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Author Spotlight – Tarryn Fisher

December 20, 2015

I can’t express how delighted, appreciative, and humbled I am that TARRYN FISHER agreed to to this interview with me. I love this woman. I love this writer. She is so incredibly talented and she always delivers, and she does it with style and grace. She calls herself a villain, but she’s got good written all over her. Read this interview and see why I love her so much.

Tarryn fisher doodle pic bw

H: Tell us a little about yourself: Who are you? Where are you from? What do you like? What do you do?

TF: I am a woman, a mother, a writer. I am from South Africa. I like hot wings, kind people, smart words and smart women. I write books about villains.

H: When did you start writing? Why?

TF: I started writing when I was a little girl. Probably around seven or eight. I was inspired by Enid Blyton’s Enchanted Woods series. I just had stories inside of me that I couldn’t keep in.

H: What would you say your writing style is like? Are there any authors that may have influenced your style?

TF: I’m prose focused. I blend staccato sentences in combinations of 4:3:2 to provide a lyrical crescendo. I write allegory. My stories are character driven. I give a character a set of distinct flaws and drop them into a sticky situation. The story is always about how they work themselves free of that situation. Sometimes they don’t work themselves free. That’s my favorite part; fucking up your life to the point of no return. That’s real life and I’ve lived it. I write about the effect of human nature.

H: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

TF: Always. As far back as my memory goes. I was sending letters to publishing companies at ten years old.

H: What do you read for fun? (If you read for fun.)

TF: I read really dark, depressing books for fun. If a book can drag me into a depression it’s a powerful book. I chase that high. Or low-depending on how you look at it.

H: Whom do you write for?

TF: I write for my own survival. But my muse has always been my first love. I think most of what I write is to tell him something. He doesn’t goddamn listen.

H: Let’s talk about Marrow for a bit. Why did you write this book, and why do you think people should read it?

TF: I stumbled across a YouTube video on someone’s Facebook wall. It was of a mother beating her young baby. I couldn’t turn away. I felt like if he experienced it the very least I could do was to acknowledge his pain. It was an awful thing to watch, painful. But, it struck an anger in me that I couldn’t kick for weeks after. I wanted to make evil people pay: for rape, child abuse, parental neglect-all of it. I wrote the book to channel some of that anger. To get vengence. I wanted to make a stand and say that I was aware of the hurt people lived with, and that I wasn’t okay with it.

H: What does Judah mean to Margo and what does he mean to you? 

TF: Judah is Margo’s voice of reason. He’s her conscience. To me Judah was Margo’s salvation.

H: Which part of Margo is you?

TF: I am the part of Margo that is enraged when the weak are preyed upon. I want people to pay when they destroy someone’s life. I want rapists to be castrated, and child abusers to be burned alive. I want to be the one to punish them.

H: Which part of Senna is you?

TF: The part that went numb and had to be woken up. The white room, Senna. The part that pushes people away.

H: Marrow and Mud Vein reminded me a bit of The Bell Jar, was it in any way inspired by Plath’s work?

TF: I have never read The Bell Jar. I have it, but have yet to finish. Maybe I should now that you mention it. Hmmm…

H: Do you plan on writing what most readers consider romance again?

TF: Yes! I am busy writing a romance now. It’s probably not a traditional romance since I’m not a traditional girl. But, it’s unlike all of my other books-romance included.

H: You aren’t as prolific a writer as most indie authors. Why is that? Do you write less, or are you just more selective with what you publish?

TF: I believe in quality over quantity. I stand by that. If you tell me you can produce your best work six times a year I’m going to laugh at you. Condescendingly. Nothing with a solid foundation is built quickly. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and Rome is fucking awesome.

H: Which of your books do you think is your best work?

TF: Mud Vein

H: Which is your favorite?

TF: Mud Vein

H: What else are you working on?

TF: F*ck Love my return to romance.

H: Where do your ideas come from?

TF: I think they’re just built in. They sit waiting until something triggers them and they come shooting to the surface. How else could I explain it? Maybe divine intervention. Maybe I’m in the Matrix. I’m just grateful they come.

