Tammy L. Bailey - It’s True, A Writer’s Journey Is Never Easy (Author)

 

I’ve always enjoyed the escape a writer provides to the reader.

Do what you love. Write it down. Accept rejection. Keep going. Never quit. Believe in yourself. Also, NEVER read the reviews. Not everyone will love your creation. 

1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

From a young age, I always had a notebook nearby to write poems, songs, and short stories. The dream to become a published writer remained steadfast; however, the path I chose took many twists and turns. When I was twenty-two, I decided to go into the active-duty Army and later entered the Ohio Air National Guard. I don’t regret my decision to put off writing because my life as a soldier/airman helped me as a person. For one, a writer must have perseverance. Although I wanted to give up after my first ten rejection letters to agents and publishing companies, I believed my first book would find a home. After around fifty rejections, my debut novel, Lord Bachelor, was accepted for publication. I later published a holiday romance with the same company. A year later, I published my first historical romance through a larger publishing company. 

Since I was curious about the publishing process, I also wrote and self-published two historical novellas. The journey to self-publication was scary. I didn’t know where it would end. On the path, however, I found the experience both enlightening and liberating. As a writer, I was in control. What I enjoyed most about self-publishing was creating my own book covers. The one cover I am most proud of designing is, The Matchmaker’s Surrender. I even created the cover before I was halfway finished with the book.

In the future, I hope to write more short romances and maybe publish them through interactive games for my readers.

 

2.  When did you decide you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve always had a very vivid imagination. On long trips to visit family, I would sit in the backseat with my twin sister and invent all sorts of stories in my head. I’ve always enjoyed the escape a writer provides to the reader. I became energized with a story idea after watching Jane Austen’s adaptation of Pride and Prejudice on Masterpiece Theatre. Soon after I wrote my first full length historical romance novel.

3. Is it a financially stable career?

In one word, no. I work full time as a Senior Secretary at a local community college to pay the bills. Unless a writer is signed with a huge publishing company backing them, the marketing budget far exceeds the income. For many of us, writing is a dream we pursue because we love and enjoy creating diverse characters with exciting stories to tell.

 

4. Who is your favourite writer and why?

As a romance writer, I love Jane Austen. She was able to write such complex and intriguing characters. She had such a great understanding of human nature and human condition. She wrote about the hardships of social status while weaving unforgettable romance with intriguing personalities. Her writing is timeless. Another current writer I enjoy reading is Teresa Medeiros. Her writing is always clever and witty and fun.

5. Where does your inspiration lie?

I am a unique author who loves to watch romance movies as much as read romance. So, my writing does tend to play out like a movie. That being said, my inspiration has always been the greatest romance story told on the small and big screen. My debut novel was inspired by a Jane Austen adaptation of Pride and Prejudice called Lost In Austen. My male character (Lord Edmund Rushwood) was inspired by the second male lead played by Tom Mison.

I’m currently inspired by Asian dramas. The acting, writing, and directing is off the charts and they help me want to write something just as amazing. Right now, I’ve tossed around the story idea where Meteor Garden meets Guardian: The Lonely and Great God.

 

6. What piece of advice would you like to give to future aspiring writers?

Just write. I believe writer’s doubt can be as detrimental to creativity as writer’s block. It’s true a writer’s journey is never easy. It can be filled with heartache and disappointment. However, always persevere. Do what you love. Write it down. Accept rejection. Keep going. Never quit. Believe in yourself. Also, NEVER read the reviews. Not everyone will love your creation. Create and write anyway.

7. Which is your favourite book and why?

It’s so hard for me to pick just one book because there are so many I’ve read. If I did have to pick one, it would have to be Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. The characters come to life on the pages with vivid and intelligent conversations. Two hundred years later, readers can still find something relatable between the pages, whether it is love, family, or social differences.

- Tammy L. Bailey (Author)

LinkedIn: Tammy L. Bailey

- Interviewed By Pratibha Sahani