Intimate Coversation with author Tamara Grant

Intimate Coversation Interview with Author Tamara Grant

Ella: Tell us about your passion for writing.
The Cooling Board explores what it means to be a family. Every family has secrets and issues and those things we know exist, but sweep under the rug.

The Darling and the Devereaux family is dealing with the death of their matriarch who was essentially the glue that held the family together. They are challenged in her death to be better people and in turn grow closer as a family.

Ella: Tamara, finish this sentence:I am Powerful because...
I am Powerful because...I set goals for myself and strive to acheive them everyday.

Ella: Why is it so important to celebrate Black History 365 days a year?
I've been Black every day of my life. It is a part of who I am. Black history is a part of who we all are, whether you are Black or not. The Black experience is engrained in our existence and we as a Black community need to understand our roots so that we are teachers of our experience with others.

Ella: Where are you from? How did you start your writing journey?
I"m originally from Baltimore, MD, now living in Atlanta. I've been writing since elementary school and just recently decided to share my gift with others.

Ella: Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them?
Jhonnie Bell and LuluBell Devereaux. Jhonnie Bell is a woman struggling with feeling good about the decisions she's made for how she wants to live her life. We all have issues with our families and she's trying to stay true to herself and deal with her family as well. LuluBell was a woman who is serious about the importance of family and she would go to any lengths to keep them together. I love that about her.

Ella: What makes your book stand out and would entice a reader pick it up?
Many people write about family for the drama of it. My writing explores things that happen in our families that we don't readily discuss.

Ella: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
That no matter what choices you make in life, they are your choices. And that you can't pick your family, so sometimes you have to make lemonade from lemons.

Ella: What is the most surprising thing you have learned in creating books?
That all of our stories are similar. My friends always come to me with different story ideas. We all have a story to tell.

Ella: What would you say has been your most significant achievement as a writer?
Thus far, getting into a major book store. With the help of my publisher, I was able to go to Barnes and Noble and look at my book on the shelf next to major authors.

Ella: What advice would you give a new writer?
Make sure that you are versed in the art of storytelling. Also, please, please, please also make sure you are a reader as well! Take your craft seriously.

Ella: Name 3 things that it takes to make a successful author, in your opinion?
Being truthful with yourself about what you can do to improve your writing
Be ready to tackle the business side of things
Committment to taking time out daily to write

Ella: What can we expect from you in the future?
I will continue to create stories that people can relate to. My next book is a mystery/drama, so I'll be doing something a bit different.

Ella: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.
I'm still the owner of Especially Yours Events, a literary service that plans book release parties for authors and providing literary coaching to authors. http://www.eventsbyespeciallyyours.com/

Visit author Tamara Grant Online
http://www.tamaraangelagrant.com/
http://www.peaceinthestormpublishing.com/
www.myspace.com/maraangel

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