Author Interview with Tamara McLanahan
Name: Tammy McLanahan
Pen Name if different: Tamara McLanahan
What first inspired you to write?
At the tender age of eight I needed to express myself. I’d lost both my parents by that time and there was such turmoil inside, so many questions about Life I had already. I wrote mostly poetry back then but the subject matter was about anything and everything. Come to think of it, that hasn’t really changed in all these years.
How do you come up with the ideas for your stories?
From everywhere. Anything. Other authors inspire me. I’ve had them joke that a single word can get me writing and that’s true. I really enjoy word prompts, picture prompts and suggestions from some of the marvelous groups I’m fortunate to be in. I also get words that just pop into my head. I’m sure it’s like that for a lot of us. I’ve woken up with complete stanzas in my head that I have to rush to write down or a storyline idea that’s too compelling not to give a try to flesh out. Sometimes I enjoy doing parodies of works. Those can be such fun.
What question do you hate the most about being a writer?
I write in several genres but I suppose the question that bothers me the most is why do I waste talent writing in Erotica? I know from talking with other authors that they too have to defend their choice. The other natural progression from that question is that Erotica isn’t real writing, that anyone can do it, so why bother? I suppose anyone can write about what goes where and why, but to do it well? To have authentic and interesting characters, a compelling story line? That’s not as easy to do.
We could tone it down, make it less graphic and write in the slightly more acceptable Romance genre but there will always be nay-sayers unless one pens the Great American Novel on an approved subject. So, I’ll continue to write what moves me, what interests me, what struggles for me to put down on paper. The detractors will always be out there but I’ll be happily writing whatever suits my fancy, despite them
Are you indie or traditionally published?
I’m Independent at the moment. I may decide to change that in the future but for now it works best for me. I’ve heard from other authors about deadlines, how it influences what you write, when you write it, even what you write about. How some writers have changed because of it. It works well for many and there are lots of valid reasons for going with traditional publishing but for the time being, I’ll stay Indie.
Have you ever tried the other style of publishing?
No, never. But as I said, it might be in the cards for me in the future.
What are you working on now?
A lot of irons in the fire right now. Temptations and Dreams, Volume One, the erotic and sensual poetry collection I did with B. L. Huffman has done much better than he or I anticipated so we’re working on the paperback as well as Volume Two, which promises to be bigger, better, sexier and more sensual. We’re also going to include some parodies in there, because we both like to do them so much. Mr. Huffman is a joy to work with and so very talented.
I’m working on a collection of Horror and Erotic horror short stories with some poetry that I plan to release in October under the title Illuminated by Darkness. That’s a line from my lead story in the book and a friend suggested it would make for a splendid title.
I have a collaboration with Mr. Huffman again, a dark erotic horror with a twist. More to come on that in the coming weeks.
Of my five solo titles out, four of them have sequels that are in various stages of development. I’m also looking forward to jumping back into a Smutpunk title that’s been a ton of fun to write so far. That may go into an anthology later this year.
I post on Medium and to the NuRomantics Publication there. The Nu Romantics are another group of wildly creative and talented ladies and gentlemen. Take a look at their Facebook and Twitter pages and consider Following or joining.
What is your most recent/upcoming release?
Temptations and Dreams Volume One is one of the most recent releases. T & D, Volume Two is due out in September.
Orchid Unfurled is my most recent solo title, just released August 13th. I wrote it last year and it was the story I submitted to the Wicked Pen Writers, now the Wicked Pens. I was chosen in January to become a part of that incredible group of writers. The story was posted for a short time on a website but I decided to add a few never before seen chapters to it and publish it recently. Part Two will be out next year.
If you want to know more about the Wicked Pens, take a peek at our Fan group and considering joining it. Get information on upcoming events, works in progress, contests and give-a-ways.
I like to do readings of my works and other authors. These are updated all the time when the mood strikes me. You can find them on Podbean and Soundcloud. The links are below. And I hope to get into audio book narrations next year and more author interviews. One is posted on Podbean, more to come later.
Links to stalk you online:
I’m all over the place. Lol Here’s some of the social media you can find me on:
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Saturday, August 26, 2017
Author Interview with Tamara McLanahan
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