Tamara Miller Davis, TMD: Author of DTB, embracing life through reading, rollerblading, skiing, travel, music, dance, and uniting people. A list-making family lover at heart. We enjoyed having this Author Interview – Tamara Miller Davis for our blog. Check out this fantastic author and follow them for more amazing stories.

Tamara Miller Davis is an author, Californian fire wife, mother, substitute teacher, and U.S. Coast Guard veteran from Michigan. Tamara has published articles, participated in poetry readings, spoken on podcasts, and performed on stage via USA Today’s Storytellers Project. Her debut book, “Despite the Buzz,” won awards for contemporary romance and literary fiction.

When did you start writing?

I started writing as a young person. I’ve always kept a journal. It wasn’t until college, after my enlistment, that I started to publish pieces.

What was it like growing up?

I grew up in northern Michigan. It was nice to live on and near lakes, in small towns, with space to wander. I have a younger brother, and we sometimes snowmobiled or biked country roads to school.

How was your early life?

My early life was formative. My parents exposed my brother and me to outdoor activities and experiences that shaped my interests. They supported my community involvement at school within leadership roles, clubs, track, and cheerleading. Although they divorced when I was eleven, my parents worked hard and provided a good upbringing.

What has been the biggest influence in your career?

The biggest influences on my writing path probably took place in college, where I felt stimulated and inspired by books and discussions. I was lucky to have professors who believed in and encouraged me. My husband and mother-in-law have also really supported my efforts as an author-preneur.

Tell us about your newest release.

“Despite the Buzz” is a colorful cautionary tale concerning tech’s toll upon learning, relationships, safety, and well-being. The artful story is educational and exciting! A new high school teacher raises awareness about screen use inside her writing classroom; meanwhile, contemporary communication dramatically impacts the diverse Californian characters.

When an intimate act is shared over social media, the resulting incident demonstrates the powerful potential in students’ pockets. By depicting demands upon teachers and providing understanding to those who grew up before current trends, this multi-generational book aims to build rapport among people from different schools of thought. The realistic and romantic fiction is recommended for readers over 14 years of age.

Which book of yours would you call your favorite child?

I’ve written many articles, but I’ve only published one novel so far: “Despite the Buzz” is my book baby. She was born (released) on a Mother’s Day.

What inspired you to write this book?

Teaching and parenting inspired me to explore the subject of technology’s influence and present the topic through the filter of fiction. A variety of viewpoints speak to the complexity of issues and opportunities involved with social media and screen use. Writing the novel enabled me to creatively raise awareness around causes I care about.

What are you usually found doing when you’re not writing?

Parenting, housework, substitute teaching, learning, supporting causes, attending community events, catching up with friends and family, dancing, enjoying nature, camping, beach cruising, boogie boarding.

What does your writing space look like?

I sit at a wooden desk near a French door with paperwork piles categorized into objectives. My journal is handy, and books are nearby. My creative workspace is decorated with writing utensils, a wonder stone, a mermaid-themed coaster, and a green army man doing a yoga pose. There is a painting above me: a bluebird rests on a birch tree branch outside her egg-filled nest.

If you wrote your autobiography, what would you name it?  

Away Without Leaving

How long did it take to write your novel, and what was your process?

4 years: it was a literary enlistment! I attended to the project, incorporated research, took breaks, went to writing conferences, came back to the story, re-dedicated myself, shared parts, added paragraphs, kept a log of words and time, paid for professional editing, developed my characters, considered my intentions, wrote a preface and epilogue, hired artists, had the mixed-media book artfully designed, decided on color print, requested feedback from beta readers, journeyed through the publication process, learned about marketing, took notes on indie authorship, mustered the courage, and birthed my debut book among friends and family.

Favorite reads?

“Big Magic, Creative Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert

“Daring Greatly and The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown

“The Wisdom of Sundays” by Oprah Winfrey

“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee

Do you have any book recommendations?

“On Writing – A Memoir of the Craft” by Stephen King

“Amusing Ourselves to Death” by Neil Postman

“Alone Together” by Sherry Turkle

“Unselfie – Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World” by Michele Borba

“A Book of American Martyrs” by Joyce Carol Oats

What’s your next big project?

I am working on articles for “Northern Michigan Woman” magazine and The Ventura County Mom Collective. I would like to contribute to “Chicken Soup for the Soul.”

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Journal. You might use those idea seeds later. Write for yourself and for others. Connect with creatives. Read. Take notes or write reviews to study the craft. Practice. Envision an audience. Consider your purpose. Follow your passion. Be brave. Publish or share something. Aloud or in print.

Follow Tamara Miller Davis:

Website: https://www.despitethebuzz.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/despitethebuzz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamaramillerdavis

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58341719-despite-the-buzz

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-davis-094499238

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/tamara-miller-davis_2021

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