Internet Marketer and Promoter of fiction turned published fiction writer, Tyora Moody, discusses her debut release, “When Rain Falls.”
Listen to her interview at Book Talk, Creativity and Family Matters.
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Here’s what Tyora shared in her guest blog interview.
I write about…
I write romantic suspense and mysteries.
I also write nonfiction, mainly how-to articles.
Your readers can found some how-to guides I have written at DIYwithTy.com.
Tell us a little about your life.
Sure! I’m an author and an entrepreneur. For my design and marketing company, TywebbinCreations.com, I spend quite a bit of time designing book covers and promotional materials.
I also coordinate virtual book tours and other virtual book events.
I love seeing people’s ideas come to life.
My design and marketing work started as hobbies and have since become opportunities for me to work with authors, going on about twelve years now.
It’s a bit surprising an exhilarating to be on the other side now as an author.
In my free time, I’m still a bookworm and a big fan of mystery and suspense novels.
I love watching animated films and big action movies. I also enjoy hanging and traveling with family.
What is your major message or the major theme in When Rain Falls?
I write about grief and loss, and how our faith plays a role in our healing process.
What personal experience allowed you to write about: Like one of my main characters, Detective Darnell Jackson, I also went through a divorce.
I also lost a favorite aunt and went through several other transitions in my family. Writing has always been a way for me to express my inner feelings, so I’m sure I poured those feelings and questions into my characters, especially the main female protagonist, Candace Johnson.
How long have you been writing?
I can remember writing short stories in high school and college, but it seemed to be something I grew out of mainly because I started to pursue more of my love for design.
I started When Rain Falls in 2006 after becoming burned out on design projects. I was looking for new direction at the beginning of that year. As a result, I started to develop characters in my journal. The first one of those characters was a little girl in the back of a police car which led to the prologue in When Rain Falls.
How long did it take you to write and revise When Rain Falls?
It took me from 2006 to 2008 to write a near-to-final draft that I was satisfied with publishing.
After I received my book deal from Urban Christian/Kensington, the story went through some additional editorial changes, but the final book is pretty close to the 2008 version.
How long did it take you to write and revise (1st book, 2nd book, etc.)?
When Rain Falls is the first book in the Victory Gospel Series and it took approximately two years, on an off.
I’m currently working on the second book, When Memories Fade.
Due to the fact I’m on a deadline for a March 2013 release, this novel will probably be written in about six months.
I started writing in late-December 2011 and it’s due June 1, 2012.
That’s a big difference between the first book and second book.
Welcome to the world of publishing deadlines! LOL!
You categorize your books as (genre)?
When Rain Falls is a romantic suspense.
Have you ever taken writing classes?
I have taken a few online classes via an organization I joined in 2006, American Christian Fiction Writers.
I invested in a library of writing books too.
Since 2006, I have attended two writer’s conferences.
What is your greatest difficulty in writing?
Time. I have had to learn how to balance and in some cases let go of some activities so I can focus on writing.
What is your greatest joy in writing?
The completed story. I received a lot of joy just from telling the story.
There is another level of joy that stems from the book release and reader’s reactions.
What is your process when writing a book?
Do you outline? If so, how?
How often do you write–every day, every other day?
Do you write full-time?
I’m mainly a weekend writer, but now that I’m under a deadline, I’m working on a chapter or two each night.
I’m an outline writer.
Before I start writing scenes, I will work through a chapter outline.
It helps me to see a timeline with days and times so I can move forward in a logical way.
I may have a few surprises and twists when I start writing, which is okay.
I will adjust the outline and keep writing until I reach the end.
What is one thing you have learned in writing each of your books?
Writing and great storytelling is truly a craft. You have to take time to get to know each character.
While I have a few characters from When Rain Falls appear in When Memories Fade, this is a brand new story to tell and I want to share it with readers as well if not better than the first story in the Victory Gospel Series.
What do you have on the agenda for your next book?
When Memories Fade will have that who-dunnit factor to the story, but the focus is on two missing person cases.
One is current and the other is a twenty-year old mystery.
There is a bit more research involved for this one.
What is a word of advice you would give anyone interested in writing?
Often writers say write what you know. That’s a start. In my case, I wrote what I wanted to see more of on the bookshelves.
I wanted a Christian Fiction mystery with characters of color and that’s what I set out to write.
You have to be willing to edit your manuscript numerous times so that the story really stands-out.
I believe a polished manuscript will attract agents and editors if you intend to go the traditional publishing route or if you decide to self-publish.
There is no excuse for not taking the time to release a quality read.
Also, invest in your writing.
Join a writer’s organization, attend a writer’s conference and/or purchase books.
How can readers purchase your book?
When Rain Falls is available for purchase at amazon.com, barnesandnobles.com, and most bookstores.
For ebook readers, the novel is also available on the Kindle and Nook.
How can readers get in touch with you?
Readers can contact me at:
• http://www.tyoramoody.com
• http://facebook.com/AuthorTyoraMoody
• http://www.twitter.com/tyoramoody
Thanks so much for offering this guest interview to anjuellefloyd.com
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Listen to Tyora’s interview on Book Talk, Creativity and Family Matters.
Thank you, Anjuelle for having me on the show and also featuring me on your blog this week. I appreciate the support of When Rain Falls. Blessings!
Tyora:
You are quite welcome. And thanks so much for being a guest on Book Talk, Creativity and Family Matters.
Your interview was superb.
You’ll have to come back and deliver us more wonderful information about your work and how authors can better promote and publicize our work.
Much luck as you get the word out about “When Rain Falls“, a lovely and well-written Christian Mystery/Suspense Novel.
Peace and blessings to you and yours.