This week we're in for a treat, the author of the week is Lisa Richman, whose book, Tavi's Tails is about her fur baby Tavi. Shall we see what Lisa has to say about her book and Tavi?
Welcome Lisa, so glad you were able to make time for our interview, tell me a little about your book.
My book is called Tavi Tails – The Diary of a Dog. I started typing for Tavi, our expressive and opinionated English Golden Retriever, on his Facebook page (facebook.com/TaviTail) when he was only seven weeks old. With nearly 5000 followers, it has been incredibly gratifying to see how he helps people smile and think, and look at life from a unique perspective. His book is a chance to do that on a broader scale, and if ever there was a time the world could use more laughs and warm fuzzies, this is it. I originally thought of writing this book for young adults and dog lovers of all ages. I now believe that Tavi’s canine insights on love and family will provide inspiration to all readers and that his story will make them smile. It has been especially rewarding to receive letters from teachers using this book to help students during this tough time in quarantine.
Wow, that is such a motivational thing to do. How wonderful. Tell us about yourself!
I live in Northern Michigan – up at the top of the ring finger, if you do the Michigan hand thing. I am married with two sons, two wonderful daughters-in-law, and a spectacular granddaughter. Our three dogs round out our immediate family and are also the inspiration behind the book.
Furbabies! What got you into writing?
I have been writing since I was a child, but have only focused on it professionally for the past two years. I love words and stories and the characters that pop in in my head, but what I love most is the opportunity to make a positive difference through books.
What’s the main thing you love and hate about writing?
I love when I create characters, and they grab the story out of my hands and head off on their own adventures. So much of my writing happens away from the keyboard – walking the beach, in the shower, the noisy character voices nudging me awake in the middle of the night. Once those thoughts and ideas and voices bounce about in my head for a bit, they are usually quite willing to spill out onto the keyboard, and I just have to type quickly enough to keep up. The downside of writing is the complexity of the publishing industry. I do love to learn, but there is a lot to the business and marketing of books, and I need to work hard to puzzle it out and find the right home for my stories.
Self-marketing and self-editing are two of the hardest things about Indie publishing. Who is the worst villain you’ve ever written, and why?
Laolis in Tolemac Volume One – Through the Towers stands out as a villain, because he is willing to sacrifice those who love him the most to gain power and control for himself.
Yeah, that is mean! What is next on your list to write/publish?
To publish - Tolemac Volume One – Through the Towers
To write - Tolemac Volume Two – The Two Trees
Who is your favourite author, and why?
Robin Hobb – the world she creates are so real, I believe they actually exist somewhere, but the strength, depth, and complexity of her characters help them capture my heart, or my hatred, as the case may be. Nighteyes, the wolf, will forever be my fictional soulmate.
Who encouraged you the most to write?
My fourth-grade teacher, Joanna Difazio was my first champion. I had the confused notion from third grade that I could not write because my handwriting was not especially legible. Ms. Difazio debunked that notion emphatically, and I have been writing ever since.
That's a good teacher, are you as avid a reader as a writer?
Yes
What’s your favourite genre?
Fantasy, so long as it includes animals, and hopefully dragons.
Do you listen to music when you write?
I love music and listen to a wide variety when I write – Simon and Garfunkel, Queen, Les Miserables, Peter, Paul, and Mary all play on a regular basis.
If you could interview any famous author who would it be and why?
J.R.R. Tolkien, because I suspect he has a lot of stories that we have not heard yet.
Tell me a secret that none of your fans know!
I am not at all fond of socks, not even during a Michigan winter. Free toes all the way… I love to cook, but it is a talent I learned later in life. My sons both point out I probably could have figured it out sooner!
Tell me what your main character would say about you!
Oooh, that is Tavi. He would say he loves his mom, but probably she could leave the Clicky Thing at home (camera for those who do not know Tavi’s vocabulary), and could be sure he gets ice cream every day, and that she should learn he does not need a collar or Bad Guy Leash, ever. Oh, and swimming every day please, perhaps twice a day…
Finally, any words of advice?
Don’t give up. If you believe in your story, your characters, and your ability to write material that might help someone in some way – to think, or laugh, or see themselves, or learn or simply escape for a bit – do not let the business side of writing stand in your way. Take it on, listen to the wonderful mentors in the writing world, and if it takes thousands of queries to find your people, then send thousands.
Thank you, Lisa, for talking with me today, and thank you Tavi for allowing your mum to spend time with me.! To keep up to date with Lisa and Tavi please follow them on the following links
Author Website: https://lkrichman.weebly.com/
Author Email: lisakrichman@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lkrichman/
Facebook: (Tavi’s): https://www.facebook.com/TaviTail/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lkrichmanauthor/
Instagram: (Tavi’s): https://www.instagram.com/tavi_tails/
Disclaimer. The opinions and views expressed in the article are the interviewees and may differ from the interviewer/general public. The works and images published here may be subject to the Authors copyright, please do not copy the images or claim them as your own.