Interview with Tara Grace Ericson

Hi readers, I am so excited to introduce you to my new author friend, Tara Grace Ericson. I first met Tara at the Read Write Rendezvous in Saint Louis last November, then we reconnected at the Nebraska Writer's Guild conference this past April. 

Tara is a stay-at-home mom, just like me, and writes clean, contemporary romance and suspense with an emphasis on Christian faith and living. Her stories of faith, hope, and happily ever after encourage readers from all walks of life with their memorable characters and uplifting plots. Tara lives in Missouri with her husband and three sons. She studied engineering and worked as an engineer for many years before embracing her creative side to become a full-time author and mom.

You can connect w/Tara at:
Website: www.taragraceericson.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/taraericsonauthor
Instagram: @taraericsonauthor

Interview with Tara

 

Is writing your full-time career? Or would you like it to be?

I’m actually a full time stay-at-home/homeschool mom. Writing is my main (paying) gig though! I gave up a career in engineering to be a writer, and God has been so faithful to our family for my (reluctant) obedience. I never wanted to be an author, and I loved my job as an engineer – but God started giving me stories to write. I guess as long as he keeps doing that, I’ll keep writing them down and publishing them!

 

What has been your favorite part of the publishing journey?

My favorite part of the journey is seeing God show up and do far more than I ever expected. He’s constantly surprising me. He especially has a way of sending me encouragement and affirmation at exactly the time I need it most. Whenever I struggle with doubt or perseverance, the Lord sends me a sweet message from a reader or some other nudge that says “keep going. I’ve got this. I’ve got you.”

 

What comes first for you — the plot or the characters — and why?

The plot for me comes first, and then I love deciding what kind of characters would be fun to drop into that situation. I love complex plots and villains that drive the story. In my suspense especially, I love intrigue and all the pieces moving in the background! 

 

Does one of the main characters hold a special place in your heart? If so, why?

In Calculated Risk, I loved writing Norah. She’s a challenging nut to crack, but that’s because she finds comfort in numbers more than people — something I relate to as an engineer. She is incredibly intelligent and self-sufficient, so bringing her to a point of having her lean on Marshall was fun to write.

 

What were the key challenges you faced when writing this book?

This is book 5 in the Black Tower Security Series. As the series has gone on, the over-arcing plot has grown more complex. There are a lot of moving pieces to an international crime organization, and the biggest challenge is making sure that the plot stays exciting but realistic and consistent. There were things I knew about the Syndicate when writing book 1 that didn’t come to light until this book! 

 

What is the key theme and/or message in the book?

The key theme of this book was both characters learning to trust God and trust each other. Both of them see organizations and people they trusted land on the wrong side of things. They have to come to terms with the idea that any foundation other than the Lord is going to be one that can be shaken.

 

Where can readers find out more about you and your books?

The best place for information is on my website - www.taragraceericson.com and by signing up for my newsletter.

Any current or upcoming projects you’d like to tell us about?

I’ll be publishing the final books (#6 and 7) in Black Tower Security in the next 6-9 months, so I hope you’ll read the series and then finish it out with me! After that… I have some plans, but I’ll keep them close to the vest for now!

Calculated Risk, Black Tower Security #5, Tara Grace Ericson

She trusts the numbers. He trusts no one. Now their second chance could cost them everything.

Norah Winslow built her life on precision and loyalty. As a senior analyst at Summit Capital, she believes numbers never lie—until her findings point to corruption tied to the highest levels of power. Determined to protect the mentor who gave her a career, Norah refuses to walk away… even when it makes her a target.

Marshall Kelley hasn’t forgiven the woman who broke his heart. As a Black Tower Security operative, he lives by one rule: keep control. But when Norah’s digging puts her in the Syndicate’s crosshairs, Marshall can’t let her face the danger alone.

Drawn into a web of betrayal, war profiteering, and deadly secrets, Norah and Marshall must work together to expose the truth. But old wounds, unhealed faith, and an unseen enemy threaten to tear them apart.

Can they risk trusting each other—and God—for a love strong enough to survive the fight?

Giveaway: I'm giving away an eBook copy of Calculated Risk to one commenter. Please remember to leave your email so you can be contacted.

Gina Holder is a Christian award-winning author of romantic suspense and cozy mysteries filled with faith, intrigue, danger, romance, and epic twists you'll never see coming.
She’s had an infatuation with books for as long as she can remember. She loves sharing uplifting messages from God’s Word and introducing readers to new and new-to-them authors on her blog. When she’s not writing, Gina enjoys playing the piano, cooking, reading, watching Hallmark mysteries, and solving “escape room” puzzles. She loves growing in her craft as an author. She published her debut novel in 2017. Gina lives in Wyoming with her husband and daughter.       

https://linktr.ee/storiesbygina