T.M. Franklin started out her career writing non-fiction in a television newsroom. Graduating with a B.A. in Communications specializing in broadcast journalism and production, she worked for nine years as a major market television news producer, and garnered two regional Emmy Awards, before she resigned to be a full-time mom and part-time freelance writer. Her first published novel, MORE is now available. Book 2 in the MORETrilogy, The Guardians, will be released in 2013.
Ten Questions
1. Who's your favorite author, and why?
Oh, that’s a tough one. It depends on my mood, and honestly, I’m a bit fickle. My favorites change based on what I’m reading at the moment, I think. I love authors that evoke some kind of emotional response – those that make me laugh out loud or cry or just think for hours or days after I finish reading.
I’d say my favorite comedic writer is Janet Evanovich. She’s got such a talent for writing outrageous humor that’s pee-your-pants funny. (No, I haven’t done that, but it’s been close!) For historical fiction, I’d have to go with Diana Gabaldon, who wrote the Outlander series. She blends fantasy with real historical events in such a compelling way. And the last thing I read that really made me cry was actually a fan fiction contest entry. The contest is anonymous, so I can’t say much about the story, but hit me up after the winners are announced on December 15th and I’ll be glad to share the wealth.
2. If you could have a conversation with one of the characters in your most-recently released novel, which one would it be and why?
Probably Tiernan. Caleb and Ava are pretty much open books, but Tiernan is a man of mystery. It would be fun to try and get inside that big shaved head of his.
3. Where do you get the ideas and inspiration for your characters personalities?
Many places. Some are based on people I’ve known in real life. Others’ personalities simply develop from the part I want them to play in the plot. Generally, the characters I like get personality traits I like and admire, while villains get the opposite.
Telling stories and actually having people read them. We all like to say we write for ourselves, but the fact of the matter is, if there’s nobody to read the stories, what’s the point?
I’d say the best thing is when someone reads and gets what you’re trying to say. I recently got a review for MORE that said, “That is exactly what this book is: a fun read. This is the 'sit down on a cool fall day, cuddle under a blanket, and get lost in another world that might actually be our world' kinda book." – So You Think You Can Write.
This is exactly what I was trying to write – not a Pulitzer Prize winner or some great piece of literary art (not that I even could!) – just something fun to read. So this comment thrilled me!
5. How did you find your agent/publisher?
My publisher approached me after learning from one of their authors (Thank you, Sydney Logan!) that I was working on a manuscript they might be interested in. They asked for a synopsis and the first three chapters of MORE, and then the full manuscript. They offered me a contract for the trilogy and that was that.
It’s not really writing advice per se, but more about dealing with negative reviews. It can be paralyzing when you’re trying to write and see a negative comment or review of your story. You get to second guessing every little thing and it can be very distracting, not to mention disheartening.
I read a blog post recently by Rachel Thompson, an author and social media expert. One of the things she said about negative reviews is so simple but so true – not everybody likes everything. It’s all subjective, to a certain extent.
Go check out the Amazon reviews for some of your favorite books. Even Divergent and The Hunger Games – huge commercial successes with broad fan bases – have one-star reviews. Now, this is not to say that negative reviews should be ignored, because the fact is, sometimes they’re right. I’ve had negative comments about my book that I’ve had to admit were spot on, and I hope they will help me grow as a writer and make the next book better. But I think the trick is to keep it all in perspective. Take what is constructive, and let the rest go.
7. Biggest mistake you've made as an author?
8. What would the lead character of your latest novel want for Christmas?
Oh, Ava’s had a busy time of it – running for her life and learning there’s another Race living in secret among humans and all – so I think she’d just like to have a quiet Christmas at home with her family and maybe Caleb. Some time with nobody trying to kill or capture her, and no conspiracies she’s in the midst of. I have a feeling she might get that, too. Guess we’ll see in Book 2. J
9. Favorite Christmas music?
10. What was the best gift you ever received?
Probably my laptop. I don’t know what I’d do without it!
Thank you, T. M.!
You can find T.M. Franklin's MORE at Amazon, Barnes & Noble TWCS Publishing House, iBooks and Kobo
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