CLP Blog Tours Interview and Excerpt: Finding Home by Tammy L Grace
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?
I discovered the joy of writing in middle school. My English teacher stressed creative writing and with his help I started writing for our local newspaper. I continued writing a column about school and student topics through junior high school. I never thought about it for a career and ended up working in government, getting my MBA, and eventually retiring in late 2012. I had always wanted to write a novel and retirement brought the luxury of free time, allowing me to pursue my dream.
Why was Finding Home a book you wanted to write?
Finding Home was inspired by a couple of trips to the San Juan Islands. I enjoy watching people and wondering about their stories as I watch them. This story came to me when I was on a ferry and noticed a woman with her dog. I had been thinking about the story in my head for a few years and wanted to develop a cast of characters that would draw the reader into the story.
It is the first book in the Hometown Harbor Series and the second book, Home Blooms continues the story, but focuses on a different set of characters. Home Blooms just came out in April and is also available on Amazon.com.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
The most difficult part of the entire process is the marketing aspect. As a self-published author, I have all the responsibility of marketing and letting potential readers know about my books. I enjoy the actual writing process much more than what comes after the novel is finished. I tend to want to just write because it’s so much more fun.
What are your favorite genres to read?
I love to read thrillers and suspense novels. My favorite authors include Lee Child, John Sanford, and David Baldacci. I also enjoy women’s fiction and some contemporary romance novels.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?
I want readers to feel a part of the story and a member of the community of Friday Harbor. I would like them to become invested in the characters and feel their emotions. I enjoy reading for an escape and hope my readers feel transported to Friday Harbor and relate to the characters. There are some deeper messages in the book of second chances, forgiveness, and trust, which I hope stick with the reader.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
Social media is an important communication tool for authors. I find it to be overwhelming, but understand the necessity of being able to interact with readers through a variety of different media options. It can be difficult to keep up with, especially when my focus is on writing.
**Excerpt**
“How long were you married?”
“Twenty-five years, last summer. We were married after graduation. He finished law school and I got my MBA and ran the company. We lived in my parents’ home.”
“I hope he didn’t take advantage of you in the divorce, with him being a lawyer. I don’t trust lawyers much,” said the woman, with distaste.
“No. Actually, when we were married Marty made sure the company and the house would always be mine. He wanted my grandparents to know he wasn’t looking for money. My parents were very successful.” She paused. “I still can’t believe I’m here now. I thought things were fine, but I found out he’d been cheating on me…for years. I’m just glad my grandparents are gone, so they didn’t have to witness Marty’s betrayal. They would have been devastated.”
The woman’s eyes widened, “That’s a dreadful surprise.”
“Yes, it was. I’ve always been a workaholic and had worked to expand the company, opening offices around the world. I received an offer for it, and after talking with Marty, decided to sell. He seemed so excited about the prospect of an early retirement. We were both approaching fifty and would have the means to work less and play more,” smiled Sam.
The woman smiled back. “I think you’re a strong and capable woman. You can still have fun and start your new adventure.”
“That’s what I finally decided. I need to get away from the constant reminders and start fresh. I spent summers here as a child and since I have a lovely home here, it made sense.”
The woman rubbed her hands together and pulled her coat closer. “I wish you the best and I hope you find everything you’re looking for. I’m afraid I’ve got to move inside out of the cold.” She stopped to pet Zoe and turned to go through the deck doors.
“Have a wonderful visit with your family. Thanks for chatting with me.” Sam waved as the woman toddled away.
Sam laughed to herself. She hadn’t wanted to engage in conversation, but in truth it had helped her to talk about it. The smooth motion of the ferry was soothing and the slowness generated more memories. She smiled thinking of the family house with its Italian inspired villa-like architecture. Her mother and father had purchased it after their business success and it had been a substitute for them after they died.
She felt herself growing weepy thinking she was leaving the only home she had known. Lately though, it hadn’t seemed like home and wasn’t offering her the comfort it once had, which was why Sam found herself on a ferry today, resolved to start a new life. Sam didn’t sell the house in Shoreline; she wanted to have the security of being able to go back to it. But for now, the pain of realizing her family home had been a love nest for Marty’s trysts left her hurt and angry.
The sun was still peeking through the clouds as the ferry crawled towards Friday Harbor. She gave Zoe a drink from a bottle of water, dug a treat from her pocket, and the dog settled in to nap for the rest of the ride. Sam mulled over the past, not believing her life could be so different than she had planned.
Sam had traveled the world for business, without Marty. She was the consummate professional, accomplished and capable. She never relied on him, but as she inched toward the island it all seemed overwhelming and she thought she might have made a huge mistake. She knew she could never forget his infidelities, but maybe she should have stayed in her own house and made the best of it. It was all too confusing and Sam had never been so unsure. Her usual confidence and self-esteem had been eaten away during the past year. The absence of her parents had left a deep scar in Sam’s heart and she missed them more than ever today. She longed to hear her mom reassure her and feel her dad’s strong hug.
European river cruises, white sand beaches, Australian adventures, and castles of Ireland that once beckoned from the brochures on her nightstand, were now only dreams that had been torn apart by the man she had loved and trusted. Instead of exotic travel, her future held a quaint island where she hoped the fond recollections of the past would wrap around her like a cozy blanket.
For almost a year she had been suffering and plunging deeper into her own dark thoughts. She had lost over twenty pounds and forced herself to eat, when she remembered. She knew she needed something fresh to focus on and the prospect of a new business venture and warm memories drew her to Friday Harbor.
Her musings were interrupted when the ferry captain made the announcement to instruct passengers to report back to their vehicles for arrival in Friday Harbor. “That’s us, Zoe. Let’s go,” Sam said, as she took hold of Zoe’s leash and headed downstairs.
As she guided Zoe between the narrow vehicle paths, she spotted the vivid green sticker proclaiming her golden retriever was smarter than any fifth grader. She reached the SUV, loaded Zoe, and after squeezing through the sliver of space the door allowed without smacking the car next to her, rested in the driver’s seat. Cars around her were starting and her lane began to creep forward, exiting the ferry.
As the metal planks of the ferry apron thumped under the weight of her car, she admired the charming shops and buildings neighboring the harbor, looking as if washed in colors from a box of artist pastels. She glanced up at a sign posted on the corner. It read, Welcome to Friday Harbor—Your Hometown Harbor. She could only hope it would prove true. “Well, girl, here we go. Let’s go see our new house and get settled,” Sam said, as she drove off the landing onto Front Street, determined not to let the weight of lost dreams crush her.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
If you enjoy writing and it adds to your happiness, then write. If being published is a dream, learn all you can about the process and business of writing. Today there are many options for writers, so don’t limit yourself. Choose the path that fits you best and then put all your efforts into achieving your goal.
**Everyone who leaves a comment on the tour page will be entered to win a $20 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases a copy of Finding Home by May 26 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus.com will receive 10 bonus entries!**
Author Bio:
Born and raised in Nevada, Tammy L. Grace loved reading at a young age. With the help of her middle school teacher, she discovered the joy of writing. After spending a career in local and state government service, she retired and finally has the time to dedicate to writing.
When Tammy isn’t working on ideas for a novel, she’s spending time with family and friends or supporting her addiction to books and chocolate. She and her husband have one grown son and a spoiled golden retriever.
Connect with Tammy!
Website: http://www.tammylgrace.com/
Blog: http://www.tammylgrace.com/blog.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tammylgrace.books
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7799289.Tammy_L_Grace
Twitter: @TammyLGrace
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/tammylgrace
Buy the Book!
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1hfyOU9
