Interview with Tanya Stowe

About the Author

 Novelist Tanya Stowe has had eclectic career. Working as a freelance writer, her profiles have featured celebrities such as Fabio and New York Times Bestselling authors LaVyrle Spencer, Shirlee Busbee, and Heather Graham. Tanya wrote grants, participated in a collection of women’s survival stories and collaborated on a full length Christmas musical.  She also worked as a marketing assistant, and an event coordinator doing a stint with the American Cancer Society. 

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The Interview

1. How did you get started as an author?  What or whom inspired you?
 I started writing books when I was eleven years old. I was inspired to write because I didn’t like the ending of my favorite television show so I rewrote it to my satisfaction. Of course it would have been better if they redid the T.V. program with my happy ending!
 
2. How many books have you written and in what genres?
 Twelve of my books have been published. We won’t talk about the ones still sitting in a drawer! All are romances. Eleven of those are Inspirational romances…historicals, romantic suspense and contemporaries. One is a time-travel set in ancient Egypt. It’s currently out of print.
 
3. What writing projects are you currently working on?  What can you tell us about these projects?
 I’m currently writing another romantic suspense set in my own area. My husband recently retired from government work so I’m finally able to write about some things I wasn’t supposed to talk about before! It’s called Mojave Mission. I never thought I’d enjoy writing about the Mojave Desert since I’ve lived there so long but I’m actually enjoying the story very much.
 
4. What does your writing process look like?
Well…my stories usually start when I travel. New places, new things inspire me. Then I do a lot of research, reading, connecting the dots. Then I work on characters with a pretty extensive process and outline heavily. Then I start to write. I write early in the morning, finish about 10 or eleven and then exercise. Sitting at a computer does strange things to the body. If I don’t do yoga or exercise, I can’t move!
 
5. Where is your favorite place to write?
 LOL! Anywhere I can find a chair! Right not my husband and I are in transition. We’re traveling, preparing to sell our home and buy a motorhome to travel permanently. Since we’re on the go so much right now, I write where and when I can. At the moment, I’m on a lot in the Sierras, just outside of Yosemite National Park.
 
6. How important are the names in your novels? How do you choose names for your characters?  Do you have any name resources you would suggest?
 Honestly, names just come to me. I do have some online baby sites I run through but I just go down the list until one jumps out at me. I work with the character before I pick the name so by the time I’m ready to choose a name, I have the personality down and the name just fits!
 
7. What authors/novels that you enjoy would you recommend?
 I love historical mysteries. I love, love C.S. Harris’ St Cyr series. She’s an excellent writer. Her characters are so real. Also Anne Perry’s books. All of them. For romance I’ve just discovered Debra Holland and her Montana series. Very well written historicals.  She’s new to me and I’m loving her stories.
 
8. Where is your favorite place to read and why?
 My favorite, favorite place to read is by the pool or water. Of course I’ll read anywhere but I love to sit by the pool or on the beach and watch the waves. When I lived in the Middle East, I walked out my front door, sat under an umbrella and watched the Indian Ocean roll by. It was wonderful.
 
9. What period of history interests you the most?
 I used to love ancient time periods…duh…I did write a time travel set in ancient Egypt. But now I would have to say I love the Victorian time period. But it seems I write about the Wild West mostly. Maybe because I live there and know it best.
 
10 If you could choose someone famous to star in one of your books made to a movie, who would you choose and for which character?
Johnny Depp for Alexander Summers in Sedona Sunset. He’s just the dark, mysterious type!
 
11. What inspired the idea for The Evergreen Wreath?
 Darlene Franklin invited me to be a part of the Christmas Mail Order Angels. I wondered how desperate would a woman have to be to become a mail order bride? Virginia Pepper and her impossible situation was born.
 
12. What other hobbies do you enjoy when you are not writing?
Well…my husband and I have twenty grandchildren. They’re not a hobby but they do keep us BUSY. So when I’m not watching basketball, swim meets, football or baseball, I like to cycle, play tennis and hike with my husband, sit on the beach and watch the waves…just about anything outdoors.

Check out my reviews for:
Jacob's Christmas Dream (coming soon)
The Reliable Cowboy
The Evergreen Wreath