Tabetha Waite
Tabetha Waite is the multi-award winning author of the historical romance Ways of Love Series. Her debut novel, “Why the Earl is After the Girl,” was published in July of 2016 and won the 2017 Best Indie Book Award in Romance and the 2018 Second Place Feathered Quill Book Award in Romance. She is a certified PAN member of the RWA. When she’s not writing, Tabetha is reading as true bookworms do, or checking out any antique mall she comes across. During the school year she works as a lunch attendant at the local community college. She is a small town, Missouri girl and continues to make her home in the Midwest with her husband and two wonderful daughters.
You can find her on most any social media site, and she encourages fans of her work to join her mailing list for updates. www.authortabethawaite.wix.com/romance
Interview
1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?
On February 1, I released the fourth book in my historical romance, Ways of Love Series called, “Who the Marquess Dares to Desire.” Here is the tagline; ‘A man bent on revenge. A woman with a shadowed past. Together they must face down a common foe.’ This book seemed like it took forever to release because I was transitioning between my small press publisher to indie, but I feel it was worth the wait. Drayven and Clara are two of my favorite characters!
2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?
Self-doubt! I’m sure many authors face this hurdle. It’s so easy to second-guess yourself and your writing, especially if you get a review that is less than complimentary. I just remind myself that being an author isn’t going to be without its share of insecurities, but I try not to let it define me. I write for the personal enjoyment of it and for my readers who enjoy my stories.
3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
The dreaded writer’s block! Sometimes my characters like to leave me hanging, and when that happens I don’t try to force the words. I just take a break, watch some period dramas, do some reading, and eventually I’ll get back on track.
4. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
Working! Haha I am fortunate to be able to find time to write as I only work at my day job part-time, but I will rejoice for the day I can be a full-time author.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
On so many levels. I was rather ignorant of the whole publishing process until I signed with Etopia Press. I learned a LOT during the two years I was with them and will be forever grateful for the experience that I can now apply to self-publishing.
6. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Will you tell us about them?
I have another historical series that I intend to rewrite and release someday. The first book is completed, but I wrote it several years ago, so it needs some work. I also wrote a historical paranormal, but that has been set to the side for the moment as I work on other committed projects. This year I signed up for two spring anthologies - one is part of a ten author series called, ‘The Fortunes of Fate.’ Later this year, I plan to release the final book in my Ways of Love series, as well as a Victorian Gothic, as well as another Christmas anthology. Busy times ahead!
7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I used to read all my reviews, and while I will still occasionally skim through them, the less than savory ones can sting. I try to tell myself that I’m learning from those criticisms, but unfortunately, they also allow that vicious self-doubt to creep back in. That’s when I go to my Capt. Jack Sparrow Facebook meme that says, ‘You are the worst author I have heard of. But you HAVE heard of me.’ It always makes me smile.
8. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
I do! I added my birthday in my first book. However, I share the day with a fellow reader who easily caught it and mentioned it to me. We had a good laugh over that one. I’ve done similar things in other books too, whether it was a dream I had, or possibly a life experience, I try to share a little part of me in every story I write.
9. What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
Annabelle Anders has been absolutely fantastic! She beta reads for me and has been a great supporter of my self-publishing journey. I seem to constantly go to her for advice! I adore Margaret Locke too. I met her in person at RWA in Denver in 2018 and it was like we’d known each other forever. I talk to quite a few other authors, editors, and cover designers on social media, and each conversation is special to me. It’s so nice to remember that you’re not alone on this crazy journey!
10. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
“Don’t get discouraged. Keep writing. It only takes ONE person to believe in you.” It was what I always told myself. I still do it now.
11. What are common traps for aspiring writers?
NEVER pay to get your book published unless you are self-publishing. A true publisher will never ask for upfront payment. And sorry, but there’s no easy answer or foolproof plan. Just like any other business it’s trial and error. Not everyone is going to like your writing style and that’s fine. Just have fun doing it.
12. What’s the best way to market your books?
I’m still working on that myself! Haha Again, I don’t think there’s a specific answer there. Bookbub is great, of course, and cross promotion is good if you don’t have the funds to purchase an ad. Network on social media and start a website and offer a monthly newsletter. More than anything, readers like to know that you’re a REAL person, interact and go to signings. Kindness goes a long way. Just offering a smile to someone may be all it takes for them to pick up your book.
13. What is your favorite childhood book?
It’s hard to pick just one, but a specific story comes to mind, probably because I still have the original book from my childhood. I just couldn’t ever let it go. The pages are coming out and it’s seen better days, but it was one I always loved. It’s a fairytale about Easter called, “The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes,” by Du Bose Heyward. It’s about a poor mother bunny trying to take care of her children, but who is chosen to deliver eggs on Easter. That’s all I’ll say, but I highly recommend it.
Social Media Links
https://www.facebook.com/TotallyTabetha/
http://www.twitter.com/@TotallyTabetha
http://www.instagram.com/tabetha.waite
http://www.linkedin.com/tabethawaite
http://www.pinterest.com/tabethawaite
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15485251.Tabetha_Waite
