On Writing Author Interview: Tia Bach

To avoid pre-conceived notions which can sometimes be connected with certain genres, the number of books published and/or an author's appearance, none of that information will be revealed until the bottom of the interview.   So pour a cup of coffee, have a seat, and check out this interview - see how much, or how little, you have in common with this published author.

ON WRITING:
What is your favorite part of being a writer?
Finding the right words. So many times I know what I want to say, can feel it with every fiber of my being, but I need the words to reflect that intensity. When I find the right ones, it’s a wonderful feeling.

What is your least favorite part?
Writing when I’m not in the mood. I believe the more you write, the better you write, so I try to write whether the muse is with me or not. It’s so much easier when she graces me with her presence.

Name one obstacle you’ve had to overcome.
Guilt. I have three daughters who are 11, 9 and 6. I can’t always force writing while they are at school, and it’s hard to write with children running around. I try and strike a balance and ask them to respect the muse from time to time.

Is there a specific part of your writing you’re working on to improve?
It changes constantly. Sometimes I focus on grammar and punctuation, other times character development or storyline. More than anything, I try to focus on writing, getting the words on the page. Without that, you have nothing to work with.

What part of your writing makes you particularly proud?
When readers like it and take the time to tell me. I’m an avid reader, and I completely understand differences in opinions. Rarely does a book bind everyone together in thought. So it’s always a treat when a reader likes my work and wants to make sure I know.

What does your favorite main character have in common with you?
She’s got spunk, and she’s not easily deterred from her goals. I gave her more spunk than I have, but I’m striving to be more like her.

Do you do a lot of research for your projects or do you only write about what you already know?
I always start with what I know and research from there.

How do you use the internet for your writing?
Beyond research and fact-checking, I blog. I try to post something three to four times a week to keep the writing juices flowing.

If you’ve won any awards for your writing, what impact do you think that has had? 
It’s a nice compliment, and I appreciate the awards I’ve received. In some ways, though, it adds pressure. I thought the first book would be the hardest, but I went into it so blind. The second is where the pressure builds. It’s like having children. You are terrified with the first kid because of what you don’t know, more terrified with the second because of what you do know.

What one marketing tool have you had good success with?
My blog, it allows readers a chance to hear my voice before buying my book. I’m an avid reader, and I love reading author blogs. It’s also a great way to get out excerpts or other writing samples, such as flash fiction.

What good writing habits have you developed that you think would be helpful to someone starting out?
Write every single day. Even if you just keep a journal next to your bed for random ideas, exercise the writing muscle.

Do you have any bad writing habits that you’d advise writers to avoid?
I edit as I write. I can’t help myself. It’s a much better idea to let the words flow and let them sit and breathe awhile before trying to perfect them.

Do you have any strange writing habits?
I speak out loud as I type. I like hearing if the words make sense, but it adds to my problem of editing as I write.

When you’re not writing, do you read, and if so, what?
I’m an avid reader and love to read across genres. I’ve been involved with book clubs for years, and it’s a great way to read outside your comfort zone. I pride myself on finding redeeming value in almost any book.

What are you trying to accomplish with/through your writing?
I want to get the ideas out of my over-full brain.

ADVICE TO OTHER WRITERS
What words of wisdom do you have for young writers?
Trust your gut, but I believe those words of wisdom help you in all things. Listen to your heart, but run it past your brain first.

What advice do you have for someone looking to get published?
Don’t take no for an answer. It might be a temporary delay, but there are so many great avenues open to writers these days. Research and talk to other writers, then choose a path.

Any thoughts on what this author writes?  How many books published?  Here's a little more information about the author...
 
How many published books are to your credit?  1

Do you have an agent?  No

Are you self-published?  Yes

How many different companies have you published with?  One

How long have you been writing?  Since I was a teen.

Do you write full-time? If not, what is your other job? And how do you balance work/writing?
I do freelance writing and editing part-time. I am a full-time mother. I haven’t found the magic balance between writing and being a mother. I simply do my best.

So, any thoughts?  Here's the full scoop:

In the words of award-winning author Tia Bach:  I’m an author, blogger, avid reader, and mom to three girls (11, 9 & 6). My first novel, Depression Cookies, is an award-winning coming of age tale co-written with my mom.

I started my writing career as a Staff Writer for my college newspaper and later a corporate technical writer for a wholly-owned subsidiary of IBM.

Tia is author of the award-winning women’s fiction title Depression Cookies.  You can find Depression Cookies online at  Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

You can learn more about Tia at her blog http://depressioncookies.blogspot.com and website at http://depressioncookies.com

 

THE FUTURE
What are you working on now?
A follow-up to our award-winning Depression Cookies
A Young Adult novel

PARTING WORDS
Anything else about being a writer that you’d like to share?

I love this quote: “And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise.  The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.” Sylvia Plath

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