Interview with author Tiffany Carmouche
1:
What is *Your Book* about? As the author, what do you say it is
about?
This
is the second book in The Alaska Trilogy. Much of the first book, The
Impostor, had a basis on what had happened to me when I left
everything I knew to travel to Alaska. While I was writing it, my
muse had a mind of its own and it became a lot more.
The
second book in the trilogy, Obsession and Sacrifice is a book of
rediscovery. Nicole wakes up from a coma with no idea who she is, or
who the incredibly sexy men, Dylan and Brad, are. She realizes they
are her only hope to unlocking her past and helping her stay alive.
It is the story of love, friendship, survival, obsession and
sacrifice.
2: How did the idea for this story come about?
This
is the second book from a bunch of mini movie trailers in my head
that morphed into a trilogy. I became fascinated with people who woke
up from comas because in a way it is like a new beginning.
3:
Where is your well of inspiration for this novel? How did the idea
come to you?
I
wanted to play with was the idea we are given second chances at life
and no matter what the struggle is and how many times you are knocked
down, it is important to get up, and learn to live again. Sometimes
if we let it life becomes stale. It is important to realize that it
is called life for a reason! Savor it, embrace it, live it!
4:
Do you base any of your characters on real people? If so, do they
know, and how do they feel about their portrayal?
It
depends on the person. The main villain is based on someone who was
stalking me in Alaska when I was there. No, he doesn’t know and I
am hoping to keep it that way, especially since I made him a serial
killer instead of just a murderer.
Jess
in the book is based off my daughter. She did journey with me to
Alaska. And my best friend in the book is based on the best friend I
convinced to leave everything to travel to the unknown.
The
other characters I base on aspects of people I have known.
5:
Writing music? What is coming through your speakers when you're
writing?
Silence.
I love silence. It is golden. But when I need inspiration for a movie
in my head to play…it depends on the scene. Guardian Angel by Red
Jumpsuit Apparatus, I loved because not only was it a love song, but
I could also envision the fight scenes in it.
6: If your book
had a theme song, what would it be and why?
Guardian Angel would be
the trilogy’s Theme song. Obsession? Hmmm. I think Breath Me by
Sia. Stronger Kelly Clarkson. I am drawing a blank There are so many
great songs out there!
7: For you, what is the most
problematic portion of writing a novel? Plot lines? Character depth?
Copy
edits--Those stupid mistakes that everyone seems to miss. The missing
periods, the check instead of cheek. Nightmare! You hire great
editors but even then they hide until you have the book in print!
8:
When writing, are you ever stumped? How do you get over it?
I
go on facebook and socialize with my amazing facebook family. This
is when I like music. It focuses you. I write because I want to. I do
not have deadlines or people screaming at me if I don’t produce.
So, if I am stumped, I stop writing. There is so much else to do. I
am learning everything about the indie business and you can write an
amazing book but if no one buys it well…that kinda stinks. I’m
still learning this aspect of it. If anyone wants to give me
pointers, that would be awesome or if anyone would like to have me
on their blog or pimp my books, that would be amazing… no takers?
Anyway… when I am in a slump, I just focus my energy on other
things that need to get done or just enjoy life.
9: Do you
have a character that is most like you? If so, why and how?
Nicole
is most like me. Naïve, hardheaded, with a thirst for life.
10:
Are there any characters that were difficult to write? If so, why?
I
met with someone about criminal investigation who worked with NCIS
over bubble tea a few times while writing my about my serial killer
to make sure he was realistic.
11:
What are you working on now? What can we expect to see from you in
the near future?
I
am working on the third book in the trilogy. This one is a lot of fun
because I get to choose which ending. (I wrote 3 so even I don’t
know who will win Nicole’s heart yet lol ) I have been asked to
write spin off books with the other characters and have a few mapped
out. I will be putting out a poetry book this year and I have a
paranormal romance that wants to be told. But most importantly I am
writing a series for women who, like me, escaped abuse called Out of
the Shadows. If you have any readers that would like to share their
story, please have the contact me at tiffanycarmouche (at) ymail (dot
) com (It can be anonymous) I feel if we can give one woman the
strength to know she can begin again it will be a success. All of the
money made from the book will go to making a difference. It is one of
the many causes I am passionate about. My auto bio is called Because
of Love. Parts
are painful so I had to put it down for a bit. There are sacrifices
we make ‘because of love’, secrets we keep ‘because of love’
and sometimes the only way we can survive is ‘because of love.’
It may be coming out later this year.
12:
If any actress was to play you in your biopic, who would it be?
I
think the girl from Sherlock homes would be my dream. She has the
same type of personality it seems. But there are so many amazing
actresses out there.
13: Speaking of family and friends, do
you have a support system when it comes to writing? What was the
reaction from those close to you about your novels?
I
think people are sometimes skeptical when you strive for your dreams.
My daughters and my cousins have been incredibly supportive though.
14: If you could change anything about the book(s) that are
already out there, is there something you wish you'd changed?
I
think as a perfectionist, there is always room for improvement. But
if everyone waited for perfection… there wouldn’t be any books
out there…
15: You're about to write. Do you have a ritual?
I
wish I did…I grab a cup of coffee often, but even that isn’t a
sure thing. I write anywhere. On my bed, in the dining room, in my
car, in Starbucks, on a plane… when the muse strikes I will grab a
napkin and an eyeliner if I have to.
16: You meet one
of your characters in a dark alley. You...?
Jump
his bones
17:
What do you want fans to know about *Your Book*? About you? What do
you want them to know about your day, your passions, your mind-frame
when you're writing?
I’m
a single mom. The most important thing about me is my two beautiful
daughters who define my existence. I have experienced a lot of
amazing things but they are my biggest accomplishment. I am truly
blessed!
Me?
I grew up, knowing I could conquer the world, so off I went. I never
have been into material things as much as adventures. I love
discovering new places. Each one becomes a part of you, something
that can’t be repossessed, stolen or broken, it is yours. Little
did I know when I set off on my adventure to Alaska that it would be
turned into a novel and shared with the world. Thank you for joining
me one the journey.
I
have had some amazing experiences, but I have lived through a few
struggles as well. I am beginning to see the silver lining and am not
being sucked under the current as much anymore. I hope somehow my
pain can be an inspiration to others during their dark times. And in
a way my books will let people know no matter how many times they are
knocked down it is important to get up and learn to walk again… and
truly appreciate life. I would love to hear from your readers. I am
always on Facebook and love to see your pictures of who you think
would be the perfect Dylan or Bradley
Live life OUT LOUD!!!
