Take 11 with Dana | Shh...I'm Reading | SIR Authors
Take 11 with Dana shares the same questions with different authors, in their responses I hope you will will find a new author to add to your list of reads. It is also my intent to learn more about the inner workings of these interesting people.

Today's feature is with TL James, who is quickly become one of my favorites.

Dana Pittman (DP): Please introduce yourself.

TL James (TLJ): I’m TL James and I am the author of The MPire Trilogy (In Search of the Lost, Death Cometh and Trinity) and The MPire Chronicles.

What keeps you motivated to write?

Writing allows me to escape the reality. I create my own world and control every aspect. I can kill, create and resolve any issues I have and at the end of the day, I put down my pen and walk away with.

Who is your biggest fan?

Unfortunately my biggest fans are NOT allowed to read my book. My son and my two nephews have rooted for me since the beginning. I often get chills when my nephews threaten to read my book and remind me that Barnes and Nobles don’t card readers.

Take 11 with Dana | TL James | The MPire Trilogy
If I had to do it (i.e., write your book, your writing career, etc.) all over again, I would…

I would have done my research about the industry. My first book was a big learning curve. However, looking back, I would have changed very few choices because each learning lesson bring wonderful, powerful and positive people in my life.

What is one of your quirky isms?
Guess that would be my Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, I edit while writing, then re-read and re-edit over and over until someone stops me. It's hard to let go.

How often do you read? And who is your favorite author?

I seem to be reading more manuscripts than book these days. It’s good to have aspiring writers wanting to have a “professional” critique their work, when it was just yesterday when I was aspiring.

E Lynn Harris use to be my favorite. However, since I am new to the game, I try to look for new or underexposed authors. Many of underexposed authors have replaced some of my staple authors. For example, Jean Holloway is the new James Patterson, Destiny Carter – Zane, and Darine Davis – new Carl Webber.

What is your greatest challenge as an author?

My greatest challenge as a fictional author is accurate details and solid research. I know in the back of my mind that I am writing fiction, but I can’t just make-up a detail or behavior and not have any credible research or reasoning behind it. For some reason, I have this feeling that there will be ONE reader who will get a hold of my book and dissect it. I know that I have the rational excuse of saying, “Its fiction”, but I don’t want to use that excuse too often.
SIR Authors | The MPire: Death Cometh by TL James
What is your favorite food?

Guacamole and fajitas from Lupe’s

What surprises readers most about your work?

The realism that I create in my characters and in the scenes of the chapters surprises the readers. They have actually said that they can see themselves in the book, hear the sounds, and smell the colors. At the end, what they thought was a family saga/urban fiction book was indeed a science fiction novel and they truly enjoyed it.

Do you write with or without music?

I need music to write. As a matter of fact, each chapter that I write has a song attach to it.

What mark would you like to leave on the publishing industry?

I want to be acknowledged as a successful hybrid author – not being pegged into one genre box.

What final impression do you want your work to leave with readers?

SPEECHLESS! Waiting for more!

* * * * *

TL James, I can't wait to share your work with our readers. For now, journey over to TL's profile to learn more about her books.

Stay tuned for the next installment of Take 11 with Dana with JA Adams, author of Chameleon.

TL, thank you for your interview and I will "see" you all next time.
 


Comments

Jean Holloway

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 6:18:05 pm

Great interview & I'm not saying that because you gave me one heck of a compliment. Wow, the new James Patterson. AWESOME!

 

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