Author T.S. Petersen

I got to speak with author, T.S. Petersen recently. I wanted to know what got her interested in writing and becoming a writer.

I took up creative or fictional writing after the birth of my first child in 2015. I had been intending on returning to university to attain a degree in education, but fell pregnant with my baby boy. With the degree out of the question, I opted to take part in a fantastic creative writing course, and that really spurred me on and helped me focus my creative energy.

How long did it take to get published the first time and how did it happen?

I began writing Moribund before I got pregnant with my daughter in 2016. After some understandable delays, I finally decided to self-publish Moribund in March 2019.

Would you do anything differently the next time? If so, what would it be?

Self-publishing has been a huge learning curve, having said that, I don’t believe there would be anything I would do differently. Guaranteed the next time I publish will be easier than the first, but I’d likely still do what I did for Moribund.

What advice would you give an aspiring author?

Keep at it. There are going to be days when you look at your work and you hate it, or you wonder if anyone else would ever want to read it. Don’t listen to that little negative voice in your head, just keep writing. I write the stories that play on repeat in my head. I write the stories I desperately want to read but can’t find. Write what you love and don’t be afraid to get stuck into some research if the story you have circling your mind is out of your comfort zone.

I like that. What or who inspires or influences your writing?

Jennifer Rardin, Kim Harrison, and Laurell K. Hamilton are three authors I love to read and look up to. Their stories have kept me entertained and helped me escape some very difficult times in my life. Their creativity and writing styles are mesmerizing to me. I would also like to add that my initial beta readers inspire me to keep writing. They boosted my confidence when I wondered if I had even an ounce of talent. They pushed me to keep writing so they could keep reading. For this I am extremely grateful.

What are your latest releases and when or where can we find them?

My latest release is my debut novel, Moribund. This paranormal romance is the first book in the Evanee Sheperd Series. It can be found on most major online outlets such as Amazon, iTunes, Kobo, Barnes & Nobel, Baker & Taylor, and Bibliotheca. Moribund is also registered with Ingram Spark, so independent bookstores world wide can purchase copies should you want a hard copy. Be sure to ask them to look it up and get some copies in. The ISBN is 978-0-6485364-0-6. https://books2read.com/u/bwqdee

How long have you been writing professionally, T.S., and do you write full-time or part-time?

I’d say I’ve been writing professional since 2016, which is when I started Moribund. This was the first storyline I jotted down on paper and stuck to. I have two other stories sitting in a box under my desk that I have no intention of touching. For the most part, I write part-time. My babies come first and then my writing. If I’m fortunate enough to be able to make a decent living on my work, I would love to write full-time once my kids head to primary school.

I completely understand that! So what do you do for fun when you are not writing?

I love to go on little adventures with my family when I’m not writing. I’m usually posting images of our adventures on Facebook, twitter, and Instagram. I love reading and watching movies in my down time, and have way too many books and DVDs lining my shelves. I also enjoy cooking and camping.

Where do you live, T.S.?

I am fortunate enough to call Atherton in Far North Queensland, Australia, my home. It is a small rural town, roughly 1 hour 10 minutes from Cairns. Most people know Cairns for the great barrier reef.

Wow! That’s pretty far from my home in Tennessee. Do you have any appearances or book signings scheduled this year? And, if so, where are they?

I attended the Yungaburra Book Fair in August, 2019.

So sorry I missed that T.S. I hope it turned out well. You can find T.S. Petersen online as Tammy S. Petersen. Her website is: https://tspetersen307.wixsite.com/website