Happy Fri-yay my fellow book lovers. It’s a special Friday edition for me anyway. I have the absolute pleasure of interviewing best selling, award winning author Tish Thawer. When I reached out to Tish about this interview I didn’t expect a yes but I wanted to try anyway. When I got the yes and the answers showed up in my inbox, I may have had a total fangirl moment, ok I totally did. I received signed copies for Christmas of easily one of my favorite series The Witches of Blackbrook. Must read, but I’m rambling now so let’s get this party started.
1.) When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
T.) In early 2011, I woke up from a dream and had the title and plot of my first book solidly planted in my mind, along with books two and three.
2.) How long does it take you to write a book on average?
T.) Anywhere from one month to almost a year. It honestly just depends on the story.
3.) What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
T.) I usually wake up between five and six in the morning, have a few cups of coffee with the hubby, and then get to work by eight. Normally, depending on other factors, I work eight hours a day, five days a week. But if I’m on a deadline, my hours can extend and include the weekends.
4.) What can’t you live without when immersed in writing?
T.) Honestly, when I’m completely focused, the only thing I usually have around me is a drink of some sort. Water, coffee, tea, or if I’m being bad… a soda. LOL.
5.) Where do you find inspiration for your books?
T.) Everywhere! Some days I wake up with new ideas in my head, or simply see something in a room, or out my window while driving to town, that will spark a new idea. And you know what they say… magic is all around us.
6.) What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
T.) Reading, watching movies with my family, games, fishing and hiking on our property, and doing house renovations or landscaping projects. We’re always busy around here! LOL
7.) When you first started writing was there anything that really surprised you about yourself or the process?
T.) At first, I was surprised by how much you need to know/learn to be successful in this business. It’s never just… write a story and you’re done. There’s so much more to it.
8.) What do you think makes a good story?
T.) Gripping plot. Unexpected twists and turns. Engaging and relatable characters.
9.) Did you ever have a moment or time where you felt the dreaded imposter syndrome? And do you have any advice for writers struggling with that now?
T.) Of course! I think we all deal with that in one form or another. And my advice to get through it… Stay true to yourself. Be who you are and know that will get you through as you learn, grow, and hone your skills while finding your true readership.
10.) What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?
T.) I do a TON of research on so many things. People, places, buildings, the history a specific era, and so much more. During the drafting phase I can spend months gathering all the details I need to start a new story off on the right foot.
11. Are you planner or a fly by the seat of your pants when ideas and stories are begging to be told?
T.) A little of both, but mostly a pantster. I do attempt to plot a very rough outline, but most the time, the story just unfolds on its own.
12. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones and do you celebrate the good ones?
T.) Sometimes, but not as a regular thing. And for the bad ones… I always try to take any of criticism that’s offered and apply it to my next book so I can continue to learn and grow. And the good ones… I’ll randomly share them alongside promo images or feature them in my ads.
13. What was the hardest scene to write? and why?
T.) Man… this is a tough one. I honestly don’t think I can pinpoint a particular scene. Though, I will say, I do tend to struggle writing love scenes for some reason. I think it’s the whole… “he placed a hand here, he kissed her there…” monotony that I fight against.
14. What is the most difficult part of the artistic process?
T.) For me, pushing past writer’s block. Some stories will flow and rush out onto the page while others are like pulling teeth. When that happens, I have to force myself keep going, or I’ll never get done.
15. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring authors?
T.) Do your research, and find a great team. And that’s the same advice I’d give to aspiring authors as well. You have to know what you’re doing and the ‘rules’ to be successful in the industry, and having a great team to help you along the way is imperative.
16. What can readers expect this year?
T.) So far, I have three releases planned this year, with the possibility of a fourth. WEAVER is up first on June 21st, with a surprise release happening during that same time. Then, I have a box-set release planned for August or September. And after that, (if all goes smoothly) I’ll have another new book releasing in October or November.
17. What has been a highlight of your career so far?
T.) Probably when The Witches of BlackBrook hit the top 100 in the paid Kindle store and was ranked #1 in Historical Fiction above Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (who I LOVE)!!! That was a great day!
18. Do you do meet and greets with your readers? and if yes, where can they expect to see you next?
T.) I do. My next event is Authors in the Bluegrass, happening in Lexington Kentucky the first weekend of October this year.
19. Do you find you have to go back and review characters when writing series?
T.) Absolutely! I keep notes in my documents and refer to them frequently.
20. Have you ever had an idea for a totally different book while working on your current one? do you store it away for later or do you have notebooks on standby to jot it down while its fresh?
T.) Hahaha… All. The. Time! And yes, when inspiration strikes, I start a new notebook and get the concept down and out of my head for the time being, until I can finish what I’m currently working on.
21. Are your family and friends all supportive or did you have to overcome that own wall in your head and say I can do this?
T.) I have the most supportive family and friends ever! They are my sounding boards, my plot helpers, my cheerleaders, and sometimes even my event assistants. I couldn’t ask for a better support system and am grateful for them all!
22. In closing is there anything you’d like to add?
T.) Just THANK YOU SO MUCH! Reader support is key to every author’s success. Whether it’s just a few lines for a review, a star rating, or a blog interview like this… we couldn’t do what we do without you!
A huge Thank you to Tish Thawer for joining us today. Anyone looking for her books they can be found on Amazon, Bookbub, Goodreads and on her website at http://www.TishThawer.com. She can also be found on Facebook and instagram @tishthawer.
Till next time, Love a Fangirling Magnolia x
Rustic Magnolia 