Welcome back to the Literature Lounge! It has been another hiatus, and I apologize for that. I have been busy, as I will explain briefly later on in the epilogue. Joining me tonight is an Indie author who is well-known in the poetry community. I welcome back to the Literature Lounge, Tanya Deloatch.
LL: Welcome to the Literature Lounge.
TD: Thanks so much, very happy to be back in the Literature Lounge with you all today.
LL: Since the last time we spoke, you have a written a sequel to In Her Feelings, wrote your first novel, Love Takes Time, as well as another collaboration. Tell us more about those projects.
TD: Yes, I have been very busy with various projects! I'm excited to share some of those with you today. The sequel to In Her Feelings was basically writing itself, there were so many situation-ships happening in television, movies and in the lives of people around me. I had to share some of those emotions with my readers!
Prior to In Her Feelings 2, I wanted to try my hand at writing a story. I expanded my pen beyond poetry and wrote my first standalone story Love Takes Time. In this story, my lead character Lexi struggles to find love - is it with her first love or the man who appears to be Mr. Right?
A reviewer of this story said: "In getting acquainted with Lexi's Heart, I Learned how Something Old becomes New (again), when what was thought to be New was actually Borrowed, with preconceived notions of hiding an UnTrue Heart of Blue."
I believe that to be an accurate depiction of my story, but read it for yourself and decide! Team Brian or Team Chase? Since these solo projects, I have also written short stories included in Anthologies for Lu$h (a small group of authors) and Wild Dreams Publishing House. Those short stories take readers on a ride of Love and Politics people entangled in relationships Thirsting for More and more recently a fan favorite A House Divided in the pages of Hushed Affairs.
LL: How did you connect with fellow writer, M.E. Giguere for the collaboration?
TD: Funny thing about that connection is, it was immediate and easy! Fellow writer and PenSistar Mary E. Giguere reached out to me on social media, we became instant fans of each other's work and she asked me to consider being a part of an upcoming anthology. That was nearly three anthologies ago with Wild Dreams Publishing House! I love being an Indie Author and having the flexibility to participate in projects outside of my solo endeavors and other collaborations.
LL: In Love Takes Time, in what ways does Lexi's situation relate to other women?
TD: In Love Takes Time, lead character Lexi just wants true love. She thought she had found it once - with her first love, but ended up heartbroken.She meets Mr. Right and he is just simply everything! Just about too good to be true, so she struggles to figure out if her heart is still in the past with Brian or lovingly in the present with Chase.
LL: What is the reception you've received so far from In Her Feelings 2 and Love Takes Time, respectively?
TD: In Her Feelings 2 received a generous response, unfortunately I will say never as good as the first time...but I feel the sequel was certainly necessary and relevant. Readers, old and new have been receptive to Love Takes Time and sees themselves in the story lines of Lexi, Brian or Chase.
LL: What's next for Tanya Deloatch?
TD: I have several projects in the works, the writing lab stays busy! I'm planning to release another solo project this summer, as well as two new collaborative efforts with Lush and Wild Dreams Publishing House. I love writing, but I am also looking forward to some down time to enjoy a few new releases from some of my favorite fellow authors as well.
LL: Finally, what have you learned now as an author and poet you didn't know then that you could share with the readers?
TD: As I am growing in this industry as a writer and self-publisher, I have learned so much! Always build a strong network that includes an Editor, Cover Designer, and support system of ARC reviewers who will tell you the truth while supporting your dream as an author. Another thing that I value is the idea that there is room for everyone in the business, my only competition is my past works. I hope to improve with every new project I release.
Epilogue
I can definitely relate to having a busy writing lab. I too have several projects in the works, including a fifth novel in progress, which will be my first Sci-Fi, well, more of a Sci-Fi/Drama, but it will be the fifth novel, nonetheless. It's helpful to have a support group who will give honest and fair opinions of your work. To me, it's one of the elements of growth as an author.
With that, I would like to thank Tanya for joining the Lounge once again. For more on Tanya and her poetry and novels, visit www.tanyadeloatch.com.
