Hi Tamara, thank you for agreeing to this
interview. Tell us a little about yourself and your background?
I am Tamara Wellons-Blanks, born in Albany, GA, raised and residing in
Cordele, GA. I have been married,
presently divorced and the mother of three beautiful daughters. My daughters are Tamiya, Tia and Tamryn. Tamiya and Tia are twins and they will be
graduating in 2017. Tamryn is the
youngest and a high school freshman.
I am a member of the Cordele Institutional Church of God in Christ in
Cordele, GA. I graduated from Crisp
County High School. I am a certified
Electrocardiograph Technician. I
attended several colleges, obtaining credits in business administration and
management and working full-time.
Eventually, I had to stop college and work full-time to take care of my
daughters. Being a single mother has not
been easy, but it is definitely worth it.
I would not change one obstacle that slowed my progressiona because no
matter the issue, I never stopped striving.
I finally realized I needed to start applying the skills and knowledge I
had obtained, instead of having it to the side waiting for the next opportunity
for school. After coming to that
realization, I was able to obtain employment in management, business
administration and secretarial work in different businesses. I can honestly say, walking around with
knowledge and skills are no good unless you decide apply them.
Writing has been one of my dearest passions nearly my entire life. I never stopped writing poetry, short
stories, jotting down ideas, no matter what I was doing. The dream and long term goal of becoming a published
author remained alive within me.
Whenever I felt an inspiration, I would write. Knowing inspiration could come at any time, I
have always tried to keep a pen and journal or notepad with me.
My parents, siblings and family have always been supportive. We are not the perfect family, but we love
each other and when one is in need, we are there for them. In our family, we are taught to work hard for
what we want and to have faith and strive to achieve it. My life has never been perfect or easy, but
to look back at where I have come from...all I can say is God is real and God
is good all the time, through each and every good and bad circumstance.
What are your ambitions for your writing career?
I want to be
a successful published author. I want to
inspire children to become more involved with reading and learning to expand
their knowledge. I want to inspire more
adults to read. I guess one could say my
ambitions for my writing career are using my passion and for purpose. Writing is my passion, I have written many
days without purpose, however I now have a purpose with my passion. If I can publish a book that can intrigue a
reader, or even better a non-reader, my purpose for writing is beneficial.
Which writers inspire you?
Edgar Allan
Poe, Stephen King, Maya Angelou, Zane, Langston Hughes, Alice Walker, Frederick
Douglass, Mark Twain and Harper Lee.
Each of these writers have their own unique style and usage of words
that captures my attention. I am also
inspired by the way they use(d) their platforms for greater good. If one was to read the biographies of these
authors, they would be intrigued by the obstacles they have faced and
overcame. Some were rejected
continuously, however they never stopped writing and being persistent. Others used their writing to uplift,
encourage, entertain and/or bring the ignored realities to the forefront that
need attention. Keeping it short, they
are inspirational because they make me think, "What and how can I write to
keep readers interested in my work now and later? What can I write that may possibly bring a
positive change? What can I do that will
not just benefit me but others as well?"
These writers have made and are making an impact with their creativity,
their humbleness to contribute to positive change and individuality. Also, the writers that I have the pleasure of
networking and speaking with personally.
To see first-hand of writers that have tenure in their writing careers
is very inspirational. To witness their
drive, dedication and growth encourages me to keep pushing.
What are you working on at the minute?
I am
presently working on several projects, which include another chidren's book,
Biblical ABC Learning 2. I am also
working my first series, entitled Single Mother Diaries. Presently, I am unsure of the number of
installations, however I have eight diaries that I am working on so far. Last, but not least, more poetry
compilations.
What genre are your books and why?
Children/youth
is one genre of books. I feel it is
important for children to begin reading and enjoying books as soon as
possible. I am able to give more options
for children to read and learn and that is a blessing. Poetry is another genre. I like poetry because there are so many
creative ways to express yourself or convey a point. There are many quotes and memes about
writing, but the one that sticks out the most with me is, "Poetry is a way
to tell a story without using complete sentences." I enjoy writing urban fiction. I like this genre because in my opinion, it
tells the stories of some realities, giving them a fictional twist for intrigue
and delight.
In 10 words or less can you create a quote that describes you
and your writing?
Keepin' It
Roaring
Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead
character from your most recent book?
