Tell us a little about your background and some lesser known facts about yourself.
I'm actually not a full-time author. I have a full time "day job" in retail management. I studied English Literature and Composition in college. I ended up leaving with 3 semesters left, choosing to move with my now husband to the big city.
A lesser known fact about me is that I was a competitive swimmer from ages 5 to 20. Both of my older siblings were on the swim team and my parents put me in the pool at a young age and it just went from there and straight through to college for me.
What developed your passion for storytelling? What type of stories have you always written since you could hold a crayon?
My passion for storytelling started in elementary school with my grandma Eva. She was always writing short poems and lines on anything that was in front of her (envelopes, napkins, etc.). I would watch her mind working the creativity and be in awe of what she would write. She would write about everything from her feelings in the moment to her day-to-day tasks to her friendships.
In middle school I was into friendship stories but they would always be funny (at least to me). I would write them and my friend, Josh, would illustrate.
What is the most challenging thing about being able to put together a story and put it out into the world?
The most challenging part of a story for me comes before I even start writing the guts of the story itself. I'm a very unorganized writer, so much so that I have someone else take my thoughts/notes and create an outline for me. I'm a slow writer but that's the joy of being and Indie author, I make my own timeline that fits my life.
Why did you choose to write in the romance genre? What do you love the most about this genre?
I chose to write in the romance genre because I'm a sucker for a love story. I'm one of those gals that in love with love, all parts of it.
What fears you had while publishing your debut novel, Breathe?
When I published Breathe I had no idea what I was doing. Breathe was actually published previously under a different title and my real name. I went to an author conference and learned so much that I pulled it, got her re-edited and polished up, wrapped her in a new cover with a new title and under my pen name and sent her back out into the world. That in itself was frightening. I just wanted to put out a story that someone, anyone would like. It's nerve-wracking putting your work out there but when you get that first review it makes it all worth it.
Who inspired the character of Linc in "Breathe?" Do you love mysterious book boyfriends?
The character Linc came to me as I was binge watching Gossip Girl. He isn't derived from a single character on that show but the premise of him came from that show in general. Physically he is inspired by the actor Derek Theler: tall, muscular, light eyes. He's beautiful.
Who doesn't love a mysterious book boyfriend. Linc is definitely one of those!
It's Complicated is a fresh and unique approach to Rom-Com with infinitely lovable characters. How would you describe the relationship between Audrey & Derek?
When I was writing It's Complicated I wanted all the characters to be relatable in a "real life" kind of way, meaning you would hang out with them if they were a part of your actual real life. Audrey and Derek have a relationship that develops in an odd manner. You learn about them separately and then together. They are awkward yet patient with each other. There is a quiet loyalty that keeps them both grounded.
When are you most satisfied with a book or piece of writing? Do you often edit things OUT of your books?
I'm never fully satisfied with anything. I'm a firm believer that I can always be better. With that said, I'm most satisfied when I feel the story is well rounded and the ending is wrapped up nicely.
I often pull scenes or parts of scenes out. When I read back and a part just doesn't make sense then it needs to come out. I do keep everything that I pull out of a story, though. You never know when you might need it for a different story
How important do you think book covers are? Who usually designs your book covers?
Covers are extremely important. The cover should tell you something about the story and give the reader a sense of what they are about to read.
Each book has had a different cover artist. IC is part of a series so the same artist will develop the rest of the series as well.
How do you think concepts such as Kindle, and e-books have changed the present or future of reading?
It's instant gratification of reading. You download and read with in seconds. A reader can read a series in a week or two without waiting for a paperback or leaving their house to go to the bookstore.
Between the two books, you have written so far, which book was the hardest to write and why? Inversely, which book was the easiest to write?
Breathe was hardest for me to write. She actually took me two years from start to finish, then add in when I remodeled her with an re-release. The concept started in college and was written for a short story class I took.
It's Complicated was my jump into RomCom and was easy to write. This book has a lot of my personality in it.
What does M. Tasia's Saturday look like? What are some things you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my limited free time I'm either writing, doing something book related or chauffeuring my kids to a sporting practice or event. If I'm not busy I'm not living.
What are your plans for the future? Where do you see yourself as an author in 10 years’ time?
Honestly, I'm not a very good planner so I don't have a 5 or 10 year plan. I'm just trying to raise my family and do this author thing. If I can still be writing stories and releasing book in 10 years I'll be a happy camper.
What are you currently working on? Do you plan to make Grace's swoon-worthy brothers a hero in a separate novel?
I'm currently working on book 2 in The Relationship Status series. It's Messy will be out in late summer/early fall.
I've been asked several times about Grace's brother from Breathe and if any of them will get their own books. The answer is: I'm not sure. I didn't have any plans to expand on that world but I've had readers reach out and it's really making me think about it. I've jotted a few ideas down about 2 of the brothers so who knows. I did leave at least 1 story line open in that book so the option is definitely there.
How has been your experience working with AllAuthor? What are some things you love about the website and its services?
AllAuthor has been a great tool for me as an author. The website is easy to navigate and dig around in. As a reader it is an efficient way to find and discover authors.
