Interview with Best-Selling Author Tya Marie

I mentioned in my last blog, that there are more bright, creative, literary minds to come. Less than 24 hours after speaking with author Amber Shanel, the author spotlight shines once again, this time on best-selling author Tya Marie.

EA: What is the concept behind So Obsessed with a Brooklyn Boss: She Fell in Love with that Dirty Money?

TM:  The concept behind So Obsessed is reminiscent of the movie Set It Off, with Moe's character being similar to the level-headed Stoney in the film. Moe hustles hard to make sure that her baby sister, Roni, is able to live out her dreams of being a dancer.
While doing so, she meets Savant, who exposes her to a love and normalcy she craves but has no idea how to achieve. While Moe wants to quit and be with Savant, she has her money hungry foster mother standing in the way along with her trigger-happy best friend, Damaris.

EA: What is your approach to engaging readers?

TM: My approach to engaging readers is to give them a rich storyline with memorable characters that they root for, even the antagonists. My goal with every series is to have readers connect with my stories in a way they haven't done with others, and when they finish, think "This was different...but I liked it."

EA: Were there any authors who inspired you to become a writer?

TM: There are many authors who have inspired me to become a writer. My writing style has been influenced greatly by JK Rowling, who taught me everything I needed to know about structure. Then there are my suspense favorites such as Harlan Coben, Dean Koontz, James Patterson, mixed in with my Urban faves Sistah Souljah, Tanika Lynch, and T.N. Baker, each giving me urban grit and the ability to captivate an audience.

EA: Would you say that the process of writing a novel is easy?

TM: I wouldn't describe writing a novel as easy because while it's not hard to write a book, incorporating all the necessary elements to make it successful is. You have to create characters with likes, dislikes, aspirations, and downfalls with an authentic backdrop for the story to unfold. While some authors write on the fly, for most it takes practice and planning to write a good book. 

EA: Your series Grimey: Married to the King of Miami became a best-seller on Amazon. Describe the feeling of that achievement.

TM: The feeling of seeing Grimey hit #1 on the Women's Best Sellers List was surreal. It was a small story that started on Wattpad over three years ago and I never expected it to be such a success. The reviews warmed my heart and I'm still in awe of its success.

EA: Ultimately, what is your goal as a writer?

TM: My goal as a writer is to branch out of the literary world and eventually write both screenplays, music, and even television pilots.

EA: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

TM: The advice that I would give to aspiring writers is to study your craft as much as possible. Whether it be through reading, writing, or taking classes, always remain invested in becoming the best version of yourself that you can be.
Also, learn how to take constructive criticism. If someone who has been in the game longer than you is giving you advice to improve yourself, absorb it and use it as a stepping stone to becoming your best self.

EA:  Finally, tell the readers why So Obsessed with a Brooklyn Boss: She Fell in Love with that Dirty Money is a must buy.

TM: So Obsessed with a Brooklyn Boss is a must buy because it's a story of a young woman torn between the life of fast money and cons that have been supporting her since she was young, and finding a true love with the normalcy she's always desired. You fall in love with Moe and her fierce spirit first, and her story of survival second.

Epilogue

It's interesting that Tya made reference to being able to take constructive criticism. That's key not only in writing, but in life, in general. While you will encounter those who are spiteful-- the word that's typically used is "haters"-- there are some who will give their honest opinion, and you can't take it personally. I would like to thank Tya for taking the time to speak with me. Check out more of Tya's novels on Amazon by visiting the link below.

Amazon Author Page: Tya Marie