H: If you die tomorrow, do you think you will be satisfied?

TF: Yes. Completely. This life is just a vapor. There’s so much more coming.

H: I like to call you the queen of the anti-heroine because your books feature very strong, if not polarizing women. They have layers and flaws. They have broken pieces that’s usually only seen in moody book boyfriends. I don’t really have a question here, but I want to say that I appreciate your women and I love all their flaws.

TF: Well, who even created the heroine to be so perfect anyway? It’s the rise of the villain. I want to know what imperfect people do. They’re beautifully unpredictable. Perfection is trite.

H: You’ve written a few books, and it’s apparent – at least to me – that you’ve grown as a writer. I just want to know if you have any regrets as an author. Is there anything you wish you’d have done differently with any of your books?

TF: You know, I still wish I’d just ended Olivia and Caleb’s story with The Opportunist. I don’t know that given a re-do I’d write the other two books. It is what it is.

H: Well, I’m selfishly glad that you can’t go back. Maybe the way it ended up is the way it was meant to be.

H: What scares you as a writer?

TF: Being predictable. I don’t want readers to know what to expect from me. I’m scared of slipping into formula brain. It’s why I won’t sign with a publisher. FREEEEEDOM!!!

H: What scares you as a mom?

TF: Failing them in their developmental years. Not instilling in them the right formula to make them compassionate, self -loving, God loving- adults. I don’t want them to be self-involved. I want them to fight for others. It’s hard to get that right in parenting. Building them up, teaching them to be confident, while also teaching them that it’s not all about them. But, I’m determined.

H: What scares you as a woman?

TF: Rape. How someone can decide to take something so precious like peace of mind, trust, worth and emotional stability in such a violent sick act.

H: Do you feel about any author how your PLN’s feel about you?

TF: Probably Stephen King and JK Rowling. I have a deep need to stand outside Mr. King’s house, holding the rails of his gargoyle fence and weeping until he notices me. Too much?

H: Just enough. That sounds totally acceptable to me.

H: Who takes your pictures?

TF: Everyone and anyone. Whoever is with me on that day. I’m like “Here, hold this camera and do exactly as I say…”

H: Do you know how your books are going to end? Or how they’re supposed to end? If so, have you ever gone against that?

TF: I do not. F*ck Love is the first one I am really struggling with. Colleen Hoover and I decided on an ending and now I am fighting against it. I don’t know what ending will win.

H: What’s the last book that blew your mind?

TF: Angela’s Ashes. So real, and potent, and sad.

H: What’s your favorite dessert?

TF: It used to be Crème Brulee, but lately I’ve been skipping it in favor of bread pudding.

H: What’s your favorite song?

TF: Alone by Heart

H: Which of your books was the hardest to write? Which was the most fun?

TF: Dirty Red was hard. She exhausted me. It was like spending waaaay too much time with your self centered, psycho high-school tormentor.

H: If you could recommend only one book for the rest of your life, which would you choose?

TF: Harry Potter (all)

H: One more question about Marrow…

View Spoiler »

H: Was any of it real? TF: Real is relative. To me it was real, but I’m a psycho so who knows.
« Hide Spoiler

H: If I give you a prompt for The Opportunist, will you write it? Just think about it…

View Spoiler »
It’s five years after the epilogue; Olivia and Caleb are in Rome for Christmas Eve. I’m requesting that they have a gaggle of kids – Brangelina-style. And, go… 🙂

“If you let them eat that chocolate I’m going to spend all your money at Salvatore Ferragamo tomorrow,” she says. My mother is serious. She has all the shoes in the world. Dad frowns, like this actually disturbs him-though we all know it doesn’t. He buys her shoes. Supports the habit.
“No need for that. I’d let you spend all of my money if I could cover you in chocolate…”

