"SPLITTING HARRIET"
November, 2007
 

Read Excerpt

"PERFECTING KATE"
February, 2007

Read Excerpt

 "STEALING ADDA"
March, 2006


Read Excerpt

"FAKING GRACE"
Due Out August 2008


Read Excerpt
 

RADIO INTERVIEWS

WWJC, AM 850, Duluth, Minnesota
  December 6, 2007 Radio Interview: LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW (Real Media Format)    (http://www.wwjc.com/northlandnotebook.html#archives)

WDLM, FM 89.3, AM 960, E. Moline, Illinois (website)
  December 7, 2007 Radio Interview, 10 a.m. CST

KNEO, FM 91.7 (The Word) Neosho, Missouri (website)
Thursday, January 17, 2008, 10:00 a.m. CST

KFUO, AM 850, Clayton, Missouri (website)
Tuesday, January 22, 2008, 8:30 a.m. CST

KBJS, FM 90.3, Jacksonville, Texas (website)
Tuesday, January 22, 2008, 11:05 a.m. CST

KCMI, FM 96.9, Scottsbluff, Nebraska (website)
Wednesday, January 23, 2008, 11:05 a.m. CST

WAWZ, FM 99.1 (Star 99.1)  New Jersey/New York (website)
Wednesday, January 30, 2008, 9:35 a.m. CST

KREJ, FM 101.7, Medicine Lodge, Kansas & Northern Oklahoma (website)
Thursday, February 7, 2008, 8:30 a.m. CST

WBCL, FM 90.3, Ft. Wayne, Indiana & 88.1/89.5 - North West & West Central Ohio (website)
Monday, April 21, 2008, 8:35 a.m. CST

T.V. INTERVIEWS

:::::  I was pleased to do a Deeper Shopping Television Interview on the Inspiration Network in February of 2007.  Deeper Shopping Television is a revolutionary new TV show, spotlighting the next generation of creators, innovators, authors, artists and their products.  If you love books, literacy, culture, music, art, jewelry, clothing, home decor and giftware, then you will love Deeper Shopping TV!  Visit the Deeper Shopping Website.

  Friday, December 7, 2007: Guest speaker

What/who inspired you to create Harri and the other characters in your book?
A couple of years back, I read Franklin Graham’s REBEL WITH A CAUSE and was moved by his story of growing up in the spotlight and dealing with the expectations of—literally—millions of people.  This, in addition to my own experience with preacher’s kids, opened my eyes to the incredible amount of pressure placed on these children to say and do and be everything that the church members expect from the son/daughter of a preacher.  And so Harriet was born, angst and all.

Tell us how your son Skyler came up with the name, Maddox McCray for Harri’s nemesis, and did he also think of “Mad Ox” (laughed myself silly at that!!)
While Skyler was shooting baskets in our driveway, I read him a rough of the first chapter of Splitting Harriet.  Afterward, while brainstorming scenes with him, I mentioned that I was having difficulty naming my hero.  I rattled off some names and he chose Maddox.  But Maddox what?  Around and around we went until he suggested McCray, a last name he was using for a character in a story he was writing.  Maddox McCray—perfect!

“Mad Ox”, delivered by the Down’s Syndrome character in Splitting Harriet, was my doing.  As a Speech Pathologist, I worked with a Down’s Syndrome boy who often spoke in syllables, especially with new vocabulary.  And so “Maddox” became “Mad Ox.”

What was your favourite scene to write?
I love the “initial meet” between boy and girl, so I’ll have to go with the scene where Harriet takes a tumble and ends up flat on her back amid a rainbow of Jelly Bellys.  Of course, the infuriating Maddox is looking on.  Fun!  Then there was their “getting to know you”—Grrrr!—walk down Red Sea Lane that followed. More fun!

You have a flair for humorous chick lit but your novels have a serious side ~ does the story or the message come first?
You’re making me analyse?  Think, Tamara, think!  Which comes first?  Well, the story has to be compelling in order to hold the reader’s attention in order to deliver the message.  But if the writer doesn’t deliver the message (read: believable), what good is the story?  Eek!  Can I just say the two go hand-in-hand?  My head’s starting to hurt.

Splitting Harriet’s message of grace and forgiveness had a great impact on me ~ what made you choose that theme?
Like Harriet, it’s never been easy for me to accept God’s forgiveness.  Though I ask for forgiveness and know it’s been given, there’s this little voice inside that says “WAY too easy.  You don’t deserve that.”  But, then, none of us do.  Grace… ? 

:::::  Click here to read the full interview at Title Trakk website

Craighart.net after STEALING ADDA was awarded the "Craig's Choice Award":

What advice would you offer to a beginning author?
Save yourself! Just kidding. Regardless of the hard work inherent in pursuing the dream of publication--and there will be times when your enemy's enemy (AKA the round file) looks mighty appealing--it's worth the blood, sweat, and tears. Well...not the blood. Seriously, the first thing I'd advise a beginning author is to WRITE. Every day, if possible. The goal: to get the story on paper, no matter how rough. Once the beginning, middle, and end are in place, go back and "fluff": flesh out characters, add supporting details, fill gaping holes, etc. In the midst of all this writing, don't neglect to read. Read authors whose work you admire and don't limit yourself to those within your own chosen genre. And don't forget to read books on publication and the craft of writing.

