friends on a regular basis.

If you have received any, how do you deal with negative reviews?

I deal with negative reviews in stride. All reviews whether good or bad are a learning experience.

If you would have to spend an entire evening with a group of people, who would you like to spend it with?

I’d love to be in a room surrounded by the Avengers. I could totally be BFFs with Black Widow and Thor and Captain America are on my hall pass list!

What are your activities besides writing?

Besides writing, I help other authors with a group known as Indies Ink with their journey of a new author or general promotions. I also spend a lot of time with my family and keeping my household above water.

Do you have a passion?

I would like to say that writing is my passion and while it is. I’m a lover of dance mostly. All forms of art, I’m cool with.

How would your friends describe your character?

My friends would describe me as loyal and realistic with a side of sass. I strive to be brutally honest as much as possible and regardless of circumstances, I always make time for my friends and to hear them out. My sass is from always keeping my mind in the gutter, I can turn anything from PG to R!

Do you think writers (as other celebrities in public life) have a responsibility to comment on subjects like war, religion and human/animal rights?

I believe that everyone has a right to their own opinion. I think that if you hold the status of “famous” you should use your voice in a positive light and for the good of others, not to tear others down.

What is your favourite colour?

My favourite colour right now is teal.

What/who would you take with you to live on a remote island?

I would take my eReader, a solar battery, MacGuyver, hunting tools, and a water purifying kit.

What are you writing on at the moment and can you tell us about future projects?

I am currently working on the 3rd book in the Melted Series and a novella titled: Stripped due out this winter.

Thank you very much for answering the questions. For all your future projects I wish you much success and pleasure in your work.

#athor #interviewwiththewriter