Friday Author Spotlight (on Thursday): Tamara Grantham

This week I get to interview Tamara Grantham to help spotlight her new fantasy release, DREAMTHIEF.

1. What inspired you to write this story? Did you begin with Olive?

Tamara: Dreamthief started out as a question asked by my brother-in-law. He worked as a military policeman at Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma. Apparently, he’d pulled over quite a few people who were a little off. They also happened to display fairies and unicorns on their car’s bumpers. “Are people who read fantasy books and collect fairy stuff a little weird?” he had asked.

Hmm… Were they? And if they were, then why? These questions evolved into my book’s premise. What if they’ve really been to fairy world and can’t remember it? And what if their lost memories are causing their societal abnormalities and mental disorders? And if so, who would treat them? A half-elf who can remember both earth and fairy world?

2. Since Olive is a therapist, did you do any research to make her believable?

Tamara: I’m lucky that my husband attended medical school and learned a few things about mental disorders, so I frequently picked his brain. I also suffered with depression while I was pregnant with my last two babies, so I guess you could say I did some, “in the field” research. It also helps to have quirky friends and family members, but hey—don’t we all?

3. I'm intrigued with your fairy world Faythander. I noticed there are dragons and other dangers there. What is the scariest thing about this realm?

Tamara: In book one, the goblins are the scariest. They’re more like zombies than traditional goblins, and their skin excretions are poisonous. I suppose I like a good scare now and then, so I had fun writing about the bad guys.

4. I love the trading cards you had designed for your giveaways. How did that come about?

Tamara: My friend and fellow author Kelly Risser did character spotlights to introduce her Never Forgotten series, and she suggested I do something similar. At the time, I had five weeks before my book’s release, and oddly enough, five major races in Faythander, so it made sense that I would connect the two. Marya Heiman with Strong Image Editing designed the cards, and I think she did a fabulous job. I recommend her to everyone.

5. When did you first begin to write for publication?

Tamara: After I wrote my first book, it became obvious that if I ever wanted anyone to read what I’d written, I would have to publish.

6. How do you manage to keep writing with five children?

Tamara: Ha! If I had a nickel for every time I get asked that one… You know, I’m not really sure. I just do it. I honestly think it helps to have kids around. They make me take breaks, give my mind a minute to rest, and then I’m ready to get back to writing again.

7. Name one fun fact about Dreamthief you'd like to share with readers.

Tamara: Okay, this one may sound odd, but I’m a member of the Mormon church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), but I’m not from Utah and I never went to BYU, which is usually how one can tell if you’re Mormon. I still wanted my readers to know that I was Mormon, so I put a few hints in Dreamthief. Two hints, actually, Nehor and Pahoran, which are names of people from the Book of Mormon. And now you know my secret!

8. Name one fun fact about Tamara Grantham. :) 

Tamara: I can’t spell the word rhythm to save my life. Thanks goodness for spell check!

9. Is fantasy your favorite genre to read and write?

Tamara: Absolutely, although I’ll read anything if I feel like it’s well written.

10. What is your next writing project?

Tamara: I’ve just finished Dreamthief’s sequel, called Spellweaver, which will release tentatively in January, and now I’m outlining book 3.

I want to give a special thanks to Katy Jones. What an inspiration! Whenever I feel low, I think about Katy and what she endures, and it gives me the courage to keep going. Thank you for your strength, Katy!

Aw, thanks, Tamara! I've really enjoyed meeting you through the Clean Indie Reads group and can't wait to read DREAMTHIEF! 

Get your copy of DREAMTHIEF at Amazon today!

Check out Tamara's blog, Tamara Dares to Write!