My most
recent publication was a poetry book containing no characters, obviously. But I would like to hear James Earl Jones
read the Poetic Mind section of Poetic Compilations of the Heart, Mind and
Soul. We already know he has a
resounding voice and I think he would nail that section in Spoken Word!
When did you decide to become a writer?
I have always
been passionate about writing pretty much my entire life. My first love was poetry. I enjoyed writing short stories, essays, book
reports, just anything that allowed me to be creative with my pen or
pencil. I entered poetry contests and
actually won several times. I decided I
wanted to become a published writer around 15 or 16 years old. Now, 20+ years later, after marriage, three
kids, divorce, more education and experience in business, I am finally a
published writer/author.
Do you write full-time or part-time?
Mostly
full-time.
Do you have a special time to write or how is your day
structured?
I accomplish
the most writing at night, when everyone is asleep. I also try to get a few lines or stanzas
written throughout the day, but I spend daylight hours mostly networking,
promoting, editing and brainstorming. I
probably have a dozen notebooks, literally, that I use for notes, ideas,
jotting down professional connections, etc.
Do you aim for a set amount of words/pages per day?
No I do
not. I prefer to concentrate on the
content of the project(s) I am working on, as opposed to the amount of
words/pages per day.
Where do your ideas come from?
I love
reading and I do not limit myself to specific genres. I also have a vivid imagination!
Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see
where an idea takes you?
It all
depends on the type of project I am working on.
If I am working on poetry or a children's book, it is more of seeing how
far creativity takes me. However,
outlines and plot creations are very necessary when I am working on projects
with characters.
How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?
I think I
have evolved creatively a good 20%. I
know that 20% does not seem to be a lot.
However, there is so much more to writing than just, writing. You have to think of book covers, bios,
target audiences, marketing techniques, promotional tactics, illustrations and
so much more. In the beginning, I was
thinking creativity goes beyond just writing a book. Now, as my journey progresses, I KNOW
creativity goes beyond just writing a book.
I am proud of my little 20% (lol).
I have so much more to learn and I am looking forward to the
challenges.
What is the hardest thing about writing?
The hardest
thing for me sometimes is my choice of words, depending on the type of
book. I have to remind myself, "I
am a writer because I can express myself, my way. Regardless of my choice of words, there will
always be something bad found in the good and something good found in the
bad."
What was the hardest thing about writing your latest
book?
My latest
book is a poetry compilation so I am going to piggyback off of the previous
answer. My choice of words in some of
the poems.
What is the easiest thing about writing?
The easiest
thing about writing for me is going through the thought process, creating
ideas.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
Depending on
the type of book, eight months minimum to about three years, so far.
Where can you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
I do not
want to limit myself in writing, so I can see myself having books published in
a variety of genres to reach more readers.
I want my name, Tamara Wellons-Blanks or Dandii_Lion to be an option in
as many genres as possible. If I am not
already operating a bookstore, I can see it being in the making. Either an online bookstore or an actual
bookstore in my hometown of Cordele, GA, if not both. I can see myself having a readers group for
kids. I want kids to become more
interested in reading.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
My advice to
my younger self would be to be more responsible.
Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet
and why?
I would like
to meet Cicely Tyson. She is one of my
role models. Her vitality, her
persistence, her will, her humbleness, the list goes on, are all admirable
characteristics. She takes a powerful
stand as a black woman. I would like to
know about the obstacles she faced and overcame being an african american
woman. Everyone has a different story, a
different motivation and I would like to know her story, personally. Just to be in her presence would be an
inspiration blessing.
If you could have been the original author of any book, what
would it have been and why? I know this is so way back and weird, but,
"The Fall of the House of Usher" by Edgar Allan Poe. This story has been one of my favorites and
most intriguing since I was in high school.
I am amazed with his use of imagery and personification as he tells the
story of the Usher family house. The
offset relationship between the brother and sister. The lover willing to save the sister. It's depressing, intriguing, hopeful for love,
somewhat suspenseful and maniacally genius.
I still read this story today.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Above all
else, keep God first in all that you do.
Don't be afraid to learn or seek help/advice. Never have the mindset that you already know
everything, there is always something more to learn. The only limits are the limits you place on
yourself. Be humble, be consistent, be
supportive and never stop reaching for the goals you have set for yourself.
Email: majesticlioness78@gmail.com
Facebook: Author Dandii_Lion
Twitter: @DandiiAuthor1
Goodreads: Tamara (Author
Dandii_Lion)
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