I’ve loved reading and stories for as long as I can remember. At the age of ten, I decided to write a book of my own.
When finished, the story was an epic thirty pages, complete with a cover I drew myself. It led to countless other stories, mostly about horses and riding.
Over time, romantic relationships became a theme in my work, and later, a little crime fiction began finding its way in there. Readers have described my work as romantic, mysterious, poignant, and heartbreaking yet heartwarming. I’m grateful to have discovered my passion so young, and to be able to do it and give the world what I’ve created.
As the years passed, I completed BA and MA degrees in English, taking every creative writing class I could. In between years of teaching writing and raising my family, I have published short stories with Gadfly Online, TWJ, The Fictional Cafe, and Writing in a Woman’s Voice. I have three novels as well: The Good Thief (2016), Winter Rain (2017), and Brilliant Disguise (2024).
I live in upstate South Carolina with my husband, son, daughter, two cats, and Labrador/Coonhound mix, and where I set many of my stories. When not writing or serving as professional maid, laundress, chauffeur, or homework tutor (hubby handles bulk of the cooking!), I love a good cup of coffee, action/adventure movies with a good love story added in, reruns of The Golden Girls, the music of U2, long jogs, and traveling with family. Our latest big adventure landed us in Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.
Why do you write in the genre(s) that you do?
I’ve always been drawn to stories where characters find themselves falling in love while facing harrowing or life-threatening circumstances. The excitement and intrigue of the situation blends interestingly with characters attempting to navigate the intense, complex emotions they feel.
Crime began finding its way in my work a few years after I saw Michael Mann’s Heat. I’m still blown away by how he is able to make his characters not just cops and robbers but complicated, intelligent, contemplative people capable of love and mistakes.
In intertwining crime with love, I’m able to explore the complexities of falling in love in dangerous situations or with the “wrong” person.
Do you keep a notebook of ideas?
Yes, I keep notes on my phone. I have character ideas, random scenes, even a couple of outlines.
Do you have a muse?
I don’t really have an exact muse per se. Ideas usually come to me through music, movies, conversations, images, or dreams.
Are you more of a fan of plot-driven stories or character-driven stories?
I would say more character-driven. No doubt, what happens to a character can jumpstart the plot, but how a character reacts, thinks, and feels can take the story in an interesting direction.
I remember reading a story in my creative writing class once, and I was so into the voice of the character that I’d read five pages before realizing not a lot of action had happened. Minor interactions had built some suspense, but in the end, the writer had created such an interesting character that the plot seemed to take a backseat.
Fill in the blank: “People will like your book if they like stories about…”
. . . intense love in perilous circumstances. Maybe one of the characters is a criminal or maybe they’re from two different worlds altogether. Sometimes they know this, but a connection nonetheless drives them together. They share and learn elements about one another that bind them beyond their circumstances.
Love reveals itself mostly through sacrifice, protection, and salvation. The affection that follows seals a bond they are powerless to stop.
What are your thoughts on typewriters?
I love the antique, vintage idea of them, and wouldn’t mind having one, but I’ve always written on a computer. One of my favorite pictures of a writer is a side view of Ernest Hemingway typing away at one. I always wondered what he was writing when that picture was taken.
Would you rather own a bookstore or run a library?
I’ve worked in a library before, so I’d love to try owning a bookstore.
How do you name your characters? If you write nonfiction, do you ever change the names of your characters, and if so, how do you decide what names to change them to?
I think about the characters and their attributes, inside and out–their personalities, their inner turmoil, anything they’ve been through in the past, their looks, how they make others feel. I look up names and find their meanings and historical significance. Songs are also a great inspiration, especially when choosing names for women.
What is your favorite website that you use to promote your writing?
Facebook and tanyanewmanwriter.com.
If Hollywood bought the rights to your book, would you want it to be turned into a movie or series?
Probably a series. The ones I’ve watched offer more time with the characters, in the place, and more details from the story to unfold.
Who is your dream audiobook narrator?
Jim Fangione.
Do you try to hit a certain page or word count with each writing session?
No, I write until the scene in my mind closes.
Do you have any writing rituals?
I don’t really have a ritual, except to ensure that I have plenty of coffee and snacks on hand when writing. My process is usually to let an idea come to me organically. I’ll hear a song or catch a movie that will inspire a scene or a character to come forth and tell me their story.
What are your passions/obsessions outside of writing?
Running, coffee, naps, essential oils, researching natural/holistic wellness and skincare
Have you made any public appearances to promote your book?
I’ve made appearances at several local bookstores and festivals.
Who would you most want to read your book, living or dead?
I love when my old professors read my work.
Who is on your Mt. Rushmore of greatest/inspirational authors?
Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Stephen King, and J.R. Ward.
What is your favorite bookish possession?
A copy of Call it What You Want, autographed by the author–my friend and mentor, Keith Lee Morris.
Have you ever mentored another writer with their writing?
I taught creative writing for a few semesters and have been fortunate to have some wonderful writers that I hope have continued their work.
Is there an idea that a non-writer has pitched to you that you have written or considered writing?
My daughter, Lydia, has helped with scenes that have stumped me and also suggested clever and creative titles.
What is the most unique way that an idea for a piece of writing has come to you?
I’ve had dreams and certain images that have inspired certain scenes that have turned into full-fledged stories.
Are you a big reader? Do you own a large collection of books, or are you more of a borrower?
I am. I was an English major in college and grad school, and I still have most of my old novels and anthologies. I mostly buy books through Audible or Amazon Kindle now. I have a habit of buying a lot but not having the time to read them all.
Have you ever gone away to work on a piece of writing? If not, where would you go if you could?
No, but places I’ve traveled, such as the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas, have inspired stories. I would travel out west again if I had my choice to go anywhere to work on a piece of writing.
What is an annoying thing that a non-writer has assumed about writers or the act of writing?
That writers can simply pick up the pen and write any time they have free time. Unfortunately, the ideas don’t always come when we have time. Many times, we have one or the other. At least, that’s how it is with me.
How do you measure the success of your writing career?
When someone approaches me and tells me they loved/were moved by/want to know what happens next in my work.
Buy it!
Buy a copy of Brilliant Disguise here, and help support local bookstores! This is an affiliate link, and I will earn a commission on any sales.
Author links
Links will open in a new tab.
Pin it!
