Name Tambra Nicole Kendall
Age Almost 51
Where are you from Pasadena, Texas
A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc
I live in a small Texas town with my husband and our two furbabies. I love how quiet it is here and the wildlife. But not the snakes. I hate snakes. And spiders. In the two-and-a-half years I’ve lived here I’ve seen: deer, possum, raccoon, armadillo, coyotes (I love to hear them howl!), owls. A negative of living in the country: Late last year I had my first snake encounter. I was bringing stuff in from the car and I couldn’t make this in one trip. This wasn’t an issue until I got close to the front porch. A bucket was turned on its side and there it was coiled up and watching. *full body shiver* I made it into the house and thought I have to get the rest of that stuff from the car which means I have to walk past that thing again. I tried to pretend it wasn’t there. As soon as I got in the house safely, I called my husband at work. He asked me what it looked like. After I told him he got really quiet and that’s when I got really scared. He finally told me what I was about 6-7 feet from: a cottonmouth. Those are bad. I don’t much about snakes except I don’t like them. I was definitely being watched over that day.
I like to walk my Cairn terrier on nice days and usually take my camera. When I’m not writing I enjoy watercolors, learning digital art, sewing and art crafts. If I’m feeling good enough I like to cook.
Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
I’m in the middle of a novella which will be published under another name. After being on hiatus for a few years, I recently taught a month long creative writing course for Savvy Authors. Until then, I didn’t realize how much I missed teaching.
I work on a number of projects at once. All are in various stages. There are good and bad points to writing this way. Hopefully, I’ll have more releases this year.
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I began writing in 1990 but knew I wanted to be a writer when I was twelve years old.
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When my first article was published in a news magazine and when it placed in a contest.
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
My love of the romance genre.
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
I’m not sure what the writing style is but humor and snark are always present in whatever genre I’m writing in.
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
Inspirationfor titles are everywhere. You can find them in songs, movies, books, newspaper, magazines. Or, if you listen to conversations people are having at the table across from you in a restaurant, the doctor’s office, the grocery store. You just have to listen.
I work on more than one book at a time. Titles don’t always come to me at the beginning of the story, so I give it the best one I can at the moment and move on. Somehow, I know when I do have the right title. One of my writer quirks is that I need a title for it to seem like a real story.
Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I’d like readers to come away with hope and happiness.
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?
I do my best to create a world the reader wants to spend time in with characters that are interesting. I make things as real as I can.
Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Most of the time I write the experiences are a mixture of myself, friends and family. Adjustments are made to protect the innocent and not so innocent.
Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most? a mentor?
The historical romance novels from the late 1970s and the 1980s, Harlequin lines: Blaze, Shadows, Nocturne and Intrigue. Individual authors: Sherrilyn Kenyon, Kerrelyn Sparks, Angela Knight, Deidre Knight, Karen Marie Moning and Kimberly Raye.
Fiona: What book are you reading now?
I purchased some new books so I haven’t started reading yet. It’s been a while since I’ve read a Scottish historical (my favorite!) so I’ll probably read that next.
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Harlequin authors Regina Kyle and Stephanie London.
Fiona: What are your current projects?
A couple of novellas, a YA novel that needs editing and four novels in various stages.
Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
I have a couple of writing friends who have stayed by me through the years.
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
Yes, I do. I write full time and I’m slowly getting back into teaching.
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
There isn’t anything I would change right now. One of the areas of flexibility with self-publishing is having the ability to go back and change your novel. Covers can be be changed too. The process isn’t always quick or without hassle but it can be done.
Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I’ve wanted to be a writer and artist for as long as I can remember.
Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Thank you for asking. I’d love to share something with you. This is a rough draft of a humorous contemporary romance, called One Hot Cowboy. All the other goodies will be put in later. I write in layers. This is the beginning of the story. I hope you like it and at least get an idea of the book.
One Hot Cowboy
By Tambra Nicole Kendall
Bug Tussle, Texas
“I, Elizabeth Grace Wyndham, founder and leader of The Hen Party Matchmaking Society, do solemnly swear to use all the abilities God Almighty gave me to get couples together who are too blind, and ornery to do it themselves.” Elizabeth lowered her right hand and removed her left from the worn, leather Bible. She turned and placed it on the breakfast bar behind her.
