Welcome back, Tessa. Why do you write the
kind of books you do?
I like books with grit, even if they’re romance titles. I like
to explore conflicts that aren’t usual or easy and questions that don’t allow
candy-coated answers. Circumstances can get complicated, muddled, so I have
this desire to face sticky issues with stark realism. You might call me a
romantic realist, who is focused on Forgiveness in situations where the average
person will say, “No way. I can’t do it.” But underneath those layers of human condition,
what would Jesus say?
“It made me uncomfortable and it made
me think.”—I get that
a lot about my books. Makes sense, since this is the kind of experience I want
to have as a reader.
Besides when you came
to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?
The day I realized what that actually meant.
How has being
published changed your life?
Besides an ambition becoming reality, I’ve learned how to
(tongue-in-cheek) multitask.
What are you reading
right now?
I’m about to read Quiet: The Power of Introverts in
a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
What is your current
work in progress?
An inspirational paranormal romance set in the world of
dance, as I used to dance professionally and I’m revisiting that way of life.
The paranormal aspect comes from the fact that, in fiction anything can be
allegorized and I enjoy venturing outside the box.
What would be your
dream vacation?
The Cook Islands . I’ve been
all over the world but never there. Booked a trip twice over the years, but,
you know, life gets in the way and you have to cancel stuff. I never made that
destination. Today, I’d take a week or two in any ultra-private setting, such
as a bungalow on an isolated beach. That’d be ideal.
How do you choose
your settings for each book?
The settings kind of choose me. They’re unforgettable. For
instance, Plitvice Lakes in Croatia gripped me, inspired
elements in my inspirational fantasy romance, Wind’s Aria.
If you could spend an
evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?
My sister. We used to work together in the performing arts
and have always been close, shared so many shocking and delightful encounters
overseas. I did a dumb thing and moved away. I really miss her. Well, the arts,
too, for that matter.
What are your
hobbies, besides writing and reading?
Pets. Finding quiet corners. Sipping coffee. Maybe all three
at the same time—now, that’s a splurge!
What is your most
difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
Noise. I’m easily distracted by noise. I’ve become better
about it, but it’s still a nuisance. My most productive creative blocks occur
when I’m alone and the entire house is quiet. Honestly, I don’t know why they
call them “man caves,” because women need caves, too.
What advice would you
give to a beginning author?
You have to know that you really want it. The industry is
fickle and challenging at best, so don’t follow trends. Instead, write what
makes you happy or what you’re called to—and write a lot. Rhino skin is helpful.
And then, Lena , after
reading the article you wrote in the Winter
2012 ACFW Journal, I find your advice golden! That is, do not compare your
work, or measure success, with another. That can get discouraging. We’re each
on our own path, and timeline, no two are alike. Besides, “success” might not
be, and probably isn’t, exactly what we thought. With that in mind, keep moving
forward.
I’m glad that article
touched you. Evidently, it touched a lot of writers. Tell us about the featured
book.
The Unspeakable is a grim suspense/thriller with a definitive
moral outline.
Who said forgiveness was easy?
When a furtive conflict is pitted between violent leftist
guerrillas and a rightwing paramilitary group in Colombia , a North American woman
mistakenly gets caught in the middle.
“I spent four months, one week and two days in a clandestine
prison referred to as The Water Cave. Every day I stared hell in the face, and
each day I wanted to die. I don’t want to share too much too quickly. To
understand fully, you must join hands with me, fasten your heart to mine, and
course through my book. Stumble over the incomprehensible human rights journey
with me. I’ve pondered it to the brink of questionable sanity, and it is the
only way. It’s the only way to explain. I suppose I should consider myself
lucky I survived at all—for many did not—yet, perplexingly so, that’s not the
premise of this narrative.
He altered my life, marked me forever.
But it’s not how you might imagine.
This is a story involving Horacio Botello, my torturer known
as Puma.”
Please give us the
first page of the book.
Bogotá
My brother shifted in his
seat. He picked his eyeglasses off the table before he set them down, again,
for the umpteenth time. His nervous gestures began to irritate me.
“You shouldn’t have come
here,” he said.
“Well, isn’t that a nice
welcome.” I tried to bite back the hurt, but my voice sometimes does a quirky
little tremolo that gives me away. I stared at the nearby palm tree, glad I
came to Colombia
If only Spencer caught wind
of that sentiment.
He sighed. “Come on, Sylvia,
I told you when you called a few weeks ago, that now was not a good
time. You should have listened to me.”
I had wondered when he’d
start flexing his big brother muscles for-the-good-of-his-little-sister within
our spanking new conversation.
“Spencer, I have vacation
time overflowing. You know how it is. Use it or lose is. It’s been six months
since I’ve seen you…” I felt the tension spilling out as quickly as it came,
“…and three months since I’ve had a real conversation with you. We used
to talk all the time,” I whined.
He signaled for me to quiet
down. “You’re drawing attention. And stop gesturing with your hands so much.”
I took note of his hand
gesturing, and then glanced around the crowded outdoor café with a huff.
“Fine. I’ll try to be good.”
Usually rolling my eyes at him made him reach over in a playful manner and
pinch my nose, an exchange we shared since we were kids. Yet, he sat oblivious
to it this time. “Earth to Spencer...” He finally looked at me. “Are you
feeling okay?”
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
I’m also on LinkedIn, Goodreads, and elsewhere if you look
hard enough.
Thank you, Tessa, for the interesting interview.
Readers, here are links to the book.
Publisher's Bookstore: http://www.wings-press.com/Bookstore/The%20Unspeakable.htm
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
