1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

When I was about eight years old, I read Little Women for the first time and discovered Jo March, and a whole new world of possibilities was opened for me. I had always loved reading books, but until that moment, I don’t think I realized that there were people who actually wrote them—and that perhaps I could be one of them! I even went so far as to set up my own little cardboard writing desk in my childhood bedroom closet, imagining that I was just like Jo tucked away in her attic writing retreat.

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    2. What are your favorite books to read?

That is a bit like asking me to choose a favorite child! I love reading all sorts of books, depending upon my mood. I enjoy devotionals and nonfiction, but I read so much for that for my work that I usually find myself turning to fiction for my “fun reading.” Historicals, romantic suspense, and rom-coms will always be found on my library shelves. And, of course, children’s books have a special place in my heart too.

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     3. What is your favorite part of being a writer?

My favorite part of being a writer is working with the words. There’s something almost magical about the way words and phrases can click together to share thoughts, weave stories, and invite readers into another world. A day spent tinkering with words is a happy day!

 

     4. What's the most surprising thing you learned while writing your books?

Perhaps this sounds a bit silly, but even after all the books I’ve written, it still is the most wonderful little shock and surprise to realize that people actually want to read these words I write. I’m not sure I’ll ever get over that—and perhaps it’s best for me and my writing if I don’t.

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     5. How did you first get published? How did you get your book deal?​

My career in publishing began as an editor, first for a small publisher and then for the children’s division of Thomas Nelson. When I decided to go freelance to stay home with my family, Nelson was the first to give me a shot at ghostwriting and collaborating with other authors on their books. Eventually, those connections led to my first children’s picture book, God Is Always Good. Fast forward a decade or so, toss in a few dozen ghostwriting projects, add one agent, and—presto!—I began getting other publishing contracts for my own books. (Okay, obviously, there’s no presto! to this publishing business. Just lots of hard work and stick-to-it-iveness.)

 

    6. What is the best time of day for you to write?

I tend to do better if I can clear away a bit of mental clutter before I write. So after my morning quiet time, I’ll usually spend an hour or so taking care of emails and such. Then the rest of the day is prime time for writing!

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    7. How do you know what to write?

My inspirations come from any number of places. It might be a simple phrase or rhyme that pops into my head, or a character. Often, I’m struck by something I read in God’s Word, a connection that I haven’t noticed before. I also spend a lot of time watching and listening to the world and the people around me. (Some might call it eavesdropping; I prefer the term “research.”)

 

    8. What is the most difficult part of writing a book?

There are days when the words just flow. It’s as if God is whispering in my ear exactly what to write. But then there are other days, when a looming deadline tells me I have to write, but the words are not clicking together. In those times, I have to force myself to write “ugly.” By that, I mean I have to just put words on the page—almost stream of conscious writing. It’s hard, and it’s usually terrible. Interestingly enough, though, I’ve found that this forced writing usually breaks through whatever wall my brain has thrown up and gets me back into a good writing frame of mind.

 

    9. How important are book reviews?

Books reviews are essential! Not only are they helpful to other readers, but they also play a huge role in the algorithms of online booksellers. (And I’m convinced those algorithms secretly rule the world!) Publishers pay attention to reviews, as well. Good reviews—and a good number of them—tell publishers that readers like an author and that can lead to future book contracts.

But getting those reviews is tough. I hate asking because I know that they take time. So dear reader, just know that even a simple star rating (I’m partial to 5 stars myself!) or an “I loved it!” are as treasured by authors and algorithms as those lengthy reviews.

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      10, What important advice would you give a first-time author?

Write. Edit. Keep learning.

Write because you love it and you can’t imagine not putting words on a page. Edit your work ruthlessly and ask other writers to do the same. And never stop learning. After sixty-plus books, I still take classes and read books on writing. Because when you choose to write, you embark on a lifelong journey of words that can take you to the most wonderous places . . . even if they’re only in your imagination.

To learn more about Tama, visit www.TamaFortner.com.

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Blessings to you!

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Angela Dolbear is the author of contemporary Christian novels, such as THE GARDEN KEY Series, and THE TORMENTOR’S TALE, as well as many short stories. Her novels are available in paperback, Kindle and audiobook formats on Amazon. Angela writes real, relatable, and reverent fiction. She loves reading, writing prose, as well as writing and recording music with her husband Tim in their studio in Nashville, TN--listen to their music on Sound Cloud.  Please drop by and sign-up for news and to read new stories and hear new original music at http://www.angeladolbear.com/subscribe.htm. Blessings to you!