Tell me a about yourself. What got
you started in writing?
Hi.
I’m Teri Harman – author, book columnist and blogger, book TV segment host, mom
of three and book addict. I’ve written my whole life. At four I dictated a
story about a cow to my mom who typed it up on her electric typewriter. I’ve
been fascinated by the creation of stories ever since. I took writing and
English classes all through school and college, but didn’t seriously begin
pursuit of authorhood until about seven years ago after our first child was
born.
I write at a small wooden desk, handmade
by my husband, in our bedroom. I write on a MacBook Air hooked up to a monitor
and keyboard. I need the clack of keys to get my writing blood flowing.
What's your favorite part about
writing? Your least favorite part about writing?
My favorite part is finally solving a
plot or character problem that I've wrestled with for a while. Finding just the
right thing to do in the story is such a feeling of triumph. Least favorite –
pushing through that middle part. Most writers will say the same thing. Stories
flow really well in the beginning and the end, but those pesky middles . . .
How do you come up with your
characters? Why would readers want to get to know them?
Some stories start with characters for
me, others start with an idea and I build the necessary characters. I want my
characters to be real and authentic, even if they live in a magical world.
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| Purchase Blood Moon |
What types of marketing do you do
to promote your writing?
I have a blog, a regular book column on
ksl.com, and do regular book related segments for KSL’s popular lifestyle show,
“Studio 5 with Brooke Walker.” I’m also active on the big social networks –
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. But I find the best marketing is
the face-to-face stuff – conferences, book signings, book events. Connecting
with readers is the best way to build loyalty.
How do you schedule your writing
time? When do you write?
I have three young kids – 8, 6, 4. So I
write when I can. Some days are easier than others. But my kids have gotten
really good at playing and staying busy while I work, so I’m usually able to
get in 4-6 hours of work a day. And my husband is really great at stepping in
when I need more time.
What are you currently working on?
Do you have a new book out?
I’m working on the third book of the
Moonlight Trilogy, STORM MOON, which comes out next fall. Book 2, BLACK MOON,
comes out September 16, 2014. I also have a stand alone upmarket romantic fantasy,
A PAINTED LIFE, coming out late spring/summer 2015.
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Do you have a project on the back burner? Tell me about it.
I have lots of ideas ready to go! As soon
as I’m done with my trilogy I think I’ll explore one that involves a set of
antique typewriters.
What would you tell a beginning
writer who wants to publish but doesn't believe he/she has enough talent?
Getting published requires three things:
Persistence, Patience, Hard Work. This is not an easy business. Even after
you’re published there are difficulties, disappointments, and struggles. If
it’s not your true passion those things will defeat you. Talent can be
improved, found, learned, but discipline is what really counts.
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Learn more about Teri at: teriharman.com
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