INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR TANYA STOWE

Tanya Stowe is an author of Christian Fiction with an unexpected edge. She fills her stories with the unusual…gifts of the spirit and

miracles, mysteries and exotic travel, even an angel or two. No matter where Tanya takes you…on a journey to the Old West or to contemporary adventures in foreign lands…be prepared for the extraordinary. Website, Facebook, Blog

Interview

If you had to describe yourself in one sentence, what would you say?

I’m an active, people person who loves to travel.  

What do you do when you’re not writing? Any interesting hobbies?

Well, I love to play tennis. It’s not very interesting but we are also avid hikers. We hope to hike the Grand Canyon next year.

What was your favorite book as a teen or child?

In junior high I found a book about a young girl in ancient Egypt that fascinated me. It was called Mara and I read it over and over again.

Tell us three things about yourself that might surprise your readers.

Oh gosh, I’m such a chatterbox I doubt there’s anything I haven’t already told them! Let’s see, I’m a movie buff. I used to ace the movie quizzes on machines. Before I decided to be a writer, I wanted to be an Egyptologist. Then I realized I could write about the past and not get dirty. My husband and I were high school sweethearts. That’s three things I don’t talk about much.

What genre did you start out writing? Have you changed course? Why or why not?

I started writing romance a long, long time ago. I’m still writing romance but I now I lean more to suspense. I have a knack for writing action and there always seems to be a ticking clock in the background of my stories. So suspense is a natural fit, especially romantic suspense.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

My toughest criticism came from an editor who attacked my beliefs, not my writing. It was an editor I’d previously had tremendous respect for. Of course, I was devastated because we write to communicate and I felt there was no place in the publishing arena for me. Of course, it didn’t take long for that notion to be dispelled.

My best complement came from a friend who pointed out a trait in one of my heroines that I had not seen. I had no clue I’d written something so profound. That’s the first time I recognized the Creator’s hand on my work. I was humbled and amazed.

Any other genres you’d like to try? If yes, what and why?

Well, my first book was a time-travel, a genre I still love. I’m working on ways to make some of those stories fit with what I write now. I also write contemporary and historical romances so the only thing left for me is Science Fiction. My son has some incredibly brilliant concepts and he just needs a little helping hand with craft so…I think that’s on my horizon.

If you could go back in time and do something differently at the start of your career, what would it be?

Honestly, I would take some basic grammar and sentence structure classes again. I think in order to break the rules you need to know them backwards and forwards. Also, I would start working crossword puzzles. I’m a storyteller not a word crafter so improving in that area would help my writing today.

What is the most important piece of advice you’d like to give to unpublished authors?

Write constantly and don’t give up. Also, find a mentor whose work you admire and trust. I’ve been part of a number of critique groups and even though I love them and find them beneficial, they also can push you off track. Finding someone you trust will help keep your voice true.

Tanya is giving away a print copy of her book, Santa Fe Sunrise. (U.S. only) Leave a comment below, along with your contact information, for a chance to win!

Santa Fe Sunrise

Brett Fraser has quit his job, loaded his earthly possessions into his sports car and headed out to find himself in the great Southwest.

Somewhere on his successful climb up the corporate ladder, he lost sight of the man God intended him to be. But Brett intends to find himself again.

Rafaela De Silva has an art gallery to run, a sprawling piece of family property with back taxes due, and a younger sister to care for who suffers from anorexia. She doesn't have time for broken shoelaces, sprained ankles or tumbling into the arms of a handsome stranger, especially one whose past involves scandal.

Brett's determined to help the beautiful runner he rescues from a fall. After examining the smooth edges of her broken shoelace, he’s convinced her accident wasn't accidental. But if he's going to help her, he'll have to convince her to trust him…a difficult task given his past. Under the sun-kissed skies of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Brett must rediscover his purpose in life before he loses Rafaela forever. Who is trying to harm Rafaela? Will she live long enough for Brett to win her heart?