Ask the Author: Tina O'Hailey
Answered Questions (6)
Tina O'Hailey
I had written a murder mystery with two female characters. It was almost finished when I had moved to Tennessee and found caving. I wondered what would happen if I put those characters in a cave - and then the story took off. The writers group I was in helped me shape the character, Alexander. Then the book took an unexpected right turn to romance. Um — I wasn't prepared for that but I let the story do what it needed to do.
Tina O'Hailey
I have written stories for as long as I can remember. Picture an eight year old at a typewriter pounding out the prose. I always had a page quota to hit for some imaginary deadline. I read all I could get my hands on, or was allowed to check out of the school library. Given it was a small christian school the reading was limited. Thank heavens my mother had a personal library I could peruse. The tipping point was when a sixth grade english teacher marked on a paper, "Have you thought about being a writer?" That was the first affirmation I had received — and it meant the world to me.
Tina O'Hailey
Promoting my books for this year mostly. However, I can only do that for so long before I have to write again. I have two textbooks and one novel currently engaged in a wrestling match. We'll see who wins.
Tina O'Hailey
Know that you will doubt yourself. You will hate what you do. Then a moment occurs where you will love it and be proud. Keep those moments in your heart for when you hate it again. Keep at it - always.
Tina O'Hailey
How it makes you curious about the world. I constantly wonder why things work or why people feel or do what they do. That curiosity helps birth new characters and settings.
Tina O'Hailey
I take a walk in the woods or a motorcycle ride. Something about that frees me to think through whatever problem might be whirling in my head.
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