Interview with Tammie Clarke Gibbs author of Island of Secrets

Disclaimer: By posting this interview I am in no way endorsing any of the authors work but rather simply giving a forum so that we as readers can get to know them and the authors can promote their stories.

DLC: Let me introduce everyone to Tammie Clarke Gibbs author of the time travel romance Island of Secrets. I want to thank you Tammie for sharing with us. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Tammie: Thank you so much for the opportunity to share a little about myself and my new novel ISLAND OF SECRETS. I grew up and still live in a small rural town in Southeast Georgia with my husband, Mike, son Anthony, a Maltese Sissy, and a Chocolate Lab, Rocky. While I loved to read, I never imagined I'd become a writer until I was required to take a short story class and the teacher singled me out and shared my stories each week with the entire faculty via the teachers lounge. That's been many years ago and the discovery that I could actually put together words someone might want to read certainly changed my life's direction. Since then I've made a living with my writing in one form or another through several non-fiction books, publishing four magazines etc. Fiction, has always been where my passion has been so while every author's first novel always seems like something that happens quickly, the reality is that this story has been churning around for a very long time. I am so excited to finally have the opportunity to share Shane and Lila's story...

DLC: That's true. Sometimes stories can take a long time developing. Share with us about Island of Secrets.

Tammie: In ISLAND OF SECRETS, SHANE ALEXANDER has realized he should never have allowed his ex-girlfriend to spend her honeymoon on his island, but he never dreamed she’d run to the tabloids and blab about seeing ghosts. With the future of Leigh Island in danger, he devises a plan to dispel her claims and unknowingly sets in motion events that bring him face to face with a past that not only threatens his future but his life.

After breaking off her engagement, LILA FITZPATRICK wants a new beginning, but when she agrees to help her roommate by pretending to be a reporter, the last thing she expects to find is the man of her dreams. The question is what will he do when he finds out who she really is?

On this Island of Secrets, one woman, two men and a love that transcends time get a second chance to prevent history from repeating itself. But will love be enough to win the battle against time and stop the force that’s kept them apart for centuries?

DLC: My kind of story. =) Did you find yourself identifying with one particular character while you were writing Island of Secrets?

Tammie: I actually identify with both of them which is strange but somehow understandable. My friends and family can pick out small character traits that I "shared" with my characters. They have voiced that reading a book by someone you know is really weird because of that.

DLC: Too funny. I understand. When did you know that you wanted to be a writer?

Tammie: I actually shared in my intro about the short story class I was required to take in high school. There is nothing more motivating to a writer or aspiring author than being read and praised by people you don't even know. I was hooked! It was so cool walking down the halls of high school and having teachers I didn't have tell me they enjoyed my story that week.

DLC: Ultimately that is what all of us authors desire to hear. The reason we write is to entertain or touch those who read our stories. If you could give advice to other authors or aspiring authors what would say?

Tammie: Be realistic. I went to a writers conference two weeks out of high school where I could have my writing evaluated to see if it was marketable. Determine where you want to go with your writing, invest in yourself enough to find out if you have what it takes, then stick with it. Publishing is a long, long, long, journey and many give up before they reach their destination. If you are open to the new opportunities, work hard to hone your craft, you can be successful.

DLC: I love that 'Be realistic'. Having honest opinions of your work and getting over our insecurities is essential to moving forward in this field. I try to keep my stories partially grounded in reality as we know it. Using everyday life to give a sense of plausibility. What source or sources do you draw from when creating a new story?

Tammie: I love to scour old history books and especially love to visit family history libraries. I get ideas from driving by an old house, seeing an old photograph hanging in an antique store, or just walking in the woods. The Lord has blessed me with a very active imagination which helps me turn sometimes extremely plain and ordinary items into inspiration for a new story.

DLC: I can relate to the active imagination part. =) Why did you choose time travel romance?

Tammie: I love a good time travel like I love a good fairy tale. I guess, for me time travel allows me to experience living in multiple times in history. While I love and write in other genres, my debut novel is definitely in the one I enjoy personally.

DLC: Do you have any favorite authors?

Tammie: Lots! Jude Deveraux, Lynn Kurland ...

DLC: I'm sure with that active imagination you're working on another story...

Tammie: I am finishing up a midwestern historical romance where the heroine literally runs the hero down with her wagon....if that doesn't get you thinking...

DLC: Gives a whole new meaning to 'Feeling Run Down'. hehehe Tell us where we can go to get more information about you and your book?

Tammie: My book is available at Amazon, Smashwords & will soon be available at Barnes and Noble.com and Borders.com etc.
Readers can also visit me at my website for a generous excerpt http://www.tammieclarkegibbs.com

DLC: Tammie it's been a pleasure doing this interview with you and pray your stories have great success.


Blessings,
Daniel L Carter
Author of The Unwanted Trilogy