About Tammy Whaley:
I have degrees in Law Enforcement/Corrections and Registered Nursing. I have been writing since age ten. I enjoy hiking, cooking, gardening, and learning new things. I am one of those people that take classes for fun. I believe in writing flawed heroes and in some cases, villains that invoke empathy.
What inspires you to write?
Everything. Yes, I know that is an easy out for an answer. Sometimes I see a news story and I will think, what if? Other times I meet an interesting person that will inspire a character. Another inspiration may come from simple people watching. I will see an interaction between two or more people from afar and I will add my own dialogue. I have taken my dog to the park and seen a person sitting on a bench and my mind asks; who are they, how did they come to be here today, what is the story of their life?
Tell us about your writing process.
My first novel was totally seat-of-the-pants writing and it was hard. As my writing has evolved and my characters had become more complex I become more of a planner. I start by writing down a rough sketch on an idea. From there I will develop an outline. I’ve discovered the software Scrivener. I like having my character and scene notes easily accessible while writing. I am currently trying a new timeline software called Aeon Timeline, to track events in my novels.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
I am constantly having conversations with my characters. This is how I get to know them better. When I begin a book the characters are strangers to me. As the book progresses, so does my knowledge of who they are. Talking to my characters has, at times, made my story take a different path than originally planned.
What advice would you give other writers?
Be patient! I know you are excited to get your book out there, but take your time. The hardest thing for me to do is to put down that finished book and walk away for a while. It’s like when couples say they need time apart. When you first finish that book you are still in love. Take a break and come back to the book later; you will have a better perspective.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I was intimidated by the traditional publishing process. After receiving more than a few rejection letters for books that did not fit the traditional box of the mystery/thriller genre I decided to self publish. I figured a nontraditional book required nontraditional publishing.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
Unfortunately, I see an eventual evolution toward all e-books in the future. I say unfortunately because I love the feel of a book in my hands. I know that for myriad of reasons e-books make more sense; but I will miss flipping the pages of a paper based book.
What do you use?: Professional Editor, Professional Cover Designer
What genres do you write?: Mystery, Thiller, YA sci-fi
What formats are your books in?: Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
Tammy Whaley Home Page Link
Your Social Media Links
Facebook
Twitter
All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.
