Greetings readers, bloggers, geeks, and authors and welcome to The ToiBox of Words. I’m your host Toi Thomas, author of Legend of the Boy, In the Window, and Other Short Stories, and today I have a treat to share. A while back, I had the pleasure to interview a wonderful author named, Tatum James. A good time was truly had by all, and here’s how it went down.
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Toi: Hi there, Tatum! It’s so wonderful to have you here at the ToiBox Blog. I’m excited to learn more about you and your work.
Tatum: Hi, Toi. I’m excited to share my work with you today.
Toi: So tell me, who is Tatum James?
Tatum: Tatum James is an up and coming author. I say up and coming but so far I have self-published 3 novels. Identical Sins, Diary of A Broken Doll, and Diary Of A Broken Doll 2. I’ve always loved writing and storytelling and finally, I am sharing my love.
Toi: Well before we dive into your special message today, let’s get to know you, the person inside the author.
Toi: Who is so you and why?
Tatum: I’m so Gabrielle Union’s character in Being Mary Jane.
Toi: What makes you geek out?
Tatum: Harry Potter! I admit I am a Pot head.
Toi: What was your favorite book or story, pre-teen years?
Tatum: There was a book called Wonder by Rachel Vail and The Sideways Stories From Wayside School.
Toi: In terms of interviews, whose brain are you just itching to scratch?
Tatum: I would want to interview Donny Hathaway. I love, love, love him and I have so many questions.
Toi: Now that we know a little more about you, the person, let’s learn about you, the author, and dive into your special message.
Toi: So, whacha got for me today?
Tatum: My favorite thing that I’ve ever written on a whim my book Identical Sins. It all started as part of a Facebook challenge.
Toi: So who’s starring in this 2-dimensional script read of Identical Sins?
Tatum: I would say Lola is the main character. She’s reserved and practical, just trying to make a way for her and her daughter, you know? The total opposite of her bold and outgoing twin sister.
Toi: What’s so special about this story that’s going to reel in the readers?
Tatum: It’s different than anything that I’ve ever read. Most readers report being surprised and not being able to put it down interested in where it all will lead. It’s kind of a romantic suspense. I loved reading it after putting it down for a while. I was like what’s going to happen next?
Toi: Past, present, future, is there a rhyme or reason to your writing?
Tatum: I don’t have a method to my madness. I usually come up with names and a plot and go from there. In my best work, I don’t even know what’s going to happen next. I wing it. That keeps it fresh. To set the mood I listen to music and get plenty of snacks. I’m working on the 3rd installation to Diary of A Broken doll, about halfway done.
Toi: What author(s) has most influenced your writing? Why or how?
Tatum: I loved E. Lynn Harris and still find myself reading or listening to his work.
Toi: Now this is where the questions get a little kooky; are you ready?
Tatum: I don’t care, man.
Toi: If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Tatum: Anyone that knows me, knows that it’s the Temptations movie.
Toi: When the soundtrack of your life is playing in your head, what songs express your glee and what songs bring out your rage?
Tatum: Fantasia’s No Time For It seems to express my joy and makes me feel carefree. I try not to listen to anything with negative connotations but that’s the best music right. Donny Hathaway’s live version of Stevie Wonder’s Superwoman makes me cry.
Toi: Let’s play zombie urban survivor. What 3 things do you need to survive a black-out in Central Park the day zombies attack?
Tatum: Tennis shoes, a gun, a car I would assume. I’ve never been to Central Park but I would be wanting to get out of there.
Toi: What’s the most fun experience you’ve ever had, to date?
Tatum: Playing charades on the beach with some of my best friends.
Toi: Last question of the day; here we go.
Toi: Not that you can see into the future, but in your opinion, what does the future hold?
Tatum: In 5 years I will be an established author with an extensive catalog.
Toi: Thank you so much, Tatum, for spending time with me today.
Tatum: Thanks for having me Toi. It was fun.
Okay readers, bloggers, geeks, and authors, that’s all for today. Be sure to follow this blog to see who will be visiting next time. For more from Tatum James, check out this link:
Purchase link for Identical Sins: Amazon.com
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