Jane, the co-leader and secretary, reached for the cowbell in front of her and rang it. “Let the first meetin’ of the The Hens commence.”
Taking a sip of coffee, Elizabeth let the caffeine work its magic. “Ladies, I think know who our first couple going to be: Thayne and my daughter Laurel. What do you think?”
Audrey, Leona and Hasana all looked at each other, nodded in affirmation. In unison they said, “agreed!”
Jane heaved a long suffering sigh. “Those two have been in love with each other since grade school. My son most definitely falls into the blind and ornery category.”
“Just before Thayne left this last time, he was spittin’ mad at Laurel. He grabbed her and kissed her right in front of my Cafe.” Hasana shook her index finger. “They was hotter than my kitchen!”
“Ladies, the devil is in the details. We have a lot of work to do and not much time. Those two have wasted too much time. We need grandbabies to spoil, to pass on our knowledge to this generation before it’s too late.”
Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Writing in deep point of view. I’m working hard on it though.
Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Sherrilyn Kenyon. Her characters and worldbuilding are amazing. Then, Karen Marie Moning for the same reasons.
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
I didn’t do any traveling in the past. This past year my husband and I went on a fabulous vacation. I picked up a number of brochures. Something might show up in a future story. My husband had been to all these places and wanted to share them with me. I’m so glad he did. I loved the caves. We were married in the Spring of 2013 so we haven’t done a lot of traveling yet.
Last year we went to the Grand Canyon, Meteor Crater, Four Corners, Carlsbad Cavern, Caverns of Sonora, Cave with No Name, Natural Bridge Caverns and one more that I can’t remember the name of. I guess that was our Texas Down Under vacation.
Fiona: Who designed the covers?
I have and my best friend has designed one.
Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Making sure I haven’t left anything important out. Wanting to give the reader the very best experience I can.
Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Each book has its own rhythm and feel to it. Some books seem to write themselves are you’re just the conduit of getting the words down. Some books fight you all the way to the end and all the other areas in between. When I get stuck, I look at my story notes, review research information and the characters GMC (goal, motivation and conflict). One Hot Cowboy is a contemporary romance. I haven’t written many straight contemporaries. Normally, a story is paranormal for me. The tone, the plot, everything is funny, sweet but will be sizzling hot between the hero and the heroine.
Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Write what you love. It really does show up in your writing. If you can join a professional organization where you can meet writers of the genre you write in. I happen to be a member of Romance Writers of America and a few of their specialty chapters. Savvy Authors is a great place to get information and to take writers workshops. They offer various time lengths and a wide variety of topics to choose from.
Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thank you readers for choosing my books. Each and every one of you are appreciated more than you know.
Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
No. But the first book that made a significant impact on me was A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle. I was in the fifth grade.
Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?
Animals and babies make me laugh. A story of love, tenderness and self-sacrifice.
Fiona: Is there one person pass or present you would meet and why?
Keith Urban. He’s a very interesting and intelligent man. There would be a wide range of topics to discuss: music, travel, song writing, food and more.
Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone and why ?
On my head stone, let’s see. I had think for a little while first. “She loved with all her heart, lived life to the fullest and was grateful for every blessing.”
Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?
Watercolors, sewing, photography, make greeting cards, learning digital art.
Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
We don’t television out here but my husband and I go to the movies quite a bit. I love movies like The Avengers, Thor, Iron Man. I missed Paddington and I really wanted to go and see it. So, I’m waiting for the DVD to come out.
Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music
Lasagna with lots of cheese, Cheese enchiladas, bread. I have Celiac so I have to watch what I eat. There some good products starting to come out that don’t taste like cardboard, that actually taste like real food.
Favorite color: Pink
Music: Contemporary country, Celtic and Classical.
Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
Commercial artist.
Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?
Website: www.daughtersofavalonpublishing.com
Blog: https://tambranicolekendall.wordpress.com/
Fiona,
Thank you so much for the lovely interview!
All the best, Tambra
authorsinterviews 
Great interview, Tambra, and thanks for the shout-out!
Reblogged this on Tambra Nicole Kendall: Author of Romance and Nonfiction and commented:
Here is my interview with the lovely, Fiona Mcvie!
Regina Kyle, I love your writing and hope to one day be a Blaze babe like you.
Pingback: Here is my interview with Tambra Nicole Kendall | Avon Romance