Frequently asked questions
of Tysha:
What led you to a career in writing?
My cousin challenged me to write a book after reading a personal letter I'd composed regarding my mother's
diagnosis of breast cancer. I myself was became ill earlier the same year and was unable to work. Having a love of journaling
and reading offered me a easy transition into becoming a writer.
How do you
come up with story-lines and characters? Many of my story lines come from my own personal life experiences
or that of loved ones and aquaitences. When I'm building my characters, I take the personalities of two people
that I know and make them one. I get a physical picture of them in my mind and work from the outside in.
What
motivates you to create/write a story? A story usually pops in my head and plays itself like a movie. There
could be something as simple as a line in a song or a conversation I overhear that will plant a seed for me to nourture and
raise. My stories are like my children and I am very protective of them (especially the characters).
What is your favorite and least favorite parts of the writing process? Creating characters
is my most favorite. It's almost like giving birth. My least favorite is editing. I hate the editing process because no
matter how many times I edit a sentence, paragraph or chapter, I find a word or sentence that could be stronger.
How long does it take you to write a short story? A novel? I've
written a short story in a months time and it has taken me about six months to complete a novel.
Do you keep up with what other authors are writing about? Yes, yes I do. I love to read and I do so as
often as I can. Trust me when I tell you that I get books in the mail at least three times a week.
Do you have a mentor? Yes, I have been blessed with two patient, talented
and supportive mentors. Author/Agent/Editor Joylynn M. Jossel and author/professor Malcolm Cash.
Are you married? Yes, I have been married since November, 1999.
Do you have any children? My husband and I have a blended family of
five children. My boys are Je'Vohn and Je'Ronn (who we call Reese). My husband has two children who live with
us, a son Isaiah, and a daughter India. His youngest daughter is named Micah.
Is
it hard writing and being a mother and wife? Not really. I do my writing during school and work hours. It is
hard writing from home when I know laundry needs to be done and dinner has to be put on. I am still trying to teach
myself to write when its writing time and take care of home after school lets out. My kids do the household chores anyway.
LOL!
What career path would you have taken if you weren't writing
novels? If I were able to work an eight hour work day, I would be employed as a medical assistant
or a phlebotomist. My grandfather was sick the last thirteen years of his life and I helped take care of him. So I think
my working in the health care field would be natural for me.
With The Boss doing so well, are you
nervouse that the bar is already set high for your next project? The bar is set high but I love a challenge and I
am not intimidated by it at all. It just makes me work that much harder to find that creative part of my soul.
Do you have a hero? Yes, I have two of them, my grandparents,
John M. & Ruby J. Hill.
Do you have any hobbies? I just became an independent consultant for The Chocolate Box. Besides
reading and writing, I love to roller skate. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to skate since being stricken with Fibromyalgia
and I miss it dearly. I also enjoy getting my hair done and being pampered at my favorite day spa.
