Friday, January 4, 2013

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY: Young Adult Author Felicia Tatum



Felicia Tatum, Author
THE WHITE AURA 
Young Adult (YA) Author Felicia Tatum joins us today.  Her recently-released fantasy romance novel THE WHITE AURA—the first of a trilogy— tells the story of a young sorcerer who falls in love with a 17-year-old. Unfortunately due to a curse on his family he cannot approach her – other than in her dreams.

In addition to being a published author, Ms. Tatum is also a mother, a cat-owner, and a graduate student. Although she can’t knit, she can “kinda” paint.



Q: How would you describe your new novel, THE WHITE AURA? Do you consider it a romance or a fantasy or a fantasy romance? Why?

Felicia Tatum: I would consider it a fantasy romance. It has the fantasy element but it’s also a love story.

Q: What inspired you to write THE WHITE AURA?

Felicia Tatum: My daughter inspired me to start writing again, and then I had a dream about this story.

Q:  Why is your novel special?

Felicia Tatum: Well, my novel is special to me because it’s my dream come true! I’ve always wanted to write a book and here it is. I hope that everyone who reads it finds it special for some reason or another.

Q: What makes a hero/heroine? What makes a villain?

Felicia Tatum: I think the key to all three is to make them seem like someone the reader could know in their everyday life.  Someone that the reader knows personally, or through a friend, or maybe just that clerk at the gas station. They have to have faults and good qualities, even the villain.

Q:  How do you convince your readers to care whether your heroine and hero get together?

Felicia Tatum: I created Olivia and Scott and wanted readers to care about them as people. Once they know the characters and care what happens, the romance aspect just kind of works.

Q:  Do you write largely for entertainment, or do you also try to deliver a message?

Felicia Tatum: I write for entertainment in this series. I have a lot more ideas for future stories that would have a message.

Q: Who are your target readers? What are they looking for?

Felicia Tatum: YA is the main target audience. I think they are just looking for a good story that can suck them in. I know that’s what I look for when it comes to fantasy stories. So I tried to create a world others would want to visit.

Q: What tips would you give to others considering a career in writing?

Felicia Tatum: Write, even if you think it sucks. Connect with other authors and just research as much as you can.

Q: When you’re not writing, what do you do? Hobbies? Sailing? Knitting? Standup comedy? Feed the cats? Favorite music?  Favorite authors? Do you have a muse? Pet the cats?

Felicia Tatum: Well, I’m a single mommy to a little girl and a cat. We like to hang out and go to the library often. I’m also in grad school, so that keeps me busy. I don’t know how to knit, unfortunately. I can paint though! Kinda…

About Felicia Tatum

Felicia Tatum was born and raised in Tennessee. At age twelve, she realized her love of writing but it wasn't until age 25 that she acted on her passion. THE WHITE AURA is her debut novel and the first in a trilogy. She loves to read, write, cook, and do fun things with her daughter. 



How do you live with the gut clenching truth that the one you love will die if you meet them? Twenty-year-old sorcerer Scott Tabors is learning how. After seeing seventeen-year-old Olivia Whitehead outside of a coffee shop, his heart will never be the same. He longs for her, he wants her, and he knows she will be his. They are heart mates. …but due to a curse on his family, he can’t meet her. Not yet.  So for now, he visits her in her dreams. Her dreams where he can tell her everything but his name.

Olivia Whitehead is a typical junior in high school. She and her best friend are having the time of their lives, but she can’t help but notice the changes happening to her.  Especially the changes in her heart after she begins dreaming about a mysterious dark haired young man. But what will happen when the school heartthrob decides he wants Olivia? Will she realize the dream man is real or will she move on?

Links

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Twitter: @sassybrunette55







4 comments:

  1. Sounds awesome and I LOVE the cover art!

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  2. I love that cover too. Enjoyed your interview, and I agree with your point about good characters having both good and bad qualities.

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