She throws a shoe at his head and he ducks, laughing. It hits the wall behind him and no one even turns around to see what happened. It’s a normal thing with them. Mom throws things at dad, dad laughs…they kiss. They have a loud, wild love. They’re always touching, and always arguing. It’s like she’s the only one he sees.
« Hide Spoiler

There you have it! Comment below and share for a chance to with a Tarryn Fisher ebook set (TO, DR, T, MV, M) or any Fisher paperback of choice. Giveaway closes in one week. Open internationally.

peacelovehummingbird

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41 Comments Categories: Author Spotlight, Blog Tags: Author Spotlight, Giveaway, Tarryn Fisher

Comments

  1. Katie Lowden says

    December 20, 2015 at 11:40 AM

    Tarryn Fisher is one of my favorite authors! She does so much for others and stands up for what she believes in. One day I hope to meet her! Mud Vein is my favorite book of hers!! Thank you!!

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  2. Lydia Kirby says

    December 20, 2015 at 11:54 AM

    Ah.. My favorite. Very nice interview. Tarryn is one of my favorite authors. I love that she doesn’t sugarcoat things.

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  3. Maria Malaveci says

    December 20, 2015 at 11:59 AM

    Love her, & loved this interview!!!!

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    Reply
  4. Bianca says

    December 20, 2015 at 12:00 PM

    Such an amazing interview. I love getting to see her inside thoughts about her writing. She’s always so real and honest.

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  5. Kristy Petree says

    December 20, 2015 at 12:05 PM

    That was a great interview! Tarryn is one of the most interesting people I know (well, I don’t know her personally, but you know …stalk). She’s so raw and real and her writing is amazing, because she truly does have her own uniqueness and originality.

    I shared this blog post on Twitter using the share button above. Would love a Marrow paperback. Thanks for the chance! 🙂

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    • hummingbird says

      December 20, 2015 at 12:10 PM

      Thanks for sharing!

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      Reply
  6. Azalea E. says

    December 20, 2015 at 12:10 PM

    Love Tarryn fisher.

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  7. Peggy says

    December 20, 2015 at 12:10 PM

    Love this interview! Tarryn is such an amazing author and woman! Love her! ❤️

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  8. Patricia Lee says

    December 20, 2015 at 12:12 PM

    Dude – she is such an anomaly to me. Great Interview. (Not entering the giveaway – just supporting my friends <3 )

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    • hummingbird says

      December 20, 2015 at 12:17 PM

      Thanks for the support! 😘

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      Reply
  9. Jessica Frider says

    December 20, 2015 at 12:13 PM

    I love her and her books

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  10. Michele says

    December 20, 2015 at 12:17 PM

    Great interview! Tarryn Fisher is one of my favorite authors and she is so intriguing as a person. I enjoyed this little peek into her mind!

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  11. Cezanne says

    December 20, 2015 at 12:19 PM

    First off this interview f*cking rocked!! Tarryn is a brilliant mess and you asked great questions. I really do need to read MV and Marrow soon.

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  12. Jenni says

    December 20, 2015 at 12:26 PM

    Awesome questions Cristal! I love reading author interviews and getting that inside look at their process/influences/ideas! Well done babe!

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  13. Irma J says

    December 20, 2015 at 12:33 PM

    I love Tarryn and her mouth 🙂 That’s the way I like them – authors I mean. And your questions! I really enjoyed reading this interview. Happy Holidays 🙂

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    • hummingbird says

      December 20, 2015 at 12:44 PM

      Thanks for reading!

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  14. Nicole says

    December 20, 2015 at 12:34 PM

    I love this interview. I love Tarryn. Her work is beautifully written and touches my soul, deep.

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  15. Karla Urrutia says

    December 20, 2015 at 3:10 PM

    I just Love you Tarryn!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for that mini, mini scene!! I need more Olivia and Caleb in my life!!! 💜
    Thank u for writing such amazing stories. Im gonna be your fan forever.

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  16. Priscilla Rivera says

    December 20, 2015 at 3:26 PM

    Love this interview! We need to get Fisher & King together… that’d be epic! (shared on FB & twitter).

