It’s my pleasure to welcome author Tyfany Janee to my blog!
Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a writer and devoted mother of two. I continue to work full-time as a career professional in the field of membership retention and marketing for a non-profit association. Continuing my education to obtain a degree in business for the goals of becoming an entrepreneur in the literary and marketing industries.
I love to read fiction, poetry, non-fiction books. I’m just as much a movie junky as I am a reader. I like to see a vision come to life. Many great filmmakers that have taken a great spin on some of the classics. I aspire to be one of them. My writing style is descriptive, I’ve always had the ability and write to create a scene in the written form. Stay tuned for it, some production moves are in the works.
Finally, the equation of music in my life is like a daily dose required to function. LOL. Yes, it is that serious. I grew up with it with always around and being created by my Dad. I sung in choir and at home. I write with it probably fifty percent of the time to get into that undistracted place in my mind. I cook or clean with it in the background. When I’m feeling all those emotions from whatever the cause, and just need some sounds to work through.
How long have you been writing for?
I have been writing since the age of 13. It was something that I couldn’t help to do. I found that it allowed me to travel to places and reflect all while not ever physically moving. I used words to create or paint a picture that wasn’t easily translatable verbally. They empowered, embraced, drove and more. I was thirteen when I knew that being a creator was it for me, that the creative tool to do so was my pen.
What is your writing process like?
It’s focused but fun. I listen to music when writing. I reread sometimes to ensure clarity. I also at times have made act it out like a scene in my mind to give the description of the surrounding atmosphere. Bring out the things that are not said but you can envision by the word choice or the sentiment around the thought.
Do you have a writing routine? If so, what’s a typical day like for you?
I don’t write daily. Mainly because right now there some promotion and marketing that as a self-published Author it’s all on you do this. I aim to write 2-3 times a week. However, there are times when an idea or a poem forms and now I’m in this flow of writing. I have to get it down. So, I keep my journal nearby or use the memo pad on my cell phone.
What motivates you to write?
People, current and past events of their daily lives inspire me to write stories that are a fiction upon those circumstances. I can use them for character or story development. For example, an angle from the epidemic of bullying and the increased suicides in our country. teenage pregnancy, divorce, social and criminal injustice, drunk driving, battles with cancer or other diseases, war and the Homefront etc. there are lots of situations that can provide a character or characters for a fictional story. I believe real issues give a background and a tone when writing. It provides a real sense to a fictional character and makes them come alive.
What was the first thing you did when you found out your book was being published?
I self-published my book, on that note I knew it was coming, but it was still an awed moment for me to see the proof copy. It was the feeling of anxious, a little scared, and overwhelmed excitement at the same time. The day had come and I did. The world would be privy to read my words. That is an honored and fearful moment.
Are you currently working on anything new?
Yes, I am in the writing lab now, working on The Road Sometimes Traveled, a compilation novel. It’s going good so far. There are some stories in this one guys. Makes you think about the importance we place and just how hard it is to get past the past.
If you’re reading this and you’re a writer. That means the good sleep is gone for the moment. LOL. 2am is for the writers. But who am I kidding? I’m a Mom, that good sleep was sacrificed many times, and it won’t be the last.
If you weren’t a writer, what would your career be?
This question would have been different had you asked me ten years ago. I would have said a singer or contemporary dancer. However, I’m not in my twenties anymore and I have some pretty important little people depending on me. Now, I’d say a Digital Marketer or a Life Coach.
What is the easiest part of writing for you? What is the hardest part?
The easiest part is coming up with the idea or vision for a story. The hardest part…let’s be honest, writing it. It sometimes takes a dedication to come home after a full-time job, kids, housework, and school work to do the writing work. But I do it because I’m at peace when I’m in it and I find value in it. I just hope whoever reads it does to.
What’s one thing you learned through writing that you wish you knew before you started?
That it is great to have a gift but when it’s this competitive you have to develop your brand and who you are to stand out. The earlier the better.
I say that to say that there are so many great authors and books that trying to gain an audience can be tricky. The consumer buying process has so many facets. As a developing Marketer on the professional side
What is your favorite book or genre? Is there a special book that made you realize you wanted to write?
My favorite genre is Contemporary Fiction. I love the modern techniques and the Authors of this genre are diverse.
I read, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou in the 7th grade. That’s when writing became this other world for me.
What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
Stay at it. Don’t quit. You can put off the ideas or goals that you want every day. That’s what they will be in 10 years, ideas. Figure out how you could accomplish them. It’s better to have waited because you were planning along the way step by step or day by day to do, rather than doing nothing and wait until then.
Write everyday even if it is not the best, until you become better or write a page a day of that manuscript until you can afford to get published. Don’t let kids or finances stop you, work to find ways in the meantime to overcome it, even if that means you can only do a little. You’re limited but you’re still striving for the day you are limitless.
Simply don’t wait until it’s too late. If you can’t actively be the one, mentor or teach one to do. And if the idea is bigger than what you can do by yourself, don’t be afraid to collaborate. The world could use your ideas, stories, to open the door for more.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
For each and every one of you to be awesome and find comfort in being yourselves. Know that I am truly grateful for you reading this interview and I hope that the introduction to me and to the work was inviting. I look forward to making great stories to share with you.
About Tyfany Janee
Tyfany Janee is a devoted mother and a graduate of Strayer University in Virginia. She is a prolific writer, author and poet and she has an upcoming plan of releasing a debut novel in 2018 that she titles; “I Used to Love Him.” and another book titled “RSVP: To Be You Unapologetically.”
Tyfany Janee’s love for poetry has gained her several publications in Anthologies as a young adult for poetry. Her recent book is comprised of truth, meaning, hope, possibility and a much needed element of humor when it comes to exposing the true nature of humankind. Tyfany devours inspiration wherever she can get it, from cult classics, to just about anything she can see.
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