Ask trusted friends to read your work and provide feedback (you do know that if you keep scowling like that, your face will get stuck...). Give it a try. Seek out experienced writers who are willing to mentor. A good place to start is national writers' organizations such as American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). These organizations have local chapters you can join. Above all, be patient and persistent.

Do you use any particular writing strategies, i.e. outlines, etc.?
I am sooo ashamed. Writing strategies? Not really (head hanging). Though in other areas of my life I am VERY organized, I typically begin with a character, a plot, a reasonably clear beginning, a half-baked middle, and a vague end. I wouldn't call it a free-for-all, seat-of-my-pants endeavor...but close. So why don't I develop writing strategies to make the process easier? I happen to be partial to the unknown turns and twists my characters lead me through--surprises around every corner to keep the story interesting for the one stuck in the chair plunking at the keys.

Ah, but what about the synopsis--that which sells the book? Call me compulsive, but several of the stories I've sold were full-length manuscripts when they arrived on an editor's desk. As for the others, they were one-third to one-half complete when I sat down to the dread task of writing the synopsis. Thus, I had more to work with than a mere three chapters, which gave me a better idea of where the story was heading. Still, many of the scenes I was FORCED to foresee in writing a synopsis never made it to the final draft (my character chose the blue pill rather than the red...).

What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?
Of course I want my stories to reveal Christianity to non-believers and inspire those who have already accepted Christ as their Savior, but I also hope they bring the light of love and laughter to the readers who make the journey with my characters. On a personal note, my switch from mainstream to inspirational has deepened my own relationship with God who, through my writing, has revealed areas in my life that need attention. Had I not projected certain feelings and thoughts on my characters for which they had to answer to God, my blinders might still be on (I'm working on it!).

What are your writing habits, i.e. do you set daily writing goals?
Ooh, easy question. During the school year, I typically write/edit Monday through Friday 9:00 till 2:30. Once summer hits, family time is a priority, so my writing hours are all over the place (if present at all). When I'm strictly writing (as opposed to editing), I shoot for a word count of 1,000/day. Unfortunately, my aim isn't always the best.

How did you get your start in writing?
By reading. Really. Reading books I loved and thinking, "I wish I could write something like this". Reading books that disappointed me and thinking, "I could write better than this" (followed by a snort of disgust and the overwhelming temptation to throw the book against a wall). Then something happened. My husband and I decided to start a family, with plans for me to continue as a speech pathologist after our children were born. Not until the blessing of a child proved elusive did I accept what I knew God wanted from me--to stay home and raise our children. Convicted to find a way to work out of the home, I wrote my first book that would be published as WARRIOR BRIDE. On the very day my agent called with news of Bantam Books' offer of a four-book contract, I received a call from my doctor confirming my pregnancy (still gives me the chills).

Do you believe in writer's block and, if so, what techniques do you use to break through it?
Boy, do I believe! As it was for Adda, there was a time when writer's block was something with which OTHER writers were afflicted. Not me. I did struggle with certain aspects of my stories, but I certainly didn't freeze up for long periods of time. I could always push through it. But then life got more complicated as life tends to do the older one gets. Sometimes it's simply not possible to focus on a story when real life comes knocking. Although I haven't found the cure-all for my particular strain of writer's block, walking away for an hour...a day...even a week (Ugh!) often clears the blockage. Failing that, sometimes feedback from my sister or husband works. And then there's shopping--

Maybe not. Regardless, it's ALWAYS a good idea to pray.

What do you think is the single most important part of a story?
Hmm. I'd have to say that the creation of characters with whom readers can relate is the most important part of a story. Face it: we all want to be transported. And the only way for that to happen is to feel what the character feels...care about them...worry about them...laugh with them... In short, join them on the journey.

Obviously, it takes a love of writing to see one through the trials of the craft, but how do you approach your own writing? Do you do it purely out of love or a sense of duty? Do you consider it a ministry?
Love? Sense of duty? Both. I love to write, and ache when I go for any length of time without putting words on paper. As for a sense of duty, writing not only enabled me to stay home with our children, but when I'm under contract, duty is what makes me strap myself in and write when I'm tempted to accept an out-of-the-blue invite from a friend (not that I don't succumb from time to time). I like the "ministry" part of the question, which I couldn't have answered in regards to my previous books. And that's why STEALING ADDA is so special to me. Though the Christian market is smaller than the mainstream market I've left behind, I believe Adda's tale will impact more readers than my other seven books combined. So, yes, writing is my ministry. Ooh...I like that.

What do you think is the most rewarding part of your work?
The ability to share my stories with so many people has always been rewarding. But now I get to share my faith as well and, in the process, strengthen my own relationship with God. That is more reward than I'm worthy of.

What do you think it means to be a Christian writer?
I've been a mainstream writer, and now a Christian writer. And there is a difference. As a Christian writer, I've been given permission to share my faith without fear of offense which sometimes required extensive editing of my mainstream books. Thus, I have the opportunity to give my readers more than just a romance. I can give them a life-changing message.