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  17. Maria wineinger says

    December 20, 2015 at 4:41 PM

    Great interview and such a humble soul. Obe of my favorite authors out there. share on my Facebook page 🙂

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  18. Corina says

    December 20, 2015 at 4:48 PM

    This was great! I will definitely be sharing. Everyone needs some TF in their life!

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  19. frannie says

    December 20, 2015 at 5:06 PM

    Oh tarryn, you are amazing!

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  20. Pam says

    December 20, 2015 at 5:16 PM

    Great interview! I too am glad that Caleb and Olivia’s story continued.

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  21. rochelle says

    December 20, 2015 at 5:19 PM

    Every single time I read about Tarryn or just see one of her posts or comments on Facebook I’m more in awww of the amazing human she is. She is beautifully flawed and willing to share it with the world. What a great interview, thank you!!!

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  22. Charlene E says

    December 20, 2015 at 5:37 PM

    Tarryn’s Love Me With Lies series will forever be a favorite! Thanks for sharing the interview 🙂

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  23. Michelle says

    December 20, 2015 at 6:17 PM

    As much as I love Tarryn’s books, I absolutely adore Tarryn herself.

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  24. Betul E. says

    December 20, 2015 at 6:20 PM

    I love Tarryn so much and glad to be part of the amazing and one of a kind PLN!! <3
    Mud Vein is still one of my favorite books and I can't to read F#ck Love!

    Shared on twitter (@gemiinii90), Google+ (Betul E.) & Pinterest (@gemiinii90)

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  25. Laura says

    December 20, 2015 at 7:19 PM

    Loved this. Thank you. I gave to admit Mud Vein is up there in my fav books. I was super pissed off, sad and thrilled at the same time

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  26. Veronica Thomas says

    December 20, 2015 at 7:45 PM

    What an awesome interview thank you for sharing this. I LOVED Marrow it was one of my all time fav books. I have MV but have not read it yet. Looks like it is next TBR…… she is just awesome and so beautiful 🙂

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  27. Adreaaaang says

    December 20, 2015 at 7:52 PM

    Tarryn Fisher is Queen!!!!!
    Her books are so real, raw, it hits you hard and I love it. I can’t wait for F*** Love!

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  28. Angela Marie says

    December 20, 2015 at 8:18 PM

    Love her!!!

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  29. Shenita says

    December 20, 2015 at 9:34 PM

    Awesome interview Cristal. Tarryn is one of my favorites for sure. I’ve always wondered why she wasn’t published but now I know. Can’t wait to read F*ck Love.

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  30. Mariann Murvai says

    December 21, 2015 at 5:28 AM

    thank you so much, love her!
    https://twitter.com/AdeleNorthman/status/678884405318938624

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  31. Jenna says

    December 21, 2015 at 8:58 AM

    I love this interview! Thanks for the chanxe!

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  32. Becky Cox says

    December 21, 2015 at 9:41 AM

    Great interview! Tarryn is a special person and her work reflect that.

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  33. Celina Rovillos says

    December 21, 2015 at 10:59 AM

    squee!! I love that 5years after epilogue! Made me miss Calivia! <3

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  34. Maria Esquivel says

    December 22, 2015 at 6:23 PM

    aww!! love the interview!! love reading about of my favorite authors. just a small insight of their world!
    thanks for the giveaway!

    Happy Holidays!

    maria

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  35. Jennifer says

    December 22, 2015 at 10:26 PM

    So awesome!!!! I loved reading all of her answers!! Tarryn is so real!!

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  36. Jamie says

    December 23, 2015 at 6:18 AM

    Everything Tarryn says or writes moves me. She is very empowering with her words and her actions and just the way she carries herself. I loved this interview!

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  37. hummingbird says

    December 29, 2015 at 6:08 PM

    ********CLOSED********

    Jenni is the winner and she has been emailed.

    View Comment
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  38. Eva @ All Books Considered says

    December 31, 2015 at 2:33 PM

    This is the BEST! Love her! Great questions! Can’t wait for F*ck Love!!

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